Vedanta and Silence Course

Course Details

Immerse yourself in the teachings of Vedanta and move deeply into the silence within. In this retreat, you will learn Vedantic meditation theory and practice, the yoga of Self-enquiry and the practice of silence. Participants will practice mauna (silence) all day except for three hours of study and two hours of dialogue with the teacher. There will also be one hour of mantra chanting and two hours of yoga asana and pranayama class. In this practical course, contemplation is the main practice. Students are asked to limit interactions and communications. It is recommended that students stay in a tent or single or double accommodation to support the practice of mauna.

Curriculum

• How to develop awareness


• Dealing with the subconscious


• Developing intuition


• Dealing with mental and emotional obstacles: depression, addiction, anger, fears.


• Understanding one's karma and devising a path to freedom


• Meditation on life and work


• Devotional meditation


• Spiritual relationships


• Qualifications of a Vedantin meditator


• Self enquiry and meditation on the Self
  
• Study, reflection and discussion of scriptures


• Conquest of egoism and a teaching of self surrender


• Spiritual teacher and the transmission of knowledge


• Right conduct and attitude

There will be the practice of

• Silence
• Discrimination
• Detachment
• Serenity
• Control of senses
• Endurance
• Faith
• Satiety
• Mental balance

Daily Schedule (tentative)

Presenter

Swami Sitaramananda
Swami Sitaramananda is director of the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm in California, USA. She has been teaching yoga and meditation for more than 20 years worldwide. She is known for her ability to clearly convey the key teachings of yoga philosophy in a way which students can apply practically to their sadhana (spiritual practice) and for her keen ability to give direct personal guidance to students to support their meditation practice. She has authored a Positive Thinking Manual and has extensive experience in the art of teaching Positive Thinking and how to deal with the mind and the emotions. www.sivananda.org/farm

Prerequisite

This course is open to anyone with a sincere commitment to inner spiritual enquiry.

Certification

Graduates earn certification from the Sivanda Ashram Yoga Retreat.

Cost

Tuition fee: US$490. Add 11 nights’ accommodation. Single or double occupancy rooms or a tent are recommended to support the practice of mauna (silence).

For accommodation rates see rates.

Arrival and Departure

The course will begin at 11:00am on the first day, and will end at 6:00pm on the last day.

Please plan to arrive at the Yoga Retreat at least one day before the start of the course and to leave at least one day after the course completion.

We recommend that you spend at least a few days in the Yoga Retreat before the start of your course. This allows your body and mind time to rest, re-energize and be nourished by the ashram environment. You can then begin your study feeling relaxed and refreshed. You may also wish to stay for some days after the end of the course to allow the learning from your study to integrate more fully into your consciousness within the supportive environment of the ashram. If you decide to arrive early and to stay longer, please register for the Yoga Vacation Program for those additional days. Please see calendar of events for guest programs on offer around the time of your visit.

What to Bring

Textbooks:
Tattwa-Bodhah by Sri Adi Sankaracharya
Viveka Chudamani by Sri Sankaracharya
Vedantic meditation by David Frawley
Meditation and Mantras - Swami Vishnudevananda
Jnana Yoga - Swami Sivananda

These books are available in the ashram boutique.

Other:
Meditation pillow and mala beads
Woolen shawl and blanket.
Tiffin or picnic food box.
Materials for writing diaries.

Reservations

To reserve a place on this course please go to register on line or print the application form and fax the form to the Yoga Retreat at fax number: 1-242-363-3783. Then please call to give us a credit card deposit and to confirm your reservation at 1-866-446-5934 or 1-242-363-2902 . A US$150 deposit is required for your registration. Please note that there will be no refund in case of cancellation. A credit note for other programs at the Yoga Retreat (valid for one year) will be given.

Tuition Discounts

If you enrol simultaneously in more than one course, discounts apply as follows:

2 courses 5% discount
3 courses 10% discount
4 courses 15% discount
5 courses and more 20% discount

Payment for all courses registered for is required in full on arrival in the ashram.