Question 1

What kind of retreats do you offer?

Accepted Answer

I offer retreats that create space for honest self-inquiry and real conversation.

Most retreats are based on the Enlightenment Intensive format, where participants explore fundamental questions together in structured dyads.

Instead of techniques or teachings, the focus is on direct experience and clear communication.

Question 2

Who are these retreats for?

Accepted Answer

These retreats are for people who are curious about themselves and their experience of life.

Many participants come because they want more clarity in their relationships, their decisions, or their sense of direction.
Some have years of experience with meditation or personal development, while others are completely new to this kind of work.

What they usually share is a willingness to look honestly at themselves and explore deeper questions.

Question 3

Do I need any experience with meditation or self-inquiry to attend?

Accepted Answer

No previous experience is needed.

The retreat is designed so that anyone can participate, whether you are completely new or have many years of experience with meditation or self-inquiry.
The structure of the retreat provides clear guidance and support throughout the process.

What matters most is simple curiosity and a willingness to look honestly at your own experience.

Question 4

Should I prepare anything before coming?

Accepted Answer

No special preparation is required.

You do not need to study anything or practice meditation beforehand.

The retreat structure will guide you through the process step by step.

The most helpful preparation is simply to arrive well rested and with a sense of curiosity.

Question 5

What happens during the retreat?

Accepted Answer

The retreat follows a simple and structured format.

Most of the time is spent in guided dyad conversations, where two participants explore a question together with full attention.
The question stays the same for a longer period, which allows insights to deepen over time.

Between dyads there are short breaks, meals, and some quiet time to rest.
The structure is simple but surprisingly powerful, and many participants discover clarity they did not expect.

Question 6

Can I have a breakthrough experience?

Accepted Answer

Most participants experience moments of deep insight or clarity during the retreat.

For some people this can feel like a breakthrough and for others it's a real shift.

The focus is simply on honest self-inquiry and direct experience.

Question 7

What results do people typically report after attending?

Accepted Answer

People often report a greater sense of clarity about themselves and their lives.

Some notice that they react less automatically in difficult situations or relationships.

Others describe feeling more present, relaxed, or honest with themselves.

The results can look different for each person, but many leave with insights that continue to unfold after the retreat.

Question 8

How long are the retreats?

Accepted Answer

Most retreats begin in the evening and run for three full days, ending around lunchtime on the final day.

This structure allows enough time for the inquiry process to deepen without requiring a very long time away from everyday life.

I also give  weekend retreats for people that can not stay on longer retreats. Occasionally I also offer longer retreats up to 17 days, for people who wish to continue the process more deeply.

Question 9

Where are the retreats held?

Accepted Answer

The retreats take place at carefully chosen retreat centers that provide a quiet and supportive environment for the process.

Most events are currently held in Sweden, Germany and occasionally in other European countries.

There is also a 17 day retreat in Kenya each year.

Question 10

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

The price varies depending on the retreat location and accommodation.

As a general guideline, most retreats cost between €600 and €1200, including accommodation and meals.

Weekend retreats between €350 - €500.

Question 11

What is included in the price?

Accepted Answer

The price includes participation in the full retreat program, accommodation, and meals during the retreat.

You will also receive guidance and support throughout the process.

Travel to and from the retreat center is not included.

Question 12

What should I bring?

Accepted Answer

After registering, you will receive detailed information about what to bring.

In general, comfortable clothing, personal toiletries, and anything you need for a few days away from home are sufficient.

The retreat environment is simple and relaxed, so there is no need to bring anything special.

Question 13

How many people attend each retreat?

Accepted Answer

The number of participants depends on the retreat location.

Most retreats include around 20–40 people. This creates a focused and supportive environment for the process.

Question 14

Who leads the retreats?

Accepted Answer

The retreats are led by Kjell Gustafsson.

He has been involved in deep retreat work and self-inquiry for more than 25 years and has participated in many intensive retreats himself.
His approach is simple and direct, focusing on honest inquiry rather than techniques or teachings.
During the retreat he guides the structure and supports participants throughout the process.

Question 15

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

You can book your place directly through the contact page on this website. Just press the contact button and add your name and what you are interested in and we will be in contact.

If you have questions before booking, you are welcome to get in touch.

Question 16

What is Power of Clarity

Accepted Answer

Power of Clarity is a retreat for exploring what creates clarity and what creates confusion in our lives.

Through dyads, guided exercises, and talks, we investigate assumptions, beliefs, and patterns that shape how we see ourselves and the world.

Question 17

What is Beyond Self with Peter Orevi

Accepted Answer

Beyond Self is a retreat for exploring non-duality and looking beyond the ordinary sense of self.

Through inquiry, presence, and carefully chosen practices, we investigate the assumptions and identifications that shape our experience.

Peter Orevi and I draw on many years of direct experience and use the approaches that best support the group and each individual.

Question 18

What is a dyad?

Accepted Answer

A dyad is a guided self-inquiry with two people sitting face to face. One speaks, one listens, and then they switch roles.

This simple structure can help you move beyond ordinary mental patterns and come into clearer contact with your own direct experience.

Question 19

Are there different kinds of dyads?

Accepted Answer

While some dyads work mainly with personal material, the forms I use are directed toward a more essential kind of inquiry — one that invites direct experience rather than interpretation.

Question 20

Are there different kinds of dyad techniques?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Some dyads focus mainly on thoughts, emotions, personal patterns, and life history.

Others are directed more toward direct self-inquiry and the possibility of seeing beyond habitual identity.

The dyads I use are mainly oriented toward direct experience rather than personal analysis.

Question 21

EI: Enlightenment Intensive: What is an Enlightenment Intensive?

Accepted Answer

An Enlightenment Intensive is a structured retreat for direct self-inquiry.

It is designed to help us move beyond ideas and beliefs and discover something true through our own experience.

https://youtu.be/9Lqqug75odo

Question 22

EI: How does it work?

Accepted Answer

At the core of the retreat is a simple yet highly specific contemplative exercise, practiced in dyads.

We engage with a question repeatedly — both in silence and in communication — with full attention.

Question 23

EI: What is an EI dyad?

Accepted Answer

An EI dyad is a two-person exercise that focuses on discovering the truth of what you are. It is different from other dyads that explore the mind.

One person looks within with the intention of directly knowing who or what they are, and speaks from that direct experience. The other person simply listens, without commenting or interpreting.

Question 24

EI: What do you mean by contemplation?

Accepted Answer

Contemplation here does not mean thinking about a subject in the usual way. It means turning our attention deeply toward the question and noticing what is directly true now.

Question 25

EI: What makes this method special?

Accepted Answer

It combines silence, direct inquiry, and clear communication in a highly focused format.

At its core is the Enlightenment Intensive Technique, which is taught and practiced during the retreat.

For many people, this creates a rare level of presence, honesty, and insight.

Question 26

EI: Is this a teaching or a philosophy?

Accepted Answer

No.

The aim is not to adopt a belief system, but to see for ourselves.

Question 27

EI: Do I need previous experience?

Accepted Answer

No.

What matters most is willingness: willingness to be present, to follow the structure, and to meet oneself honestly.

Question 28

EI: Is it intense?

Accepted Answer

Yes, often.

But the intensity is there to support clarity, not performance. This is not about forcing an experience, but about staying present enough for something real to reveal itself.

Question 29

EI: What happens during an Enlightenment Intensive?

Accepted Answer

There is a clear structure with contemplation, dyads, silence, rest, and simple practical support. The form is disciplined, but the inner discovery is always personal.

Question 30

EI: What is the retreat not about?

Accepted Answer

It is about self discovery.

It is not therapy, not debate, not self-improvement training, and not spiritual role-play. We are not trying to become special. We are here to see clearly.

Question 31

EI: What can I expect?

Accepted Answer

Each person’s experience is different. Some meet stillness, some confusion, some joy, and some old patterns. Often, the result is deep insight, a deeper understanding of oneself and others, less reactivity, and better relationships.

Sometimes, there is also a direct knowing of who or what you are.

Question 32

EI: Why do people come?

Accepted Answer

Some come with a deep spiritual longing. Others come because they want truth, clarity, freedom, or a more direct relationship with life.

KJELL GUSTAFSSON

Q&A Retreats