Urdhva Yoga

MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS: ONLINE WORKSHOP
2025-01-04 - 2025-01-05 | Online Via Zoom
This two-day online workshop is a clear and systematic introduction to the basic techniques of meditation as taught in the Himalayan Tradition of Shri Swami Rama.
The practice of meditation is unlike any other mental activities we perform. Meditation is a practice that introduces you to yourself, knowing yourself at all levels as the body, breath, senses and the mind and then leads you to the consciousness within, called Atman. This center of our consciousness is the source of all other states of a human being.
From the very start, you will experience the therapeutic effects of meditation. By calming the autonomic nervous system, meditation helps functioning of all major organ systems in the body. It relaxes the muscular tensions, improves immunity, regulates appetite and sleep and reduces emotional stress that is commonly seen in our modern lives.
Meditation will enhance your capacity to improve your health, cultivate better relationships, and develop greater skillfulness in all your activities. It will make life more serene, creative, and fulfilling.
Meditation will help you loosen identification of the self as the mind as you will see a deeper, higher consciousness beyond the mind that is ever undisturbed, ever serene and pure.
This workshop aims to give you a basic practice of meditation that are simple to learn, with consistent practice you will experience the benefits. With persistence and regular practice, you will discover a sense of tranquility and unfolding of a joyful journey within.
May this new year begin your inward journey filled with joy!
This workshop will be held via Zoom so you can join from the comfort of your home from any part of the world.
Workshop Content:
1. Introduction to meditation
• What is meditation and what it is not
• Meditation in the Himalayan Yoga Tradition
2. Preparatory practices of meditation
• Preparing the meditation space and seat
• Preparing your body and correct posture
• Practice of systematic relaxation
• Proper breathing – diaphragmatic
3. Systematic and scientific process of meditation
• Slowing down the mind with inner awareness and attention
• Giving an internal focus of attention and letting go of stressors
• Traditional method of introducing mantra and breath awareness
• A gradual coming out of meditation with serene and silent mind
4. Practicing meditation: leading a life conducive to meditation
• Dietary habits that support meditation
• Making mindful choices in daily life
Who can attend the workshop?
• This being a basic workshop, all you need is a willing heart!
• Physical fitness is good but not mandatory
• Ages 15 years and above
• Workshop will be in English, basic fluency in English will be good to have
Practice and study materials you will receive
• Recording of the live sessions
• Guided meditation in audio MP3 format for your home practice
• Short document on Meditation for Beginners
• Articles on meditation from Himalayan Yoga Tradition – by Swami Rama and Swami Veda Bharati
Workshop information:
Dates: 4 and 5 January 2025 (Saturday and Sunday)
Time:
India: 4:30 to 6:30 PM
US ET: 6:00 to 8:00 AM
Europe CET: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Fee: INR 2000, US $ 35
Payable via UPI and Bank transfer in India, PayPal for international
payments
About the Teacher
The workshop will be guided by Namita Sinha, who is based in Bangalore, India.
Namita is an initiate of Swami Veda Bharati and has been practicing the Himalayan Yoga Tradition for several years.
She has been guiding her students in Bangalore and other parts of India in yoga practices, including Hatha yoga, meditation, and yoga philosophy.
An ERYT 500-hour teacher in the Himalayan Yoga Tradition, Namita has also received her yoga training from the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Forest Academy. She considers herself a lifelong student of yoga.
Know more about Namita
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SELF HEALING THROUGH AYURVEDA: A FOUNDATION COURSE FOR BEGINNERS
2024-11-30 08:00 - 09:30 UTC | Online Via Zoom
Ayurveda is the science of self-healing, that applies practical methods rooted in deep philosophical
understand of human personality, environment and its impact on our health.
With the purpose of good health and longevity of life, Ayurvedic practices help us to gain better
understand of ourselves, and shows us the way to live healthy, conscious and meaningful life.
This online course is for anyone looking to understand their health better and become responsible
towards one-self. Exploring ways of self-observation, adapting lifestyle that is suited better for your
well-being and living an enriched life.
If you are already a practitioner of Yoga and meditation, and want to expand your knowledge and
deepen your practice you shall find this course complimenting your Yoga practice in a very profound
way.
As a Yoga practitioner I found Ayurveda completed and complimented my Yoga sadhana. It has given
me the foundation to keep my habits, choices conducive to my health and also shown me ways to
heal myself.
This course is a foundation course, ideal for beginners and those looking to being in Ayurvedic
healing in their practice.
We shall study these topics in this course:

The purpose of Ayurveda – Life and longevity to fulfill the purpose of life
Five subtle elements (tanmatras), five gross elements (mahabhutas), five sense organs (jnanendriyas), five organs of action (karmendriyas)
Three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha
Twenty attributes – the secret to all healing
Agni, dhatus, mala kriya
Ayurvedic Dietary Principles: Food and prana, six tastes, viruddha aahara
Ayurveda and mind management: Three gunas
A Tool for Self-Examination: Prakruti and Vikruti
Making your Ayurvedic self-care plan

Dates: 30th November and 1,7 & 8 December 2024
Time: 8:00 to 9:30 AM India time

DISCOVER THE POWER OF BREATH
2024-11-24
Did you know that your breathing could be inefficient, even if you’ve been practicing Yoga and pranayama for many years? You might experience discomfort while breathing during pranayama or meditation. Or, as a complete beginner, you may be unsure whether your breathing is correct.
Discover the power of your breath in this in-person workshop, where you’ll connect with your breathing, explore its qualities, and learn techniques to enhance its efficiency.
Swami Rama has said, “Breath is life, and life is breath.” Our breath is our closest companion, sustaining us every moment, yet we often remain unaware of how it functions. Most people do not breathe efficiently enough to meet the body’s and brain’s needs. Inefficient breathing can contribute to numerous health concerns, including stress, hypertension, poor nutrient absorption, and digestive disorders. Breath is closely linked to brain function and holds the key to our emotional patterns.
Many yoga practitioners have not learned the foundations of proper breathing, which involves engaging the diaphragm, the key muscle in breathing. In this workshop, you will learn how to use the diaphragm to breathe more effectively, laying the groundwork for pranayama and maximizing its benefits.
Workshop Topics and Practices:

The science of breath and its relation to bodily functions
Breath and stress management
Practices and qualities of efficient breathing
Breath and our energy system
The power of breath in relaxation, meditation, and creative thinking

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced yoga practitioner, you will discover new insights about your breath that will deepen your awareness and enhance your practice.
Bengaluru
Sunday
10:00 to 13:00 AM IST
Venue – Yogisthaan, Indiranagar, Bengaluru.

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SHLOKA CHANTING FOR CHILDREN
2024-10-12 - 2024-11-03
Shlokas and mantras in Yoga are based on sonic science that enhances memory, concentration, clarity of
speech, and mental focus, while also nurturing a calm and steady mind. This timeless tradition is especially
essential today, as children are increasingly exposed to digital stimuli from a very young age. Starting on the
auspicious occasion of Vijaya Dashami, this course will introduce children to select shlokas through traditional
chanting methods.
Yoga is a vast and deep science of life that helps us to unfold, harmonize and integrate ourselves at all levels of
physical, mental, emotional and beyond.
Yoga Vashishtha, one of most significant texts of Yoga defines Yoga as “Manah prashamanopayah yoga
ityabhidhiyate” – meaning Yoga is a technique, a tool and method to pacify and calm down the mind.
In the Vedic tradition, mantras are imparted in the childhood; with the special initiation in Gayatri mantra at
the age of 8 or 10 years with the Upanayan ceremony.
The meaning of mantra is made up of two Sanskrit words – mana which means the mind and tra which means
to protect. So, mantra is that which protects the mind. Mantra is a codified spiritual sonic science works on our
nervous system, mind and heart and can help us to modify and improve for our overall growth and well-being.
Shloka chanting energizes the whole body and brings mental clarity, and calmness. While this was a regular,
daily ritual in our tradition, it has been lost for most of us leading modern lives in the digital world.
This series of five classes spread over four weekends, aims to introduce shlokas for children and beginners of
any age. The classes begin on the day of Vijaya Dashami, Dussehra which is traditionally considered as an
auspicious day for beginning new learning, vidyarambham.
The students will learn chanting in a traditional way with emphasis on clear and correct pronunciation, which
naturally and subtly improves the vocal, mental and pranic abilities. You will also reflect on the meaning of the
shlokas of Guru, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswati that are deities of learning, removing obstacles, grant
knowledge and wisdom.
We are blessed to have a special teacher to conduct these classes.
Dr. Rama Shankar, a physician by profession, is a devout follower of Sanatana Dharma with a keen interest in
studying the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and Mahabharata. Her hobbies include practicing Yoga, listening to
Carnatic music, and chanting. After retiring from her medical practice, she has dedicated her time to teaching
chanting, emphasizing the rules and guidance for proper and accurate pronunciation. She continues to learn
various stotras and shlokas from Vyoma Sanskrit Labs.
The course is priced nominally as a loving inaugural offering and our gratitude to the Guru Parampara.
Course details:
Shloka Chanting for Children

Start on 12th October, 2024, Vijaya Dashami day between 18:00 to 19:00 hour IST
5 classes – 12, 13, 20, 27 October and 3rd November 2024
Class time: 18:00 to 19:00 hour IST
Ages: 6+ years (no upper age limit)
Fee: INR 1200 / US $ 20

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SWADHYAY SERIES: PATANJALI YOGA SUTRA
2024-07-06 - 2024-07-28 | Online Via Zoom
Learn Vedic chanting and reflections on select sutras from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras reflecting on chitta (mind), its nature, and vrittis (modifications). Vedic chanting helps to clear speech and awakens inactive centres in the mind while subtly the meaning of the sutra is absorbed.
Saturday and Sunday
1800 to 1900 IST

RISE IN BALANCE: HATHA YOGA
2024-07-01 - 2024-07-26, 2024-05-20 - 2024-06-18 | Online Via Zoom
In four weeks, a complete practice of Hatha Yoga to reset the body. Shat Kriyas for cleansing and detoxification, asanas practice to strengthen the body and balance doshas and energy, and Ayurvedic diet guidelines suited to your prakruti will start you off on a journey of holistic health.
Monday to Friday
7:00 to 8:00 AM IST

AYURVEDA FOUNDATION COURSE
2024-06-01 - 2024-06-30 | Online Via Zoom
An introduction to Ayurvedic principles of health, lifestyle, and diet from the perspective of a Yoga practitioner. Examination of health through prakruti, tri doshas, agni, dhatu, mala and mind and their play in our wellbeing. Best suited for Yoga teachers and practitioners and curious learners.
Saturday and Sunday
1800 to 1900 IST

THE MEDITATION HOUR
2024-05-18 | Online Via Zoom
The Meditation Hour every weekend will help you slow down and unwind the mind. In the stillness of meditation, the mind is unwrinkled from the agitations and constant engagement in happenings around us. Suited for beginners and those leading busy and stressed lives.
Every Saturday and Sunday
6:00 to 7:00 AM IST

CHILDREN’S YOGA RETREAT
2024-04-21 - 2024-04-24 | Bangalore
A summer residential retreat for children in 8 to 12 ages; a specially designed holistic yoga program with a mix of yoga asanas, proper breathing, meditations for children, games, and activities to develop a strong body, healthy habits, and a well-organized and disciplined mind Parents are also welcome to join.
Yoga is a holistic science of life that shows the way to live, to develop habits that are beneficial for our health and growth.
Program outline:
✓ Learn Surya Namaskar and yoga asanas
✓ Proper breathing to develop calm and concentration
✓ Concentration exercises
✓ Yoga games and art activities
✓ Meditation and inspiring stories to develop good character
✓ Nature walks and group activities
✓ Off-screen time to build healthy relationships with self
Accommodation and other rules:
✓ Residential program on the outskirts of Bangalore
✓ Shared accommodation of 3-4 children per room
✓ Simple and delicious vegetarian meals
✓ Usage of mobile and other electronic devices is discouraged
For further information please contact us via email or WhatsApp.
Terms and Conditions:
✓ 50% advance to be paid at the time of registration and the balance 50% by 15th April 2024.
✓ Cancellations before 21st April 2024 will attract a cancellation fee of ₹ 3,000.
✓ No refunds on cancellation after 21sh April 2024.
✓ Children need to be dropped off and picked up from the venue by parents/guardians.

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₹ 15,000 per child

RISHIKESH: YOGA PILGRIMAGE RETREAT
2024-04-06 - 2024-04-13 | Rishikesh
An invitation to slow down and immerse in yoga, meditation, yoga philosophy, and silence at the ashram of Shri Swami Veda Bharati in Rishikesh. Immerse in meditation and reflections in the light of Vedic knowledge and the teachings of the Himalayan Yoga Tradition of Shri Swami Rama.
Located at the foothills of the Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand, Rishikesh has been the hub of ashrams and spiritual seekers for centuries. On the banks of Mother Ganga, the majestic view of the Himalayas, the
sadhus, and sacred temples gives a panoramic view of the richness of our Vedic Sanatana Dharma.
This one-week retreat will give you a glimpse of life and yogic practices in an ashram, and explore nearby sacred temples and ashrams.
Ours will be a cozy group of less than 10 participants.
Two aspects of this retreat are:
Yoga and Meditation
Learn the traditional practices of yoga and meditation as taught by Swami Rama of the Himalayas at his ashram Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama.
✓ Morning and evening Hatha Yoga classes
✓ Meditation every morning and evening
✓ Lectures on Yoga philosophy
✓ Silence day every Thursday
✓ Breathing and Relaxation practices
✓ Sattvic meals, karma yoga – an opportunity to offer seva
Pilgrimage to Sacred Places
The rich lineage of Himalayan yogis and Hindu traditions can be abundantly experienced in this Devbhoomi. We will explore some of these spots
✓ Local ashram visits in Rishikesh
✓ Ganga walks and darshan at the ancient Veerbhadra temple
✓ Visit to Shaktipeetha in the mountains
✓ Ganga aarti at the ghat in Rishikesh
Eligibility
This retreat is for those who are looking to their deepen yoga and spiritual practices, are keen to live the ashram life of simple, sattvic living, and willing to participate in all programs at the ashram.
Children below 18 years need to be accompanied by parent/s.
✓ Wear simple light-coloured clothing at the ashram
✓ Rise by 4:30 am daily and retire by 9:30 pm
✓ Shared cottage accommodation will all basic amenities
✓ Simple vegetarian north Indian style meals served thrice a day
✓ Participate in daily havan, pujas at the temple
Suitable for beginners with open hearts and keen minds.
For more information contact via email or WhatsApp.
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20,000 (excluding travel costs)

AYURVEDA: THREE PILLARS OF HEALTH
2024-02-10 - 2024-02-18 | Online Via Zoom
Three pillars of health called trayopastambha in Ayurveda constitute āhara (food), nidrā (sleep), and brahmacharya (control of sexual energy). Over four sessions, we will look at understanding them and their effects on our health with exercises for self-examination.
Saturday and Sunday
1800 to 1900 IST
