We invite you to join us on the journey to the sacred land, India. For a week, we will be getting in tune with the vibrations of Shiva and Shakti, the divine relationship of sacred masculine and feminine energies. Shiva is our capacity for concentration, stillness, strength, and silence. Shakti is our infinite fluid energy, electricity, power, and creativity. It is said that the ultimate aim in yoga is to find the balance between these opposite energies in our own being so we can shine in our full potential. During our retreat, we will find within these balance through the practice of Vinyasa, Yin, Kriya, mantra, pranayama, free movement, and Karma yoga. Experience the bliss of existence that resides in the balance and union of Shiva and Shakti within. 

1. DAILY YANG

Yang, the masculine principle: light, active, outward and upward moving, hot, extrospective. Yang yoga is the more traditional Hatha, Vinyasa or Ashtanga based asana practice. By holding and moving through postures consciously one connects to the body & mind, developing muscular strength, stamina, and flexibility. The stronger your body , the more energy you can contain ; the stronger your mind , the easier it is to use it to your advantage.

• Strengthens and tones the body
• Improves flexibility and circulation
• Increases stamina
• Calms the mind down and sharpens your focus by inviting ourselv to synchronizing the movement of our body and breath
• Removes tension in the body and obstacles of the mind so your prana , or your energy , can flow
• Helps you contain and channel that energy by strengthening your will and cultivating discipline .   

2. DAILY YIN

Yin, the feminine principle: dark, passive, receptive, reflective, withdrawn, cool, introspective. Yin yoga was developed to penetrate deep into connective tissue , expanding flexibility and aiding healing . This also stimulates the nadis or meridians to loosen energetic blockages and increase energy flow. In the body, the relatively stiff connective tissues (tendons, ligaments, fascia) are yin and to access them we need to be in a pose longer and work deeper with our breathing techniques. A Yin yoga class usually consists of a series of long-held, passive poses. While we are holding certain shape or moving in between, we create a bio-electronic impulse which moves through the tissues. And the path this energy takes are known as our Meridians ( our energy pathways ).

• Stimulates the meridians (energy channels) bringing balance to the organs in the body
• Improves flexibility and joint mobility
• Calms and balances the mind and body
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Works deeply on the connective tissues (fascia, tendons and ligaments)
• Can prepare the practitioner for meditation practice

3. DAILY MEDITATIONS

Every morning and evening after the class we will take sometime to tune in to your own energy, to experience silence and stillness of the mind and immerse ourselves in the unconditional love, creativity and power of the Spirit.

• Guided meditation
• Kundalini Dynamic Meditation
• Nada Brahma Meditation
• ZaZen - expansion of consciousness

4. WORKSHOPS

• "Thai Shiatsu" with Ana

It is not your usual yoga class or just a Massage workshop. For 3 hours we will dive deep in learning profound and useful knowledge from zen masters about how to relieve tension, improve circulation, boost the energy system, and bring yourself back to the natural state of balance. 

We will shake, dance, move through Tai Chi sequences, learn Thai Yoga Massage, Zen meditation and much more. 

• "Yoga Nidra" with Ana

Unique practice based on ancient tantric texts and rituals of Nyasa. Yoga Nidra is becoming popular day by day for its remarkable results in preventing insomnia, healing emotions, mental relaxation and curing the body. More and more studies are being done to prove that in some cases practice of nidra by itself can be more useful than medicine as it's aim to cure not symptoms but roots of the illness.

• "Make your own Mala" (meditation necklace) with Ana (additional fee)

We will make an intention based of what exactly you'd like to improve in you life currently. With that in mind we will pick beads made from naturally powerful stones, each of which has a certain energy and effect on our being. Then gathering all together we will learn how to put together 108 beads in a calm and meditative environment. And finally we will infuse the mala with a specific mantra (special for everyone) and charging it with our initial intention. All participants will keep their mala and will get to use it during meditation/chanting or just carrying it with them as a mascot.

5. EXCURSIONS

Nature Hikes. We will explore nearby paths leading into the lush mountains where we will stumble upon waterfalls , small villages, temples and friendly faces.

• Neer Waterfall
• Neelkanth Temples Village
• Sunrise at Kunjapuri Devi Temple

Sacred Ceremonies. We will witness the spectacular Hindu ritual called the 'Ganga Aarti' held at the banks of the holy River Ganges.

Adventures. For those seeking adventure, we will help organize a trip to experience the power of gravity , defying its forces as we bungee jump from great heights  , rafting/kayaking through the waters of the Himalayas and/or zip lining through its mountaintops.

• Rafting and kayaking (additional fee)
• Bungee jumping (additional fee)
• Zip lining (additional fee)

Sacred places. During our stay we will walk upon the same grounds where ancient yogis and devotees used the practice of Sadhana (a spiritual practice) and reached Samadhi (self-relization); we will learn more about ashram culture, Indian gods and goddesses, as well as their rituals and traditions.

• OSHO Ganga Dham Ashram
• Vashisht Cave
• A Journey to The Beatles Ashram (additional fee)
• Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Parvati Devi Temple, Jhilmil Gufa, Ganesha Gufa
• Trayambakeshwar Temple

BONUS!

• Holi, The Festival of Colors ( A celebration for the end of winter and the arrival of spring, as well as symbolically the triumph of good over evil) 
• Rishikesh Market Shopping

6. KARMA YOGA 

Karma yoga is the spiritual practice of "selfless action performed for the benefit of others". A path toward spiritual liberation through offering your service to the world around you. It's rightful action without being attached to the fruits of your labor or what the results of these actions might be. A dedication to one's opportunity to be of help; all the while trying one's best to stay neutral to the outcomes of your actions such as perceived successes or failures.

CHILDREN OF THE GANGES is a 100 % volunteer-based charity organization that focuses on developing local educational programs. The aim is to provide better opportunities for underprivileged, homeless children and make their experience of this world a joyous one. 

5% of the proceeds from this retreat will be directly transferred to CHILDREN OF THE GANGES, so just by deciding to join us you are making a positive impact in someone else's life as well as your own. We will also be dedicating a day of the retreat to visit the children where we'll share our time , our light , our knowledge and our love with those who need it . *Optional* On this day you'll have the opportunity to lead a class for the children (could be English, geography, whatever you'd like to teach) - if your interested , please let us know in advance so we can organize it.