SZA’s 10-Day Silence Retreat with Sadhguru Has the Internet Talking—Here’s Why

Grammy-winning artist SZA, born Solána Imani Rowe, has once again captured the internet’s attention—not with new music or a chart-topping collaboration, but with her profound spiritual experience in India. The 35-year-old singer recently concluded a transformative 10-day vow of silence at the Isha Foundation, a renowned spiritual center led by the controversial yet globally celebrated guru, Sadhguru.

Her Instagram post detailing the retreat, paired with stunning photos and videos, has quickly gone viral, sparking widespread reactions across social media. From admiration for her spiritual growth to skepticism about her association with Sadhguru, fans and critics alike have plenty to say.

“Life Is So Profound and Chaotic”: SZA Opens Up About the Experience

SZA shared a deeply reflective Instagram post about her journey, saying:

“Life is so profound and chaotic and beautiful. I have no words for my Samyama experience. No phone, no mirrors, no eye contact for 8+ days (these pics are from before n after lol the program). For a fundamental yapper, I lost my mind, then found it and came back to so much overwhelming information between the state of the world and my personal/professional life. But somehow, it’s all settling quietly and loudly at the same time.”

The singer also thanked the Isha Foundation, Sadhguru, and volunteers who cared for her and her mother during their stay. She concluded her post with the word “namaskaram,” a traditional Indian gesture of respect and reverence, further highlighting the depth of her connection to the experience.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SZA (@sza)

What Is the Samyama Program?

The Samyama program, hosted by Sadhguru’s Isha Foundation, is a highly intensive meditation retreat designed for advanced practitioners. Participants commit to eight days of silence while abstaining from phones, mirrors, and even eye contact to deepen their meditative state.

This is no ordinary wellness retreat—it’s a rigorous spiritual practice aimed at helping individuals transcend their physical and mental limitations. For someone as outspoken and expressive as SZA, the vow of silence likely posed an incredible challenge, but her reflections suggest it was equally rewarding.

Who Is Sadhguru? A Closer Look at the Spiritual Leader

Sadhguru, born Jaggi Vasudev, is an Indian spiritual leader and founder of the Isha Foundation. Known for his engaging talks on topics ranging from mental health to environmental sustainability, Sadhguru has amassed a global following, including celebrities like SZA, Will Smith, and Tom Brady.

However, his popularity has not been without controversy. Critics have accused him of promoting pseudoscience and running what some label a “cult-like” organization. Despite these claims, millions flock to his teachings, drawn by his blend of ancient wisdom and modern sensibilities.

For SZA, her association with Sadhguru appears to be deeply personal. Her post radiates gratitude for the guidance she received during her stay at the Isha Foundation, but it also raises questions among fans who remain skeptical of Sadhguru’s practices.

Fans React: Praise, Concerns, and Memes

SZA’s Instagram post has racked up over a million likes, with fans and critics alike flooding the comments section with their thoughts:

• “Why on earth is SZA hanging out with a cult leader, oh dear lord.”
• “No matter what race, women look the most beautiful with a bindi and a saree, ngl.”
• “I don’t even listen to her, but maybe I should because holy moly, she is gorgeous.”
• “When are we gonna free her from the shackles of this cult?”

Some fans applauded her for taking a step back to focus on her mental health, while others expressed concern over her involvement with Sadhguru. Still, her photos in traditional Indian attire—complete with a bindi—drew praise for her embrace of cultural aesthetics.

A Busy Year: Balancing Music, Film, and Inner Peace

This spiritual retreat comes during a whirlwind period in SZA’s life. In addition to her highly successful “SOS” album tour, she recently made her acting debut in the R-rated comedy One of Them Days, co-starring Keke Palmer.

Juggling the demands of her music career and acting, SZA has spoken openly about feeling overwhelmed. The silence retreat was likely a much-needed reprieve, offering her the clarity and grounding she sought.

What’s Next for SZA?

While SZA’s silence retreat may have offered her a break from the whirlwind of her career, she’s far from slowing down. After her transformative experience in India, the star is preparing for some exciting upcoming events that will see her back in the public eye in a big way.

First, SZA will be performing at this year’s Super Bowl halftime show, a major milestone that’s bound to bring even more eyes on her music. Known for her captivating stage presence and powerhouse vocals, her appearance at one of the world’s biggest sporting events is sure to leave a lasting impact on both fans and newcomers alike.

On top of that, SZA is gearing up for an epic tour with fellow artist Kendrick Lamar. The two have previously collaborated on music, and now they’ll be hitting the road together, promising an unforgettable live experience for fans. With both artists at the top of their game, their tour is expected to be a major highlight of the year in music.

Balancing music, high-profile performances, and her evolving spiritual journey, SZA shows no signs of slowing down. Her ability to navigate the pressures of fame while staying grounded in her personal growth is inspiring to many, and fans can’t wait to see what’s next for the artist as she continues to evolve both musically and spiritually.

SZA’s experience in India has added yet another layer to her already multifaceted identity. From chart-topping hits to deep spiritual dives, she continues to surprise and inspire. Whether you see her as a cultural icon, a spiritual seeker, or both, her latest chapter reminds us of the importance of introspection in a chaotic world.

What are your thoughts on SZA’s retreat and her association with Sadhguru? Let us know in the comments!