The Yoga International Fall Retreat: Deepen Your Practice

Unlocking the wisdom and power of the heart center leads to supreme glory, peace and capacity. According to the traditions of yoga and tantra, the heart holds the keys to the “highest fortune.” However, the heart and the soul secrets it holds are closed, until we begin to illumine clearer perception and nurture the heart through the practice of inner worship. As the heart opens and the mind seeing become clear, the heart’s unique capacities, including complete understanding of our own mind is awakened as we learn to rest in complete freedom and wholeness. This class will weave a journey into the heart lotus through different methodologies––asana, bandha, mudra, pranayama and meditation, self-inquiry and contemplation––to unveil the qualities of the awakened heart: unsurpassed joy, complete stability, the clear light of pure discernment and deep knowledge of the state of yoga.

The Goddess archetypes of the Hindu tantra represent aspects of the universe and aspects of the personality. Deity practices are powerful ancient techniques for tuning into these energies and the gifts they can manifest within us. By diving into directly into meditation and contemplation of the divine feminine as She manifests in the physical and subtle worlds, we can realize the power and wisdom that is our birthright.’

Learn the philosophical foundations of Tantric Yoga, as well as the methods and purposes of the various practices that have emerged from the tradition. Explore the integrated use of breath-centric āsana, prāṇāyāma, and mudra to bring awareness into the central channel, and the journey along the path to liberation. We will activate mantra in the chakras through central channel breathing and use the power of meditation to affect deep inner transformation.

The tantric sages understood that even the gnarliest emotions can be healed and transformed when emotion is understood for what it is. In this workshop, we’ll examine a series of powerful alchemical practices for going beyond emotional turmoil, and we’ll also learn how to use emotional intensity as a path to awakening.

The ancient chakra system is a complex model of the integrated human being, in which deep dimensions of our personality are revealed. Using this system as a guide, we'll explore the emotional characteristics represented by each chakra, how to recognize imbalance based on symptoms of emotional distress, and tantric methods for cultivating qualities such as tranquility, courage, compassion, and joy.

Tantric Hatha Yoga maps a complete journey, from purification to spiritual awakening. In this class we cover the entire spectrum, focusing on the tradition’s most essential teaching on mastering both the inner and outer universe. Through a wise progression of asana––twists and forward bends––we’ll enliven the function of viscera (internal organs) and tone the nervous system to stimulate healing and purification, then deeper hatha practices will stoke vital force to access a vision of the highest promise of practice. In addition to asana, bandha and mudra, this session will include chanting as well as kriya and tantric meditation techniques.

Why is meditation considered such a powerful practice for healing? This workshop  explores what healing meditation really is. Our focus will be on the techniques of the Tantric meditation traditions, which have unfolded amazing ways of working with the subtle energies of the body/mind for expanding consciousness, tuning into healing powers, and experiencing your interconnectedness both to the physical and subtle worlds. This meditation class works with visualization, mantra, inner channels and imagination to help you open to your own power and innate intuitive wisdom.

Activation of the lunar force creates healing, stability, tranquility and the awakening of the light of wisdom. These practices emphasize increasing the self-nurturing unsurpassed calm that allows us to remain centered in the midst of turbulence and steady in the midst of change. A steady mind opens the door to true self-understanding and is the vital foundation for successfully navigating both the journey inward toward spirit and outward toward success, prosperity and joy.

Mantras are not just words. The great mantric sound syllables are direct expressions of higher energies, and when we take them inside they open us to amazing gifts—including the gift of spiritual liberation. In this workshop we’ll look into the radical tantric viewpoint on mantra, at the connection between mantras and sacred experience, and practice in ways that will awaken your connection to mantras that are literally transformative.