This a one-week spiritual retreat programmed specially designed exclusively for the friends or the yogis trained by the well-known Yoga teacher Yogi Vitali from 30th November to 7th December, 2024.
As this camp is specifically for spiritual purpose, the number of admissions has been restricted to Six and the admission will be on first come first serve basis.
Yogi Vimalji is one of the experienced teachers of yoga and the exponent of spiritual wisdom hailing from Rishikesh. His yoga classes are popular among the aspirants coming from different parts of India and abroad. His yoga training programmers are unique in the sense that they not only teach the yoga postures but also encourage the aspirants to adopt the yogic life style prescribed by the ancient Hindu texts and tread the path of spiritual attainment. His methods of training are also in demand as they help the aspirants to overcome the obstacles and challenges and travel smoothly on their chosen path of spiritual advancement.
This special retreat programmed will be held in the verdant atmosphere with a spiritually elevated ambiance of an ancient Buddhist monastery dedicated for the spiritual training and practice of the Buddhist nuns. It is nestled amidst the idyllic surroundings of the foothills of the Himalayas, away from the buzz of city life. This location falls under the purview of the National Park and it takes an hour of trekking to reach the monastery. The participants need to buy tickets to enter the National Park area. We will be staying there for four nights and five days. Here the aspirants will be trained in the traditional and time tested ancient methods of yogic practices, which Yogi Vimalji himself is practicing since last two decades.
This special yogic retreat programmed will focus on the practice of traditional and ancient methods of Yoga Sana (yogic postures), Pranayama (breathing techniques) and Dhyana (meditation), which will be highly effective in achieving the balance and mind and body and fostering spiritual awakening. These time-tested methods were discovered by the Rishis of the yore Vimalji has inherited these skills from his Gurus. Besides, there will be classes on yoga philosophy and Bhajan and Kirtan sessions.
In the Yoga Sana classes, the aspirants will be taught the special Asanas, which help rejuvenate the physical structure and instill a new spirit and enthusiasm. Regular practice of these postures makes the participants feel light and relaxed. They also feel elevated on emotional and sentimental planes.
Pranayama is a combination of different breathing techniques that primarily deal with Prana (life force). here the aspirants are training in various breathing techniques that help regulate the panic energy and look deep into our consciousness.
Classes on Dhayana or meditation are indeed unique to this programmed. Yogi Vimalji will conduct the meditation classes on his own. Based on his years of experience and practice he has devised this special meditation technique named the Atma Jyoti Meditation. It takes the participants to a very deep state of silence and bliss. Dhyana is followed by Kirtan (singing devotional songs), which is a best way to purify the mind and the heart and thus experience a glimpse of the supreme bliss. The bonfire will add flavor to the Kiran’s.
The classes and discourses on the philosophy of yoga are integral to this programmed. In these sessions, the aspirants are introduced to various aspects of the philosophy of yoga. They are also encouraged to ask questions so as to help them comprehend the philosophical side of yoga. Adding flavor to the programmed are the the prayers and the rituals at the temple, which help calm down the mind, improve concentration and enhance the feeling of devotion and love in one’s heart.
The aspirants are also encouraging to participate in Kora, the silent walk circulating the main temple of the monastery. This event will be held before going to bed and it will prepare the body and mind to enjoy good and deep sleep.
During the stay at monastery, the food served to the participants will be prepared separately. One of the kind hearted nun at the monastery has agreed to offer her services in the maintenance of the kitchen. Vimalji himself take part in cooking. This simple vegetarian and vegan food will be delicious and nutrition rich. Dairy products such as curds and ghee coming to the monastery from the nearby villages will be served occasionally. Participants are served three square meal and tea in the afternoon on all days.
A day in the five-day retreat programmed is dedicated for hiking the peak of the Shivpuri Mountain located at the Nagarjun-Shivpuri National Park. The monastery is also located atop this peak. The hiking will be held after the morning routine at the monastery. We will leave the monastery after breakfast at 10 a.m. On the way lunch will be arranged at an Ashram run by a Sadhu (monk). After spending nearly an hour at this place, we will start hiking the mountain. The hiking will be an exciting experience. Here the participants will trek for around 45 minutes to one hour enjoying bounty of nature such as the ever green forests, the magnificent and mesmerizing view the snow clad mountains, sounds of the chirping birds, the soothing breeze of the Himalayan ranges, sound of the flowing streams and gushing waterfalls. Walking along this entire stretch will have a soothing effect on our mind and the soul and takes us close to the nature.
The retreat also comprises of a two-day excursion at the Kathmandu Valley. On this occasion, the participants will visit the places of spiritual and historical significance nestled amidst the idyllic surroundings of this valley. These are the ancient Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries, which played a key role in shaping and nurturing the spiritual and cultural heritage of Nepal. These places are:
On these two days, accommodation will be provided at a hotel near Thamel. During our stay at the hotel, the daily yoga routine will continue and we will leave the hotel for sightseeing after breakfast. Lunch will be arranged at the local restaurants serving the traditional Nepali delicacies.
As we will arrange for the private vehicles for sightseeing, the participants will have sufficient time during the transit from one place to the other. These hours could be utilised to discuss the spiritual and cultural matters and also to exchange views on related topics. We will come back to the hotel for dinner and small meditation session will be held before going bed.
It is natural for anyone visiting Kathmandu to explore the local markets to take home souvenir of the trip. Therefore, a visit to the Thamel market, which is highly popular among the tourists, will be arranged in the evening hours of the last day. The market can be reached by walk for the hotel of our stay.
To make this unique spiritual camp accessible to all, the fee has been fixed at $ 560 per participant. It covers all services and requirements of the participants including pick from the Kathmandu Ari Port to the Hotel, lodging and boarding for all eight nights, practice materials such as yoga mats and Neti pots.
Participants are requested to arrive on 30th November, one day before the commence of the camp. The participants will set out for the venue on the early hours of December 1. Vimalji himself will receive the participants at the hotel. The dinner will be followed by an orientation programmed by Vimalji.
01 to 06 December, 2024
