Namaste ,

You are warmly invited to join us for a week-long, comprehensive retreat in the idyllic setting of gardens, forests and sandy beaches along the pristine waters of the holy Ganges River at Phool Chatti Ashram. The program is designed for those interested in learning or developing the rich spiritual traditions of India which includes yoga exercises (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), contemplative walks and lectures to promote the integrated health of the body, mind and spirit. Participants will enjoy relaxing in the natural setting at Phool Chatti Ashram and will have opportunities to meet with experienced spiritual teachers from Hatha and Astanga Yoga traditions. The yoga/meditation program is intended to be an uplifting and enjoyable week-long experience. It is highly structured to cover a broad scope of material on hatha and astanga yoga, (the eight limbs of yoga, meditation, body cleansing, and spiritual development. The program is specifically designed to enable the participants to leave with practical tools for continuing personal growth, health and spiritual well-being in daily life. Through ongoing dedication to practice of the methods taught over the 7-day program, you can transform yourself, gain mastery over the mind and emotions and overcome obstacles to your spiritual evolution.

Accommodation
Each participant will be housed in a private room (or shared room if preferred) and provided with three tasty, vegetarian meals. A mini-kitchen is available for use by those wishing to prepare snacks or beverages.

Note: Participants are welcome to arrive a few days earlier than the start of the course to enjoy the Ashram atmosphere and may remain after completion of the retreat.


Elements of the Course

Meditation
Quieting the mind through single-minded focus. Often the focus is on the breath.

Yoga Exercises (Asana Practice)
Coordinating movement, balance, stretching and postures to achieve physical vitality, mental clarity and subtle body awareness.

Breathing Techniques (Pranayama)
Linking of mind and breath through respiration control and awareness exercises.
Contemplative Walks Learning to walk with awareness---senses are alert and mind is relaxed.

Pooja, Bhajans, and Chanting
Temple worship (pooja) followed by Sacred singing and chanting every evening.

Mauna (Silence)
Participants will observe silence each morning up to and including lunch.

Lecture and Discussion (Satsang)
Discourses and satsang with discussions on how to apply ancient Yoga philosophy from different schools of thought including the Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali's Yoga sutras and Vedanta to everyday life. Questions from participants are strongly encouraged from any arena of enquiry including the practical, philosophical, and esoteric.