Start a jouney
of self-discovery

Every human being has a unique potential, as well as the right (and the responsibility) to manifest it fully, flourishing at their highest level. The Deep U Retreat is an immersive experience rooted in Heartfulness meditation and integrated with contemporary approaches such as Theory U, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and somatic practices. It helps participants become more aware, release and let go of obstacles, uncover their true Essence and highest Self, reconnect with their inner being, pause to listen to what wants to emerge through them, and ascend with greater clarity about their authentic purpose and next steps. Guided by Vasco Gaspar, an internationally acclaimed speaker trained by leading experts in human flourishing, participants will join a safe space full of beauty, presence, and transformative depth.

A combination of proven
methodologies

In the retreat, you'll experience carefully selected practices rooted in cutting-edge awareness-based, trauma-informed, and heart-centered methodologies, developed by internationally renowned institutions, teachers, and thought leaders, all within an environment of stillness and care.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a capacity all human beings possess, and that can be cultivated, for being aware and awake rather than operating unconsciously. Being mindful helps you come off autopilot and shift up a gear, bringing wisdom and choice to all areas of your life.

Created by Prof Otto Scharmer from MIT, it is an awareness-based framework of leadership, innovation and change for understanding current reality and exploring emerging future possibilities—as an individual and as a group. Can also be body-based through practicing Social Presencing Theater.

Presencing

A powerfully transformative model of psychotherapy that states that the mind is comprised of multiple inner parts that contain valuable qualities that our core Self knows how to heal, allowing us to become integrated and whole.

Internal Family Systems

Heartfulness

A practical, innovative and secular approach that allows us to tune into our hearts and learn to be centered in ourselves. By strengthening that connection, we cultivate an inner knowing that wisely directs and guides us to become who we’re meant to be.

Polyvagal Theory

A neuroscientific and psychological approach to regulate emotions and social connection. It focuses on simple and practical adaptive behaviors that allow us to regulate our nervous system, making us feel adapted, connected and secure.

A psychotherapeutic approach developed by Dr. Gabor Maté that reveals the level of consciousness, mental climate, hidden assumptions, implicit memories and body states that run our lives and how to liberate ourselves from them.

Compassionate Inquiry

What to expect

Immersive Experience

Engage in a deep exploration through brief insights, followed by ​experiential activities, including individual ​exercises (e.g., meditation, journaling), ​group dynamics and moments of beauty.

Leading Methodologies

Learn from proven practices like Mindfulness, Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Practices and IFS, integrated with timeless wisdom to enhance personal growth.

Sensing Journeys

Discover the award-winning Kanha Shanti Vanam campus, benefit from its serenity, and get inspired by how regenerative practices and social impact can positively influence the world around us.

Initiation to Heartfulness

Discover Heartfulness, a practical and modern meditation approach for personal flourishing.

Practical Takeaways

Become more aware, release and let go of obstacles, uncover your true Essence and highest Self, and prototype ways of bringing your ​uniqueness to the world.

Resource Toolbox

Leave the retreat equipped with practical tools and resources, and after the retreat you will get a 150+ pages digital manual with exercises, and tips for ongoing practice.

Recommendations

Some testimonials or recommendations of previous participants.

"Deep U has given me more awareness of the many ways in which i am not being authentic, and the courage to accept and embrace these parts more and to slowly start addressing imbalances in my life. I feel a sense of something new awakening within, new inspiration, a renewed joy of being. I can highly recommend the Deep U experience."

Claire

“I cannot express in words what the Deep you retreat has done for me. It is the most profound retreat on self development I've ever attended. I highly recommend the Deep U to anyone who is at a crossroads in life or who would just like to develop themselves further. Just do it! You wont regret it!"

Norah

"The journey from beginning to end flowed gracefully. I came away with a sense of soothing in my system and hope for humanity in my heart. I am still amazed by the energy. I feel it alighted a sense of awe in me - a sense of surprise that such generosity is available."

Shirley

"Deep U was life changing. The ​program’s design and facilitation ​brought awareness to patterns of ​stuckness and provided practices to ​move through those patterns with ease. ​I now feel at peace and more ​connected as a result of the program."

Abri

"The Deep U retreat has created a warm, expansive light space within me. Being with Vasco, Maria and the group reminded me that change is possible and that love supports our healing, growth and expansion."

Catherine

Get Inspired

Watch the video from a previous edition

About Vasco Gaspar

Vasco Gaspar has worked with over 30,000 people across 25+ countries—from startup founders navigating uncertainty to leaders at organizations like SAP, Santander, and the United Nations, as well as individuals and communities—helping them find clarity in complexity, presence under pressure, and the courage to move forward authentically.

His work creates the conditions for deeper wisdom to emerge: the intelligence of the body, the knowing of the heart, and the intuition that arises when we slow down enough to listen.

Through immersive retreats, contemplative sessions, and individual deep dives, Vasco weaves together awareness practices (Mindfulness, Presencing, Heartfulness), trauma-informed methods (IFS, Compassionate Inquiry), and somatic and artistic approaches (Social Presencing Theater, movement, poetry).

Trained with pioneers such as Gabor Maté, Otto Scharmer, Richard Schwartz, Kamlesh D. Patel, and Arawana Hayashi, he holds a Psychology degree from the University of Coimbra and serves as faculty at both the Presencing Institute and Heartfulness Institute.

At the heart of his work is Awareness-Based Human Flourishing—a way of facilitating that honors human complexity while guiding people toward their essential, healing simplicity.

THE FACILITATOR

Maria is a core team member of the u-school for ​Transformation at the Presencing Institute, ​working directly with MIT's Otto Scharmer. She loves to work at the intersection of social, cultural and regenerative transformation, hoping to contribute to ways of living and working that benefit both people and the planet. Learn more here.

Stan is a diplomat and visiting faculty member at universities and companies. He has developed a course on the science of meditation and is dedicated to spreading the benefits of meditation from a scientific perspective.

The team

Schedule and logistics

The program runs daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, with optional early morning yoga and meditation sessions. Several breaks and campus tours are included, and vegetarian meals will be provided.

Please bring comfortable clothing and be prepared to remove your shoes.

The program is open to newcomers and Heartfulness practitioners above 16 years old. It will be conducted in English.

Sample schedule

06:30 AM - 07:00 AM Yoga

07:00 AM - 08:00 AM Meditation

08:00 AM - 09:00 AM BREAKFAST

09:00 AM - 10:30 AM Workshop

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM BREAK

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Workshop

12:30 PM - 02:00 PM LUNCH

02:00 PM - 03:30 PM Tour

03:30 PM - 04:00 PM BREAK

04:00 PM - 05:00 PM Workshop

05:00 PM - 06:00 PM Heartful Integration

06:00 PM - 07:30 PM FREE TIME

07:30 PM - 08:30 PM DINNER

Kanha Shanti Vanam

Heartfulness headquarters in Telangana, Hyderabad, India, located just 30 minutes from the airport.

An award-winning green and social project, and one of the world's largest meditation halls with capacity for 100,000 meditating together.

The venue

Program Fee

While similar programs usually cost around 87,000 INR (930 € / $1,040 USD), the Deep U Retreat is intentionally offered at a more accessible rate of 40,000 INR (≈ 385 € / $450 USD) to encourage broader participation while remaining sustainable. This fee covers essential costs and supports the Heartfulness Institute, our hosting partner dedicated to social and spiritual upliftment.

Any surplus will be fully donated to the Institute to further their initiatives, and participants wishing to contribute more will have the opportunity to do so after the program.

To make Deep U accessible to everyone, a small number of 50% scholarships are available for students and those in need of financial support.

Applications are open until November 7th, 2025, and recipients will be selected through a random draw on November 15, 2025.

If you’d like to be considered, simply fill out the Scholarship Request Form.

Tuition Fee:
INR 40,000 (including 18% GST)

Includes: Taxes, course materials, dormitory accommodation (shared), Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Tea during breaks.

For those desiring additional privacy and comfort, a limited selection of premium accommodations is available for an extra fee. Details are provided further below.

Cancellation policy: Please note that this program has a no-refund policy after booking is confirmed.

We welcome returning participants, with a limited number of places reserved to create space for both new and familiar faces.

Accommodation Options

Tailor Your Retreat Experience Based on Your Stay. The cost of the retreat varies depending on the accommodation you choose, offering flexibility to suit your preferences—from cozy dorms to luxurious hotel rooms.

Wellness Center

A 4-star hotel within walking distance of the venue, offering large single or double occupancy rooms at 6,160 INR per night (12% tax included).
(approx. 59€ / $69 USD per night, with tax included).
Stays at Wellness require a minimum booking of 7 nights.

Hostel-type self-serviced rooms offering single or double occupancy at 3,136 INR per night (12% tax included).
(approx. 30€ / $35 USD per night, with tax included)

Hostel Studio Rooms

Comfort Dorms

Ashram-style bunk beds in large dorms with shared washrooms are included in the program price. Dorms have halls separated by gender.

Note: Prices are per room for 1 or 2 people. You may opt to share a room, but you will need to arrange your own roommate. You can view more images of the Wellness Center here, and of the Hostel Studio Rooms here. However, please refrain from making bookings through these links. All accommodation bookings must be made through the retreat registration form only.

What's Included

4 full days of experience

All meals (breakfast, coffee-breaks, lunch and dinner)

4 nights accommodation in dorms or as per your upgrade

Goodies bag

Notebook and pen

150+ pages digital manual

Tours through the green campus

Free resources for you to implement in your context

Free Heartfulness Meditation follow-up sessions

Address

13-110, Kanha Shanti Vanam
Kanha Village, Ranga Reddy District,
Nandigama Mandal,
Telangana 509328

Email Address

deep-u@heartfulness.org

See you there

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions.
Click on each question to expand and read the respective answer.

IMPORTANT!
Registrations are considered only after payment is received. Deep U accommodation is included from January 25th to January 29th.