“Om Mani Padme Hum”, meaning, “Hail to the Jewel in the Lotus” is the sacred mantra of the Tibetans. *1
vision
Dates
Retreat dates to be announced.
the vital essence of being
“Relaxation begins from the outer layer of the body and penetrates the deep layers of existence.” -BKS Iyengar
Grant yourself the permission to indulge in an opportunity to relax, restore and rejuvenate your “vital life energy”. This special retreat is a carefully designed combination of yoga, holistic wellness treatments and nutritious spa cuisine, in the lush, tropical and inspirational setting of Koh Samui, Thailand.
One daily intensive yoga classes will be taught by certified senior level BKS Iyengar method instructor, Rajay, in the state of the art semi outdoor yoga pavillion with magnificent ocean views.
The retreat is a blend of dynamic yoga aasana practice in the morning and restorative postures, pranayama and meditation in the evening. The classes focus on the “vital essence”, and “energetic dynamics” of the postures from various levels. The blend of the sequences of postures will be different in each class depending on the aspects being focused upon. The work is adapted to each individual’s level of experience, from beginner to advanced practitioners.
The essential technicalities of various frontiers of “yogasana”, postures and “pranayama”, breathing techniques, are explored in depth. Starting from the skeletal muscular body, the physiological and geometric approach, to the hatha yogic asana stimulus of toning and rejuvenating the organs, further exploring the cellular, sensory and vibratory levels of awareness in the asana and the pranic processes, finally, to the reflective state of mind and the intelligence, culminating each evening silently with “dhyana”, meditation.
The approach of the hatha yoga teachings in the retreat are based on the expertise of the teachings of Rajay’s teacher, Prasant Iyengar, the son of BKS Iyengar. His teachings are well known for the theory, practice, philosophy, religion, psychology and mysticism of yogic sciences. Sri Prashant Iyengar, a musician, philosopher and Yoga teacher par excellence continues to unfold esoteric truths of Yoga philosophy and practice through his intense researches of the connections of body and mind. Prashant Iyengar is extremely well versed in the classical scriptures and shares his unique gems of insight with Yog-Sadakas from all over the world. His latest work, released in November 2006, “Chitta Vijnan of Yogasanas” is a series of 11 discourses on the science, esoterics and mysticism of yogasanas.
Time is specially allocated in the afternoon for Holistic Spa treatments included in the retreat package to have the opportunity to relax and to consciously release old habituated patterns of physical, emotional and mental conditioning that have been causing subtle vibrational or apparent manifestations of imbalances in the “vital life energy” of the practitioner.
The retreat is designed as a multilevel “holistic wellness journey”, to evoke the awareness and support the process of the participant to experience an evolution of the soul’s journey to further integrate the process of union of the body, mind and spirit. Unification with the One, yoga, (from Sanskrit “yuj” to yoke or unite) when our false ego dissolves and the practitioner enters the state of unification with the whole, the union of the individual soul “atma” with “Paramatma”, the universal soul, evoking the inspirational sublime suggestion….
“Meditation is a fine, supreme consciousness in which there is no duality.“-BKS Iyengar
| The retreat center provides an inspirational setting for such a retreat. Located on an ultramarine lagoon along the island’s southern coast, white sand beaches, cascading streams, and rich, terraced gardens evoke remembered wellness and provide a serene setting where life’s full potential can be rediscovered and health in all dimensions cultivated and enhanced. |  |
| Its superb facilities are nestled amongst rocks, trees and nature, with breathtaking views of the sea and mountains. There is also a meditation cave for those who would like to sit daily. |  |
| The natural open-air, wood-floored Yoga Pavilion overlooks a pristine coastline. the other facilities, the spa offer boundless opportunities to relax and enhance your well-being. |  |
The cuisine is healthy, varied and creative to support you on your retreat.
[*1] In the East, the Lotus flower is viewed as a symbol of spiritual enfoldment. The lotus has its roots in earthly mud, but as it grows upward in aspiration toward the light, its petals open out into a beautiful flower. The Lotus flower is a symbol of the sun, of creation and rebirth, at night the flower closes and sinks underwater, and at dawn it rises and opens again.
a day at the retreat
| 7:00-8:00 | Beverages, fruit juices, fresh fruit |
| 8:30-10:00 | Yoga |
| 10:00-11:30 | Brunch with breakfast and lunch entrees or detox menu. |
| 13:00-18:00 | Holistic Spa treatments/free time |
| 17:30-18:30 | Evening gentle and restorative yoga and mediation. |
| 18:30-20:00 | Supper or time to go out and explore the island for alternative cuisine options. |
BELOW IS A SAMPLE OF THE DAILY SCHEDULE:
Starting the day with an early morning beverage and light fruit snack, participants are encouraged to go for an optional seaside walk. This is followed by a 2.5 hour morning class at the Yoga Pavilion from 9-11:30 AM, set deep in gardens with a commanding view of the ocean and surrounding mountains.
11:30. Lunch time and cuisine served from detox and regular gourmet menu.
Early afternoon. Time for the body, mind and spirit to be given over to Traditional massage treatments at the Wellness Center included in the retreat. 1x Vital Essence Oil massage and 1x Traditional Thai Massage included in the retreat package. The rest of the treatments are optional and to be chosen by participants from the extensive array of treatments available at the Wellness Center.
Mid-afternoon. Leisure time – walking at the beach or nearby mountains, resting in the steam cavern and various ambient plunge pools, swimming in the lap pool, or exercising in the Fitness Center, well equipped with state-of-the-art gym equipment. You may choose to spend this time developing your personal yoga practice or attend a scheduled holistic activity. Alternatively, the Library and Study Center is always open and provides internet facilities, informative books on alternative health, psychology and healing; newspapers and a large selection of dvds. Otherwise, indulge yourself with yet another nurturing treatment at the Wellness Center.
Late afternoon: Free time
Evening: Gentle Resorative Yoga and Mediataion.
Evening. An early supper at SPA restaurant features a variety of dishes from their vegetarian and detox menus with an option of the delicately prepared fish of the day. Alternatively participants may choose to go out and dine at any of the restaurants around the island.
Adding a final spark of reflective consciousness, a selection of movies and videos on alternative health and spiritual subjects can be shown before retiring. Optional.
holistic treatments
True health begins with knowledge of one’s underlying constitution and the tools to correct both manifest and latent imbalances. Kamalaya’s Wellness Sanctuary offers an integrated approach to wellness that encompasses a diverse range of cultural and medical traditions, including Western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, and Ayurvedic treatments.
Over 30 holistic treatment programs have been carefully structured to address and promote the harmonious development of the whole person – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
All diagnostic and treatment modalities are backed by scientific research and overseen by experienced professional therapists. Additional medical facilities include full allopathic services through a resident MD.
accommodation
For this retreat we have chosen the best villa accomodation for each participant. All the villas are nestled within lush terraced landscapes with seaview. Natural materials compliment the indoor and outdoor spaces with bathing facilities including exotic outdoor showers. Asian textiles, art and antiques accent modern amenities to create truly relaxing architectures.
Villa
Each villa is a private haven, designed with attention to create a nurturing space; private covered balconies embrace the island tropical beauty.
75-100 sq-meter rooms
Large balcony with coastal/valley views; daybed
Private indoor/outdoor bathroom
All accommodations include the following:
Air-conditioning, refrigerator, beverage facilities, personal safe, telephone, and CD stereo system.
registration
Email:yoga@rajay.org
rajay@gol.com