Yoga is an ancient Indian philosophy and describes the spiritual path unifying the individual with the universal by means of asceticism and meditation. The term Yoga comes from the ancient language Sankrit and means “unification”. The highest aim of Yoga is the soul’s independence and liberation from the physical body, desires, passions and affects: in Sankrit, that is “Atman”. As a result, inner peace, balance and integration of all levels of the human personality are accomplished.

Patanjali was the Indian scholar who wrote the „Yoga Sutras“ 2000 years ago, describing the actual aim of Yoga as an inner state in which the mental and spiritual processes come to rest. This has to be reached proceeding an eight-step path:

The path begins with „Yama“ and „Niyama“ which are rules of conduct that have the aim of abstention and absolute self-control to be able to reach the next levels. “Asana” and “Pranayama” describe conscious physical exercises and sitting postures as well as breathing exercises that are the basis for any control of mind over body. The fifth level is “Pratyahara”: the control of all senses such as vision, hearing, smelling and feeling by the internalisation of the own consciousness. The senses shall not be confined but they shall be perceived more consciously and thereby become better controllable for the benefit of the perceptivity. This is needed to reach the next level, “Dharana”, which means the deliberate concentration on one specific point of the body, to an object, emptiness, something transcendental, etc., and thereby to be able to eliminate any kind of distraction or reflection. To enter the seventh level of meditation, “Dhyana”, the focus of the whole spiritual energy without any distraction needs to be fully accomplished. “Dhyana” means a spiritual state, at which one’s self, any thoughts and everything physical does not matter at all – a total freedom, timelessness and a bond with the macrocosm shall be experienced. The actual aim of yoga is accomplished at this 8th stage: “Samadhi”, the “being-one”, the unification, the accomplishment of individual liberation from everything physical and secular, the perfection.  

 

Nowadays, Yoga is increasingly popular outside of India as a way to find tranquility, mental and physical comfort and inner balance in times of permanent time pressure, job-related and everyday stress. To perform Yoga at locations of natural beauty and symbolic meaning is a very unique experience.

 

 

The participants of this daily group sessions are from all over the world. Classes are meant to be on a "drop in" base, which means you can join and leave at any moment.   

 

Yoga at the Himalaya

 

The Himalaya is the world's largest mountain system. It separates the plains of the Indian subcontinent from the highlands of Tibet, and it is a border between Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan.

 

As a Yoga Worldlearner, you are going to stay at the "Chrysalid Outdoor Learning Centre" in the middle of the most unique nature. From there, you can discover your surroundings with your private yoga teacher and do Yoga exercises at breathtaking locations such as the huge "Rock of Calmness", small Hindu temples and other beautiful natural spots. The region is situated approximately 2200 - 2600 metres above sea level and is characterized by steep slopes and rocks with untouched pine and oak forests. Despite the tranquility and apparent solitude, the city of Shimla is just 30 minutes by car.

 

Besides Yoga, other outdoor activities can be done at the Chrysalid Outdoor Learning Centre such as climbing, hiking, abseiling, etc.

 

Costs: