Karma Yoga - working in/with Awareness March 1 - 5, 5 days

A week of cleaning, decorating and preparing the Ashram. Anybody who has been to the Ashram before is invited to join us. There is no fee, just the chance to be here, share with others, and willingly commit ourselves to working hard and being of service. Each day will start with chanting and meditation, and finish with satsang, chanting or kirtan.
Contact the Ashram for details.

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Ongoing Training for MYA-graduate Yoga Teachers March 5 - 7, weekend

With Swami Nishchalananda and Swami Krishnapremananda
This course is specifically reserved for Yoga Teachers who have completed a 2-year Yoga Teacher Training Course (YTTC) at the ashram.
The central theme will be working on the Anahata or Heart Chakra using meditation, mudra (symbolic gestures), bandha (physiological locks) and chanting. There will be time for discussions, quality interaction as well as times of silence. The aim of the weekend is to encourage all those present to go deeper in their practice and understanding, and also help them to become more complete and professional in their teaching.

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Introduction to Ashram Life March 12 - 14, weekend

directed by Swami Nishchalananda
This course is given twice a year and is specially designed for those coming to the ashram for the first time.
You will experience the benefits of spending time in the ashram and of practising Yoga in its unique environment and atmosphere.
You will be introduced to different paths of Yoga: Hatha Yoga (body-based practice), Mantra Yoga (using sound), Karma Yoga (the practice of acting in the present moment with awareness), Satsang (questions and answers) and Dhyana Yoga (meditation).
Apart from formal practice, you will also have some time to share with like-minded people.
This programme will also be conducted on the weekend of October 1-3.

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Meditation – Accessing the Subtle March 31 - April 5, Easter long weekend

with Swami Nishchalananda and Michal Cohen
Meditation is the means to heal ourselves of the scattered and disharmonious facets of the mind. By contacting the stillness within, we can break through years of encrusted conditioning which prevents us from living life more joyfully and to its fullest potential. Moreover, in so doing we become more creative and able to fulfil our role in life.
Whereas science is the study of external things, meditation is concerned with investigating and exploring the inner: the subconscious and the more subtle aspects of our being. At its profoundest levels, meditation deals with the intangible.
Meditation allows us to realise deeper facets of our nature, leading us to the ‘peace that passeth all understanding’. It brings clarity of mind, openness and receptivity, allowing us to see the unseeable and realise the unthinkable.
This course will introduce selected techniques of meditation. Specifically, it will include the tantric practice of tattwa shuddhi. The Sanskrit word tattwa literally means ‘thatness’; in the context of tattwa shuddhi, it is the name given to the different aspects of our embodied nature. Tantra, like modern science, understands that everything in the universe is essentially energy, and that every thing and every being in it are different forms of energy. This also applies to us as embodied beings and includes not only the physical and mental spheres of our existence, but the transpersonal. The tattwas include all these different aspects of our being.
The word shuddhi means ‘purification.’ Therefore, tattwa shuddhi can be best understood as ‘a practice for realising and thereby integrating the different levels of our being’. In so doing, we can gain insight into our essential identity as Consciousness and our perspective on life and existence is radically changed.
Extended periods of this course will be held in silence and is suitable for practitioners who have practised yoga for at least a few years and who would like to deepen their practice of meditation.

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Bhagavad Gita - the timeless teachings of chapter 2 April 15 - 18, long weekend

with Swami Krishnapremananda
This course will be dedicated to illuminating some of the key teachings of the Gita. We will be focusing on the 2nd chapter, which in many ways, gives an overview of the text as a whole. It contains some of the quintessential verses of the Gita, illuminating the path of Gyana Yoga and Karma Yoga. It is the chapter in which the teacher, Krishna, with a smile on his face, starts his instruction to the confused and sorrowful student, Arjuna. The teachings exhort us to shake off all that is burdening us, understand the deeper truths of who we are, and gives us the means to start imbibing this understanding in our actions. Finally, the teachings give us the picture of the one who is living this knowledge, abiding in steady wisdom.
During this seminar, we will explore the teachings through talks, chanting, guided discussions, meditations and quiet times; thus allowing That, which is expressing through the teachings, to guide us into a deeper, more intuitive, understanding of who we are. Much of this seminar will take place in silence to further enhance this process.

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Vigyana Bhairava Tantra - meditations for daily life April 30 - May 3, bank holiday long weekend

With Swami Nishchalananda
We live in a fast and busy world. Yoga practitioners often say, ‘I want to practise even a little but from early morning to late at night I am completely pre-occupied. I have neither time nor energy.’ The teachings of the Vigyana Bhairava offer us a way out of this dilemma. If we can’t find time, it tells us: let every situation:
• remind us of our deeper aim in life.
• help us to be present in the Now.
• challenge us to discover what we are in essence.
• be considered an opportunity to practice yoga.
During this 3-day course, we will discuss and practise selected techniques from this text, many of which we will do outside in nature – in touch with the earth, air, water and open sky. Learning these practices gives us the experience and an appreciation of the principles involved. Then we are inspired to apply these same principles in our daily lives. In this way, day to day life becomes the means to going deeper in our understanding instead of being an obstacle.
The emphasis will be on practice. This course is suitable for more experienced practitioners.

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Hatha Yoga Retreat - creating space May 6 - 9, long weekend

With Tara Rupa (Heather Donovan)
During this long weekend, we will explore how Hatha Yoga practice can enable us to contact the innate spaciousness that exists within, deepening our experience of who we are on a fundamental level.
We will learn ways of refining our Hatha Yoga practice through the integration of the body and breath, experiencing how it can bring harmony into our mind and emotions.
Furthermore, we will investigate the form, the function and the spirit of different asanas (postures), giving us ways in which we can change and evolve our own practice.
This course will include practice, discussion, group work, meditation, yoga Nidra (yogic deep relaxation) and satsang (questions and answers).

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10-Day Meditation Retreat May 21 - 31, 10 days

directed by Swami Nishchalananda and Michal Cohen
During this 10 days retreat we will inquire into the practice of meditation and its experiences as a mean to deepen and liberate our understanding of the way things are. As the mind and body calm and settle we are enable to see beyond the personal and the confined. When the heart is open clarity, joy and compassion flower and illuminate our perception. It allows us to relate authentically, skillfully and creatively to event and people around us.
Though any periods of time spent meditation is of great potential, dedicating longer time to the practice is more than a matter of quantity. By allowing ourselves the time and for the practice we can experience a different quality of letting go, unraveling and integration that rarely take place in habitual busy life or even in short periods of formal practice and meditation.
During this retreat we will introduce some yogic, as well as Buddhist practices encouraging participants to explore and follow what opens their heart and deepen their understanding.
The whole retreat will be held in strict silence.

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Open Day June 6

You are invited to join us and experience the ashram and its teachings. Whether you are young or old, a beginner to yoga, have been practising for many years, have never practised yoga but are curious, or you simply want a day out – you are welcome.
There will be gentle sessions of Hatha Yoga (body-based practice) in the morning and yoga nidra (yogic deep relaxation) in the afternoon. For practice, please wear loose, comfortable clothing.
Feel free to stroll in the beautiful ashram grounds, enjoy a vegetarian lunch, meet old friends and make new ones.
If you want to bring a group you are most welcome, but please let us know beforehand.
You can come and go any time between 10.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m.
There is no need to book your place in advance and there is no charge.
Come and be our guest for the day.

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Insights into the Truth of Vedanta - with a focus on the Viveka Chudamani and Ashtavakra Gita June 24 - 29, 5-day programme

With Swami Anubhavananda
Swamiji’s motto is “Be Happy”, so it’s unsurprising he has a sparkling wit and candid approach – he makes vedanta (literally, ‘the culmination of knowledge’) simple to understand whilst, at the same time, reaching into our innermost understanding.
He will share the profound teachings of vedanta, focussing on two classical yogic and vedantic texts:
• Viveka Chudamani (‘The Crest Jewel of Discrimination’) said to have been written by Shankaracharya
• Ashtavakra Gita (‘The Song of the Sage Ashtavakra’) based on the timeless philosophical discussion between the sage Ashtavakra and king Janak).
Both texts give a complete description of the theory and practice which can lead us to the realisation of advaita (non-duality). Each verse prompts us to reflect on its deeper meaning. Moreover, each verse is a joyful and spontaneous expression of the innate freedom and bliss that is the essential nature of each one of us.
Previous knowledge of vedanta is not necessary. All that is required is an open enquiring mind and a sense of humour!

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Movement, Pleasure and Insight July 2 - 4, weekend

With Upasana
Limited to 12 persons.
Slowing down, we give ourselves the opportunity to examine the ideas we hold, sometimes erroneously, about how our bodies are structured and how they function. Learning to recognise finer nuances of movement we are able to more fully inhabit our bodies and to experience pleasure, our body’s natural state. In this pleasure we find nourishment necessary for healing.
This course offers Hatha Yoga, yoga nidra (yogic deep relaxation) and chanting, as well as practices informed by the Authentic Movement.

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Guru Purnima - thanksgiving to the spiritual Teacher July 25, Sunday evening programme

In yogic traditions, Guru Purnima is celebrated every year on the full moon day (literally, purnima means ‘full moon’) in either late June or July. It gives us the opportunity to pay our respects to our Guru (spiritual teacher, or teachers) and to all spiritual masters, past and present. The Guru may be embodied in a living person or may be the principle which is innate within each of us – the inner intuitive voice of wisdom.
Swami Nishchalananda will give a lecture and satsang (questions and answers). There will also be kirtan (collective chanting).
You are most welcome to join us. Traditionally, one brings some kind of offering, for example, some fruit. This symbolises our willingness to give of ourselves in the quest for spiritual awakening and greater understanding.

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Wisdom of the Heart August 4 - 8, 4-day programme

With Michal Cohen
Meditation helps us to trust the wisdom of the heart and is a means to bring more peace and harmony. The practice of loving kindness encourages us to face our difficult emotions, such as fear, anger and enmity, with clarity and compassion. When we fully accept all aspects of our human experience, without pretence, suppression or denial, transformation can happen and we can remember the deep sense of oneness, peace and friendliness which is our innate nature.
Most of the course will be held in silence.

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Embracing Life and Death August 11 - 22, 11 days

With Swami Nishchalananda and Michal Cohen
It is better to meet death before you die, otherwise it may be difficult when you finally do. In Yoga, death is seen as a transition from our present dimension of reality to the next. It is important to start preparing for this transition whilst life is in full swing. Do not delay, as most people do. Death is a reality of our daily lives.
Moreover, Yoga encourages us to accept the ‘death’, or letting, of many factors in our life – negative habits, conditioning and inappropriate attitudes – all of which diminish our creativity and peace. Knowing that our life span is limited gives us the impetus to let go of past conditioning and move into the joy and clarity of the present moment. Confronting death can awaken in us that part of our Being which is deathless. Facing death will allow us to embrace Life in all its promise and fullness.
This will be an intensive seminar in which we will go into the reality of death with all its ramifications using the practical wisdom and experience of Yoga.

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Summer in the Ashram August 25 - 30, 5 days, including bank holiday

directed by Swami Nishchalananda
You are invited to come and experience ashram life and deepen your Yoga practice in this beautiful, vibrant and focused environment. Each day begins with Hatha Yoga, chanting (Mantra Yoga) and meditation; closing with chanting and satsang (questions and answers). During the day you will be able to engage in Karma Yoga (the Yoga of acting with awareness in the present moment) and, each afternoon, there will be a session of yoga nidra (yogic deep relaxation). You will have time to share and imbibe from Swamiji and others, and to gain insight into the boundless potential of yoga. There will also be time for silent walking in nature.

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Introduction to Ashram Life October 1 - 3, weekend

directed by Swami Nishchalananda
This course is given twice a year and is specially designed for those coming to the ashram for the first time. See March 12-14 for details.

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Music, Mantra and Meditation - the way of nada yoga October 7 - 10, long weekend

with Rajesh David and Upasana
In the wider sense, nada refers to the primal vibration underlying all creation from the tiniest atom to the mightiest galaxy (which is in perfect accord with the latest findings of quantum physics which proposes an underlying quantum vacuum, or cosmic energy field, behind the entire creation). On a more tangible plane, and in a more specific sense, however, nada means sound; sound being a reflection of this underlying primal energy. It is sound that is the key aspect of Nada Yoga.
The path of Nada Yoga consists of a series of techniques which lead to an increasingly refined tuning of our perception. Through the resonance of our own vocal sound we can heighten our awareness of the different levels of our embodied being, represented by the chakras. This opens us up to insight. .
Exploring sound from gross to subtle gradually draws us inwards and the practice of Nada Yoga acts like a thread linking our present state of consciousness with our higher potential.
Nada Yoga work will be developed using Indian music scales and rhythms. Whilst useful for musicians, this course will also help all who wish to deepen their practice and develop their creative potential.

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Meditation Training Weekend October 15 - 17, weekend

directed by Swami Nishchalananda and Michal Cohen
Though this course is especially for those who completed the Meditation Training Course (MTC) which was held from September 2008 – July 2009, it is also open to more advanced and dedicated practitioners.
The purpose of this course is to encourage practitioners to go deeper in their practice. Meditation will be presented both from a yogic-tantric and Buddhist perspective.
Those who didn’t participate in the MTC and who would like to join this weekend, please contact the course directors directly. Acceptance on the course is at their discretion.

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Bhaja Govindam - the precious present moment October 28 - 31, long weekend

with Swami Nishchalananda and Rajesh David
This course was hosted in the summer of 2009 and was such a success that we are repeating it this year. It is a unique opportunity to explore this classical text, the Bhaja Govindam (roughly translated as ‘Celebrate Reality’), from two perspectives:
• Swamiji will share his insight and understanding by giving a commentary.
• Rajesh will introduce the musical beauty through singing and group chanting.
It is said that early one morning, the sage Shankaracharya was walking along the side of the Ganges in Varanasi with his disciples. He saw an old man, evidently close to death, diligently studying the rules of Sanskrit grammar. Shankaracharya was so shocked at what he considered a futile waste of time for a man of such an age, that he spontaneously erupted into song. When time is so short, let us focus our attention on that which connects us directly with Reality, not on sideshows, however interesting they may be. Obviously, this is not only an exhortation to elderly people, but to all of us: we should dedicate at least some of our time to looking deeper, to investigating the nature of Reality. Why wait until we are old and worn out? Life is short. We should start now.

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Sadhana Retreat - meditation through chanting and silence November 3 - 17, 2 weeks

directed by Swami Nishchalananda
This sadhana (practice) retreat is designed for more experienced practitioners who like chanting and also appreciate the importance of silence.
All of the two weeks will be dedicated to the chanting of the ancient and classical tantric text known as Chandi Path (‘Invocation of Chandi’). This epic text belongs to Shaktism, the path of tantra that regards the universe as the expression of the primal energy, here symbolised as Chandi, the Goddess. Another name of Chandi is Durga and so this text is also known as Durga Saptasati (‘Seven Hundred Verses on Durga’). It gives the mythical story of Durga and is written in the form of mantras which, when chanted, awaken enormous energy in us – thereby encouraging inner transformation.
There will also be guided meditations periodically throughout each day, together with periods of silence and morning Karma Yoga (working with awareness).
The last 5½ days will be dedicated to the practice of akhanda mouna (complete silence) which will give participants the opportunity to go deeper in meditation, thereby bringing about a change in their perception and understanding.
Admission on this course is at the discretion of the ashram director.

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