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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.
Notes
Further Yoga opportunities available in Rikhia after the retreats
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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 RetreatPO 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
Swami Muktidharmananda
During 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
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.
Paramahamsa
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.
Paramahamsa
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
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.
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 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)
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
Feedback from Past Retreats
"An excellent way to go deeper into yoga and fully imbibe the ashram lifestyle... it opens your eyes..."
"The contact with the village people was enlightening... to see their faces and smiles was wonderful"
"I experienced the profound effect that sadhana has on my physical, mental and energetic states... I feel better able to maintain this now"
"...It was a break from the distractions of living in the western world, immersed in a spiritual environment with like minded people... everybody should do this retreat"
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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©Anahata Yoga Retreat 2007 |