Tiruvannamalai & South India 2011 (English)

ASTANGA YOGA – VEDIC CHANT TIRUVANNAMALAI & SOUTH INDIA RETREAT, February 2011

Intensive training in Tiruvannamalai, one of the most sacred places of South India, combining Astanga Yoga and Vedic Chanting together with pilgrimages to other South Indian temple towns makes up for a perfect opportunity to deepen your personal practice as well as to immerse yourself into the heart of Indian Vedic Culture.

ABOUT TIRUVANNAMALAI

Known as one of the foremost Thirthams or power shrines of India, the glory of Tiruvannamalai has been praised for ages. The town is located around the sacred Arunachala Mountain, a natural lingam that is dear to all yogis and Shaivite sages of South India. At the base of the mountain stands the magnificent Arunachaleshvar temple, an impressing rock carved temple of Dravidian arquitecture and the second largest of India.  Representing the Fire element, the temple is one of the five Pancha Bhuta Sthalams of India where the five primordial elements of nature are worshipped. Acting as a magnet to all mature spiritual seekers, Tiruvannamalai has been drawing to its holy land countless yogis over the centuries.

ABOUT THE PRACTICE

Yoga in the tradition of Sri Manju Jois from south India is a traditional practice for the development of body and mind.  The combination of dynamic postures (Asana), breathing exercises (Pranayama) and vedic chants (Veda Adhyayana) creates heat and purification in the body, and a calm focus in the mind.  The practice is always kept as a meditative and therapeutic tool; therefore it remains flexible and adjusted to the needs of the individual.  Rooted in the ancient greater Vedic tradition, Astanga Yoga is a process of transformation through gradually dissolving physical, mental and emotional blocks that restrict our life potential. Vedic Chanting is Mantra Yoga, a form of meditation through sound and resonance. The mantras of the Veda contain the knowledge of the ancient Rishis while the vibrations produced by the chants purify breath and mind allowing space for inner silence and devotion.

Classes are taught every morning  in two blocks:

• Astanga Yoga

Self-practice of postures and breath-work related to Yogachikitsa and Nadishoddhana as taught by Sri Manju Jois of Mysore, India. The practice is adjusted to every individual taking into consideration body type, age and capacity. The series may be modified whenever necessary. There will be no practice on new and full moon days (rest day).

• Vedic Chant

Mantras from the Taittiriya Shakha of Krsna Yajur Veda are taught in the traditional manner. The pedagogy of Vedic chanting is introduced with attention to detail and respecting the rules of Vedic chanting like pitch, pronunciation, linking of notes, etc. Mantras are taught in levels according to experience and capacity. Written and audio study material is provided.

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ABOUT THE TEACHER

Andrés Wormull: For over a decade, I have been studying several branches of the Vedic tradition including Yoga, Vedic chanting and Vedanta. I practice and teach Astanga yoga under the guidance of guru Sri Manju P. Jois, assisting him also during his workshops around South America. I feel is a blessing to have a close relationship with Manjuji and the opportunity to study traditional Astanga yoga according to the Vedic teachings. In addition to this, I have studied Vedic chanting with Brahmins from South India and Advaita Vedanta with Swami Dayananda Saraswati. I share with passion all the benefits and knowledge received from this great tradition. I undertake the practice of yoga not as an achievement itself, but rather as a tool to set me in motion towards absolute freedom and contentment.

CLASS FEE

350 USD

Covers all daily Ahtanga Yoga and Vedic Chant classes (2 classes/day). To be paid first day of the retreat. (Non-refundable)

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ABOUT THE PILGRIMAGE TOUR

During 5 days we will travel to some of the most magnificent temples of India, the Shiva temples of Tamil Nadu; including Sri Natarajar temple of Chidambaram, Sri Brihadeshvara Temple of Thanjavur, Sri Ekambaranathar of Kanchipuram and others. In Kanchipuram we will meet with a group of Vedic priest for the performance of traditional puja and fire ceremony.

** This is an optional activity and therefore not included in the class fee. Each participant must cover for his/her travel expenses. Prices depend on demand. We will make sure to get the most convenient rates for a comfortable and affordable trip.

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DATES

• 31 January – 13 February (14 days): Astanga Yoga & Vedic Chanting retreat, Tiruvannamalai.

• 14 -18 February (5 days): South India temple tour: 14/Chidambaram, 15/Thanjavur, 16/Mahabalipruam, 17/Kanchipuram, 18/Chennai

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GENERAL INFORMATION

* ARRIVAL

The best way is to arrive to Tiruvannmalai is to land in Chennai International Airport and take a taxi directly to Tiruvannmalai (3,5 hrs). Use the taxi to get to your hotel of choice. Booking your taxi from the pre-paid stand inside the airport is advisable.

If staying in Chennai, travellers should be very careful to book hotel in advance since it is an overwhelming big city with high rates for a decent room.

Another recommended option if you have time is to upon arrival in Chennai take a taxi to Mahabalipuram (40 min) and rest a couple of days at the beach. You can take a taxi from there to Tiruvannamalai (4 hrs).

* SLEEPING, EATING AND MOVING AROUND

Each participant is required to look after his/her own transportation, hotel, food and so on (See links bellow). Help and suggestions will be provided if necessary. There are plenty of guesthouses, hotels, restaurants, bike rental, etc at very convenient prices in Tiruvannmalai so it should not be a problem.  It is also possible to book rooms in advance. Usually we stay around Ramanashram area, where most of the hotels, restaurants and shops are located. From there it is pretty easy to get around town.

Be aware that Tiruvannmalai is a strictly vegetarian place, although milk and egg products are available. There is a supermarket where you can get most of the stuff, and there are also plenty of fruit and nuts stands around if you do not want to eat at restaurants al the time. However be sure to bring any special items you may need.

Moving around town is very easy; you can take local rickshaws or just rent a bicycle, scooter or motorbike. Driving around in the traffic is not as bad as in other parts of India but nevertheless an experience for life. Please be very careful and enjoy the ride!

TIPS & SUGGESTIONS

* Get a travel insurance.

* Travel light! Tropical South India is very hot throughout the year. Do not bring any jeans, jackets, sleeping bags and the like. They will be of no use. Bring only light clothing.

* Bring your own bed sheets, no blankets, only the sheets and pillow sheet.

* Bring a torch. Power cuts and badly illuminated roads are common.

*  Bring mosquito repellent and mosquito net or get them locally upon arrival.

* Mobile phone cards are easily available. Be sure your phone works in India. Otherwise there is plenty of telephone and Internet places around to contact your family and friends.

* Although a relaxed place, always bear in mind that Tiruvannmalai is a sacred town for Hindus. Always respect local customs. Indians are usually very respectful by nature. Be gentle and they will be gentle to you.

* Women must dress respecting the local culture. Do not wear shorts or short skirts. A scarf to cover your shoulders in crowded areas is good policy and will avoid you being hassled.

* Always drink bottled water. Watch up with the water in fruit juices and ice cubes.  If you are eating fruits take the peel off. Although sanitary customs are getting much better over the years it is still risky to eat raw salads in most places.

* To have a loose stomach at any point is common while in India. You may want to bring anti-diarrheal medicine.

* Although medicines are easily available bring your own stash for fevers, headaches and the like. Do not overdo it, only the essential.

* Vaccinations are your choice. Most countries recommend too many expensive vaccines for India. Do not panic, use your common sense.

USEFUL LINKS

Tiruvannamalai District

Om Arunachala

Listing of budget hotels and guest houses

Top Hotels

Arpanaa Hotels

Arunai Anantha

Sparsa Resorts

** There are plenty of other places to stay which do not have any website available. You may book a room for your arrival and then look around until you find the spot where you want to stay.

CONTACT AND OTHER INFORMATION

For sign-up, details about the practice place and other information please contact andreswormull@gmail.com

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