Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

Here, meditation is properly guided by someone who explains the "why" before demonstrating the "how." The classes last about two hours and begin with the theory—what meditation is actually for—before moving on to guided exercises using various techniques. Master Kaie leads the majority of the classes, and what participants consistently praise is her patience. Beginners don't feel like beginners here. Several people have reported coming with anxiety or depression and leaving with a completely new perspective on it. This is a statement I wouldn't normally repeat, but it comes up often enough to mention.

There are several formats. A three-day retreat lasts about two hours a day, and different teachers lead the singing and sound healing sessions. It takes place in a temple setting, not a studio, which changes the overall atmosphere, and the Silver Temple is right next door. Many participants combine both in one morning, rather than just photographing the temple and moving on. One reviewer complained that the teacher checked her phone in the middle of a session, which somewhat detracted from the purpose of the retreat.