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.
Sign Up
20,000 (excluding travel costs)

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.

Sign Up

₹ 15,000 per child

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

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

RISE IN BALANCE: HATHA YOGA
2024-07-01 - 2024-07-26 | 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

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

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

SIGN UP NOW!

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.

SIGN UP NOW!

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

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
REGISTER HERE

INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY
2025-06-21 07:00 - 08:30 | Online Via Zoom
The world will celebrate the 10th International Yoga Day on 21st June this year.
Yoga has much to offer to our digital, technology-driven world.
“Yoga is not for select individuals, but for all the young and old, the fit and the ailing, the rich and the poor. With its infinite resources and potential, Yoga can usher humanity into a new and glorious era of revolution.
Ceaseless activity in the turmoil of life takes its toll. Anxieties, frustrations, exhaustion of mind and body – all these accelerate the ageing process. Yoga is a powerful remedy against these forces of destruction.
Yoga has a special role to play in the world of today. It’s practice alone can remove mental and physical afflictions. It can bring joy into our hearts, homes, and societies.
The word Yoga is of great significance. It is derived from the Sanskrit root word yuj, which means to unite. Yoga means union, identification. Identify with the joys and sorrows of everyone, extend your horizons, and live above the pettiness of life.
Yoga stands for both physical and mental well-being. You can consider it as a program, a method, and a philosophy. It is a program in the way it assumes the shape of the movement with definite aims and objectives. It is a method in the sense that yogic practices are methodically pure. Whatever may be one’s spiritual orientation may be, meditation and other practices can always be very useful.
Thus, Yoga is a universal recipe and is truly the only modus operandi for Self-realization.
Do you enjoy a happy, harmonious life? Are you afire with enthusiasm in your daily activities? When adverse circumstances try to crush you, do you rise above them with a cool head and easy assurance? If not, take to Yoga.”
– By Swami Satyananda Saraswati, Bihar School of Yoga.
This International Yoga Day is a special occasion to start, restart, and retune your Yoga practice, in its holistic way.
I invite you to join me for a complimentary online session designed for everyone, regardless of your experience level. This is a perfect opportunity to explore how simple yet effective techniques can bring serenity and focus into your daily life.
This 90-minute session will include:
➢ Hatha Yoga to bring balance and vitalize the body – 30 Mins
➢ Shavasana relaxation – 10 Mins
➢ Pranayama – 15 Mins
➢ Guided Meditation – 15 Mins
➢ A Talk on Yoga Philosophy in Daily Life – 20 Mins
Don’t miss this special day to reconnect with yourself through a traditional practice of Yoga.
Let’s make this program special together with your presence!
To register
WhatsApp Namita on: +91 96066 89190
or
Email: namita@urdhvayoga.com

YOGA FOR BEGINNERS
2025-07-19 07:00 - 2025-08-03 08:30 | Online Via Zoom
If you have never practiced Yoga before, you will find that with its practice, a sense of balance and inner poise.
This three-weekend program is designed for a beginner who wishes to bring the goodness of Yoga into their lives.
“The yoga practices described in the ancient manuscripts are not just physical, they are mental and spiritual too, for yoga is the science of self-effort, of self-examination, and of self-awareness.” –Swami Rama
This three-weekend workshop will include:
1. Joints and Glands and Asana series
➢ Sequential movements of joints that have subtle effects at various levels
➢ Open up the stiffness of the shoulder, hip, knee, ankles, and other joints, and enhance circulation and mobility
➢ Reduce the stiffness of the lower back, calf muscles,
➢ Slow and concentrated movements that are helpful for the nervous system and hormone-secreting glands
➢ Including systematic relaxation in Shavasana
➢ These foundational practices can be a lifelong practice for the elderly
2. Breath Training and Pranayama
➢ Understanding and experiencing the proper way to breathe
➢ Diaphragmatic breathing and 4 Qualities of healthy breathing
➢ Developing breath awareness
➢ Nadi-Shodhana and Bhramari Pranayama
3. Training the Mind
➢ 5-minute meditation
➢ Concentration exercises
➢ Learning to live consciously
4. Guidelines for Yoga Practice
➢ How to prepare the body for your practice
➢ Proper environment for yoga
➢ Clothing, equipment that are ideal for Yoga practice
➢ Yoga during illness, menstruation
➢ Making adjustments in your lifestyle
To register
WhatsApp Namita on: +91 96066 89190
or
Email: namita@urdhvayoga.com

INSPIRATIONS FROM THE HIMALAYAN MASTER
2025-08-03 18:00 - 2025-11-09 19:00 | Online Via Zoom
A 100-day contemplative study dedicated to Swami Rama’s birth centenary, inspired by his teachings
through two of his profound books.
Swami Rama of the Himalayas was raised in the cave monasteries of the Himalayas, among yogis and adepts in the ancient science of yoga and Indian spirituality. Swamiji, as we fondly refer to him, was sent to the United States in the late 1960s by his master to share the science of yoga with the Western world – empowering people to live more meaningfully, understand themselves, and discover the purpose of life.
An author, poet, doctor, artist, and humanitarian, Swami Rama transformed the lives of many through his lectures, books, and discourses. His method of teaching was direct and accessible, enabling the modern mind to understand and apply ancient wisdom in daily life. Swamiji taught Indian scriptures such as the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras with both practical insight and philosophical depth.
Swami Rama was a prolific author, and authored over 45 books on yoga, meditation, philosophy, and Indian spirituality. His writings reflect a blend of deep experiential wisdom and clarity, rooted in the teachings of
the Himalayan tradition.
In this 100-Day online course, we shall study and contemplate on two of Swami Ji’s books
1. A Practical Guide to Holistic Health by Swami Rama
This is a book ideal for a beginner and any yoga practitioner as Swami Ji lays clearly the yogic as well as
modern principles of health of the body, mind and spirit. For anyone looking to understand and take charge
of their well-being, this book is an invaluable guide.
The book offers simple and systematic approach to
– Diet
– Exercise
– Breath awareness
– Positive use of emotions
– Relationships
– Meditation
And other spiritual practices so that the whole person – body, mind and spirit can attain radiant health. The book is both inspiring and with numerous practical instructions for those who wish to live with awareness, purpose and joyfully in their daily lives and become a source of joy to those around them.
Building on the foundation laid through our previous study of A Practical Guide to Holistic Health, our next
exploration will be The Art of Joyful Living.
2. The Art of Joyful Living by Swami Rama
In this book, Swamiji shows us how to cultivate happiness and a calm, tranquil mind. He guides the seeker in turning the mind away from its outward distractions toward inner stillness—revealing a deeper purpose to life and a more joyful way of living.
The book dwells on the various topics of inner exploration and self-transformation:
– Knowing own true Self
– Transformation of habit patterns
– Positive and negative emotions
– Memory and the nature of mind
– Developing strength and will power
– Developing intuition
– Purifying samskaras
– Spirituality in loving relationships
– Meditation
In Swami Rama’s words, “You are a creation of God, but happiness is your own creation.”
This book is a guide to developing a loving and joyful relationship with yourself and others.
Self-Study and Journaling
For any true change to take place within, self-effort is essential. In the yoga tradition, this effort is known
as the practice of swadhyaya—self-study. Swadhyaya involves both the study of yoga texts by oneself and the introspective examination of the self, viewed through the lens of the texts.
As part of this course, you will be guided to engage in journaling and personal experiments—reflecting on your habits and cultivating a joyful personality as outlined in the book.
Keep a diary ready!
Course Schedule
3rd August to 9th November 2025
Sundays | 6:00 to 7:00 PM IST
Fee ₹ 7000
As a dedication to Gurudeva Swami Rama, all proceeds from this course will be donated to the ashram Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama, Rishikesh.
Recommended Books:
1. The Art of Joyful Living by Swami Rama
2. A Practical Guide to Holistic Health by Swami Rama
3. Living with the Himalayan Masters by Swami Rama
All three titles are available on Amazon. Or can be alternately ordered from our ashram book store by
emailing hyptbooks@gmail.com
To Register:
Fill up the Google Form
For more information contact:
namita@urdhvayoga.com or WhatsApp +91 96066 89190

LEARN TO MEDITATE
2025-08-15 10:00 - 2025-08-17 11:30 | Agastya Yogashala, HRBR Layout 1st Block, Bangalore., Bangalore
This two-day in-person workshop is a clear and systematic introduction to the foundational practice of meditation as taught in the Himalayan Tradition of Shri Swami Rama.
The practice of meditation is unlike any other mental activity 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.
From the very start, you will experience the therapeutic effects of meditation. By calming the autonomic nervous system, meditation helps the 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.
This workshop aims to give you a foundational practice of meditation that is simple to learn for beginners. With consistent practice, you will experience the benefits. With persistence and regular practice, you will discover a sense of tranquility and the unfolding of a joyful journey within.
This weekend workshop will include:
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
A traditional yogic method of introducing mantra and breath
awareness
A gradual coming out of meditation with a 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 will benefit from this workshop?

This being a basic workshop, all you need is a willing heart!
Anyone looking to start or deepen meditation practice
Physical fitness is good, but not mandatory
Ages 18 years and above

To register
WhatsApp Namita on: +91 96066 89190
or
Email: namita@urdhvayoga.com
