Karma Yoga ― Working in/with Awareness	Print
February 20 - 24, 5 days (Monday - Friday)

With ashram residents
Five days of cleaning, decorating and preparing the ashram for the year to come. Anybody who has been to the ashram before is invited to join us. This space and time will give you the chance to simply be here, share with others, and willingly commit yourself to working hard and being of service. Each day will start with chanting and meditation, and finish with satsang, chanting or kirtan.
During this period we will also celebrate Shiva Ratri (The Night of Consciousness) on Monday 20th February. Contact the ashram for details.

The Śrī Yantra	Print
March 2 - 4, weekend

Conducted by Swami Atma
Yantras are found in all traditions. They are not only beautiful but can facilitate a deepening of our practice. They are instruments of transformation in that their inherent energy may evoke the state of meditation.
The main emphasis of this course will be the Śrī Yantra (also known as the Śrī Chakra). This is the Maha (great) Yantra, containing within it all other Yantras. It represents cosmic evolution, the transformation of the formless, or transcendental, into form. Though expressing the manifestation of duality, the Sri Yantra also awakens within us the experience of Oneness.
This course also offers Hatha Yoga, Mantra, Mudra, Yoga Nidra and Satsang. Course practices will involve working with chakras (prior knowledge of the chakras will be assumed). The course is suitable for those who have practised yoga for at least five years. Anyone with less experience is welcome to contact the course director at the ashram to discuss its suitability.

Introduction to Ashram Life	Print
March 9 - 11, weekend

Directed by Swami Nishchalananda
The ashram hosts this course twice a year and it is specifically 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.

Yoga and the Spirit of Nature	Print
March 30 - April 1, weekend

Conducted by Rama
Come and be close to nature during this weekend of Yoga. This seminar ­offers a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of the ashram gardens and to appreciate the abundance of the natural world. The emphasis will be on working in harmony with nature during Karma Yoga (the practice of acting in the moment with awareness) and practice sessions both in the hall and in nature. We will be exploring practices, for example walking meditation, that help promote our creativity and deepen our perception and connection with Mother Earth and the myriad forms of life that surround us.

Vigyana Bhairava Tantra - Going Deeper into Meditation	Print
April 4 - 9, Easter 5 days (Wednesday-Monday)

Conducted by Swami Nishchalananda
The Vigyana Bhairava Tantra is a profound text written over 1,000 years ago in Kashmir. Sublime and yet very practical, it gives 112 different techniques, called dharanas, which we can practise to transform our lives.
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 preoccupied. 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 uncompromisingly, let every situation:
• be considered an opportunity to practise Yoga
• help us to be present in the Now
• remind us of our deeper aim in life and what we are in essence.
During this course, we will discuss and practise selected techniques from this text, some 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 can apply these same principles in our daily lives. In this way, day-to-day life becomes the means of going deeper in our understanding instead of being an obstacle.
The emphasis will be on practice. This course is suitable for more ­experienced practitioners.

10 Day Meditation Retreat	Print
May 3 - 13, 10 days (Thursday-Sunday, including bank holiday)

With Swami Nishchalananda
The aim of this retreat is to explore and practice selected techniques of meditation as a means of deepening our awareness of how we function and what we are on a fundamental level. As the body and mind begin to relax into quietude, we start to see inner issues and patterns of behaviour which prevent us relating authentically, skilfully and creatively to events and people around us. As we go deeper, we enter the stillness within; our perception is illuminated, opening us to insights beyond the personal. Simultaneously, the spiritual heart opens and there is a natural arising of clarity, joy and com­passion, enabling us to flower to our fullest potential.
In daily life, the short periods of time which we are able to devote to the formal practice of meditation is of great benefit. However, ‘taking time out’ and dedicating a longer and more sustained time to practice adds an in­valuable dimension which is far more than is indicated by the extra time. We are enabled to experience a different quality of letting go, bringing an integration that rarely happens in our busy life.
During this retreat we will introduce Yogic as well as Tantric practices that encourage participants to explore the opening of the heart and the deep­ening of understanding. Most of the retreat will be held in silence.

Hatha Yoga Retreat - Creating Space	Print
May 25 - 28, long weekend (Friday-Monday)

Conducted by Tara Rupa (Heather Donovan)
During this course, we will explore how Hatha Yoga practice can enable us to contact the innate spaciousness that exists within, thereby 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, function and the spirit of selected asana-s (postures), giving us ways in which we can change and evolve our own practice.
This course will also include discussion, group work, meditation, yoga nidra (yogic deep relaxation) and satsang (questions and answers).

Open Day	Print
June 3, One day informal event (Sunday)

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 (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. You are also welcome to offer your help if you wish to the ashram team during the day.
Come and be our guest for the day.

Insights into the Truth of Vedanta - with a focus on the Ashtavakra Gita	Print
June 6 - 13, 8 days (Wednesday-Wednesday)

Conducted by 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 the Ashtavakra Gita (‘The Song of the Sage Ashtavakra’). This is a classical gyana yoga and vedantic text which is based on a deep heart to heart discussion between the guru, the sage Ashtavakra, and the disciple, king Janaka. The quality of their exchange is timeless and so profound that one wonders, ‘who is the guru and who is the disciple?’
Their discussion elucidates 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!

Guru Purnima - Thanksgiving to the Spiritual Teacher	Print
July 3, One day informal event (Tuesday)

In Yogic traditions, Guru Purnima (guru, spiritual teacher; purnima, full moon) is celebrated every year on the full moon day in either late June or July. This occasion gives us the opportunity to pay our respects to our Guru 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.
You are most welcome to join us. There will be a fire ceremony, kirtan and Satsang during the day/evening. Traditionally, one brings some kind of offering, for example, some fruit or flowers. This symbolises our willingness to give of ourselves in the quest for spiritual awakening and greater understanding.
The day is free of charge and fuller details will be available from the ashram office on request. People who are familiar with the ashram are also welcome to come early to help with the preparations.

The Precious Present Moment - The Teachings of the Bhaja Govindam	Print
August 1 - 5, 5 days (Wednesday - Sunday)

Conducted by Swami Nishchalananda and Rajesh David
This course was hosted in 2009 and 2010 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.

Wisdom of the Heart	Print
August 8 - 12, 5 days (Wednesday evening - Sunday afternoon)

Conducted by Swami Nishchalananda
This retreat will introduce the spirit and practices of Yogic meditation for awakening the joy and wisdom of the heart.
The practices are very simple, yet profound and radical. They heal the heart and transform negative emotions such as fear and resentment into friendliness and free flowing love. This transformation touches the fullness of the individual: body, mind, heart and spirit. Through these practices we not only live more fully, but we also relate to others in a more caring and loving way. This has positive repercussions on the whole planet.
Love and compassion are innate in each and everyone. They only need to be given the opportunity to express. In fact, Existence itself is deeply and tenderly interconnected. Life is wisdom and clarity. Our natural heart qualities are obscured by the make up of our personality, the need to protect ourselves and the need to impose ourselves in society. We forget our true nature and identify ourselves with separation, hurt and struggle.
The practices which we will cover during this retreat will help us to reconnect with what we are and to gradually clean the dust that covers our inner, pristine, diamond-like nature.
Through these practices, the lotus flower within the heart unfolds. It grows, opens and blossoms, revealing peace and fulfilment.
The emphasis of this retreat is on personal experience and inner silence.

Pranayama - Gateway to Stillness	Print
August 15 - 19, 5 days (Wednesday-Sunday)

Conducted by Swami Krishnapremananda
Pranayama Sadhana (practice) offers us a practical means of extending our breathing capacities, revitalizing the cells and organs of the body and thereby improving our health, well-being and vitality. Pranayama also has ramifications on more subtle levels because skilful practice acts to directly calm and clarify the mind and emotions. Thus it naturally opens up channels to meditation and higher realms of perception.
The practice of Pranayama is a fundamental part of hatha yoga as it is the link between the physical body and the mind, as well as more subtle levels of our Being. Yet it is often neglected in many yoga classes. During this 4-day seminar, we will introduce and take time to develop the core practices of Pranayama, such as Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breath), Kapalabhati (cleansing breath), Bhastrika (bellows breath), Ujjayi (psychic breath) and Brahmari (humming bee breath), so that you can experience the effects for yourself. Furthermore, we will explore how they can be effectively integrated with asana, mudra, bandha and mantra; therefore acting as gateways through which we can settle into the ever-present Stillness within.
In addition there will be daily Yoga Nidra practice, Satsang and Kirtan. Parts of the seminar will be held in silence.
At the end of the seminar, you will have experienced a range of Pranayama practices and have the understanding as to how and when to use them as part of your regular yoga practice.

Summer in the Ashram	Print
August 24 - 29, 6 days, including bank holiday (Friday-Wednesday)

Conducted by Swami Krishnapremananda
You are invited to come and experience quality time in the ashram this August. Central to the programme will be an exploration of the perennial teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, illuminated in such a way as to make them accessible and pertinent to our daily life. Accompanying this, there will be a focus on meditation using different techniques, for example mantra and breath, and also a period of japa anusthana (continuous repetition of a mantra), to take us deeper in our practice and self-understanding.
Furthermore, each day will include a guided Hatha Yoga class, morning chanting (Mantra Yoga), Karma Yoga (the Yoga of acting with awareness in the present moment), Yoga Nidra (Yogic deep relaxation), and will finish with Kirtan and Satsang (questions and answers). All these aspects of Yoga will be integrated to help you to deepen your practice whilst in the beautiful, vibrant and focused ashram environment.
Throughout this time you will be able to share and imbibe from the ashram teachers and all present, and to gain insight into the boundless ­potential of Yoga. There will also be time for silent walking in nature.

Ongoing Training for MYA-Graduate Yoga Teachers: Vishuddhi Chakra	Print
October 4 - 7, long weekend (Thursday - Sunday)

Directed by Swamis Nishchalananda and Krishnapremananda
This course is specifically reserved for Yoga Teachers who have graduated from one of the ashram Yoga Teacher Training Courses (YTTC).
This year the theme will be the Vishuddhi or Throat Chakra which is associated with communication skills. To be an effective and inspiring Yoga Teacher we need to be able to communicate clearly and deeply with our students on all levels; therefore we have dedicated a long weekend to this chakra.
Vishuddhi is also associated with purification in the sense of removing blockages and fine tuning the body and mind, so that it becomes a channel for higher, more subtle energies and insight. This is vital, not only to be a Yoga Teacher who catalyses transformation in the students, but also if we are to awaken to our highest potential.
We will explore this chakra using meditation, Hatha Yoga practices (such as asana, pranayama and bandha), Yoga Nidra, Satsang and Kirtan. There will be time for discussions, quality interaction and periods of silence. The aim of the weekend is to re-kindle and re-connect, to encourage participants to go deeper in their practice and understanding, and also help them to become more complete and professional in their teaching.

Introduction to Ashram Life	Print
October 12 - 14, weekend

Directed by Swami Krishnapremananda
The ashram hosts this course twice a year and it is specifically 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 time to share with like-minded people.

8 Day Sadhana Retreat - Meditation through Chanting and Silence	Print
October 16 - 24, 8 days (Tuesday-Wednesday)

Directed by Swami Nishchalananda; Chanting led by Shiva Priya
This retreat is dedicated to the chanting of the classical hymn known as Lalita Sahasranama (‘The Thousand Names of the Goddess Lalita’). It is widely chanted as part of Hinduism (or Sanathan Dharma) and belongs to Shaktism, the path of tantra that regards the universe as the expression of the Goddess, or primal energy (which, incidentally, corresponds exactly to current scientific thinking). The text is also called Rahasya Sahasranama (‘The Thousand Secret Names’ of the Goddess). The text can be found in the Brahmand Purana (‘Epic of the Universe’) and is written in the form of Sanskrit mantras which, when chanted, awaken enormous energy in us – thereby encouraging inner transformation and awakening.
Lalita is the Goddess of bliss and the bringer of abiding happiness. Etymologically, Lalita means ‘She Who Plays’; therefore, She symbolises the creative Intelligence whose play of energy is the universe. She is also known as Tripura Sundari (‘The Beautiful Goddess of the Three Realms’). Among other things, the three realms means time as past present and future; therefore, the Goddess represents the energy and Intelligence that functions in and through time, but which is arises out of the Timeless. She is the presiding deity, or energy, associated with the Shree Yantra, the well-known mystical diagram (which hangs in the ashram hall). In fact, She is said to reside in the point (bindu) at the very centre of this mystical diagram.
The Lalita Sahasranamam is unique in that not a single name is repeated and, unlike other texts, does not use the artifice of adding conjunctions (that is, the text is a pure enumeration of names of the Goddess). The chanting of the Lalita Sahasranama awakens innate joy and exhilaration within us; out of this arises clarity and insight into the fundamental Intelligence underlying the universe and, indeed, our own embodied existence.
During this Retreat there will also be guided meditations throughout each day, together with morning Karma Yoga (working with awareness) and long periods of silence.
Note: Those who wish to join in with the daily chanting should obtain a copy of the text of Lalita Sahasranama. (We recommend the Sri Lalita Sahasranama, translated by Swami Tapasyananda, published by Sri Ramakrishna Math, Mylapore, Chennai, India.)

Meditation - Going Deeper	Print
November 15 - 18, long week end

Conducted by Swami Nishchalananda
Meditation is tuning the mind/ body to the Source, ‘listening’ to that which IS.
Meditation is inner Communion, gravitating from the periphery towards the Centre.
Meditation shows us how to cease identifying with the movements, ‘stories’ and imaginations of the mind.
Words/ Intellect integrate thoughts and ideas, but not your own Being. We should be humble, knowing that there are deeper levels within ourselves and not assuming that what we now know is all that there is. There is always more and, moreover, what we perceive within is not the deepest source of Being by the very fact that it can be perceived.
During this long weekend we will use the following yogic tools: asanas, pranayama, mudra, bandha, breath awareness, mantra and symbolism, as a means of awakening us to Meditation.
The purpose of this course is to encourage practitioners to go deeper in their practice.
This course is open to more advanced and dedicated practitioners. Those who have never been to the ashram are requested to contact the course director; acceptance on the course is at his discretion.

Autumnal Ashram Life	Print
November 19 - 23, 5 days (Monday - Friday)

Before the ashram closes for the winter, you are welcome to visit for these 5 days. Each day will include a morning Hatha Yoga class followed by chanting &meditation, Karma Yoga through the day, an afternoon Yoga Nidra and evening Satsang/ kirtan.