Special Continuing Education: Philosophy and Pranayama - Yoga Teacher Training
Pranayama and The Bhagavad Gita
July 22 - August 4, 2012
with Sri O. P. Tiwari and Paul Dallaghan
Sri O. P. Tiwari is one of the most recognized and accomplished masters of yoga, its practice, and its meaning. He comes to us humbly, not trying to prove anything but only to pass on the thought and practice as it has been done by adepts over the centuries, and done so with integrity, where the practice bears fruit. He is a part of this living tradition and carries this energy with him as he lives and practices it.
* This course is a 100-hour continuing education credit towards Yoga Alliance 500 and the Centered Yoga 1100-hour Training standards. A 100-hour certificate is issued upon completion.
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. It is a rare opportunity to go over this text with him, perhaps the last chance ever to cover this text with him as he winds down his teaching over the next few years. 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.
This course will touch a new level of study and practice, and will 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 tratak practice.
Daily asana practice will be overseen by Paul and assistants. We will cater for all practices in a self-practice room, those in 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 Yoga Thailand 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 |
| 8:15 am | Asana Practice: Ashtanga Yoga Mysore style or your self practice |
| 10 am - 1 pm | Brunch buffet |
| 3:30 - 4 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 pm | Dinner buffet |
| 6 - 8 pm | Steam room available |
| 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.
Retreat Rates
| Share two bedroom loft | € 1,490 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.
