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You are invited to come with us for an enriching and transformational experience at home of Paramahamsa Satyananda in Rikhia and Paramahamsa Niranjanananda in Munger, the heart of Satyananda Yoga®, India.

This year Swami Muktidharma is teaching 3 courses in October assisted by Swami Karma Karuna. Courses in Chakra Sadhana & Prana Vidya will take place at Rikhia and Ajapa Dharana will be held for the first time at Munger. See our web site for package options.

Chakra Sadhana

Chakra Sadhana      Oct 20th - 29th 2010

Experience great depth using chakra focus during asana, pranayama, meditation, mantra and sound sessions. Be inspired by deep insights from Swami Satsangi (Pithadishwari of Rikhiapeeth) and integrate into ashram activities.
A 12 day fully guided experience from Kolkata. Includes hotel, travel in India, field trip, course support, books & CD.

Prana Vidya

Prana Vidya      Nov 1st - 7th 2010

Learn and practice one of the most ancient sciences on the planet ... dealing with the system of prana for healing and spiritual awakening. Heighten your perception of prana and learn to direct this subtle energy for self-healing.
A 6 day retreat, meet in Rikhia, travel/hotel not included unless doing Chakra Sadhana packages.

Ajapa Dharana

Ajapa Dharana      Nov 10th - 16th 2010

Explore a meditative system utilizing breath, mantra and visualisation to activate the whole energetic field. Ajapa Dharana awakens the dormant energetic and psychic potential that lies within.
A 7 day retreat, meet in Munger, unless participating in either Chakra Sadhana or Prana Vidya packages.

India Retreats 2010

All retreats include an integral program of asana and pranayama classes, lectures on the specific focus, Yoga Nidra and other practices related to the topic. We will also integrate into ashram activities including fire ceremonies, chanting etc.

Notes

  • The Chakra Sadhana retreat is designed for those who have some knowledge and familiarity of the chakras. Beginners are welcome but they are encouraged to read the book, Kundalini Tantra, prior to the program. It is also highly recommended to take the Chakra Sadhana retreat as preparation for Prana Vidya and Ajapa Dharana.
  • Repeat participants, Satyananda Yoga Affiliate and Accredited teacher discounts offered on some courses and packages. Limited scholarships also available upon application.

Further Yoga opportunities available in Rikhia after the retreats

Chandi Maha Yajna / Sita Kaliyanam

Sat Chandi Maha Yajna / Sita Kaliyanam Dec 6th – 10th 2010

The incredible Kanyas and Batuks (children of the village) will lead you over this 5 days into joy and spiritual reflection.

3rd Yoga Purnima 
Dec 17th – 21st 2010

Commemorates the birth of Swami Satyananda and celebrates his unparalleled efforts in spreading the valuable techniques of yoga.

Please contact us directly or visit www.yogavision.net for further information on these opportunities and other ashram activities.


Nada Yoga

Nada Yoga SPANISH
Feb 27th – Mar 8th 2010

Experience the amazing benefits of sound, music and vibration using yoga postures, meditation and classical nada yoga practices. Learn how sound affects the body through the vibrations of the chakras energising your minds, freeing our emotions and inducing deeper harmony.
A 10 day retreat, in Spanish, meet in Rikhia, travel/hotel not included.

The Chakra Sadhana Retreat

Is a unique opportunity to:

  • Develop and deepen your yogic practice at the home and heart of Satyananda Yoga
  • Use Asana, Pranayama and specialised practices to stimulate purify and open the chakras in a practical way
  • Meditation practices such as Satyananda Yoga Nidra™, Mantra Japa, Nada Yoga, Antar Mouna, Ajapajapa and Chakra Shuddhi
  • Demystify the idea people have about the chakras, learn to relate to them and use sadhana to grow through them
  • Be inspired by in depth talks on the Chakras including deep insights with Swami Satsangi Peethadishwari (acharya) of Rikhia)
  • Integrate Yoga into your daily life
  • Live in rural India during the program
  • Guided Field Trips
  • Have the possibility of Satsang (spiritual truth talk) with a living Yoga Master
  • Enjoy participating in Sivananda Math's charitable activities
  • Experience esoteric practices such as havan (fire ceremony) and chanting of ancient texts.
  • Expand your experience, be inspired and live a yogic lifestyle in a sacred environment.
  • Learn Hatha Yoga Purification techniques (Shatkarmas) and receive the required products.
  • Develop theoretical knowledge, inspiration and study further with a set of internationally recognized Satyananda yoga books - yours to keep!
  • Support package includes a practice CD.
Daily Schedule - Top of page


The Prana Vidya Retreat (Rikhia)

Experience the scientific and esoteric aspects of the subtle breath and body, including practical and potent techniques for awakening the energetic field. Heighten your perception of prana and explore this ancient practice to direct energy for healing in an environment charged by the sadhana of a Paramahamsa.

"Prana (energy) vidya (knowledge) is an ancient and powerful psychic practice. The immediate aim is to awaken and manipulate prana consciously, and by developing subtle awareness, to perceive and gain knowledge of the nature of prana which in turn leads to new dimensions of awareness. It is concerned with both the expansion of consciousness and the awakening of prana" - Swami Niranjanananda


  • Early morning asana, Pranayama, Mudra and Bandha session with focus on prana
  • Specialised practices for stimulation, purification and opening of the prana
  • Yoga Nidra™ focused on prana
  • Prana Vidya Practices
  • Satsang (spiritual truth talk) with question and answers on topics of yoga and spirituality.
  • Kirtan (singing and chanting of mantra).
  • Karma yoga (working with meditative awareness).
  • Experience esoteric practices such as havan (fire ceremony) and chanting of ancient texts.
  • Enjoy participating in Sivananda Math's charitable activities
  • Expand your experience, be inspired and live a yogic lifestyle in a sacred environment.

Daily Schedule - Top of page


The Ajapa Dharana Retreat (Munger) NEW RETREAT

The Ajapa Dharana Retreat is an in depth experience of this meditative system that utilizes breath, mantra and visualization to activate the whole energetic field and activate the inner circuits so that prana can flow freely. Ajapa Dharana practice awakens a deeper experience of existence, stimulating the dormant energetic and psychic potential that lies within.

"The word japa can be defined as the continuous repetition of a mantra. When the suffix 'a' is added, it implies that the process of mantra repetition becomes spontaneous. So, ajapa is continuous mantra repetition and dharana is one pointed concentration. Ajapa dharana is, therefore, one-pointed concentration on the spontaneous repetition of mantra. As the concentration becomes more and more focused on the japa, ones whole being starts pulsating with the mantra. It is said that japa comes from the mouth whereas ajapa comes from the breath and the heart"
Swami Niranjanananda

  • Asana, Pranayama, Mudra and Bandha session to increase movement of prana
  • Specialised practices for stimulation, purification and opening of the psychic passages used for Ajapa Dharana
  • Yoga Nidra™ focused on prana
  • Progressive stages of Ajapa Dharana Meditation
  • Satsang (spiritual truth talk) with Swami Niranjanananda
  • Kirtan (singing and chanting of mantra)
  • Karma yoga (working with meditative awareness)
  • Integrate into pre-planned ashram activities like havan (fire) ceremony and chanting Gita

This retreat is taking place at Munger, where Swami Niranjanananda, the active guide of Satyananda Yoga world-wide resides.

Daily Schedule - Top of page


The Spanish Retreat (Rikhia)

This Retreat is held in Spanish every March. Contact Anahata Yoga Retreat for more details about course content, dates and prices.

  • Develop and deepen your yogic practice at the home and heart of Satyananda Yoga
  • Use Asana, Pranayama and Mudra and Bandha
  • Meditation practices such as Satyananda Yoga Nidra™, Mantra Japa, Nada Yoga, Antar Mouna, Ajapajapa and Chakra Shuddhi
  • Be inspired by in depth talks including deep insights with Swami Satsangi Peethadishwari (acharya) of Rikhia
  • Integrate Yoga into your daily life
  • Live in rural India during the program
  • Guided Field Trips
  • Have the possibility of Satsang (spiritual truth talk) with a living Yoga Master
  • Enjoy participating in Sivananda Math's charitable activities
  • Experience esoteric practices such as havan (fire ceremony) and chanting of ancient texts.
  • Expand your experience, be inspired and live a yogic lifestyle in a sacred environment.
  • Learn Hatha Yoga Purification techniques (Shatkarmas) and receive the required products.
  • Develop theoretical knowledge, inspiration and study further with a set of internationally recognized Satyananda yoga books - yours to keep!
  • Support package includes a practice CD.
Daily Schedule - Top of page


Package Options

Option 1:  Chakra Sadhana, Prana Vidya & Ajapa Dharana - Full Package

30 Nights Oct 18th - Nov 17th US$1995

Option 2: Chakra Sadhana & Prana Vidya

21 Nights Oct 18th - Nov 7th US $1350

Option 3: Chakra Sadhana Retreat Only

12 Nights Oct 18th - Oct 29th US $1200

These packages are a fully guided experience from Kolkata and the price includes all travel, food, field trips and accommodation within the structured group plan. Does not include international airfares etc.

Further Options

Option 4: Prana Vidya and Ajapa Dharana Retreats

16 Nights Nov 1st - Nov 17th US $1100

Transport and Accommodation provided between retreats only. All participants must make own arrangements to arrive at Ashram. For bookings and payment contact indiaretreat@anahata-retreat.org.nz

Option 5: Prana Vidya Retreat Only

6 Nights Nov 1st - Nov 7th US $400

Meet in Rikhia. Transport and Hotel are NOT included. For bookings and payment contact the ashram at Rikhia directly. See www.yogavision.net and other details below

Option 6: Ajapa Dharana Retreat Only

7 Nights Nov 10th - 17th US $500

Meet in Munger. Transport and Hotel are NOT included.
For bookings and payment contact indiaretreat@anahata-retreat.org.nz

Note: The Chakra Sadhana retreat is designed for those who have some knowledge and familiarity of the chakras. Beginners are encouraged to read the book, Kundalini Tantra, prior to the program. It is also highly recommended to take the Chakra Sadhana retreat as preparation for Prana Vidya and Ajapa Dharana.

Further Yoga opportunities are available at the Ashram

Prior to the Retreats

Navaratri Sadhana Oct 8th - 16th Meet in Kolkata and journey together to the ashram. This nine day intensive ashram program which includes chanting of the entire Ramayana and other mantras dedicated to the Goddess. This is traditionally an auspicious period for spiritual practice influenced by the planetary alignment. It is a very beautiful time to be in the ashram and a powerful time for purification through yogic practice. Have the possibility of diksha (initiation) with Swami Niranjanananda, not guaranteed though. Navaratri includes a special diet and observances suitable to this sadhana. Note: recommended for those with previous ashram experience.

After the Retreats

Sat Chandi Maha Yajna/Sita Kaliyanam Dec 6th - 10th Experience a 5000 year old tantric fire ceremony that celebrates giving, sharing and transformation. Be involved with Sivananda Math's charitable activities, and participate in esoteric practices and chanting of ancient texts. Kanyas and Batuks (children of the village) will lead you over the 5 days into joy and spiritual reflection.

Yoga Purnima Dec 17th - 21st Commemorates the birth of Swami Satyananda and is a celebration in recognition of his unparalleled efforts in spreading the valuable techniques of yoga throughout the world. It is a rare opportunity for spiritual aspirants the world over to participate in a yoga anusthan in the presence of a living master of yoga.

Other programs that can be attended include:

Kriya Yoga and Tattwa Shuddhi    Dec 25th - 31st    Visit www.yogavision.net for further information.

Booking Dates

Chakra Sadhana and package bookings close two months prior to the Chakra Sadhana Start Date. Bookings received after closing dates may incur additional fees. Final payments are due one month before the retreat start date. Deposit is non-refundable. Book early as numbers are limited. Deposit for packages: US $300.

Repeat participants, Satyananda Yoga Affiliate and Accredited teacher discounts offered on some of the course and packages. Limited scholarships also available upon application.

Note: Fee does not include travel to and from India, departure/arrival taxes, additional leisure activities, return hotel, bottled water, meals or travel outside the group plan, or travel insurance.

For bookings and more information

Anahata Yoga Retreat
PO Box 155, Takaka, Golden Bay, New Zealand
Phone +64 3 525 9887
indiaretreat@anahata-retreat.org.nz

Bihar School of Yoga (Rikhia Ashram)
Bihar School of Yoga
PO Rikhia,
Dist Deoghar,
Jharkhand 814112.
Tel: PCO +91 - 9304488889
Tel: Ashram + 91 - 9304799449

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Swami Muktidharmananda

Swami Muktidharmananda photoDuring the retreat Swami Muktidharmananda will guide and inspire your personal practice. Swami Muktidharmananda is a modern day yogi and spiritual mentor who has dedicated his life to Satyananda yoga.
He received a unique training by living 16 years in India with Yoga Master Paramahamsa Satyananda. Swami Muktidharma regularly tours internationally, inspiring people in the art and science of yoga.
He expounds a practical, scientific and balanced approach to the modern human being, using ancient yogic and tantric techniques to help deepen awareness and awaken consciousness.
His involvement in Satyananda Yoga has spanned nearly 40yrs and he is the Acharya of Satyananda Yoga in New Zealand

 

Food & Accommodation

Simple and tasty vegetarian ashram food is provided. Accommodation will be in one of the new, clean and beautifully marbled buildings within 10 minutes walk of the Alakh Bara. Rooms are shared.

 

Destination

Rikhia, India Map

 

Chakra Sadhana and Prana Vidya take place at the Sivananda Ashram, Rikhia Peeth (place of sadhana) of Paramahamsa Satyananda, in the village of Rikhia, by Deoghar, Jharkand, in North East India. Rikhia is approximately six hours train travel from Kolkata (Calcutta) and a short taxi / trekker ride from the train station (Jasidih).
Ajapa Dharana takes place at Munger, Bihar which is 6hr taxi journey from Rikhia or overnight train from Kolkata and a short taxi/trekker ride from the station (Jamalpur).

 

Satyananda Yoga®

Satyananda Yoga is an integral yoga based firmly in tradition and provides a systematic and comprehensive approach to living in the modern world. It incorporates Hatha, Raja, Karma, Jnana, Mantra, and Bhakti Yoga. With an emphasis on safety and personal experience it is flexible to suit the needs of individuals.

Paramamahamsa SatyanandaParamahamsa Satyananda is one of the greatest living yoga and tantric masters who inspired the Satyananda Yoga tradition. He was among the first ambassadors who brought yoga to the west in a simplified, scientific and practical way. He continues to uplift millions of people throughout the world.

Paramamahamsa NiranjananandaParamahamsa Niranjanananda is a yogi from birth and is the spiritual successor to Paramahamsa Satyananda. He is the director of Satyananda Yoga Institutions world-wide, and has authored numerous books and programmes. With deep tradition he continues to bring yoga to people in this modern world.

Swami SatyasangaanandaSwami Satyasangananda (fondly known as Swami Satsangi) is the Peethadishwari (acharya) of Rikhiapeeth and after many years of dedication she has developed into a scholar with deep insights into the yogic and tantric sciences. She is an inspiring example of yoga in action and as her name describes, Swami Satsangi gives extraordinary satsangs.

 

Sivananda Ashram, Rikhia Peeth

Sivananda Ashram, Rikhia Peeth is the residence of Paramahamsa Satyananda. A vision in 1988 led him to Rikhia to do sadhana and help uplift the villagers surrounding him. It is known as the Bihar School of Yoga.

Sivananda Ashram photo

It is a place of tremendous power, which has been charged by the spiritual and social activities of Paramahamsa Satyananda and is the basis for clinic, education and support for the local villagers. Bihar School of Yoga also guides yoga projects and medical research in association with prestigious hospitals, organisations and establishments. Programs made by Bihar School of Yoga are being used today in the education and prison Government sectors, in hospitals, by the Defence Services, private and public sector Industries.
Now it is open to retreat participants in order to deepen our own experience of yoga and purify our bodies and minds in this powerful energy.

 

Sivananda Math

Sivananda Math

Sivananda Math is the arm of Satyananda Yoga that serves and cares for others. It is an organisation established to promote health, education and a higher quality of life to the villagers and people around Rikhia and other areas in India. By living in the ashram during the programme you will be involved in this tremendous energy of giving.

 

Bihar Yoga Bharati (BYB)

Bihar Yoga Bharati

The Bihar Yoga Bharati (Yoga University) in Munger, Bihar is Swami Niranjanananda's residence and place of higher yogic education. When in residence, Swami Niranjanananda will engage the group with touching and inspirational satsangs. Bihar Yoga Bharati (BYB) is dedicated to the study of yoga in a gurukul environment. BYB offers scholars, scientists, doctors and yoga aspirants from all parts of the world a golden opportunity to work together to formulate a scientific basis for the growth, expansion and rapid integration of yoga into modern society. More about BYB

EXAMPLE Daily Activities Schedule

     TIMES                ACTIVITIES
4:30 - 5:00 Wake up
5:00 - 6:30 Morning asana, pranayama and chanting
6:40 - 7:00 Walking in silence to main ashram.
7:00 - 7:30 Breakfast
7:30 - 8:15 Cleaning Karma Yoga (yoga of action)
8:45 - 9:45 Morning session
10:00 - 10:30 Yoga Nidra
11:00 - 11:30 Lunch
11:30 - 1:30 Free Time, Study
12:45 - 1:15 OPTIONAL APMB review, Q & A, stretch
1:30 - 2:15 Afternoon session 1
2:15 - 2:45 Chai break
2:45 - 3:30 Afternoon session 2
4.00 - 5:30 Karma Yoga or Satsang or tour
5:30 - 6:00 Evening Meal
6:00 - 7:00 Kirtan / Evening Programme
7:00 - 9:00 Free Time / Study / Spiritual Journal / Bed

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"There is no noise in the world. There is no peace in the Himalayas. Both are within you"

Paramahamsa Satyananda

©Anahata Yoga Retreat 2007
SATYANANDA YOGA® & Satyananda Yoga Nidra™ are trademarks of IYFM used under license.