Spirituality and Nature Weekend – (plus Learn to Meditate)

If you’re not satisfied with the “trivial preoccupations” in your daily life, or are hungering for wisdom, a sense of meaning or purpose in life, or just a short break, we invite you to come for a short but relaxing weekend away from the noise and stress of city life.
This 29 hour program, from Saturday morning through Sunday lunch, will include:

• Relaxation in a serene, beautiful and natural environment.
• Guided yoga and meditation sessions to help you recharge your mind, body and spirit.
• A deeply rejuvenating and invigourating walking meditation in the Sahyadri hills.

All mankind has an inner yearning for meaning, fulfillment, and above all happiness, yet many of us are unable to find these qualities in our daily lives. The various scriptures of the world tell us that true and lasting happiness can only be found in the Divine, yet many of us are so busy honouring our commitments that we have no time left to take steps in this direction. And when we finally manage make time to pursue these things, we find that we are not sure how to proceed, or we are not advanced enough to deeply connect with the Divine.

This short weekend is designed to help and guide you in taking these steps, with time for both inward and outward explorations. The inward steps are based on the guidance and techniques of the great Master of Yoga, Paramhansa Yogananda, author of the renowned book Autobiography of a Yogi. These teachings will help you connect to the Divine joy and peace within you. The outward steps will help you to deepen your awareness and enhance your enjoyment of the natural world, all around us.

This weekend will also include a class in how to meditate, to further help you relax and connect with the Divine. Meditation is one of the most natural yet profoundly rewarding of all human activities. Meditation not only reduces stress and improves physical and emotional well-being, it can help you be more focused, productive and calm regardless of outer conditions. Meditation can help you directly experience the divine realities within — the peace, joy and divine love that are your true nature. While its original and highest purpose is to help us awaken our spiritual nature, the benefits to body and mind are well established by medical research.

In this retreat you’ll learn:

• The true yogic meaning of meditation
• How to sit comfortably for long and deep meditations
• Three effective methods for achieving the state of meditation
• Why, how, when & how long to meditate

This retreat is open and welcoming to all regardless of age, beliefs or religious background.

About the presenters

Dharana served in Ananda Palo Alto (USA), Ananda Assisi (Italy) and Ananda India, before becoming the primary Acharya (teacher) here at the Ananda Meditation Retreat in 2015. He first began teaching in Italy, where Swami Kriyananda made him a minister, and has offered numerous classes in Italy and India. Dharana views and presents the eternal truths of yoga from a scientific perspective, due to his background as a silicon valley engineer. His love of hiking and nature dates back to his childhood.

Parizad is a certified and experienced Ananda Yoga and Meditation Teacher. She is a Kriyaban, a long time spiritual seeker and meditator. She specialises in Holistic and Integrative Medicine and acts as a Psychologist, Spiritual Counsellor and Guide to those in need of healing and guidance, based on universal principles. She is also a practising Evolutionary Astrologer which charts the map of every soul’s evolutionary path and life intentions. She is also a devout nature and animal lover and enjoys hiking and nature photography.

9.00 am – 10.00 am

Arrivals & registration – please be on time!

10.00 am – 11.00 am

Introductions, origins of these teachings

11.00 am – 11.15 am

Short break

11.15 am – 12.00 pm

Experiential relaxation & energizing practices

12.00 pm – 1.00 pm

How to Meditate – Part 1

1.00 pm – 2.00 pm

Lunch hour

2.00 pm – 3.00 pm

Free Time

3.00 pm – 5.00 pm

How to Meditate – Part 2

5.00 pm – 6.00 pm

Tea and free time

6.00 pm – 7.30 pm

Ananda Yoga and Meditation

7.30 pm – 8.30 pm

Dinner

8.30 pm – 10.00 pm

Finding Happiness Movie

or free time (as preferred)

7.00 am – 8.30 am

Nature-based walk and activities

8.45 am – 11.00 am

Breakfast and free time

11.00 am – 12.30 pm

Ananda Yoga and Meditation

1.00 pm – 2.00 pm

Lunch hour

2.00 pm – 3.00 pm

Free time and departure