1. In short…
Hanaka is a meditation House in the mountains, a half-hour away from the center of Almaty. Sessions are held a couple of times a week, and once a month there is a mini-retreat with an overnight stay (optional) – “Night in Hanaka”. A regular session lasts two to three hours, after which you can socialize in an informal setting, drink tea, discuss practice, or any other questions.
A typical group is from 5-7 to 20 people. No preparation is needed.
The first visit is free of charge: You can come, try it out, – it does not oblige You to anything.
2. We are a House, not a “center”
In a “center”, a person is deprived of the quality of a home: usually, there is a strict schedule, everything is quite formal, and it comes down to conducting high-quality sessions.
We wanted something different: for a person coming to us to feel the atmosphere of a home and a true Abode, – like in the old days in the East: warmth, support, interest. We often cook food together, set the table, sometimes sleep under the same roof, clean the space, care for each other and for our House… Here, everyone is accepted with respect for their individuality – without demands, expectations, or the need to “be someone” and “match” something.
3. Where did this name come from?
In ancient times in the East, Hanaka meant a home, an abode where wandering monks lived, practiced, studied, and exchanged living experience.
The people whose poems are still read today — Rumi, Hafez, Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, and many other masters — lived and taught exactly in such abodes.
In hanakas, Knowledge was taught not so much from books, but from living experience, direct transmission that went uninterrupted for centuries from Master to student.
Our facilitators also continue to learn directly from their mentors.
4. Why we created Hanaka
People with a LIVING SOUL come to our space… those who thirst to explore their “depths” – their Potential in different human dimensions, to reveal their gifts, talents, and thereby make their unique personal Contribution to the Blossoming and Flow of Life.
Also, one of the goals of Hanaka is to create an atmosphere of Celebration – so that everyone can find creative self-expression here, as well as friends, loved ones, and like-minded people.
We would like Hanaka to become that place, that Abode, where people will want to return year after year: to “their” hall, to their heart, to “their” people and practices.
5. Projects and cooperation
Our House hosts not only regular sessions, seminars, and retreats, but also dance evenings, concerts, and other events.
We are also open to new proposals and cooperation with other centers, communities, and individuals to conduct joint programs and events.
6. We are open to everyone
Hanaka is an Abode of the Heart…
People of different views and different faiths, of different spiritual paths come to us – and this does not bother anyone. We do not ask what a person believes in, and we do not suggest changing one’s views or convictions.
«Come, come, come, – whoever you are…
Fire-worshipper, non-believer, or simply a lover of life…
In our abode, there is no place for despair…
Come, even if you have broken your vows a hundred times!»
Jalaluddin Rumi