Dates: October 16-24, 2024
During this 9-day program we will explore the Yoga Sutras in such a way that you can start living what this beautiful text has to offer. This includes exploring the philosophy, psychology and practices of :
–abhyasa (practice) and vairagya (non-attachment),
–the 5-fold path of; 1) reasoned faith, 2) determination or positive strength of ego, 3) cultivating mindfulness, 4) attention that leads to absorption to discriminate through the levels of the false identifications and 5) the highest wisdom that comes from this process
–the kleshas; the 5 colorings that hide the Self
–the 8-fold path: 1) yamas (commitments to you and how you relate to the world), 2) niyamas (commitments to your inward path), 3) asana (meditative posture), 4) pranayama (expansion of prana), 5) pratyahara (withdraw of the senses), 6) dharana (concentration), 7) dhyana (meditation) and 8) samadhi (absorption)
–the 4 attitudes to cultivate: friendliness, compassion, supportiveness and neutrality,
–buddhi (intuition or intelligence).
In the daily guided classes these principles will come to life and give you a foundation to start practicing the meditative method of yoga. We will explore how to apply these principles in your day-to-day life.
Guided classes include the practices of Joints and Glands, asanas, breathing, relaxation and meditation.
No prior experience in yoga or meditation is required.
Suggestions to prepare for the retreat would include reading the book” Lectures on Yoga,” or “Samadhi the Highest State of Wisdom,” or “Sadhana the Path to Enlightenment,” by Swami Rama.
Participants commit to staying in the ashram for the duration of the retreat to intensify their practice.
Three vegetarian meals are provided daily.
Facilitator: Ma Tripurashakti
Dates: As noted. Application form is required.
Program fee: rs. 4,500 per person
Boarding and lodging single occupancy: rs.1,700 per person per day
Boarding and lodging double occupancy: rs.1,200 per person per day [Note: Single occupancy charges will be applied if there is no one to share the room.]
Registration: Please fill out the online application form on the Registration page. You will be contacted by email after your form is submitted.
The central teaching of yoga is that man’s true nature is divine, perfect and infinite. He is unaware of this divinity, however, because he falsely identifies himself with his body, mind and objects of the external world. This false identification, in turn, makes him think he is imperfect and limited, subject to sorrow, decay and death. Through the meditative methods of yoga, however, man can cast off this ignorance and become aware of his own true Self which is pure and free from all imperfections. ~ Swami Rama
Schedule:
Day 1
- 5:30 p.m., Orientation
- 7:00, supper
- 8:00, Satsang and guided meditation
Day 2-8
- 6:30-8:00 a.m., Joints and Glands exercises, relaxation and meditation
- 8:00, breakfast
- 9:00, Walk
- 10:30-12: satsang and practicum
- 12 (noon), self-guided meditation
- 1:00, Lunch
- 3-4, Swami Rama’s video (on alternative days otherwise this is personal time to study and reflect)
- 4:00, tea
- 5-6, Asanas and relaxation
- 6-6:30 pm: meditation
- 7:00, supper
- 8:00 – 9:00 pm: Satsang and meditation (on alternative days otherwise this is personal time to study and reflect and meditation)
Day 9
- 6:30-8:00 a.m., Joints and Glands exercises and meditation
- 8:00, breakfast
- 9:00, walk
- 10:00-12, Overview, Q and A, and closing