Continuing Education: Philosophy and Pranayama

About the Training

The Srimad Bhagavad Gita is an exceptional writing and is full of wisdom for anyone in life. It is also a foremost teaching in yoga. Quite different to the Yoga Sutras it delivers the different teachings of yoga in the form of a great dialogue. Tiwariji is very personally close to this teaching both from a practicing yogi point of view and being immersed in Indian culture. Tiwariji also encourages an open question format in the afternoon discussion sessions as "yoga" is learnt through what is coming up in the practitioner's mind. The text is then supplementary and not merely a scholastic approach but one full of wisdom and direct experience. Tiwariji is continuing this Gita discussion from the 2012 course to cover chapters 9 to 18 as they become catalysts to reveal the true teachings of yoga based on both understanding and experience.

This course can be an intensive internalizing period. The primary focus will be Pranayama practice with in-depth pulse reading of each student, varying as necessary. Mantra recitation will also be practiced. Some evenings will include sitting meditative technique practice.

Daily asana practice will be overseen by Paul and the team of teachers. We will cater for all practices in a self-practice room, both from ashtanga and other approaches.

All questions on practice and philosophy are welcome. Satsang with Tiwariji will be in line with traditional ongoing and deeper study with the teacher- practices and discussion, awareness on the use of personal energy, with particular attention to food taken. Tiwariji will only teach for a few more years and this is a prime opportunity to invest your time and energy wisely.

Advance preparation by students should be to improve their practice of kapalabhati.

About the Teachers

Sri O.P. Tiwari

Sri O.P. Tiwari (Tiwariji) has dedicated his life to the practice and teaching of yoga. For the past almost fifty years he has been head of The Kaivalyadham, a yogic research institute near Bombay, India. Established by his master, Swami Kuvalayananda, in 1924, the institute has been a pioneer in scientific research related to yoga.

Tiwariji was taught in depth by his master, and he accomplished all the practices. This puts him in the rare position of having practical experience as well as deep philosophical and scientific understanding. He is one of the few remaining masters of Pranayama in the world today.

He wears no badge, waves no flag, and is not interested in propagating his name. He joins us here to pass on the teachings to those sincerely interested. Besides these sessions, he remains in private practice in India, quiet and humble.

Paul is one of three senior students of Tiwariji. He is honored to host his teacher every year, and as a result share this knowledge and experience with many others. Paul will lead the asana portion and assist Tiwariji in all the Pranayama practices, pulse observations and philosophy sessions.

Paul Dallaghan

Paul is a senior teacher of Pranayama, Asana and the meditative art and science of Yoga. He has been a dedicated student for over a decade 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, digestion, anatomy and physiology. 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 grew up in Dublin, Ireland and completed formal university studies at Trinity College. He lived in New York for seven years where his life in yoga practice and teaching began. From 2001 to 2007 he focused six months a year on advanced yoga studies in India and various pilgrimage spots in Tibet, Thailand and India. With his wife, Jutima, they opened Samahita Retreat and are both the happy parents of two lovely boys, Sean and Dylan. He knows firsthand about raising a family and keeping a sincere connection with practice and internal development. This practical experience and love of the subject matter he shares with joy, intelligence and humor.

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	Fire ceremony
6:45 am	Pranayama and pulse analysis with Tiwariji
7 am	Morning tea
8:15 am	Asana Practice: Ashtanga Yoga Mysore style or your self practice
10 am - 1 pm	Brunch buffet
3 - 3:30 pm	Snack and refreshment
3:30 pm	Satsang with Tiwariji - covering the teachings from the Bhagavad Gita and Tiwariji's unique wisdom, followed by Mantra recitation.
5 pm	Pranayama with Tiwariji
6 - 8 pm	Complimentary herbal steam room available
6 - 8 pm	Dinner buffet
7:30 pm	Evening program - video, tratak, meditation, free time
9:30 pm	Quiet personal time

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

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.

Retreat Rates

Share two bedroom loft	€ 1,490 per person
Semi Private room	€ 1,668 per person
Single superior room	€ 1,840 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 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

Hi Paul, Steve and I attended this year's x-mas yoga retreat with you. We truly enjoyed the yoga program and learned a lot from you and the other assistant teachers (they were all excellent). Also Samahita Yoga Thailand - is all together, an exceptional place by all means. We'd love to come back. I'm still working on my core strength, doing dynamic yoga, and will probably go back to ashtanga afterwards. Namaste
Deniz, 2011

The fasters detox proved to be a well thought out program, practically ensuring my goals were achieved. However, the combination of the wonderful staff at Samahita Yoga Thailand, and the detox program is genius. I have nothing but praise about my 45 day stay here at Samahita Yoga Thailand :-)
Jodey, US 2011

This Detox was a fully supported, healthy way to cleanse the body. My questions and problems were addressed quickly and adjustments were made immediately. Yoga Thailand Wellness Center made this experience an easier way to detox. I came off the cleanse feeling bright and energetic.
Samantha, U.S. 2009

I enjoyed my week a lot. I will recommend the retreat for others. Claudia is a great yoga teacher and she gave excellent info on the healthy diet.
Jukka, Finland 2010

Everything is well planned, clean and organized. Top class- excellent! Thanks Claudia!
Pia, Finland 2010