Connecting to your inner light: A journey through Chakra, Mantra & Prana

Embark on a transformative journey that integrates the profound practices of Mantra and Bhakti Yoga with the exploration of chakras and prana. This retreat offers a unique opportunity to delve into the science and art of mantra, harmoniously woven with Hatha Yoga and Pranayama. Experience the power of mantra as a channel to uplift and direct emotions through the heart-opening practices of Bhakti Yoga.

Engage in a variety of meditative practices, including sitting, writing, and walking meditations and times of silence to deepen the connection to your inner light. The retreat will provide both theoretical insights, the science of the breath and mantra as well as practical lifestyle applications to support your journey.

“Why Mantras? The body is nothing but compressed energy, and this energy responds to vibrations. This energy is so subtle and sensitive that any thought, idea or emotion can alter its nature…
There are certain mantras which can vibrate the energies of the body at certain frequencies and ranges… to demagnetise the energies of the body, strengthen them and to awaken their creative qualities.”
Swami Niranjanananda

Chakra

Immerse yourself in the study and practice of Asana, Pranayama, Mudras, Bandhas, and Meditation techniques. This retreat weaves together the theory and techniques to experience your Chakras and Prana, by exploring the nervous system, breath, vibration, energy flows, and lifestyle applications. It offers a unique opportunity to integrate ancient wisdom with modern understanding where you will discover new ways to channel your energy, elevate your consciousness, and connect with your true essence.

Whether you’re seeking personal growth, spiritual insight, inspiration for teaching or simply a moment of tranquility, this retreat provides the perfect environment for transformation. Join us in this sacred space to rejuvenate your spirit and embrace the light within. 

Mudra

Delve into the world of Mudras, gestures that express particular states of consciousness and energy. Learn how to consciously use Mudras to influence mental and emotional states, enhance health and wellbeing, and awaken, balance, and redirect Prana.

Prana Practices

The key to the ‘knowledge of prana’ is it’s applications into daily life, learning to use our energy consciously, conserve and build it. Explore the science behind the breath, the importance of the relaxation response and its connection to our physical, mental and energetic experiences. 

Experience the transformative practice of Prana Nidra to enhance the flow of energy within your body. Learn techniques to conserve and direct Prana, promoting healthy organs, an optimal endocrine system, balanced weight, and mental and emotional clarity. Daily classes will include Pranayama practices to support your wellbeing.

Yantra Practices

Geometrical forms influence the mind working beyond the intellect. Yantras can be used in meditations, sometimes together with the focus on Mantra, Prana and/or Chakra to connect and harmonize the whole body.

Mantra Practices

Discover the profound effects of sound vibration on the body and mind. Explore how ancient rishis and yogis used specific vibrations to influence their physical and energetic states. Engage in Nada Yoga, the Yoga of Sound and Bhakti Yoga practices, like kirtan, to support management of emotions and mind, open the heartland the flows of Prana within.

“Kirtan is not religious chanting, nor is it just singing one word many times. It is part of Nada Yoga, the yoga of sound in which you produce sound waves and follow them with your awareness.” 
Swami Satyananda

Schedule

07.00 – 08.50 Mantra, Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Bandha & Meditation
09.00 – 10.45 Breakfast and free time
10.45 – 12.50 Theory, Yoga Nidra / Prana Nidra & Meditation
13.00 – 16.30 Lunch and free time
16.30 – 18.15 May include Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Bandha or Restorative Practices or Mantra, Yantra and Prana Meditations
18.30 Dinner
20.00 Only some evenings, kirtan, havan, satsang or mantra meditation

The schedule may alter, but this is a rough outline.
Day of arrival our first class is at 16.30 and our first meal is dinner. Day of departure our last class finishes at 12.50 and our last meal is lunch at 1 pm.

Teachers

Swami Karma Karuna
Main teacher for the retreat is Swami Karma Karuna Saraswati. She is an engaging, intuitive yoga and meditation teacher, inspirational speaker, writer and IAYT certified Yoga Therapist with 30 years of experience. She has been trained in the Bihar Yoga traditional system and visits India to spend time with her spiritual guides yearly. Swami Karma Karuna is a co-founder and director of Anahata Yoga Retreat, New Zealand, a Residential yoga retreat offering and integral yogic lifestyle. https://www.anahata-retreat.org.nz/
She also travels throughout the world leading workshops, training yoga teachers, presenting at international events, guiding spiritual sadhana retreats and offering one to one yoga and lifestyle sessions.

Silje Sridharana Indreeide
Silje runs Anahata Yoga and is the assistant teacher for the retreat. Since her teens she has been passionate about how to find inner peace. Yoga and meditation met that need and she has been practicing since she first went to India as a 20-year old. She has studied 1 year at Yogalærerskolen i Norge, 6 years apprenticeship with Yggdrasil Yogaskole and has her teacher training from Bihar School of Yoga, the Rikhia Ashram. Silje also studied medicine for 1 1/2 years. Silje has 20 years experience teaching yoga and meditation, the last 13 full time.

“I love to use mantras when I teach, the stillness you can find trough the use of sound is powerful, and now I seldom teach without my harmonium.”