Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres and Ashrams

India

Yoga Vacation

The two-week yoga vacation is based on The Five Points of Yoga formulated by Swami Vishnudevananda for radiant health and inner peace.

The Five Points of Yoga include:

1. Proper Exercise - asana
2. Proper Breathing - pranayama
3. Proper Relaxation - savasana
4. Proper Diet - vegetarian
5. Positive Thinking and Meditation - Vedanta and dhyana

These points promote a healthy and harmonious yogic lifestyle.

The structured two-week Yoga Vacation program follows a daily schedule with satsang, asana classes and lectures.

• Rest, relax and rejuvenate in a peaceful and beautiful natural setting.
• Meet people who wish to give a new direction to their life through the teachings of yoga.
• Have a full yoga experience.
• Get guidance on implementing positive changes in your life.
• Deepen your knowledge on topics such as the benefits of asana, vegetarian diet, stress management and meditation.

We offer separate asana classes for beginner and intermediate students. The minimum stay period varies at each ashram:

• Dhanwantari Ashram, Neyyar Dam
• Meenakshi Ashram, Madurai
• Sivananda Kutir, Uttarkashi

To get the maximum benefit we recommend the full two-week program.

Classes are optional on the day off, once a week usually Friday. Guests are expected to attend morning and evening satsangs on this day.

Day trips to places of interest are regularly arranged on the day off.

Basic Ashram Schedule

0520 hrs	WAKE UP BELL
0600 hrs	SATSANG
0730 hrs	TEA TIME
0800 hrs	ASANA CLASS
1000 hrs	BRUNCH
1100 hrs	KARMA YOGA
1230 hrs	COACHING CLASS (optional)
1330 hrs	TEA TIME
1400 hrs	LECTURE
1600 hrs	ASANA CLASS
1800 hrs	DINNER
2000 hrs	SATSANG
2200 hrs	LIGHTS OUT

The daily schedule may change from time to time according to need. The entire schedule is mandatory.

Kindly note, the spoken and teaching language of the ashrams is English.

Definition of Terms

Satsang:  Satsang consists of silent meditation, chanting and a talk or reading on the philosophy of yoga and Vedanta. It will help you develop a meditation practice.

Karma yoga:  Karma yoga is the practice of selfless service which helps guests to feel part of the ashram. You are expected to do up to one hour of selfless service per day within the ashram.

Lecture:  Talks covering the 4 paths of yoga, "The 5 Points of Yoga", Vedanta philosophy and other topics in yoga.

Asana Class:  We offer separate morning and afternoon beginners and intermediate classes. For beginners, classes follow a two week structured course commencing on 1st and 16th of each month. Students are introduced to the practice of pranayama and the 12 basic postures. For intermediate students we follow the regular Sivananda class including variations.

Brunch/Dinner:  Simple Indian style vegetarian meals.

Accommodation

Accommodation is simple. We offer dormitory accommodation and a limited number of shared twin rooms with attached bathroom at Neyyar Dam and Uttarkashi. Those preferring twin rooms should book early. We cannot guarantee twin room bookings. There are separate dormitories for men and ladies. Tent space is available at the Neyyar Dam and Maduraiashrams. Please bring your own tent. Single accommodation is not available at any of the ashrams.

Advanced Booking

At all ashrams advanced booking for Yoga Vacation is recommended and usually essential during the ashrams high season. Please see: Dhanwantari ashram, Neyyar Dam; and Sivananda Kutir, Uttarkashi.

For application forms and details on registration see How to Register.

Rules and Guidelines

To maintain the spiritual atmosphere we ask all ashram guests to comply with the ashram rules. The ashram reserves the right of admission and students may be asked to leave if their behaviour goes against the ashram's rules and teachings.
Ashram rules and guidelines

Dates and Donations

• Dhanwantari Ashram, Neyyar Dam
• Meenakshi Ashram, Madurai
• Sivananda Kutir, Uttarkashi

Dates and donations are subject to change without notice. For all programs guests are subject to the suggested donation in effect at the time of final payment.