Hatha & Raja Yoga Annual Weekly Summer Retreats
July 8th – 12th
Join us for a week of Hatha and Raja Yoga training amidst the Ashram’s peaceful acreage of rolling hills and majestic trees. Acharya Hersh Khetarpal, along with other senior teachers at the Ashram, will provide in-depth teachings of Yoga philosophy and the practices. The workshop is suitable for both beginners and advanced Yoga students.
Schedule:
| July 8th | July 9th | July 10th | July 11th | July 12th | |
| 9:00-10:30 | Hatha Yoga Class | Hatha Yoga Class | Hatha Yoga Class | Hatha Yoga Class | Hatha Yoga Class |
| 10:30-11:00 | Break | Break | Break | Break | Break |
| 11:00-12:30 | Pranayama: Theory & Practice |
Rituals & Symbolism in Hinduism | Fasting: Purpose, Benefits, & Types | How to Live a Happy Life | Applying Yoga Teachings to Family & Work Life |
| 12:30–1:30 | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch |
| 1:30–3:00 | Aitaraya Upanishad discourse | Aitaraya Upanishad discourse | Aitaraya Upanishad discourse | Aitaraya Upanishad discourse | Aitaraya Upanishad discourse |
| 3:00–3:30 | Break | Break | Break | Break | Break |
| 3:30–5:00 | Aitaraya Upanishad discourse | Aitaraya Upanishad discourse | Aitaraya Upanishad discourse | Aitaraya Upanishad discourse | Aitaraya Upanishad discourse |
Session Descriptions
Hatha Yoga Class: We will begin each morning with a Hatha Yoga class that includes asanas, pranayama, meditation. Class will be held outdoors on the Ashram’s beautiful property (weather permitting).
Pranayama: Theory & Practice: Pranayama is the fourth limb of Hatha & Raja yoga and an important bridge between the outwards practices (like asanas) and inward practices (like meditation). This workshop will provide an understanding of what pranayama is, why we should do it, and how to do it.
Rituals & Symbolism in Hinduism: There are countless rituals one can practice, yet what is the real meaning and purpose behind them? Which ones should we practice to further our yogic path? These questions and others related to rituals and symbolism will be covered in this sessions.
Fasting: Purpose, Benefits & Types: Have you ever thought about fasting but weren’t sure why you should do it or how to do it? In our culture today there are many reasons people fast, but this session will focus on the reasons for and types of fasting specifically for yoga practitioners.
How to Live a Happy Life: This educational and motivational session will teach us several basic yoga principles for living a happy life that takes one towards the ultimate goal of self-realization.
Applying Yoga Teachings to Family & Work Life: Yoga philosophy can seem theoretical at first, but in order to make real progress we need to apply it to our everyday life. One of the most common challenges people face in this culture is how to incorporate the teachings into their work or family life. This session will teach us how to be a yogi as a householder (someone with family and work responsibilities).
Aitaraya Upanishad: We will study the entire Aitarya Upanishad, which is part of the Rig Veda, over the course of 5 days. Acharyaji will recite, translate, and explain the meaning behind each line of this great scripture that covers the process of creation, the theory of oneness of the Lord & all beings, and the value of dispassion.
Lunch: A home cooked vegetarian meal will be provided each day.
Important Details:
- You may attend the full workshop or select specific days.
- Suggested Offering of $50 per day. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. YSA is a 501(c)3 and all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
- Sessions will start on time. Please arrive 5 minutes early to all sessions.