India retreats
Every year Swami Muktidharma and Swami Karma Karuna lead supportive, guided and expansive India experiences to the home of Paramahamsa Satyananda. They are now teaching four separate courses, three at Rikhia and one at the Bihar School of Yoga in Munger. Students of the courses may add to their experience through participation in selfless service within the ashrams. They have the opportunity to be part of two ashram festivals: the Sat Chandi Mahayajna, a 5000-year-old tantric fire ceremony that celebrates giving, sharing and transformation; and Yoga Purnima, a five-day celebration of yoga.

Chakra Sadhana
From October 1-10th, Swami Muktidharma and Swami Karma Karuna conducted a Chakra Sadhana course at Rikhia. It was attended by 26 participants from 11 countries. Highlights of the course were many, including subtle asana and pranayama classes with a chakra focus, inspiring practical lectures and chakra shuddhi techniques. Swami Satsangi, the Peethadhishwari of Rikhiapeeth, eloquently gave satsang, and the finale was an intimate darshan with Swami Satyananda. The group thanked the ashram by preparing a delicious pasta meal, enjoyed by all.

Prana Vidya
Many of the international students stayed on at Rikhiapeeth to participate in the Prana Vidya course held from October 12-19th and also conducted by Swami Muktidharma and Swami Karma Karuna. Many Indian Nationals joined, making a total of 55 participants. They were honoured to inaugurate the newly finished sadhana hall at Patanjali University. The group explored the practices and theory of Prana Vidya, complemented with morning chanting, asana, pranayama classes and yoga nidra with prana focus. They took part in the Ekadasi worship, chanting the entire Bhagavad Gita in a single sitting. The energetic Diwali celebration brought light to all. It was followed by the high point of the course, darshan with Swami Satyananda.
 
Ajapa Dharana
From October 19-27th, 28 participants gathered at Ganga Darshan for the Ajapa Dharana retreat. They were welcomed to Munger by Swami Niranjanananda, and had their hearts and minds opened by his wise words and presence. Participants eased into the organised rhythm of Ganga Darshan for an indepth course set in the ancient and powerful Jyoti Mandir. Swami Niranjan was very generous with his time and the group received many satsangs on the subtle aspects of Ajapa Dharana, including Swamiji’s personal experience.

Bihar School of Yoga:
passing the torch

2008 saw an important milestone in the history of Satyananda Yoga, with Swami Suryaprakash (left) assuming the presidency of the Bihar School of Yoga. Swami Niranjanananda, who has held the presidency since 1983, is moving his focus to the role of guru and spiritual preceptor.
As President of the BSY, Swami Suryaprakash is charged with overseeing the management of ashram activities.


 

 For more about our annual trips to India click here,
or email indiaretreat@anahata-retreat.org.nz