Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Bhakti & Ashtanga Yoga Immersion Retreat India

International Yoga Immersion Retreat in Vrindavan. (Holy City on the Yamuna River near New Delhi in North India)


11th Oct - 24th Oct 2011
28th Oct - 10th Nov 2011
9th Jan 2012 - 22nd Jan 2012
7th Feb 2012 - 20th Feb 2012


Dates include arrival and departure days.

-Two Week complete Yoga Cultural Immersion Program. A complete overview and immersion in the Art, Culture, and Science of Yoga with an emphasis in Bhakti.


-Daily Ashtanga Yoga Asana practice along with Yogic breathing techniques.

-Internationally Recognized teachers.

-Located in the exotic Ancient Holy city of Sri Vrindavan Dhama, set on the river Yamuna, in North India.

-Luxury AC room, full lacto-vegetarian meals, lectures, Yoga practice, and course materials included, plus excursions (Govardhana Parikrama and Taj Mahal).

-Small number of participants ensures a high quality of service and personal experience.

Retreat Fees: Double Room $1980- (Couples may book the double and 2nd person only pay $980 for the cost of the retreat).
Shared Room ( Two twins, shared with another retreat member) $1480.

Venue:
Vrindavan

Vrindavan is located 150 km from Delhi and can be reached by vehicle in 2.5 hours on Highway NH2, one of the most modern roads of India. Vrindavan is one of the holiest cities of India. The spiritual wealth of over 5000 temples permeates the atmosphere.
For thousands of years, Sadhus (yoga practitioners) have been coming to Vrindavan to immerse themselves in Sadhana (spiritual practice).


The Ashrama:
Ananda Krishna Van http://anandakrishnavan.com/
One of the most well maintained and modern ashramas in all of Vrindavan featuring full 24 hour security, on site generator for 24 hr electric, on site buffet and order restaurant, in suite kitchenettes, manicured gardens, Air Conditioning, and gorgeous roof top views of Vrindavan. Located near Parikram Marg for easy access to the temples and sites of Vrindavan.

Conditions for participation:

Participants must be sensitive to local customs and social norms. Modest dress is a must for both men and women. Respect for the all the residents of Vrindavan is a must including even a tiny ant. Participants are requested not to engage in any intoxication, remain celibate during the duration of the course, and maintain a strict vegetarian diet. For any questions about course conditions for participation please email the course facilitator at yamunasunrise@gmail.com

Special programs:

-Radha Damodara Mandir evening arati program and temple parikrama. A moving ceremony performed daily, with ancient songs and puja offered to the Lords of Vrindavan, at the ancient temple of Sri-Sri Radha Damodara Mandir. http://www.radhadamodarmandir.com/


-Vrindavan parikrama. A morning tour around the major ancient holy temples (Madan Mohan, Govindaji etc) established by the original Six Goswamis of Vrindavana. Also a tour along the ancient bathing Ghats (including Keshi and Kaliya Ghats) dedicated to the pastimes of Sri Krishna at Vrindavan.


-Bhajan/Kirtan. An introduction into the ancient practice of musical meditation on the Supreme known as bhajan and kirtan. This ancient art form is kept alive by many Sadhus and Bhaktas all over Vrindavan.


-Karma Yoga. We engage participants in the Food For Life Vrindavan Program. Food for Life runs a school and mid day meal program for the impoverished children and women of Vrindavan. http://www.fflvrindavan.org/index.php?S=1&Folder=1 Activities with Food For Life vary depending on the time of the year.



-Govardhana Parikram. An optional (difficult) all day walking tour of the holy area of Govardhana. This life changing tour passes by many ancient and important historical sites such as Manasa Sarovara, Radha Kunda, Shyam Kunda, plus many ancient and exciting temples not to mention the many wonderful and interesting people of Govardhan. Be sure to bring plenty of water!


-Taj Mahal. A one day excursion by bus to the world famous Taj Mahal.

Application and Payment:

Please contact the course director at yamunasunrise@gmail.com to request an application form. You can also print a course application and bus transfer form from the link above right on this page.
All course dates require a $250.00 deposit to book, which must be submitted along with a completed application. Full payment must be made within two weeks of course start. Email competed applications along with proof of deposit payment to yamunasunrise@gmail.com

Cancellation Policy:

1. Cancellation two weeks before the start of the course: Full refund of deposit will be issued, minus a 20 dollar bank fee.

2. Cancellation two weeks or less before course start date: 75% refund of the deposit.

3. In case of early departure: Attendees will be issued a credit towards a future retreat, minus the cost of days already attended.

4. Credit notes are non-transferable and can only be used by the
individual whose name appears on the credit note. Credit notes are
valid for one year and can be used on any future Vrindavan Yoga Immersion Retreat.


The Course Fee includes: certificate of course completion, all administrative costs, teacher fees and special programs, course materials including one Bhagavad Gita per student, two sets of complimentary yogi clothes per student (be sure to include your size on application), room and board(two full meals daily + snacks).

Airport Transfers are not included in course fee. We do offer an airport pickup service payable by cash in Indian Rupees. We recommend you purchase your travel health insurance with your travel agent before arriving.

What to Bring:

Yoga mat, meditation cushion, flip flops, trainers, writing pad/pen, torch/flashlight, alarm clock, towel, private toiletry items, soap, money belt.

Photo copies of your visa, passport and plane ticket should be kept separately from your luggage.

In October: Mosquito repellent suitable for tropical regions and long-sleeved clothing for the cool evenings.
The Ashram offers a laundry service for a nominal fee.

Pharmaceuticals

Please ask your pharmacy for a small kit of medicines appropriate for India.
Please consult with your physician about vaccinations.

Clothing

Clothing adapted to the traditional life style of India is required: No figure-hugging clothes, no halter tops, shorts or short skirts.
Depending on the season, it may get quite warm during the day but cold at night. You might need to pack a scarf, cap, warm socks and sweaters. Please ask us for details when you contact the course administrator.

Travel information:
Visas

Make sure to allow sufficient time for obtaining a visa for India.
The visa application form can be downloaded from your local Indian embassy’s website.
Your passport has to be valid for at least another six months.

Arrival and Departure:

Arrival by plane to Delhi. Vrindavan may be reached by rail, taxi, or bus. We offer a shuttle service to and from Vrindavan and Delhi for participants. Please contact the course administrator at yamunasunrise@gmail.com for a bus transfer registration form. We try to limit course size to a maximum of ten participants per course in order to maintain a high level of service, and attention to detail. Courses fill up quickly so register early. More details are available when you register.