LIVING YOGA

​​The practice of Yoga and the complementary study of Vedanta are lifelong pursuits, and the path is not always an easy one. Along the way, it is inevitable that we occasionally lose motivation or inspiration. While a lot boils down to having the discipline to stay on track with our practice and studies, uncontrollable factors like travel, work, responsibilities and, well, life, can disrupt even the most sincere practitioner. In my years of practice, I've discovered two other pillars that can really support us in staying on-track — studentship and sangha (community).

 

For the past two years, we have gathered a wonderful kula of sincere practitioners who committed to a week-long study of Yoga and Vedanta. Like Yoga, Vedanta is one of the six classical systems of Vedic philosophy. Yoga provides the practical tools to purify and steady body and mind, while Vedanta provides the philosophical framework to understand the true nature of reality. Together, they form a well-rounded path to self-realisation.

 

In 2027, we will again remove ourselves from the routine of daily living and steep ourselves instead in the rhythms of unobstructed study and practice, guided and supported by my Vedanta teacher, Niloofer Giri, and me. ​We will be heading to the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, where pristine beaches meet lush greenery. Our home for the week is a sprawling beachfront boutique luxury resort, nestled between the sea and a verdant rainforest.

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Our days begin with mouna (intentional silence) and morning Yoga practice in the serene open-air shala. After breakfast, we will gather for our first Vedanta lecture, followed by lunch and rest. (May we suggest a nap, a walk on the private beach, or a rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatment at the onsite spa?) We will gather again in the late afternoon for our second Vedanta lecture, followed by a restorative evening Yoga practice (sometimes asana, sometimes pranayama and meditation). Some evenings conclude after dinner; others will extend a little longer with satsang or kirtan. Together, we will create a conducive container that reminds us daily of the ultimate goal that Yoga and Vedanta both guide us to remembering — our infinite nature of bliss and freedom.

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About Niloofer Giri

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Leigh's Vedanta teacher Niloofer ji is a distinguished exponent of Advaita Vedanta in the lineage of Sri Adi Shankaracharya, and the disciple of the revered Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati. Known worldwide for her engaging discourses and workshops, she brings clarity and wit to the ancient scriptures, transforming them into a vibrant, practical manual for daily living. She continues to travel the globe to share the timeless values of Vedanta.

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About the resort

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Our home away from home is located in Kosgoda, a quiet coastal town on Sri Lanka's southwest coast, in between Colombo and Galle, and just under a two-hour drive from Bandaranaike International Airport. Paying homage to their fishing village past, the resort's cottages are designed to encapsulate the spirit of a typical village home, but with all modern luxuries including air-conditioning and ensuite bathrooms. Rooms are spread across spacious cottages (each with two or three rooms), so you have plenty of space to retreat inward, or sit on the shared patio when you feel like having a chat. Some cottages also boast a private plunge pool — these will be assigned to early registrations.

 

The 10-acre property sits on the coastal edge of an ancient rainforest, so we can enjoy the best of both worlds — a pristine private beach, as well as a thriving ecosystem of plants, wildlife and even nesting sea turtles. You don't have to worry about getting your personal space, as the grounds are sprawling. There are two large shared pools, tree-lined paths for strolling and contemplation, and nooks and crannies for reading and daydreaming.

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About time off

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We will take two half-days off during the week. On one of them, we will go on a group river excursion to experience the area's wildlife and ecosystems. The other is free and easy. You could enjoy a lazy day on the property, or you may wish to head out — Bentota and its various water sports activities is a 20-minute ride; Galle Fort and its charming shops and cafes are a 45-minute ride.​​

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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 working with the breath, philosophy and meditation.
   

• You are a newish teacher who feels your practice and teaching lack depth.
   

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

• You are a longtime practitioner missing the camaraderie of community.
   

• You had a wonderful time at our earlier immersions, and would love to return for a week of study and community.
  (The majority of topics covered will be different from what was covered in 2025 and 2026's immersions, and I welcome all immersion alumni back to this sacred cocoon of study.)

 

All are welcome. We will build our practice and our understanding of the practice from the ground up, so there is no pre-requisite but a sincere seeker's heart. 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.​​