Category Archives: rajasthan

QUIETNESS

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Dear friend,

It has been a while since I have written. There is so much being written and shared out there anyway, so the ability to just listen for a while got to me.

Also, there was not much to share in terms of events in the life of Yogarasayana, my alter ego. Or rather, my teacher and practitioner persona.

It is not that there has not been a lot going on. We finished the Yogarasayana India 2016: Forest Sage Retreat auspiciously. A lovely group of students and friends sharing some yoga sutra of Patanjali, some jungle time, some Ganges time and some all around good times.

On coming back, I headed to Phoenix to spend time with the students of the lovely Mary Bruce and Lorilee Gilmore, my hosts. The topic was Psychology of a Sage. So you can see where my head is these days…On coming back, I headed to Phoenix to spend time with the students of the lovely Mary Bruce and Lorilee Gilmore, my hosts. The topic was Psychology of a Sage. So you can see where my head is these days…
Read the related article Psychology of a Sage: Activating Higher Functional States here.

And of course the LA Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy Clinic has been in session and has kept me busier than ever.

Then of course there has been all the other stuff that we all shared. The uncertain becoming even more uncertain, definitely a disturbed vata trend. And I believe to some extent, we are all a little shell shocked and a little worn out by events not just here in the USA, but all around the world.

Storm Clouds

Perhaps some quiet is called for. Some time to turtle up, huddle into a shell and examine who we are in there. I feel fortunate that in these difficult times, I have these ancient yogic teachings that I can fall back on. Those that talk about who I am when I move past who I am sure I am: because I know I am flesh and blood, lifeforce, a mind, some intelligence and even some happiness when I allow it. When I say to myself, yes indeed this is me. But it is not lasting. This is the mortal me. It changes just like my world changes. And it is best not to get too attached to this me nor to the world it lives in.

Best to go looking for the me that is not mortal. The one that does not suffer. The one that is also you. It is there we fall in love with each other and everything else mortal. In fact, that is the simplest description I can give of Tantra, of Buddhism, and of the Upanishadic Vedanta. And it is from that place that I continue to grow this love that trumps all the hate I may exude, share, witness when I do not allow myself to be. Just. Quiet.

Arun File - 03

Even in this conversation we are having. To encourage you to join me in this quiet. Where we are a shared Being. Not separate except in our mortal lives. And that is as it should be. Where we can enjoy each other, admire each other, help each other and give each other space when we get under each others skins.

But this is getting long in the tooth. So I will stop here.

I have a quieter year planned for 2017. We shall see how that plays out. Perhaps I will still come to your hometown. However, I do encourage you to join me in any of the below and meet each other too.

There are three teaching Retreats planned:

April: Yoga Practices for Emotional Intelligence: CLICK HERE
Sivananda Yoga Farm, Grass Valley, CA. April 7-9, 2017


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This time around, it is less theory and almost all practicum. So, you actually get a taste for why I keep teaching this stuff. This Emotional Intelligence Stuff. The stuff that when functioning clearly, innocently, joyously leads to clear, innocent, joyous thinking and thus actions. Those that support us instead of bushwhacking us. Every. Single. Time.
REGISTER HERE FOR GRASS VALLEY RETREAT

June/July: The Art and Practice of Vinyasa Krama Yoga with Ayurveda: Zen Rocks, Mani, Greece. REGISTRATION COMING SOON! INFO: ADRETREATS@GMAIL.COM

Ever since I started studying with Ramaswami Sir, back in 2004/5, I knew I would need to teach this miraculous way of practicing. But I also knew I had to wait till it came in my voice. Obviously Ayurveda infused. Here we go. Serious Practitioners and all Yoga Teachers. This is for you.

Sept/October: Yogarasayana India Retreat 2017! Into the Stories.

This Retreat is in the Planning Stage but this is how it is shaping up:
Two sections:
A Southern India portion that includes Somatheeram Ayurveda Beach Resort, Kerala, for a week of pampering and Ayurvedic treatments and then a week of travel around some of my favorite places down south. Such as Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Arunachala.
A Northern India portion that starts with the birthplace of Lord Krishna; continues to the Taj Mahal and then wanders into Rajasthan, and into some legendary temple, wildlife and archeological sites. Along the way we will talk about the teachings of Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, the meaning of Tantra which in itself can be quite evasive to pin down and stories from India’s mythological past.
A total of two weeks in Southern India. And one week in the North. Do just two weeks or do it all.

If you are interested in this Retreat, please write to adretreats@gmail.com and you will be put on an Early Announcement Letter with a Special Price Offer.

Meanwhile, I bask in your friendship,

Arun Deva

Summer. Greece. India. Fall.

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Dear friends,
I suspect that we all have had a busy year so far. I remember thinking in February that this year had already moved into warp speed. Shades of my Star Trek hazy days perhaps…
And here we are mid-June and I realize it has been a while since I have sent out a newsletter!
Things have been pretty fiery on the yoga/Ayurveda path. What with peer review articles, NAMA and SYTAR Conferences and heading up the Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy Committee for NAMA.
So it is with pleasure that I am able to focus once again on traveling to teach and just hang with familiar faces and make new friends. This has got to the best part of my job:)

I am happy to present:
Saturday 1:30PM: Understanding The Subtle Body: Chandika Hall

Sunday 11:30AM: Healing Emotional Trauma: Chandika Hall

In July/August, my teacher Srivatsa Ramaswami will return to LA, perhaps for the last time, to offer his 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training at Loyola Marymount University. Ramaswami was a direct student of Krishnamacharya for over 33 yrs and his teachings on yoga are beyond anything I have experienced with any other teacher. If you are looking for a YTT, I could not possibly recommend a better teacher:

School of Yoga with Srivatsa Ramaswami

200 Hr Teacher Training Program on Vinyasakrama Yoga—Registered with Yoga Alliance.

In addition, Ramaswami will present teachings on the Bhagavad Gita:

Please contact Sarah Mata at 

sarahmatayoga@gmail.com / 310-266-5177 if you are interested in attending. There are still a few spots left.
Please note that some portions of this will be open to all.

GREECE!

This is my fourth year teaching in Greece and it has become a second home. But I had yet to do an Immersion and Retreat long enough to perhaps tempt some of you to come across the big pond and study there with me…so here it is:
Ayurveda Immersion For YOGI΄S: The Path of Healing & Realization with Arun DevaSept 19-23
An Intimate Ayurveda & Yoga Weekend Retreat with Arun Deva Sept 25-27

INDIA RETREAT 2015! SPECIAL EDITION: 2 Spots still open.

Jutta and I are most grateful. We filled the Retreat quite quickly. We were unable to offer any more spots for the first week.
Thus we created a Special Offering that goes from Oct 14-30 only. And now we have only 2 spots left for this also. Thank you!
We would love to have another couple of you join us!

This Retreat will be composed of two separate adventures, one in the south and one in the north.

The Hidden India Retreat:  Oct 14-23, 2015

The Royal India Retreat: Oct 23-30, 2015.

The Price is $3950.
Full payment must be completed by July 15 2015 for this rate.

If you are interested in joining us, you may wish to reach out right away:
Please write Arun Deva at yogarasayana@gmail.com.

The Retreat Details:

Hidden India Retreat:

Oct 14: Mumbai! 

Check into your hotel early AM upon arrival, freshen up and head out on a tour of Arun’s favorite Metropolis. Stops will include The Prince Of Wales Museum, the infamous Leopold’s Cafe for afternoon tea, the magnificent Taj Mahal hotel overlooking the Gateway of India. The drive back will wind through the Queens Necklace/Marine Dr and the beaches of Juhu. Spend the night in Mumbai.

Oct 15: A quick flight into Mangalore, take a ride through the Karnataka Rain Forest to land in the quiet little village of Hariharapura. Where you will join us.

Oct 16-17: Hampi! 

Famous for its well preserved ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire (1300’s), there are indications the site was actually established back in the first Century and may even have been a part of the Ashoka Empire (3rd Century BCE) We will spend two days exploring this amazing find that seems to be still not discovered by the elite travelers, just the front line of backpackers and we will get to enjoy it while still pristine with small simple guest houses, no fancy Tourist Hotels yet. Our friend Rocky Guest House and associates will more than make up for it with amazing service and food! But most important, it is believed this is the home of Hanuman and the feeling is palpable!

Oct 18-19: Moving further back in time, we come to the Cave Temples of Badami, dating as far back as the 5th Century.  These caves will take your breath away. We will also visit the ancient Temple Complex at Pattadakal.

Oct 20: Dandeli is a wildlife refuge in the heart of the rain forest. An overnight stop here to take a couple of nature walks and a peaceful morning coracle ride on the river to listen to the sounds of the jungle waking up.

Then onwards:

Oct 21-23: Goa! Need we say more? We will stay off the beaten track where the beach is not overflowing with tourists and take a tour of the city and its surroundings with time for beach strolls and the famous Goanese food!

The Royal India Retreat:
Oct 23: We will fly onwards to Delhi, the Capital of India. Arriving in time for a little shopping and sightseeing before checking in for the night and a quiet dinner.

Oct 24: Drive to Agra: Taj Mahal!

If you have not seen it, there is no way you will be prepared for this. If you have, the second time is quite an eye opener indeed as you notice so much more!

Oct 25-26: Continue onwards into colorful Rajasthan to Jaipur, the Pink City. We will visit the Amber Palace, located at the top of the hill and most likely make the climb on elephant back! This is quite an amazing Palace to visit indeed!

Oct 26-27: Pushkar! Stay in luxury tents. Ride on camels. Visit the famous Brahma Temple and shop around the lake for all kinds of amazing gifts (maybe even some for others:)

Oct 27-29: Ranakpur. Some say the Jain Temples here are the most incredible of all. Arun fell in love with it when he was 19! After a late lunch continue to Udaipur. The Lake City. Our last most amazing Palace.

Oct 29-30: Fly back to Mumbai, get a good night’s sleep, next day sightsee and shop, rest and late at night (early 31st morning), fly home full of memories and also with full bags to remind us of the magic of India.

To learn more or to sign up for the Retreat: Please write Arun Deva at yogarasayana@gmail.com 
 

Special Price*: (space limited)
$3950 (PP)
All payments must be completed by July 15, 2015
*after July 15, if space is still available, prices will rise as per our additional costs.

Rasa`vada: Alchemy of Consciousness

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Healing the mind with Yoga, Ayurveda & Tantra
at Sivananda Yoga Ashram, Grass Valley:

April 17-19, 2015

We understand alchemy as the transformation of base metal into gold. In Vedic terms, however, it is best described as rasavada: the revealing of our Essence. Thus we are both the dross metal as well as the gold revealed through the alchemy of our consciousness. Rasa which means essence also refers to the flavors of our lives: the emotional content. When we turn our emotional dross of fear, anger and grief into the gold of creativity, innocence and joy we learn to surf the waves of our lives no matter what the tide.

Upcoming Events:

NAMA Conference
April 9-12
Please join us for this very special Ayurveda gathering. On Thursday and Friday, will be presenting the work we have been doing on creating Standards for Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy (AYT)

 

Barefoot Yoga Studio, San Jacinto, CA
May 9
Ayurveda,Yoga, Health, Disease & the Modern World

Yoga Bungalow, San Juan Capistrano, CA
May 22-25
Memorial Day Weekend Immersion

SYTAR Conference:
June 4-7
Applications of Ayurveda for Yoga Therapy: Arun Deva, Devi Mueller, Hansa Knox.

Greece!
Sept 19-23
Ayurveda Immersion for yogin: The Path of Healing

India 2015!
New Edition: Oct 14-30
Because of limited space, our first week is sold out.
5 spaces are left for weeks 2 and 3.


The Hidden India Retreat:  Oct 14-23, 2015
The Royal India Retreat: Oct 23-30, 2015.
$3950
Write immediately to yogarasayana@gmail.com if you would like to take one of the 5 spots!
Later in the year I am happy to return to old friends in  Salt Lake and Park City, Utah.
Details to follow soon!
With love & light,
Arun

India 2015!

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Introducing Yogarasayana’s India 2015 Retreat!
Jutta and I spent last Fall scouting out this next Retreat as we wanted it to be completely new.

What we came up with:
The Hidden India Retreat:  Oct 9-23, 2015

Optional add on: The Royal India Retreat: Oct 23-30, 2015.

We have decided to keep this retreat small. Intimate & amazing.

We are inviting you to reserve your space in advance at Early Bird Prices!
Hidden India: $3000 in advance
Royal India: $1500 in advance
A deposit of $500 must be received by May 15 to reserve your space. Space is limited.

Payment of full amount will need to be made by July 15th to keep your Early Bird Special Price. (Scroll down for details)

To learn more or to sign up for the Retreat: Please write Arun Deva at yogarasayana@gmail.com.

The Retreat Details:

Hidden India Retreat:

Oct 9:  Mumbai! 

We will check into our hotel early AM upon arrival, freshen up and head out on a tour of Arun’s favorite Metropolis. Stops will include The Prince Of Wales Museum, the infamous Leopold’s Cafe for afternoon tea, the magnificent Taj Mahal hotel overlooking the Gateway of India. The drive back will wind through the Queens Necklace/Marine Dr and the beaches of Juhu.

Oct 10-15: A quick flight into Mangalore, take a bus ride through the Karnataka Rain Forest to land in the quiet little village of Hariharapura. Our home for the next 5 days as we experience pure Ayurvedic living at the Arogya Niketana Ashram.

Hariharapura is famous for its Laxmi Narasimha Temple established by Adhi Shankaracharya probably back in the 8th Century CE! We will do ceremonies and puja’s in here with the Swamiji and be around for Maha Navratri!

We will also visit other off the beaten track Temples, stroll the village, dip our feet in the Tunga River, feed Gida’s, small cows indigenous to the area and having indisputably the sweetest milk in the world!

We will also visit an Vedic School across the river where the students will put on a yoga demonstration for us.

But most of all, we will rest, get daily treatments including milk baths, eat home prepared local foods, do yoga and learn basic tips for daily Ayurvedic living. With assessment of your health by our doctor, Ashwin Sastry.


Once we have been pampered enough, off we go!

Oct 16-17: Hampi!


Famous for its well preserved ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire (1300’s), there are indications the site was actually established back in the first Century and may even have been a part of the Ashoka Empire (3rd Century BCE) We will spend two days exploring this amazing find that seems to be still not discovered by the elite travelers, just the front line of backpackers and we will get to enjoy it while still pristine with small simple guest houses, no fancy Tourist Hotels yet. Our friend Rocky Guest House and associates will more than make up for it with amazing service and food! But most important, it is believed this is the home of Hanuman and the feeling is palpable!Oct 18-19: Moving further back in time, we come to the Cave Temples of Badami, dating as far back as the 5th Century.  These caves will take your breath away. We will also visit the ancient Temple Complex at Pattadakal.Oct 20: Dandeli is a wildlife refuge in the heart of the rain forest. An overnight stop here to take a couple of nature walks and a peaceful morning coracle ride on the river to listen to the sounds of the jungle waking up.

Then onwards:

Oct 21-23: Goa! Need we say more? We will stay off the beaten track where the beach is not overflowing with tourists and take a tour of the city and its surroundings with time for beach strolls and the famous Goanese food!

Oct 23: Hidden India Tour ends and those leaving will fly to Mumbai, check into the hotel and visit the Juhu/Santa Cruz Markets for that last minute shopping! Most folks will take an early morning flight back home (24th morning)

The Royal India Retreat:
Oct 23: Continuing group will fly onwards to Delhi, the Capital of India. Arriving in time for a little shopping and sightseeing before checking in for the night and a quiet dinner.

Oct 24: Drive to Agra: Taj Mahal!

If you have not seen it, there is no way you will be prepared for this. If you have, the second time is quite an eye opener indeed as you notice so much more!

Oct 25-26: Continue onwards into colorful Rajasthan to Jaipur, the Pink City. We will visit the Amber Palace, located at the top of the hill and most likely make the climb on elephant back! This is quite an amazing Palace to visit indeed!

Oct 26-28: Pushkar! Stay in luxury tents. Ride on camels. Visit the famous Brahma Temple and shop around the lake for all kinds of amazing gifts (maybe even some for others:)

Oct 28-30: Ranakpur. Some say the Jain Temples here are the most incredible of all. Arun fell in love with it when he was 19! After a late lunch continue to Udaipur. The Lake City. Our last most amazing Palace.

Oct 30: Fly back to Delhi, sightsee and shop, rest and late at night (early 31st morning), fly home full of memories and also with full bags to remind us of the magic of India.

To learn more or to sign up for the Retreat: Please write Arun Deva at yogarasayana@gmail.com.

Early Bird Special:
$3000: Hidden India (PP)
Add on: $1500: Royal India  (PP)
(Deposit* must be received by May 15, 2015)
All payments must be completed by July 15, 2015

Register after June 15:
$3500: Hidden India (PP)
Add on: $1750: Royal India  (PP)
(Deposit* must be received by June 15, 2015)
All payments must be completed by August 15, 2015
After July15 Registration, prices will rise to meet additional costs of late room and transportation bookings.
*Deposits are refundable less processing and administrative fees as per your booking details.

With love & light,

Arun & Jutta

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Fine Print:

The above prices include the following:

At Arogya Niketena Ashram:

  • Shared Double Ocupancy Room with private bathroom 
    (Upgrade to Single Occupancy only available if we do not fill occupancy: Request will be honored first come, first served. Price will be determined accordingly)
  • Abhyanga and Milk Bath daily (Milk Bath choice may be changed according to your needs as determined by you and Dr. Sastry)
  • Consults with Dr. Sastry
  • 3 of Amma’s delicious home cooked meals each day (Except on days we travel away for lunch)
  • Daily Vinyasa Krama Cikitsa classes with Arun
  • 3 Afternoon Ayurveda Lectures
  • Group Homa (Vedic Fire Ceremony) at Laxmi Narasimha Temple
  • One afternoon excursion to Sarada Peetham (One of the most important Temples in India)
  • Air transport Mumbai to Mangalore

On Hidden India & Royal India Tours:

  • All accommodations based on twin sharing basis. (Please note, that the surcharge for single occupancy in most cases is substantially more)
  • All air and road transportation as specifically detailed: Air: Mumbai to Mangalore. Goa to Mumbai for Hidden India Retreat. Goa to  Delhi if continuing on to Royal India Retreat. Udaipur to Delhi for end of Royal India Retreat. All road/rail transport during Retreat as specified in itinerary (Does not include airfare to and from your arrival/departure point to the Retreat start point, whether from overseas or domestic)
  • All group transfers, sightseeing and excursions.
  • All currently applicable taxes.
  • Most excursions entrance fees as applicable are included. (You will be informed of any additional that we did not plan for if and as they arise)

What is NOT included:

  • Airfare not specifically included above, including to/from your own starting and ending destinations, whether in India or elsewhere.
  • Tipping.
  • Additional costs you may incur as a result of taking this trip including but not limited to passports, visas and other incidentals.
  • Additional incidentals you may incur such as laundry, phone calls, alcoholic beverages, any foods or drinks not specifically covered above, or any items of a personal nature that are not expressly mentioned above.
  • All meals not expressly mentioned above. (Excluded are  most lunches and dinners except as noted either now or if we are able to arrange further)
  • Any transportation not expressly included above.

To learn more or to sign up for the Retreat: Please write Arun Deva at yogarasayana@gmail.com.