Sun Gazing & Solar Living Retreat

FULL – no space available (max 50)

The Hansajīvin Retreat in Haridwar, India aims to teach participants the true meaning of sustainable living as per the Himalayan siddha teachings of the nath yogis. The retreat curriculum will share the practices of sun-gazing with sunrise, practices of śāmbhavi mudrā on the Sun based on the UV counter, thus avoiding any discomfort or potential damage. Morning practices will also include specific pranayama techniques synchronized with rumination of Om sound to experience the effects of increased oxygenation. Evening practices include trātaka (gazing on un-flickering lamp eight feet away) while listening to 432 Hz and 528 Hz Om chanting. The retreat includes a full teaching demonstration on how to build a fire kiln (home furnace) from adobe and other natural materials for various practices invoking fire, especially those using firewood and dried cow-dung. Practices of daily agnihotra (fire ritual during dusk and dawn) will be reviewed. The curriculum teaches how to balance the agni with soma, as in the use of light-giving and cooling tinctures for the eyes.

The retreat is a rare opportunity to imbibe teachings from monks: HH Swami Vidyadhishananda Giri, HH Swami Sharadananda Giri and HH Swami Sharad Puri. The monks will discourse on verses from the Veda in reference to the sustainable living concepts, and further supplement with teachings from the Yoga-aphorisms (sutra) of Patanjali. This special retreat will allow participants to understand how sunlight can supply and balance the five elements in the body, and develop a deeper understanding of agni (heat/fire element) and soma (cool/water element). Daily yoga-vinyasa-krama will supplement teachings on harnessing the energy of the sun. The retreat also includes a one-day trip to Rishikesh as well as a visit to an authentic Ayurvedic pharmacy in Haridwar.