The School of the Wisdom Naarden (SOWN) – Silent Retreat
An Exploration into Insight – Living Consciousness in the move
Silent Retreat 2026 with Tran-Thi-Kim-Diêu
After the sheer conscious materialism of the 19th century with all its consequences, there was a hard struggle in the 20th century to get out of darkness through attempts of spirituality. Many pretentious efforts resulted in spiritual materialism, mistaking shimmering shadows for rays of sunlight… The first quarter of the 21st century hopefully leads the human mind to healthy doubt by bringing it back to fundamental questions of which some are impossible to answer. This retreat proposes to participate in the human mind’s endeavour to move above the discursiveness of duality and beyond theoretical knowledge to reach Insight.
Tran-Thi-Kim-Diêu
Postgraduate degree at the University of Montpellier (France) in Pharmaceutical Engineering, trained in human psychology with applied astrology to serve as a counsellor in life orientation. Kim-Diêu is currently General Secretary of the French Section of the Theosophical Society (Adyar), Former Chairperson of the Council of the European Federation of Theosophical Society (EFTS), and a former Chair of the Council of the Naarden International Theosophical Centre (ITC).
About the ITC
Welcome to the International Theosophical Centre in Naarden (ITC), a place of deep historical and spiritual significance for the theosophical movement in Europe. In 2025 the estate was donated by Mary van Eeghen; Annie Besant accepted in the name of the Masters. The Centre has since served as a peaceful natural environment for theosophical study, reflection, and service. The presence and inspiration of key figures of the Theosophical Society—such as Annie Besant, George and Rukmini Devi Arundale, and Jiddu Krishnamurti—have shaped it. As you walk through the grounds, halls, and gardens, you are invited to sense the continuity of a work dedicated to Universal Brotherhood, inner transformation, and the Oneness of Life. We hope your stay here inspires reflection and helps you feel more connected to the living spirit of Theosophy.
The ITC is regarded as an ashram, carrying a distinctive and sacred atmosphere. All activities held here are oriented toward the higher aspects of life and the Source of Wisdom and Love, and the Centre is therefore associated with subtle spiritual energies. Visitors are kindly asked to respect and help preserve the tranquillity and contemplative character of this unique environment. Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are therefor not permitted on the campus, and all meals served are vegan.
Library
The extensive library in Besant Hall is open all days during the SWN.
Week schedule
Tuesday 27/10
ARRIVAL in the afternoon
Wednesday 28/10
1 WHAT IS RELIGION?
WHAT IS SPIRITUAL GROWTH?
Discovering Sanatana Dharma, the incessant
revelation
Thursday 29/10
2 GLIMPSES ON THE CONCEPT OF EVOLUTION
Friday 30/10
3 H.P. BLAVATSKY – reviving occult positivist Knowledge,
AND J. KRISHNAMURTI – moving beyond, towards Insight
Saturday 31/10
4 LEARNING DOUBT
Sunday 01/11
5 CONSCIOUS LIVING THROUGH A CONSTANT DIALOGUE WITH ONESELF
Applying one’s understanding: living a righteous life based on universal ethics and mystical values
CLOSING after lunch
SILENCE outside the sessions and during meals
Daily schedule
Tuesday October 27
16.00 (4 pm) ARRIVAL
18.00 Dinner
20.00 (8 pm) OPENING
Wednesday 28/10 – Saturday 31/10
8.00 MEDITATION
8.30 Breakfast
10.00 TALK, Q&A, PRACTICE
12.30 Lunch
14.00 PRACTICE, MEDITATIVE INQUIRY
18.00 Dinner
20.00 SHORT MEDITATION
Sunday November 1
8.00 MEDITATION
8.30 Breakfast
10.00 TALK, Q&A, PRACTICE
12.30 Lunch
14.00 CLOSING