Western NC

Vedic Sound and Silence

An Invitation to Deep Rest and Renewal
This retreat is for seekers of stillness—those who long for a meaningful pause from everyday noise.

"Vedic Sound" essentially means "the sound of truth". The sound of truth lives in both silence and other forms of well organized sound that can be found in music. We will explore the rejuvenation and deep rest that is available to us by way of listening somatically to divine Carnatic and Hindustani music as well as explore Vedic Chanting and Kirtan music.

Having a full body experience of sound allows for authentic expression to feel easy and natural. And listening from the heart before you make the sound of you is as healing for the world as it is for you.

Surrounded by the quiet beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll be held in a rhythm of restorative practices that nourish body and soul. Whether you're new to Indian traditions or have walked this path for years, this sacred time offers space to truly listen—to yourself, to the sounds of the natural world, and to the healing resonance that can be found through listening deeply in intentional ways. Come as you are, and leave renewed.

Contact Allison here to reserve your Room

Vedic Astrology & Indian Music

What is "Nāda Nakṣatra Upāsana"?

Nāda Nakṣatra Upāsana,is a Nāda Yoga practice that links Vedic Astrology and Indian Music. It arises from the Temples of Tamil Nadu in South India.

Nāda = Sound

Nakṣatra = Constellation

Upāsana = Practice

Each of the 27 nakṣatras or lunar constellations are aligned with an Indian rāga, a scale or a song that creates a specific emotional response in the listener. In the private sessions you'll learn the song or scale that is best suited for you based on your natal birth chart.

We'll listen to and learn to sing śruti-based (microtonal) music for aligning emotions. This upāya, or Vedic Astrological remedy, aligns and calms the manas, the emotional, sensory, and instinctual mind.

Sliding or microtonal śruti exercises using your voice and the notes or svāras in your rāga or scale can clear the nadis, the subtle channels in the body, alleviating stagnancy and blockages.

The Sufi mystic Hazrat Inayat Khan used this upāya, as did Rukmini Devi from Kalakshetra School in Madras, Tamil Nadu.

Sarod maestro K. Sridhar has been sharing this technique with Allison since 2010. He descends from 14 generations of temple musicians and 20 generations of Jyotiși's . His mother was a famous Brahmin singer in the temples and Sridhar's lineage is the Brīhadīśvara Temple of Thanjur, connected to Mannargudi Raja Gopala Śastri and Tyagaraja, the Father of Carnatic Music. Sridhar learned directly from the Senior Dagar Brothers, Ali Akbar Khan, and Ravi Shankar.

You can learn more about Allison's music guru here.

Allison Dennis

Vedic Sound and Silence Retreat

with Allison Dennis

Book a call to see if the retreat is a good fit for you.

Allison taught me how to listen, feel, and express music from a new and holistic perspective. I've been able to relax my uptight perfectionism around music and singing in order to listen and truly learn about sound and the way it vibrates through and interacts with my body. I have learned so much.

Vedic Sound and Silence

Cost

October 2 - 6

Retreat Schedule Overview

Vedic Astrology & Indian Music

What is "Nāda Nakṣatra Upāsana"?