Yoga Retreat

The Five Elements as a Personal Approach to Yoga

April 9 - 16, 2011

with Swami Nityamuktananda and Cecilie Kjølleberg

About the Retreat

The five elements, earth, water, fire, air (metal) and space (wood) are natural and necessary parts of our life, although we are often unaware. They form the foundation of the Indian Samkhya philosophy (on which Auyurveda and Yoga are based) and Traditional Chinese Medicine; they are found within Celtic, Indigenous American and Aboriginal culture and even have common ground with quantum theory, to mention some.

So how does this topic relate to Yoga; especially if yoga is understood as the science of "stilling the modifications of the mind" (chitta vritti nirodhaha), with the goal of returning to our original nature? How can we reach this stillness, this peace of mind? How come our mind is so fickle and disturbed? How do these disturbances rise in body and mind? How can I find peace? What is "my original nature"?

To find answers to these question, in one way or another, has been the endeavour of just about any culture and time; and they will be explored in this one week workshop through lectures and meditation, asana and breathwork.

It is an excellent opportunity to deepen an understanding of one's nature through both practice and the practical philosophies that have come up around yoga and the five elements over the centuries.

The course is open to all levels of students.

About the Teachers

Swami Nityamuktananda Saraswati

Although she originally studied Theology her university studies soon expanded to Education, Psychology, Philosophy and Art and Design (Ceramics). At the center of her studies (as well as her teaching) was always the subject of 'Self-awareness'.

Extensive travel and life in Asia (China, Japan, India) awakened her interest in Eastern Philosophy (Taoism and Zen) and led to the Zen-arts of Raku and Shiatsu (one of several complementary medicines she practiced).

Deep involvement in Meditation, the practice of Sattipahana (mindfulness) and Ngal So and other Tibetan Buddhist practices finally led her to Yoga and Vedanta.

Swami over the last two decades worked with several great spiritual Masters among them Zen-Masters, Siddhas, the Tibetan Lama and Tulku T.Y.S. Gangchen, the great Yogi Swami Maheshananda and H.H. Swami Anubhavananda (Acharya of Vedanta). She is a student of, and affirmed her vows in 2007 at the feet of M.M. (Mahamadeleschwara) Swami Veda Bharati, from the Himalayan Tradition.

In 1997 she made her Doctorate in Eco-philosophy on the subjects of the Mahabhutas (Five Great Elements) and has since contributed world-wide in conferences and workshops especially in two areas: 'the Five Elements' and Yoga Philosophy in its widest sense. These include international congresses on World Peace (UN) and complementary Medicines as well as new ethics. Presently she teaches and gives workshops mainly on topics related to Yoga philosophy (incl. Meditation) and "The Five Elements" in many countries across the globe, and that especially since 2007 within the Himalayan Yoga Tradition.

Swami has also published a range of books. Her publications include:

Tattva Samasa, Contemplation on the essence of Sankhya; Ahymsin; 2010
Secrets of the Big Five rediscovered; Exposure publishing 2007/ Kaivayadhama, Yoga Research Institute , India, 2008
Dewdrop in Tomorrows Ocean; 2007 Exposure publishing
Seeing Yoga, a contemplation of the Yoga Sutras, Ediciones Ambrosia, 2005
GU-RU, Contemplation of a Sanskrit Hymn, Sat Bhavana Trust, Mumbai, Jan. 2001
he Movement of Life in the Five Elements, Centeur, Madrid, 1996
The Way of Raku, Patten Press, Penzance, Cornwall, UK 1988.

For more information and her full bio please visit:
http://www.athayoga.info or
http://swaminitya.info

Cecilie Kjølleberg

Yoga teachers Thailand Teaches at Yoga Thailand. She will assist Swami and lead asana and breathwork sessions.

Cecilie is a committed yoga practitioner and teacher, a student of asana, pranayama, meditation and also acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. She has been dedicatedly practicing at Yoga Thailand for many years, completing training in 2007 and teaching with us since 2008. Cecilie is originally from Norway where she also taught high school.

The Daily Schedule

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

7:00 am	Morning herbal tea
7:30 am	Intention and Day Opening with Breathwork
8:15 am	Asana Practice: Detailed guidance in the Asanas, develop and grow a self-practice with a combination of led to self guided practices.
10 am - 1 pm	Brunch Buffet
3 pm	Special workshops with Swamiji on the Five Elements and Yoga
5 pm	Restorative Asana and Breathwork with Cecilie
6:00 pm	Dinner Buffet
6 - 9 pm	Steam room available
7:30 pm	Evening program - most nights there will be a guided meditation session.

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	€ 750 per person
Single superior room	€ 950 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: