Yoga Retreat

The Essence of Yoga: Asana, Pranayama, Meditation and Buddhism

September 25 - October 2, 2010

with Stephen Thomas

About the Retreat

A one-week Intensive course (40 hours of study).

As part of an ongoing series presented by Stephen Thomas, this module will deepen your knowledge of Yoga by looking at the full spectrum of Yoga practices including, asana development, the shatkarma cleansing kriyas, pranayama and meditation techniques.

As a special focus, each day we will explore the liberating freedom of Yoga Philosophy and its relationship to Buddhist teachings and Mindfulness. Dharma lectures and study on Buddhism, Awareness and Yoga Philosophy are presented by Rev. Frank Jude Boccio and Stephen Thomas. Early mornings and evenings will also include mantra-japa and chanting.

Students will have the opportunity to make significant progress in pranayama practices (taught in the direct lineage of Sri O.P. Tiwari). Through the cleansings and breathwork, the asanas begin to open naturally and subtle pathways which lead into their deeper dimensions and are revealed. These dimensions create a new understanding of the body/spirit/mind and prepare the practitioner for the more subtle work in Yoga.

The more you understand the details of this practice, the more you will appreciate its subtle beauty and find its real joy and potential. This ultimately serves to deepen your devotion and the tradition from which it stems.

You will be immersed in yogic living for a week using these powerful practices to create an exceptional integrated Life!

Topics covered in this retreat:

Stress Management and Yoga
The Science of Pranayama
The concepts of Kundalini and Sushumna
Mindfulness, Awareness, and Relationship
Dhyana and Samadhi
Buddhism, Tantra and Classical Yoga Philosophy

About the Teacher

Stephen Thomas is a senior international yoga teacher. He leads Teacher Trainings, Workshops and Immersions across Asia and Europe. His teaching is deeply rooted in the traditional Yoga practices of asana, pranayama, and meditation. His philosophical background is influenced by studies in the Classical systems of Yoga Philosophy as well as Tibetan Buddhism and Tantra, enriching and informing his personal approach.

He presents Yoga in its' classical form, directly from lineage. In his teaching, he encourages a synthesis of physical effort (asana, cleansing kriyas, pranayama, etc.), with the study of sanskrit, chanting, meditation and devotion. Integrating these deep practices into the daily spectrum of one's life is a central theme of his work.

Stephen studies directly with O.P. Tiwari of Kaivalyadham, India and continues to evolve his knowledge in the fields of pranayama, therapy, healing, and Ayurveda. This lineage is one of the few living sources of authentic pranayama available. He has completed advanced studies with Tiwari and continues to dedicate his personal practice and work to promoting health and transformation through this method of yoga.

The asana component of his teaching is used as a way to purify and stabilize the system, and to re-integrate the mind/body/spirit complex. Through the asana, the joy of the body and breath are re-discovered and a gateway into the deeper realms of the practice is revealed. His asana studies form a major part of his teaching and have been influenced by the alignment principals of Iyengar, and the transformational elements of the Ashtanga Vinyasa system.

He embodies the spirit of joy, respect and deep gratitude for those who have influenced him over the years, including, Sri.K. Patthabi Jois, B.K.S. Iyengar, Richard Freeman, Aadil Palkhivala, Paul Dallaghan and Patrick Creelman.

Stephen currently divides his time between his base in Asia and Zurich, Switzerland. For more information or, to see his teaching schedule please visit, www.stephenthomasyoga.com, www.kdham.com, www.withinspace.com, www.airyoga.ch

The Daily Schedule

The schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the teacher.

6:45 am	Morning herbal tea
7:00 am	Intention and Day Opening Pranayama and Kriyas
8:30 am	Asana Practice
10 am - 1 pm	Brunch Buffet
3:00 pm	Lectures and Dharma Talks followed practical Yoga Worskhops and Practices of Pranayama and Meditation
6:00 pm	Dinner Buffet
6:00 - 9:00 pm	Steam room available
8:00 pm	Evening program - video, chanting and meditation

Please arrive by 5pm for a retreat welcome on the first day. Departure is by 12 noon on the last day. You are welcome to arrive early or stay on, check our residential stay rates

Retreat Rates

Share two bedroom loft	€ 690 per person
Single superior room	€ 890 per person

Upgrade to our Deluxe Suite additional cost on the total program package:

€ 50 per day
€ 320 for one week
€ 620 for two weeks
€ 900 for three weeks
€ 1100 for four weeks

We only have two deluxe one bedroom suites located in our most private and nearest building to the sea. They have a private bedroom, living room, fully equipped kitchen, deluxe bathroom and with an extra large balcony they have the prime sea views available at Yoga Thailand. Both suites include a fully furnished living room with flat screen TV, DVD and satellite. They are perfect for a family or couple. The additional rate is a flat rate based on the room and is added on to the total rate package whether a single individual, couple or family.

All our rooms have direct sea view with their own private balcony and bathroom.

The rate is inclusive of: