The focus of this retreat will be on cultivating inner spaciousness, in order to discover our true identity, that which is Pure Conciousness. We will explore practices from the Vigyana Bhairava Tantra and reflect on passages from ancient texts, both from the Yogic tradition and others, that challenge us to question our assumptions about who and what we are fundamentally.
Tutor(s): Swami SatyaDaya, Tulsi and Swami Krishnapremananda
The practice of meditation is a cornerstone of the science of yoga and, in fact, nearly all other mystical traditions. The focus of this training is towards direct personal experience and transformation. The development and deepening of your personal practice will be key. A place of clarity and peace.
Key to the practice of meditation is the process of the stilling of the mind. We will, no doubt, have experienced a stilling of the mind – this can also arise from time in nature and other such experiences however the very essence of practice is to engender this calming of the mind.
In our day to day lives this calming and settling of the mind is of such value – we are no longer so bound up in the activities of mind and we touch a place of clarity and peace.
We must remember that in meditation we do not attempt to fight the mind or control the mind through force. Like any movement of energy, the fluctuations of mind are completely natural however when we’re completely embroiled in this activity we are ‘blind’ to that which lies beyond the mind.
Fundamentally, the stilling of the mind opens us up to realisation of the most fundamental level of our Identity, the possibility of no longer identifying, completely, with the fluctuations of the mind. Whilst our sense of self, our identity, is completely defined by the fluctuations, and impermanence, of the personality – the body, thoughts, emotions etc. – we will continue to be buffeted by the ups and downs of life.
We realise that these fluctuations, this personality is an expression of a deeper Reality, what we are in essence.
Through participating on this course, you will deepen your practice and be opened to a profound process of transformation both in terms of the personality and your understanding of who and what you truly are. You will gain an invaluable resource to take forward into your life which will support the ongoing healing of your relationship with yourself and with the wider world.
Spaciousness and the Fundamental 'I'
The ultimate purpose of the practice of meditation is to render us receptive to insight into the fundamental level of our being, so that, even if only momentarily, we identify with our essential nature – Pure Consciousness.
Practices that cultivate the experience of (inner) spaciousness are key to developing that receptivity. Amongst other practices we will explore practices from the Vigyana Bhairava Tantra. We will use reflection on passages from ancient texts, both from the Yogic tradition and others, that challenge us to question our assumptions about who and what we are fundamentally.
Further information
Applicants should have:
• At least 3 years experience of yoga practice.
• An aspiration to embrace and systematically develop the practice of meditation. The clarity of aspiration is far more important that previous meditation experience.
• An openness to transformative change on a personal level and an aspiration to deepen the understanding of their Innermost Nature.
