LIVING YOGA

I truly believe that one cannot fathom the breadth and depth of Yoga until one has experienced how it is practised, and lived, in India. This immersion is for seekers who wish to experience the practices of Yoga at its source, supported by a stellar group of teachers and scholars, all deeply rooted in the Indic sciences. My dear friend, Dr. Vinayachandra Banavathy, will be the main teacher guiding us through our studies.​

​

A professor in Yoga psychology, Dr. Banavathy spent six rigorous years studying Sanskrit and Indian Philosophy in a traditional gurukulam. He holds a PhD in psychological insights from the Vedas, along with Masters in Sanskrit, English, Yogic Science and Applied Psychology. He will teach us how to chant the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and also guide our studies of this iconic Yoga text to uncover its many gems of wisdom.

​

For the first five nights, we will stay in his retreat centre, a peaceful oasis on the outskirts of Bangalore.​ Days begin early with noble silence, and then a Yoga practice led by Leigh. This will be in coherence with the sutra(s) that Dr. Banavathy will cover in his day's teachings. We will have two more classroom sessions with him, followed by a chanting class. Evenings will conclude with a restorative practice (or sometimes, pranayama and meditation) led by Leigh, followed by dinner and, on some nights, satsang or cultural performances. We will also participate in a yagna, a sacred fire ritual, led by Dr. Banavathy, with explanations on the cultural and spiritual significance of such a practice. 

​​

We will spend the last three nights of our time together in Tiruvannamalai, a holy town in Tamil Nadu home to the very sacred Mount Arunachala. Yoga is the path from darkness to light. To commemorate our journey, our immersion will culminate in girivilam, the practice of walking (barefoot optional) around Mount Arunachala (read more about girivalam below).

​​​

​​​​About Dr. Vinayachandra Banavathy

​

Dr. Vinayachandra Banavathy holds a PhD in psychological insights from the Vedas and has a background in Sanskrit, English, Yogic Science, and Applied Psychology. Trained in traditional Gurukulam education for six years, he is a guest faculty at various universities and Yoga associations across the world including Belgium, France and Singapore, and he continues to travel globally to conduct courses and workshops on Yoga, Psychology, and Sanskrit. 

​

About our accommodations

​

Set on the outskirts of Bangalore and just over an hour's drive from Kempegowda International Airport, Dr. Banavathy's retreat centre is modelled after an ashram. The rooms are simple but comfortable, and equipped with modern conveniences like private ensuite rooms and hot water. All our meals, freshly prepared and served in the dining hall, are sattvic vegetarian. What we eat ultimately makes up our mind, so eating simple, nourishing fare will set us up for success in our studies. We will stay here for the first five nights.

​​

Our last three nights will be spent in Tiruvannamalai, a holy town about four hours by car from Bangalore. We will stay in a beautiful boutique hotel just outside of the city, but with easy access to the places of interest we will cover. Rooms are ensuite and air-conditioned, and some rooms look out to Mount Arunachala.

​​​​​

About girivalam

​

Girivalam involves walking a 14-kilometer clockwise path (optional, barefoot) around the base of the holy Mount Arunachala, which is believed to be a physical manifestation of Lord Shiva. The walk, which takes between three to five hours, humbles the ego, cleanses past karma and ultimately, quietens the mind and awakens insight. We will have a guide with us. You can stop and rest anytime, and there are also plenty of stalls selling food and drink along the way.

​​

Who this immersion may be suitable for

​

• You have been practising in a studio for awhile, and are curious where the postural practice stands amidst subtler practices like philosophy, chanting and meditation.
   

• You are a practitioner or teacher who feels your practice and/or teaching lacks depth.
   

• You are a practitioner or teacher who wishes to anchor your studies and teaching in the classical Indic traditions.
   

• You are a practitioner missing the camaraderie of community.
   

• You are curious to experience what Yoga is like in its birthplace. and keen to witness how the tradition is practised and lived off the Yoga mat.
   

All are welcome. There is no pre-requisite but a sincere seeker's heart AND a willingness to roll with the punches and go with the flow, as India will often throw us a curveball or two. This is also an invitation to all Living Yoga teacher training graduates to come home to the container of studentship, sadhana and kula. To return to the heart of the practice as a community can be inspiring and re-affirming.​​