49-Day Pratyabhijna Retreat Karma Yogi Role Description
Purpose and Role Summary
The 49-Day Pratyabhijna Retreat Karma Yogi fulfills an important function as the on-site point of support and communication for 49-Day Retreat participants during their solitary time in the mountains at Refugio Terraza de la Tierra (the “Refugio”). They ensure that the retreat runs harmoniously, at both a practical and subtle level, which includes addressing unexpected issues that arise. Though the Karma Yogi enters a retreat of their own for the 49-day period (which includes time for personal practice), the retreat is primarily done in the spirit of Karma Yoga, as an act of selfless service for the benefit of the retreat participants and all of existence. The Karma Yogi manages their time to balance the fulfillment of the daily tasks and responsibilities related to their role and their personal practice.
Primary Responsibilities
Act as the point of contact and support for the retreat participants in their time of solitude.
Liaise with the Hridaya Center to communicate participants’ needs.
Receive written communication from retreat participants and reply in a timely manner.
Walk past all Refugio cabins several times daily to pick up any notes from participants and drop off written responses or requested items.
Work closely with Refugio staff to ensure the retreat runs smoothly, troubleshooting and problem-solving as needed. This includes necessary verbal communication with the staff in Spanish.
Act as a link between Refugio kitchen staff and retreat participants to communicate any special food requests from participants.
Troubleshoot and problem-solve any issues that arise for retreat participants or with the retreat operations.
Support the delivery of meals to participants
Make trips into San José del Pacífico as needed to pick up personal items that retreat participants request.
Drop off participant letters to Sahajananda and pick up his responses at the local bus station in San José del Pacífico. This task includes traveling twice weekly to San José by colectivo.
Work closely with the 49-Day Retreat Coordinator leading up to and after the retreat, including any preparation of materials, set-up and clean-up at the Refugio, etc.
Maintain the first aid kit for retreat participants. This includes purchasing new supplies and restocking the kit as needed.
Along with the Retreat Coordinator, be present at the retreat 49-Day Retreat Orientation Session and Final Sharing.
Support the Retreat Coordinator in facilitating retreat participants’ smooth and quiet transition into their transport to and from the mountains and their arrival and departure at the Refugio on Days 10 and 50 of the retreat.
On Day 9, go to the Refugio to help set up the cabins and support the arrival of the participants the following day.
On Day 11 (the first day in the mountains), support the Retreat Coordinator in setting up the Zoom call with Sahajananda.
On Day 50, upon arrival in Mazunte, assist the Retreat Coordinator in facilitating the post-retreat sharing.
Assist the Retreat Coordinator in the post-retreat wrap-up (e.g., collecting retreat feedback from the participants).
Attend an interview with the Mazunte Program Department after the retreat to offer reflections and ideas for improvement of the retreat.
While an essential aspect of the role is maintaining an interiorized attitude, there will be a need to communicate with staff at the Refugio and the local community as needed.
Desired Qualifications
Hridaya Yoga Teacher (highly desirable) or long-term sangha member
Experience supporting participants in a Hridaya Retreat through either retreat monitoring (required) or coordinating (highly desirable)
Experience sitting in at least two 10-Day Hridaya Silent Meditation Retreats (highly desirable)
The desire to play a key role in the operations of the 49-Day Retreat, and the commitment to view the performance of all tasks fulfilled in this role in the spirit of Karma Yoga
Strong commitment to Hridaya Yoga’s mission and vision
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English (required) and proficiency in Spanish (required)
Strong problem-solving and time-management abilities
A spirit of service, the ability to step up and perform whatever task is necessary for the good of the whole
The ability to prioritize supporting retreat participants over personal practice time, as needed
Aspiration, a commitment to personal practice and spiritual transformation
Commitments
The 49-Day Retreat Karma Yogi can expect to fulfill this role in the period up to the retreat, throughout the retreat itself, and for a few days following the retreat.
Notice
Please note that the Hridaya Yoga Center is a non-smoking and drug-free facility. We cannot accept Karma Yogis with alcohol issues or those who smoke or use any form of recreational drug (including plant medicine).
Benefits
Participation in the 49-Day Retreat (primarily as a retreat of Karma Yoga as well as a time for solitary retreat and practice)
Three prepared meals per day while at the Hridaya Center and two meals per day while in the mountains
Accommodation at Refugio Terraza de la Tierra
Start Date
The ideal start date for this role is on or before February 2, 2026.
