“The journey back to Self is a loosening of the hypnotic spell with the life-play we’re watching. As we’re able to take in more and more of the mind movement, it’s as if we were backing up the projected ray of light. Eventually the hypnotic spell breaks entirely, and we find ourselves back in full recognition of what we truly are.” -Art Ticknor, Sense of Self: The Source of All Existential Suffering? 

Since its founding in 1973 by Richard Rose, the TAT Foundation has hosted events that offer a rare opportunity for deep spiritual exploration among fellow seekers.

Join us this August for a weekend of honest inquiry and shared presence as we explore The Journey Back to Self. This retreat invites us to see through the spell of everyday life, to become more aware of the mind’s subtle movements, and to turn inward toward the deeper truth of what we are.

Over the course of the weekend, we’ll be guided by both new and seasoned voices offering sessions grounded in meditation, self-inquiry, and direct experience. One extended offering will serve as a mini-retreat, encouraging deep silence and insight. Another session will invite us into a more surrendered, paradoxical way of seeing—pointing, beyond striving, to stillness. We’ll also hear from a longtime spiritual teacher whose creative work—through books, film, and dialogue—has helped illuminate the path of Self-realization for many.

The weekend will include group dialogue, walking meditation, quiet time for reflection, and moments of heartfelt connection with fellow seekers. Held at the peaceful, historic Claymont property, this is a chance to pause, look within, and remember what truly matters. Whether you are new to the spiritual search or returning to it with renewed sincerity, we welcome you.

Join us at the historic Claymont property for a weekend of honest looking, open sharing, and the chance to meet others walking the same path. 

Filo Sophie King (a pseudonym), is one of many unpretentious, extraordinary people doing their part as friends along the path to spiritual awakening. He is the author of "Imaginary Conversations with Imaginary People: Awakening to the Unspeakable through Enlightened Dialogue."
"What you think of as nothing is in truth, everything.” 
“Remember it is all only a dream.”
“Realize that what you want is not up to you, and will never be achieved by you, even though it is what you are.”
“See that everything has already happened, and yet nothing has happened.”
“Accept your destiny, whatever it is and however long it takes.”
“Surrender, yet keep going, for love."
-Filo Sophie King

Jayaprabha Mare King, whose name means “Light of Victory,” who was given this title by her teacher Amritanandamayi (Amma) as both recognition and encouragement in her spiritual journey. Since 1995, she has dedicated herself to a meditative and yogic lifestyle, fostering deep self-inquiry, awareness, and transformation, which ultimately led to the founding of the Vital Life Center, a center of awakening consciousness in 2008. 

Shawn Nevins “fell onto the spiritual path in 1990,” had an enlightenment experience in 1999, and since then has enjoyed making films, writing, and working with the TAT Foundation. His creative endeavors include the book The Celibate Seeker and the film Closer Than Close — an acclaimed documentary on Self-realization. Shawn is also the author of Images of Essence with photos by Bob Fergeson, Subtraction: The Simple Math of Enlightenment, Hydroglyphics: Reflections on the Sacred with photos by Phaedra Greenwood, and Passages: An Introduction and Commentary on Richard Rose’s Albigen System co-authored with Mike Gegenheimer. Shawn and his wife live in the San Francisco Bay area.