In this section You can find answers to the most frequently asked questions. If Your question is not here — write to us, we will answer.
Where, when and how much?
Where are you located?
Almaty, Medeu district, Ondasynova street, 259/2. About half an hour from the center by car. Bus № 107 runs, stop on demand. Write to us — we will send a geolocation.
When do the practices take place?
The main practice is on Sundays, from 11:00 to 14:00. Also there are classes on Saturdays, from 16:00 to 19:00. Once a month we stay for two days, for “A Night at Hanaka”. There are meetings on weekdays as well. The schedule of retreats is published separately and announced in preliminary announcements. Write to us — we will send the nearest dates.
How long does one class last?
The main practice is about three hours, sometimes longer.
How much does it cost?
One class — 5 000 ₸, a subscription for ten visits — 40 000 ₸. Separate events (concerts, retreats) — at their own cost. The first visit — without payment.
Where does this money go?
To pay the facilitators and to maintain the house: heating, electricity, repairs. Hanaka is a non-commercial project.
Do I need to register?
If You are coming for the first time — yes, write in advance. For new participants, a separate conversation or communication via Whats’app is held before the first practice.
Is it possible to be late?
It is better to arrive in advance and find us without rushing. If you are late — write to the administrator. There are practices that you can join late. There are those where you can only enter on time.
Is it possible to leave early?
Yes. Tell us in advance, or just leave, warning the administrator. It is undesirable to leave in the middle of a “process” (for example, when a circle is “working”). In this case, wait for the end of the process (or its part), and then you can leave the circle.
If You are a shy person…
I am an introvert… Will I be “evaluated”, “stared at”, forced to communicate?
Visitors to Hanaka are very friendly, ethical, and try not to violate anyone’s boundaries. When first meeting, they might simply ask You — “what is Your name?”, or “how did you get here?”. During the class in the hall, everyone is busy with themselves, their own “process”. At the table, if you stay for tea, You may not participate in the general conversation — if you don’t want to… Silence here is “gold”… and an “object of admiration” — and not a reason to try to get You to “talk”… You can even get an “I am in silence” badge from the administrator — and no one will approach You with conversations. You can be in your own cozy personal space of Silence.
Will I have to speak about myself out loud, or share personal things in the group?
No. Neither in the hall nor over tea will anyone ask or force to share personal things, or talk about oneself, if You do not want to.
And what if I “feel nothing”?
It happens, and most often exactly for the first time. This means neither that the practice did not suit you, nor that You did something “wrong”. Not every practice evokes bright emotions, or sensations.
And what if I don’t understand what is happening?
At the first meeting, almost everyone does not understand. You can ask after the practice, or over tea, — that is what they stay for. And if you warn in advance that you are coming for the first time, part of the questions will be resolved by the preliminary meeting.
Will I be the only beginner?
Most likely, no: new people come almost every week. And even if so — You will be welcomed and not left alone.
How is this different from a yoga center, or a meditation studio?
Because it is a House, an abode. People come to a center for a class and leave after a class… From here they might not leave for hours, because they got carried away talking at the table. And You will not be charged for this… Here they cook together, set the table, care for flowers, brew coffee for friends, together wash and decorate the hall for a retreat — and the Practice happens inside Life itself, and not separately from it.
Trust and boundaries
Do I need to change my faith?
No. People of different views come here, and no one asks what You believe in. There is no need to change anything and no one will suggest this to You.
Should I obey the facilitator?
During the practice You might be asked something, and You have the right to any response. The decision remains with You at any minute. But there are general rules of behavior and the ethics of the process, which are undesirable to violate.
What will be required of me if I start attending?
Nothing beyond what You decide Yourself. We have no obligations, fees, and “agitation”.
Will they ask for money?
No. Fees are not collected here and they don’t persuade to donate.
Is this some kind of organization? Do I need to join anywhere?
No. We have no membership, fees, or obligations. It is a space of free choice. People come and go when they want.
Who facilitates the practices?
Regular practices are most often facilitated by permanent facilitators. These people have been practicing for more than a decade themselves and continue to learn from their mentors. None of us occupies the place of a Teacher and does not claim it. Retreats are most often facilitated by invited Masters (Mentors).
Preparation and practical questions
Is preparation needed?
No. The practices do not require special preparation, skills and knowledge. People come both for the first time, and after many years of practice.
What to wear?
Loose clothing that is easy to move in, preferably made of natural fabrics. On your feet — socks, or light shoes like slippers: You can bring a change of shoes with you. There is a shoe cabinet in the hallway.
What to bring with you?
A water bottle, optionally (we have drinking water) and a spare t-shirt — it gets hot during active practices. You can bring a towel if You are going to take a shower after the practice. There is also a hairdryer.
Is it possible to eat before the practice?
Before active practices (dhikr, whirling, dynamic Osho meditations) it is undesirable to eat a lot… A heavy meal should be no later than two hours before, a light one — an hour or an hour and a half (fruit, yogurt, snack) before the start of the class.
Why do they ask not to use perfume and not to eat spicy food before the practices?
On the day of the practice, it is better to do without perfume, eau de toilette, essential oils and strong-smelling deodorants. There are people in the hall with allergies to smells, or synthetic fragrances, as well as people with high sensitivity to any smells. This can distract other participants from meditation and the internal process. It is also undesirable to eat strong-smelling products before the practice: onions, garlic, manti, dumplings, spicy dishes of Asian cuisine… People in the hall can be close to each other and in the active part, breathing can be felt by other participants.
Can I have a drink the day before?
No. Alcohol and psychoactive substances on the day of the practice and the day before can provoke undesirable “responses” of the psyche and body and lead to a deterioration in Your well-being.
Do I need to read something in advance?
Not necessarily. But if Your interest is deeper than just information about the practice — write to us — we will recommend You suitable books, brochures, or resources.
Are there any age restrictions?
The practices are designed for adult participants from 15 to 115 years, without serious physical and mental limitations.
Are there any health restrictions?
Yes, and it is better to inform the administrator, or the facilitator about them in advance. Active practices are not suitable for epilepsy and psychiatric diagnoses. Some physical limitations can also interfere. If you doubt — write before arriving, we will discuss.
Is it possible to come with a child?
The practices are designed for adults. But in some cases you can come with a child (for example, to a concert…). This must be discussed in advance with the administrator.
Is it possible to come with an animal?
No.
Is it possible to smoke on the territory of Hanaka?
There is a specially designated place for smokers on the territory of Hanaka.
Is it possible to bring food, drinks, treats to Hanaka?
Yes, You can bring a snack for yourself, drinks (except alcoholic), or treats for tea — optionally. Hanaka has a kitchen (refrigerator, microwave, stove).
Didn’t find your question? Write to us on WhatsApp, or in Direct: we will answer the question, tell you when the next meeting is.