Continuing Education: Pranayama

About the Training Course

This course is inspired and blessed by Tiwariji, Paul's direct teacher and one of the few living knowledgeable authorities on Pranayama and its place in the field of yoga today. It is a living tradition. Paul has learnt the full practice in a special one-to-one capacity over the past 13+ years with Tiwariji. Tiwariji learnt directly from his teacher, Swami Kuvalayananda, who was an adept and highly accomplished in Pranayama and the science of yoga. He was also a devotee and spent his years in practice and training with his teacher, Madhavadas, on the banks of the Narmada river, also being taught this exact practice of Pranayama. In this way it has been passed on very personally and effectively. Such a tradition survives all books as it is only experience that ultimately counts.

Over the years of study and introspection with Tiwariji and in this practice Paul has had the opportunity to better understand it from direct experience and how to help pass it on and help others to practice and teach it better. This course is designed to help you practice more effectively, understand Pranayama to a deeper degree based on the information given and the depth of practice being done in a purpose-built dedicated environment. Based on this you can improve as a practitioner and teacher. This course does not claim to develop Pranayama teachers but rather to stimulate and increase the base and understanding of practice.

Details

This course will cover a synthesis of practice, techniques, physiology and philosophy as follows. Deeper topics will be covered in Part Two in 2014.

1. What is Pranayama
2. Evolution of Pranayama
3. Asana for Pranayama
4. Pranayama from Patanjali to Hatha Yoga
5. How to Breathe in Respect to Yogic Practices
6. Physical Anatomy involved in Pranayama
7. The Small Details in the Practice
8. Tapas and Pranayama
9. The Energetic Body and its Influence in Pranayama
10. Nadi Shodhana through Breath and Shatkarma Kriyas
11. Preparations for Pranayama and the Release of Tension
12. How to Continue and Grow Your Practice

Format

The key focus is on your practice and gaining experience.

The morning session will be devoted to a 90-minute Pranayama practice with some sitting meditation.

This will be followed by Asana practice. If your practice is other than Ashtanga you are still welcome. If you do not have a dedicated Asana practice then we will teach you the basics of the Ashtanga method.

The afternoon will focus on Pranayama practice along with Pranava and Mantra recitation to help still the mental activity and enable a shift in the autonomic nervous system thereby enabling one to get more internally connected, really touch something inside that leads to real transformation. Within this time will be the lecture focus for the day coupled with your questions and answers to the best of our ability.

In the evening will be a mixture of personal time, related videos, further practice and chanting. Typically Paul is not present for the evening programs but one of the team leads them.

Through repeated practice and greater understanding it can grow within. Pranayama is a true gift and holds a power to really transform one's state and behavior if practiced with faith and dedication over time. This program is dedicated to encourage that in you. It is recommended you continue into the next two-week program with Tiwariji and Paul to further your pranayama practice.

About the Teacher

Paul

Paul is a senior teacher of Pranayama, Asana and the meditative art and science of Yoga. He has been a dedicated student since the late 1990s of both Sri O.P.Tiwari, one of the few remaining classical yogis and masters of Pranayama, and the late Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in ashtanga vinyasa. Both of these great teachers have personally certified Paul in these practices, a unique position as the only one to receive this double honor. Paul continues with Mantra practice from the yoga lineage and meditative approaches, influenced by the Thai Forest tradition. This combination of practice and study through dedication and devotion has helped him gain some understanding of practice and to apply this appropriately in Asana, Pranayama, Mantra recitation and Meditation for the different level of students he has the privilege to share the teaching with. He continues his studies in health, philosophy, anatomy and physiology. Paul is also conducting PhD research on the yoga practices at Emory University in Atlanta, USA. One of his main gifts is to be able to relate the teachings in a very down-to-earth way for the modern seeker. He does not take life or yoga too seriously and as a result the discussions and philosophical sessions are lively and humorous, helping to explain the meaning behind the practices and philosophy.

Paul is the happy father of two lovely boys. Together with his wife, he founded Samahita Retreat. For more please see his full bio.

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.

6.15 am	Mantras and Fire Ceremony (not everyday - optional to attend)
6.45 - 8.15 am	Meditation and Pranayama with Paul
8.15 am	Mysore Style Self Practice with occasional Led Explorative classes to deepen the understanding of the material covered with Paul.
10 am - 1 pm	Brunch buffet
3 - 3.30 pm	Snack and refreshment
3.30 - 6 pm	Breathwork and understanding, Pranayama and energetic theory, Pranayama practice
6 - 8 pm	Complimentary herbal steam room available
6 - 8 pm	Dinner buffet
7.30 pm	Evening program - video, meditation, private time

Please arrive by 4pm for a program 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

Sunday will be a half-day and Saturday free after morning Pranayama practice.

Add On Promotion Discounted Rate

Optimize your stay at Samahita Retreat by enjoying the benefits of a Health or Wellness Spa Program alongside your Retreat.

Enjoy a 10% discounted rate below on the Program of your choice.

Wellness Programs

Relax and enjoy our range of wellness spa programs, designed to nourish body and soul. Choose from a range of massage, beauty treatments and detoxifying therapies to compliment your time with us.

We recommend you book in advance for your Health Program or Wellness Spa Program as much preparation work is required and space is limited.

Training Course Rates

Share two bedroom loft	€ 1,490 per person
Single superior room	€ 1,840 per person

If you can only take one or two weeks of this program then contact our reservation team who will inform you about availability and rate.

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 building closest to the sea. They have a private bedroom, living room, fully equipped kitchen, generous bathroom and an extra large balcony. Both suites offer a modern open living room with sofa bed, LCD TV, working desk and DVD/ iPod Stereo. 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.

Our guestrooms are set back just over 50 meters from the water to provide you with a private community and greater security. A selection of our rooms enjoy this spectacular sea view, while others enjoy the tropical gardens scene.

The rate is inclusive of:

• Full yoga program
• Fully equipped accommodation with AC
• Full brunch and dinner buffets
• Mineral drinking water
• Herbal steam room
• Salt water swimming pool
• Wi Fi internet
• Service charge
• VAT government tax

Thank you and we look forward to you joining us.

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Testimonials

Great management and staff. Excellent Yoga classes and highly restorative massage treatments. Beautiful and perfectly kept infrastructure. For a first experience with Yoga and detox, couldn't have asked for more! We will certainly return.
Cristina & Felix, Spain 2011

I highly recommend Samahita Retreat for all people, I am thankful for Claudia who opened my horizons in healthy and happy living. I am excited to take this with me for the rest of my life. Definitely would like to come back soon! The staff were wonderful and made me feel like at home. Thank you all so much for this amazing life changing experience.
Lina, USA 2010

The place, the products, the facilities and the expertise and kindness of the staff are perfect to go through a detoxing experience. I highly recommend.
Daniel, Venezuela 2010

Perfect lot of in-depth yoga & paradise holiday.
2011

My detox program was very enjoyable. I felt it was very well designed, both the food and the schedule. I was surprised that I was not hungry at all on the program and my cravings for sweets and coffee totally disappeared (and have not yet returned!) The wellness team were very supportive and kind throughout the program. They made me feel special and like I was doing something good for myself. Since completing the detox program I eat a lot less than before I started and I really enjoy fruits and juices much more now. Before the program my body felt hot and heavy, I never thought it could feel so light, clean and cool as it does now Thank you to all the detox team at Samahita Wellness!
Megan, Taiwan 2009