Internal Practices & Meditation Retreat

PART 1: Journey Into Spiritual Evolution: June 16 - 24, 2024

This coursework is based on Advaita Vedanta (Non-dualism), Tantrika Shaivism, and Tibetan Buddhism. Participants will learn deep and well-guarded techniques for the practice and mastery of the higher limbs of Raja Yoga. You can think of this journey in two parts: in the first part, the Sadhaka (practitioner) will learn to create a spark and kindle the fire through effort, and in the second part, Sadhaka will learn how to sustain the fire and blissfully enjoy its warmth effortlessly.

To see rapid immersion in the tranquility of your meditation practice, you will need to disconnect from routine, distractions, demands, and normalcy of personal life. The speed with which you will tap into your innate abilities when you follow these skillful means will likely surprise you. This immersion will give you specific tools and practices that you can carry for the rest of your life to cultivate peace within, spiritual growth, personal inspiration, and unshakable faith in your innate and divine abilities. You will get ample time putting theories to practice because ‘internal practice’ flourishes with internalization through practice. Ultimately what you learn will help you break down your Samskara (patterns of your tendencies) and bonds of Karma, which is why Himalayan Yogis have been fine-tuning such disciplines for centuries.

You will learn:

PART 1: Kindling the Fire - an active pursuit (this module)

Here, through theories of esoteric yoga and deep practices of subtle body anatomy, you will discover, wake up, and harness your Kundalini Shakti (biochemistry of bliss) by learning how to use your body as a vessel and your nervous system as a conductor.

• Practices specific to the middle four limbs of Raja Yoga: Pranayam (kriyas of breath), Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), Dharana (single-pointed focus), and Dhyana (returning attention to the source of attention), leading to a sense of belonging in the state of Samadhi (the various stages and processes of self-realization through Upayas, or skillful means).

• Advanced techniques of Pranayam and custom sequence to cleanse Nadis (energetic channels) and removal of Granthis (energetic blocks)

• Advanced techniques of Bandha and custom sequence to awaken subtle energy channels and centers of your body

• Cultivation of Dharana (single-pointed focus), using actions of the second and third Mayakosha (shells of human awareness), which includes energetic shell (bandhas and pranayams), and psychic-emotional shell (chakra and rasa)

• Complete understanding and invocation of the secret Chakra system through methods of Tantrik Shaivism

• Techniques of Kundalini awakening

• Techniques for removing Kleshas causing worries, tension, and stress in a very short period of time through an understanding of motivations and patterns

• Concepts and controls of Karma through union, relationships, death, rebirth

• Essential Kriyas: Safe practices and usage of Neti pot, Basti (enema), guided fasting, and observances of silence

• Invoking dormant energy through the process of fasting, practicing silence, and methods of Brahmacharya for household men and women

• Harnessing potential of masculine and feminine states within individuals

• Daily classical Surya Namaskara and Asana as Mudra class

PART 2. Enjoying the Warmth - a passive receiving (a separate module)

Here you will start to wake up your Siddhi (hidden and unique) power, and begin to connect with the Devas (Astral Beings) who are ever-present around you.

• Practices specific to final limbs of Raja Yoga: Merging of consciousness within - Dhyana, and bringing the consciousness of the universe (Purusha) in union with the consciousness within (Prakriti). Complete understanding of the states of Samadhi, leading to the state of liberation from suffering, and processes of removal of Karma and Kleshas

• Honing in finer states and activities of the Susumna Nadi

• Waking up Siddhi - special and unexplainable powers within

• Methods of protection from impeding and contrasting energy forces through sacred geometry

• Overcoming of Karma and Samskara via purification of thoughts and overcoming of patterns of tendencies

• Cultivation of effortlessness and surrendering to the inner teacher in pursuit of spirituality and yoga

• Cultivation of the state of being at One

Program Structure: FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE. Limited spaces.

The schedule for the program is highly dependent on the then conditions of COVID-19 and requires compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and guidance because this curriculum is designed for in-person participation.

Sunday, May 26: Mandatory Session (Online) - Noon to 4 PM: Start of the program; instructions and practices to start cleansing your mind and body before you start your meditation retreat. There will be the option of attending in person if conditions permit.

June 16, 2 PM - June 24, 11 AM: Everyday full participation is mandatory, as all aspects of the program are specifically designed for progressive immersion and advancement. Each day will consist of morning, afternoon, and evening instructions, practices, and lectures, including time for self-practice, self-reflection, and meals. Ample rest and a quiet mind are critical throughout the journey of this curriculum.

Who will benefit from this program?

If you are reading this curriculum, chances are you have the curiosity and mindset to participate in this program. This is an intense and effective program that will shift your perception of yourself, and likely alter your limiting belief systems in the energetic and spiritual realms. Most of what you will learn can be traced back to the source of Yoga in Himalayan regions and India; most of what you will learn here is traditionally kept secret from the uninitiated.

You have time to prepare. You should be comfortable sitting on the floor with some/minimal support if physically necessary for at least 1 hour. You should have a steady (2-3 times per week) yoga asana practice. You must have an open mind and curiosity to explore beyond what you think is possible; most of metaphysics and energetic events cannot be readily witnessed through our five senses under normal conditions. You must have respect for eastern traditions of Yoga, and teacher-student interactions. Lastly, you need to be healthy in your mind and body, and consult your medical provider. You will be performing advanced Pranayama, fasting periodically (minimum of 1 day, maximum of 3 days, at your own discretion), eating vegetarian food, and encouraged/taught to perform such Kriyas as Neti, Nauli, and Basti (enema). Hundreds, if not thousands of humans of all ages and race practice these types of activities safely every year throughout the world, including the West. You can too!

You will return home with a magical state of your mind and body, see the world through a different lens of optimism, and be lesser affected by any pessimism and hopelessness around you.

Tuition: does not include food and lodging

$1,600 ($500 deposit; balance due one month prior to retreat start date)

25% discount to repeating participants ($500 deposit; balance due one month prior to retreat start date)

Location and Residence:

Two lovely, well-appointed, adjacent cabins in Sun River on the banks of the river — a generous donation by our lovely community member, Campbell Clarey and her family. There is a only a $135 cost per person that includes a cleaning fee and a small token of appreciation to this generous family!

Food:

We will share the responsibilities of cooking together as a Sangha (spiritual community): participants pair up and take on the responsibility of cooking two vegetarian meals for one day. There is an optional one-to-three days of fasting for heightened effects of meditation practices and energy sensations.