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. 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 program begins at 5pm on the first day of the retreat with a group welcome and departure is at 12pm on the last day.
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

Based on request and availability, you are welcome to arrive early or extend your stay, our Residential and Wellness Programs details are on http://www.yoga-thailand.com/yoga-holidays.html

The rate is inclusive of: