"There is geometry in the humming of the strings, there is music in the spacing of the spheres."
~Pythagoras~
In this contemplative retreat we’ll immerse ourselves in an age-old tradition that is not only the warp and weft on which so much of human culture is woven, it reveals the very fabric of nature's own designs, from molecules to flowers to galaxies.
WHY STUDY SACRED GEOMETRY?
From the great pyramids to the Taj Mahal to the credit card, the relevance of Sacred Geometry to how we arrange our built world has pervaded human cultures since time began, and yet its basic forms and expressions are easy to understand and can be replicated with the simplest of tools. Furthermore, because these same forms underly and permeate the living world, their recognition throws open the door to an experience of nature that is one of endless wonder and delight. From microcosm to macrocosm, the material world arises from and expresses itself by way of a small handful of geometric proportions and these same proportions form the basis of sacred art forms across the world.
ABOUT THIS RETREAT
During this retreat, by way of guided sessions of theory and practice, periods of quiet reflection on our serene and beautiful campus, and nightly bonfires under the stars, you’ll learn the basic outlines of the Sacred Geometry tradition rooted in Pythagoreanism and Neo-Platonism, its modalities of practice and philosophy.
You’ll become familiar with the traditional tools of compass and straight-edge, we'll explore the three basic proportional systems (√2, √3, √5), and those who are experienced or curious might extend the drawing practice into artistic expression via their colouring medium of choice: pencils, watercolour, etc.
Plato called geometry, “the art of the ever true... which purifies the eye of the soul, an organ worth more than ten thousand eyes.” In this retreat we will practise drawing in the mode of curious investigation, “active prayer” and “visual philosophy.”
YOUR FACILITATOR
CHRIS SPRAGUE
Chris is a lifelong learner and a patient, inspiring and coherent teacher. He is an amateur* musician, gardener, calligrapher, visual artist, geometer, linguist, husband, father, sky-gazer, and student-practioner of the Indo-Tibetan contemplative traditions. He has a daily practice of contemplative drawing, which has included Tibetan calligraphy as well as geometric drawings from the Pythagorean and Neoplatonic traditions. You can see examples of his work here or more extensively, on his Instagram page.
(*An amateur, from the Latin amator, “lover,” rather than a beginner, is someone who loves what they do).
MATERIALS YOU'LL NEED
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6" compass of good quality (contact Chris for compass advise)
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pencils (HB and 2B, and 4B), pencil sharpener and eraser
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12" ruler
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A4 pad or notebook with thick pages (needs to be at least at least 180GSM for compass work). This is my preferred notebook
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colouring mediums (optional): your favourite coloured pencils, watercolour pencils, watercolour paints and brushes, etc.
FOOD & ACCOMMODATION
We have three options for accommodation:
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in our gorgeous Earthhome (limited to four people on a first-come, first serve basis)
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in your own tent with own bedding pitched in the middle of our food forest. Shared showers and toilets are available on the premises.
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In any of the surrounding guest-houses. Two options are Panchabati Resort ( 850 m away from Dularia) or Khoai Village Resort (2.7 km away from Dularia).
Meals consist of simple yet wholesome vegetarian food containing fresh vegetables and greens harvested from our farm, and often cooked on our wood-fired stove in the Santal tribal tradition. We serve two big meals plus fruit, tea and snacks to keep you well-fed and energized for the tasks of the day.
DETAILS
DATES
Mar 28 - 30, 2025
Arrival is suggested on Mar 28 by 9 am latest, and departure is after 5 pm on Mar 30.
PARTICIPANTS
Min 6 - Max 10
Book your spot soon as limited places are available! This is an intimate retreat where you'll meet like-minded people.
FEES
Tuition fees: INR 6,000/- (for student discount see below)
Includes taxes, excludes materials, food & accommodation. To book your spot, a non-refundable deposit of INR 3,000/- will be required.
Food: INR 2,700/-
Includes all meals. Vegetarian meals using local tribal and Bengali recipes will be prepared using organic ingredients from the farm.
Accommodation:
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In your own tent with own bedding: 300/-
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In our Earthhome (only 4 spots available, first-come, first serve basis): 3,000/-
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In guest-house of your choice: please check with them directly
All inclusive prices, including food and accommodation:
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In your own tent: 9,000/-
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In our Earthhome: 11,700/-
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In guesthouse: 8,700/- plus guesthouse fees
Student discount:
Up to 3 places are available for tuition fees of 1,500/- per person. On site food and accommodation for students is optional.
DAILY SCHEDULE
8:00 - 8:30: Breakfast with tea/coffee.
8:30 - 12:30: Morning session including break for tea/coffee and snack.
12:30 - 17:00: Lunch and time for practise
17:00 - 18:00: afternoon session
18:00 - 19: 00: Dinner
19:00 - 21:00: Bon-fire (participation is completely optional).
WHERE WE'RE LOCATED
Dularia is located in a rural setting, just ten kilometers away from Shantiniketan, which has been recently recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site for its historical and cultural value. This makes it all the more attractive to visit Dularia and to take a few days extra to visit the surroundings.
HOW TO REACH US
The closest train stations to Dularia are Prantik and Bolpur stations, and the closest airport is Durgapur.
If you want to come by flight, you could fly into Kolkata airport, followed by either a train journey from Howrah/ Sealdah stations to Bolpur/Prantik stations, or take a 4-hour taxi ride directly to Dularia. Alternately, you could fly into Durgapur airport, followed by a 2-hour taxi ride to Dularia. Kolkata has several more flight options than Durgapur does, so both airports have their advantages/disadvantages.
If you want to arrive by train, you can come to Bolpur/Prantik stations, and then take an electric rickshaw (Toto) to Dularia. There are better and faster train connections to Durgapur train
Have questions? Contact Us
Contact Chris Sprague (WhatsApp): +91-7807963061, email: dulariatrust@gmail.com
