Sadhana Mandir is pleased to offer a three week Swami Rama Intensive and Yoga Meditation Retreat starting Saturday, April 5, 2008, and ending on Saturday, April 26, 2008. This Program will be of tremendous interest to those familiar with Swami Rama and who want to explore the teachings and practices in greater depth. Swami Rama is widely known to have presented the deeper teachings of Yoga in extremely clear and accessible ways, and with the perspective that the goal of Yoga is nothing less than the direct experience of one's true Self (Atman, Purusha) in this very lifetime.
SCHEDULE: The daily schedule will include morning Hatha Yoga, four Meditation times, practical presentations, group discussions, personal consultations, and time for contemplative walks along the Ganges, which is immediately beside the ashram.
MEDITATION: The Program will have four meditation times every day, with each session being of the duration with which you personally feel comfortable. It is the regularity that is emphasized, rather than the duration.
PRESENTATIONS: Most days there will be two presentations on practical Yoga, Vedanta, and Tantra based directly on the written teachings of Swami Rama. The Presenters will: 1) choose a chapter from a book by Swami Rama and give a presentation with that title, including quotes, 2) elaborate or further explain the principles and practices, and 3) share their own experience with learning and practicing the teachings.
DISCUSSIONS: Approximately every other day there will be a facilitated group discussion related to practices of mindfulness, meditation in action, witnessing, and internal dialogue (important aspects of contemplation). These will be based on the actual practices in which you will be coached during the retreat.
HATHA YOGA and PRACTICUMS: Every day there will be Hatha Yoga classes or other practicum classes, such as for Pranayama and breath training, Agni Sara, or Yoga Nidra. The specific offerings each day will be based on how they might blend with the rest of the Program and the needs of the Participants.
WALKING: It is extremely convenient and pleasant to walk along the River Ganges, as the ashram is directly beside the river in a less densely populated part of Rishikesh (downstream from the busy areas). Participants are encouraged to walk at least once, if not twice or more per day between classes and meditations.
PRESENTERS: Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati, Dr. M. Ganasan, Vijay Dhasmana, Drs. Anil and Achala Singhal, Dr. Prakash Keshaviah, Ms. B. Maithili, Dr. Kathy McKeehan, and others.
ACCOMMODATION: Three vegetarian meals are provided daily. Accommodation is double occupancy unless otherwise specified. Please specify if you cannot climb stairs.
WHAT TO BRING: The ashram provides linens and towels. Please bring your own toiletries. You may also wish to bring an alarm clock, flashlight, hatha yoga mat, umbrella, insect repellent, water bottle, and walking shoes. Modest, casual, comfortable clothing is recommended.