Frequently Asked Questions

Review our FAQ to help answer any questions you may have.

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GENERAL
RESERVATIONS
SCHEDULE
CHANGES
ACCOMMODATIONS
Miscellaneous
PHONE / WIFI
FOOD / DIET
WATER FASTING
EXPERIENCE
TRANSPORTATION

GENERAL

How do I register for a retreat or course?

From the menu, go to the specific retreat or course you’d like to register for. Scroll down the page and you will find several register buttons.

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What is your cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel your reservation, please let us know as soon as possible by email – info@siddhayatan.org – or by calling 903.487.0717.

  • If you cancel your reservation within 24 hours of booking, you will receive a full refund.
  • If you cancel 8 days prior to your retreat, you will receive a full refund less a $50 processing fee.
  • If you cancel between 1-7 days before your retreat, you will receive full credit, less a $50 processing fee, that can be used towards a future stay or program within one year. The credit is non-transferable and non-refundable.
  • No credit or refund is available if you cancel on the day of arrival if you do not show up, if you forget, or if you leave your program early for any reason. No refund will be available if you attend a program and are dissatisfied with its presentation or content.

For personal, fasting, and silent retreats, if you leave earlier than your intended stay, the remaining unused nights will remain as a non-transferable credit to be used within one year.

Siddhayatan reserves the right to cancel any program at any time. In this event, you will be given a complete refund.

Can I come for a retreat anytime?

You can attend a Personal, Silent, and Fasting retreat anytime Monday – Saturday. For specific courses please visit our calendar for scheduled programs; usually, workshops require a Wednesday or Friday check-in.

For FULL flexibility, please select the Exclusive Experience which allows you to register for any workshop at any time. In addition to scheduling flexibility, this option gives you an exclusive one-on-one experience with one of the spiritual teachers/monks.

As long as the center is open, the teachers are not traveling, and spaces are available, you can participate in an available retreat. If by chance spaces are not available, or the teachers are traveling at the time of your scheduled retreat or workshop, we will let you know right away and provide a full refund.

What form of payment do you accept and what's the payment policy?

At the time of registration, a full payment is required. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and PayPal. 

Where are you located?

Siddhayatan Spiritual Retreat Center is located in Windom, Texas, which is approximately 80 miles northeast of Dallas.

Do you offer discounts?

We offer an ongoing 15% discount on our courses to full-time college students, guests 60 years of age and older, and military personnel and veterans (this does not apply to family members). The 15% discount does not apply to accommodations, Personal, Silent, Water Fasting, and Exclusive Retreats. Restrictions apply. Visit https://siddhayatan.org/coupons/.

What is your refund policy?

We do not offer any refunds, however, we may issue a credit for any unused nights or any courses you did not attend due to having to leave early.

Do you offer free retreats or scholarships?

Currently, we do not have scholarships available, however, we hope to reinstate our scholarship program soon. 

RESERVATIONS

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What if I show up without a reservation?

We do not permit walk-ins. Pre-registration is required.

Can I come for a retreat anytime?

You can attend a Personal, Silent, and Fasting retreat anytime! For specific courses please visit our calendar for scheduled programs; usually, workshops require a Wednesday or Friday check-in.

For FULL flexibility, please select the Exclusive Experience which allows you to register for any workshop at any time. In addition to scheduling flexibility, this option gives you an exclusive one-on-one experience with one of the spiritual teachers/monks.

As long as the center is open, the teachers are not traveling, and spaces are available, you can participate in an available retreat. If by chance spaces are not available, or the teachers are traveling at the time of your scheduled retreat or workshop, we will let you know right away and provide a full refund.

How do I register for a retreat or course?

From the menu, go to the specific retreat or course you’d like to register for. Scroll down the page and you will find several register buttons.

I don't know which course I want - can I decide upon arrival?

If you have signed up for a personal, silent or water fasting retreat and would like to sign up for the programs that are scheduled during your stay, you can discuss your options upon arrival.

What happens if I don't show up or need to cancel my reservation?

If you need to cancel your reservation, please let us know as soon as possible by email – info@siddhayatan.org – or by calling 903.487.0717.

  • If you cancel your reservation within 24 hours of booking, you will receive a full refund less a $50 processing fee.
  • If you cancel 8 days prior to your retreat, you will receive a full refund less a $50 processing fee.
  • If you cancel between 1-7 days before your retreat, you will receive full credit, less a $50 processing fee, that can be used towards a future stay or program within one year. The credit is non-transferable and non-refundable.
  • No credit or refund is available if you cancel on the day of arrival if you do not show up, if you forget, or if you leave your program early for any reason. No refund will be available if you attend a program and are dissatisfied with its presentation or content.

For personal, fasting, and silent retreats, if you leave earlier than your intended stay, the remaining unused nights will remain as a non-transferable credit to be used within one year.

Siddhayatan reserves the right to cancel any program at any time. In this event, you will be given a complete refund.

Can I change my program when I arrive?

If you signed up for a course, your participation has been taken into account and may have been a deciding factor to hold the program. If cancelling your program does not impact the schedule you will be allowed to cancel or change your program.

SCHEDULE

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Can I come for a retreat anytime?

You can attend a Personal, Silent, and Fasting retreat anytime! For specific courses please visit our calendar for scheduled programs; usually, workshops require a Wednesday or Friday check-in.

For FULL flexibility, please select the Exclusive Experience which allows you to register for any workshop at any time. In addition to scheduling flexibility, this option gives you an exclusive one-on-one experience with one of the spiritual teachers/monks.

As long as the center is open, the teachers are not traveling, and spaces are available, you can participate in an available retreat. If by chance spaces are not available, or the teachers are traveling at the time of your scheduled retreat or workshop, we will let you know right away and provide a full refund.

What time is arrival and the departure?

Plan your travels to arrive at Siddhayatan between 3:00 – 6:00 pm on the first day of your visit. Check-out time is 12:00 pm on your last day. Check-in before 3:00 pm awill automatically incur a $50 early check-in fee. We do not permit check-ins after 8:00 pm as we close the gate and that is during the times the monks are doing their personal spiritual practices. Please arrive before 8:00 pm.

What is the schedule of the retreat?

Please see course and retreat pages for specific itinerary to your selected program.

CHANGES TO RESERVATION

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What is your cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel your reservation, please let us know as soon as possible by email – info@siddhayatan.org – or by calling 903.487.0717.

  • If you cancel your reservation within 24 hours of booking, you will receive a full refund less a $50 processing fee.
  • If you cancel 8 days prior to your retreat, you will receive a full refund less a $50 processing fee.
  • If you cancel between 1-7 days before your retreat, you will receive full credit, less a $50 processing fee, that can be used towards a future stay or program within one year. The credit is non-transferable and non-refundable.
  • No credit or refund is available if you cancel on the day of arrival if you do not show up, if you forget, or if you leave your program early for any reason. No refund will be available if you attend a program and are dissatisfied with its presentation or content.

For personal, fasting, and silent retreats, if you leave earlier than your intended stay, the remaining unused nights will remain as a non-transferable credit to be used within one year.

Siddhayatan reserves the right to cancel any program at any time. In this event, you will be given a complete refund.

What if I show up without a reservation?

We do not permit walk-ins. Pre-registration is required.

I don't know which course I want - can I decide upon arrival?

If you have signed up for a personal, silent or water fasting retreat and would like to sign up for the programs that are scheduled during your stay, you can discuss your options upon arrival.

Can I change my program when I arrive?

If you signed up for a course, your participation has been taken into account and may have been a deciding factor to hold the program. If cancelling your program does not impact the schedule you will be allowed to cancel or change your program.

ACCOMMODATIONS

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Can I share the room with someone else?

Yes, we offer a few private room options that include an extra bed that you can share the room with your spouse, partner, friend, or family member.

What are my accommodation options?

We offer different options for your accommodations. Please note our retreat center and ashram is not a hotel or resort — we offer clean and simple accommodations.

Please visit our accommodations page for more information.

Do you provide linen?

Your room will have fresh and clean sheets and a comforter. In the winter we provide an extra blanket. We do not provide towels, please bring your own.

Miscellaneous

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What local places can I visit?

Bonham State Park
Downtown Bonham which has local antique shops
A quick drive to Honey Grove, a small town that has a nice park and a town square
Ladonia Fossil Park & N. Sulphur River.

Can I bring my pet?

Yes, please select the pet-friendly accommodations. They are limited in number so we encourage booking in advance.

Is smoking permitted?

Smoking, drinking, use of illegal drugs, and animal products (beef, pork, poultry, fish, eggs, etc.) are strictly prohibited anywhere on Siddhayatan retreat grounds.

Do you offer a work/exchange program for retreats or or long term ashram living?

Please see our Ashram Living program for a 30-day living option.

IS YOUR RETREAT A HEALTH SPA OR DOES IT HAVE A GYM?

No, we do not offer a spa or professional gym, massage therapy or any other similar services.

What can i do during my spare time?

Most guests like to read, write and do their practices during the time in between classes. Please bring books to read. Some like to hike around the retreat grounds, visit our small ponds, sit under the trees, or walk our trails. We have 250+ acres of beautiful rolling hills and property.

Who conducts the classes and spiritual programs?

The courses are taught by one of the monks or guest instructors.

TRANSPORTATION

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Where are you located at?

We are located near Dallas, Texas. Our address is: 9985 E. Hwy 56 Windom, Texas 75492, Windom, TX 75492. Please continue reading our FAQ to find out about transportation options.

What are my transportation options to/from the airport?

Airport shuttles and taxis can be expensive. We highly recommend researching your transportation options before you book your reservation. Here are some options past guests have used:

  • Bring your own car
  • Rent a car at the airport
  • Use Uber or Lyft from the airport to the center. Once you arrive let us know if you need a ride back so we can connect you with the local taxi. The local taxi does not operate on Sundays.
  • Ask and coordinate a return with a friend you might meet at the retreat during your stay.
Which airports can i fly into?

Dallas Love Field (DAL) and Dallas Ft. Worth (DFW) International are the closest airports. Both airports are approximately the same distance from our retreat center, which is 80 miles.

DO YOU OFFER SHUTTLE SERVICE?

At this time we do not provide a shuttle service.

RETREAT EXPERIENCE

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What items do I need to bring?
  • Notepad and pen to take notes in class (important)
  • Comfortable / relaxing clothing – In the winter we highly suggest bringing warm coats and sweaters, in the summer light clothing is best. Do not bring short shorts or tank tops to the retreat.
  • Personal towel and hygiene items (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.)
  • Slippers/sandals, tennis shoes, and/or boots
  • Flashlight for walking at night
  • A hat for the sun, or an umbrella for rainy days
  • A water bottle or thermos to carry water around the retreat
  • A shawl for meditation and mantra classes, if you’d like

We provide yoga mats during class but cannot be taken outside the yoga room. If you plan to use one outside or in your room be sure to bring your own.

What will happen once i arrive?

Once you arrive, you will check in, read over and sign our ashram rules and policies, and we will show you to your room. At 6:30pm you can participate in mantra & meditation class, which is then followed by dinner. The next day your classes begin, if you have signed up for a course.

What if i forgot to pack something - is there a store nearby?

There are a few stores within 5-10 miles: Dollar General, Walmart, Brookshires as well as small gas stations.

CAN CHILDREN COME?

Very young children are not advised to come as we do not have a play center yet, or someone to watch them while you take your classes. If you do want to bring children, and they can remain quiet during classes, please call Siddhayatan to inquire, at 903-487-0717.

HEALTH & FOOD

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What kind of food do you prepare?

We provide international vegetarian and vegan cuisine. During June – October, many of the vegetables we eat come from our garden. Our homegrown fruits and vegetables are free of any pesticides and are 100% organic and non-GMO. We have our own milking cow so we are able to make fresh, homemade, all-natural, and delicious cheese, yogurt, butter, ghee, and milk. We also have fruit trees, so you may enjoy our homemade fruit jams!

I require a special diet can you accommodate me?

We offer a general vegetarian menu for all guests and do not customize meals.  You can also select vegan & gluten-free meals.

If your request is simple we may be able to accommodate. Please contact us or let us know when you check-in.

 

Do you offer vegan and gluten-free meals?

We can accommodate vegan and gluten-free diets for an additional fee. Please be sure to select this option when you register.

 

I REQUIRE CERTAIN MEDICATIONS TO TAKE DAILY, AND SPECIAL MEAL DIETS- DOES THIS AFFECT MY STAY??

It is imperative that you inform Siddhayatan of any known medical conditions that may affect your visit and experience. For example: allergies, heart problems, physical problems, asthma, etc. Please bring your medication with you. In any case you need a prescription refill, a pharmacy is available 10 miles away. Siddhayatan is a very gentle environment and will not aggravate your health; however, if at anytime you are not feeling well, please let us know. There is a hospital 10 miles away in Bonham in case of an emergency.

WATER FASTING

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What should I expect during my experience?

We are monks that fast on a regular basis. The water fasting experience offered at Siddhayatan is more spiritual-based. We are not medical professionals and will not provide medical services such as blood work. If a clinic type of setting is important for your fasting experience, please consider another place.

We will inquire about your symptoms when you come for mantras and meditation to see how you’re doing, we may also check your pulse and blood pressure, if needed. We are knowledgable of the symptoms that indicate when it is necessary to break the fast.

If we feel like your symptoms could jeopardize your health, we will ask you to break the fast immediately.

 

Who can fast at Siddhayatan?

Anyone who is looking for a physical, mental, and emotional cleanse, who wishes to be in a spiritual environment, who wants to fast to burn their karma, who wishes to go though a spiritual experience, who understands that this is not a medical facility and wishes to receive the guidance and support of experienced monks. 

 

Who cannot fast at Siddhayatan?

Anyone who is taking medication/s.

Anyone who has a heart condition, cancer, diabetes, or any other condition that requires medical attention.

Anyone who has an eating disorder.

Anyone experiencing severe mental health illness.

Anyone who is trying to detox from heavy use of drugs or alcohol.

Anyone who solely wants to use fasting for weightloss.

Anyone who is fasting without the wish to grow spiritually.

How long should I fast for?

Every body is different. If you’re experienced, you might consider an extended fast beyond 5-7 days. If this is your first time, we encourage you to see how your first 24 – 36 hours go.

Be kind to yourself with your water fasting goals. The water fasting experience may be more difficult than another’s experience. It’s best not to have expectations and take one day at a time.

Most guests opt to fast for 1-7 days for a first-time fast. For extended fasting, guests fast between 7-14 days, and some for up to 30 days.

Do you offer additional support while fasting?

You can always ask us general questions regarding your symptoms and we’ll guide you through them.

If you wish to spend more in-depth time discussing personal, spiritual, and water fasting questions or to receive guidance on any emotions or strong thoughts that may arise as a result of your fast you may sign up for a private consultation.

 

How do you break the fast?

We follow an ancient system for breaking fast with a special clove tea, almond milk ghee drink, followed by broth and other light foods. Especially for fasts more than 3 days, it is very critical to break the fast properly. We do not break fasts with fruits or raw vegetables. You must follow our breaking fast method as it has proven to be safe and properly jumpstarts your system. If you wish to break your own way, you must break your fast at home.

Is there a medical facility near you?

Yes, if you need medical attention, the TMC Bonham Hospital is only 10 miles away.

PHONE & WIFI

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Can i use my phone during my stay?

Yes, you can use your phone throughout your stay. We ask that you do not bring your phone to classes or if you need it for emergency calls to keep it on silence. We ask that you do not talk loud on your phone and that you do not use it after 10:00 pm so that all guests can enjoy quiet and peaceful time.

Which phone providers work at the retreat center?

All major phone providers works at Siddhayatan.

Do you offer Wifi?

We do not provide WiFi at Siddhayatan. If you will require the internet, please use your data plan, bring an internet card, or hot spot for your computer.