Chilla is a 40-day spiritual and musical retreat offered by Rising Mallang. The Chilla is based on the concept of 40 days as a sacred period of time for spiritual growth and transformation. Many traditions around the world have used this time frame to cultivate discipline, devotion, and mastery in various fields of knowledge and practice.

 

The Chilla by Rising Mallang is a unique opportunity to learn and practice Naada Yoga, the yoga of sound. Naada Yoga is a path that teaches you how to tune into the subtle vibrations of sound that pervade the universe and your own being. By listening to these sounds, you can access deeper states of consciousness, heal your body and mind, and connect with your true self.

 

The Chilla is designed for people who are serious about exploring the power of sound and want to make a positive change in their lives. You will learn from the Indian classical music master who will guide you through the theory and practice of Naada Yoga. You will also have the chance to interact with other like-minded participants who share your passion and curiosity for sound.

 

The Chilla is not just a retreat, it is a life-changing experience. If you are ready to devote yourself for 40 days to this discipline, then join us for our next Chilla by Rising Mallang starting from 1st November till 10th December 2023.

Who is the Teacher?

Prabhu is known as the master of sound and spirit by his students. Prabhu is a renowned Indian Classical Musician who has dedicated his life to the study and practice of various musical traditions of India. He has a deep knowledge and skill in Indian Classical and Folk music, as well as many spiritual musical traditions of India.

Prabhu is not only a musician but also a teacher who has more than 25 years of experience in sharing his wisdom and passion with students from all over the world. He teaches both the theory and practice of music, as well as the spiritual aspects of sound that can help you connect with your inner self and the divine.

Prabhu is also well-versed in several Yogic and Meditation practices that originate from the Buddhist and Hindu traditions of the Indian Himalayan region. He can guide you through various techniques of breathing, concentration, and awareness that can enhance your musical experience and your overall well-being.

He is a rare gem who can offer you a holistic and authentic approach to sound and spirituality. He is a friendly and compassionate teacher who will inspire you to discover the beauty and power of sound in your life.

Experience diverse Musical Styles

The teachings will be conveyed through different musical styles that are popular in Indian spiritual traditions. These musical styles are:

• Indian Traditional Classical Music: A highly structured and intricate genre with roots in ancient India, characterized by precise rules, ragas (melodic scales), and talas (rhythmic patterns).

• Sufi Music: A genre of devotional music in India that blends Islamic mysticism with Indian musical traditions, expressing love and devotion to the divine through poetic and soulful compositions.

• Bhakti Music: A form of devotional music in India that emphasizes deep devotion and love for a deity, often accompanied by heartfelt lyrics and melodies, serving as a means to connect with the divine.

• Dhrupad: One of the oldest forms of Indian classical music, known for its meditative and austere style, featuring slow, sustained notes and complex improvisations.

What will be the Retreat structure/schedule?

Chilla will begin on the 1st of November 2023 till the 10th of December 2023.  

The schedule and timings are subject to change as per the requirements and capacity of the students.

Following is the schedule decided as of now.

1st - 10th November

• Morning: Vocal exercises with Pranayama.
• Afternoon: Self-Practice.
• Evening: Vocal exercises.

11th - 21st November

• Morning: Vocal exercises and Pranayama.
• Afternoon: Self-actualization of Vocals and specific Practices given to the individual.
• Evening: Training our ears and Listening session.

22nd November - 1st December

• Morning: Pranayama and Vocal exercises.
• Afternoon: Music theory and specific Practices which are given to the individual.
• Evening: Training our ears, Listening session, and Music theory.

2nd - 11th December

• Morning: Pranayama and vocal exercises.
• Afternoon: Theory of music and Training our ears.
• Evening: Vocal exercises and closing of the retreat.

Where is the place of Chilla retreat?

The Chilla retreat will be held in the hill station of Mcleodganj in Himachal Pradesh, North India. Mcleodganj is also known as Little Lhasa or Dhasa, because of its large population of Tibetans and the presence of the Dalai Lama’s residence. Mcleodganj is a place where you can experience the rich Tibetan heritage and enjoy the natural beauty of the foothills of the Himalayas.

There are different ways to reach Mcleodganj from Delhi, depending on your budget, time, and preference. Here are some of the options:

• By car: You can drive from Delhi to Mcleodganj by taking the AH2 and NH503 highways. The distance is about 486 km and the travel time is about 8 hours. You can enjoy the scenic views of the mountains and valleys along the way. This is a good option if you have your own vehicle or can rent one.

• By bus: You can take a direct bus from Delhi to Mcleodganj from the Kashmiri Gate ISBT. There are several operators that run buses on this route, such as Ram Dalal Holidays, Snowregion Tours Pvt. ltd, Asian’s Shina Tours & Travels, Hrtc, Himachal Tourist Volvo Bus, Bedi Travels (brand New Volvo), etc. The bus fare ranges from ₹750 to ₹1,500 and the journey takes about 11 hours. This is a cheap and convenient option if you don’t mind traveling overnight.

• By flight: You can fly from Delhi to Dharamsala, which is the nearest airport to Mcleodganj. There are three airlines that operate flights on this route: Spicejet, IndiGo Airlines, and Helitrans. The flight fare ranges from ₹4,500 to ₹14,000 (depending on the dates) and the flight time is about an hour. From Dharamsala airport (Gaggal Airport), you can take a cab to Mcleodganj. This is the quickest and most expensive option if you want to save time.

What are the timings of the sessions?

• The morning sessions will start early at 8 am to 10 am.
• The afternoon sessions will be from 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm.
• The evening sessions will be from 7 pm to 9 pm.

Can people who can't sing also join the Chilla?

Yes, but only those who also want to start singing. We are not searching for professionalism in singing during Chilla. If necessary, the "professionalism" will come naturally. It is all about singing from your Inner Source, your true nature. All Chilla is about exploring together this Inner Source of sound. with the help of Music.

What is the maximum number of people in the group?

The maximum number of people we can involve in our Chilla retreat would be 10. 

What is the fee for Chilla?

The fee for Chilla will be based on your attendance and how much practice you are willing to do. This 40-day Chilla is an intense experience meant to be practiced for a complete 40 days.

However, considering the time constraints and other limitations for people, we have made the fee structure as per the time people can dedicate to this experience.

• Rs. 300 per hour per day; 40 days = Rs. 12,000.
• Rs. 550 for 2 hours per day; 40 days = Rs. 22,000. 
• Rs. 1000 for 4 hours per day;  40 days = Rs. 40,000.
• Rs. 1375 for 6 hours per day; 40 days = Rs. 55,000.

You can attend Chilla for a certain desired amount of time at the cost of Rs 300 per hour.

Where and what can we eat?

There are plenty of cafes and restaurants all around Mcleodganj. Mcleodganj is a place where you can enjoy a variety of cuisines, from Tibetan to Italian, from Lebanese to Indian. Some of the food options available in Mcleodganj are:

• Tibetan food: If you want to taste the authentic flavors of Tibet, you can try dishes like momos, thukpa, tingmo, thenthuk, and shapta at restaurants like Tibet Kitchen1, Norling2, and Shangrila Vegetarian Restaurant. You can also visit the Namgyal Monastery Cafe for some tea and snacks.

• Italian food: If you are craving some pizza, pasta, or risotto, you can head to restaurants like Nick’s Italian Kitchen, Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen, Carpe Diem, and Morgan’s Place. These places offer a cozy ambiance and delicious food with fresh ingredients.

• Lebanese food: If you want to try something different, you can go to Lhamo’s Croissant, a small bakery that serves amazing croissants, hummus, falafel, and other Lebanese delicacies. You can also enjoy the view of the mountains from their rooftop seating area.

• Indian food: If you want to have some spicy and flavourful Indian food, you can visit restaurants like Trek and Dine, Clay Oven, and Khana Nirvana. These places serve a variety of dishes like parathas, tandoori chicken, biryani, dal makhani, and more. You can also find some street food stalls that sell samosas, chaat, and maggi.

There is also an option to cook ourselves. The regular Chilla participants are cooking for themselves non-spicy or raw vegan food. You are welcome to cook together and share.

Where would the accommodation be?

All participants are expected to arrange for their own accommodations before the retreat. There are many rooms and small hotels available in Mcleodganj which can be booked online through various booking sites. 

Some of the booking sites such as Expedia.com, booking.com, and airbnb.com can be used to find the right place for your stay. Most of the rooms also provide breakfast for the guests.

If you need help finding accommodation you can contact our Whatsapp & Telegram group of regular/old Chilla students. They can help you find a place to stay and help you find answers to all your questions. 

In which languages the classes will be conducted?

All classes will be conducted in English with Russian and Hindi translations provided if and when required. 

Also, the text for music will be provided in Sanskrit and Hindi so to keep it authentic. It will be translated by the teacher and the meaning will be conveyed in the right way.

Can I join the retreat for a short period of time?

Yes, you can do drop-in classes and pay per-class basis. Interested students can also join online classes.

However, we encourage you to do the full course of 40 days as it is meant for students who want to experience authentic teachings and have a positive impact on their lives.