One week yoga in monastery experience at Nepal Yoga Home is aimed at providing participants an opportunity to comfortably practice yoga and leave behind the complexities of the world. This retreat is based on the yoga and Buddhist meditation. During the course you will visit two or three monasteries in and around Kathmandu. Yoga in monastery is the best opportunity to enrich yourself with the spiritual traditions of the country.
The calm atmosphere of the Nepal Yoga Home combined with the instructed yoga and meditation sessions set the right mood for personal enlightenment. It is not just about doing the yoga poses correctly, it is about self-discovery through paying attention to what is unfolding within you through practicing mindfulness, meditation and participating in monastic experience of Nepal.
Journey from monkey to monk mind
When participants begin this yoga in monastery retreat, they come with a monkey mind, a mind full of noise, the chattering of monkeys, and the disturbances that come with it. This state describes a mind that is rather chaotic and in one could describe it as a monkey which is jumping aimlessly from tree branch to another. The process of getting from monkey mind to monk mind is core to the retreat since the participants are taken through a process to change from ‘the state of restlessness to a state of calm, focus, and clarity.
The retreat starts with meditation sessions meant to assist the participants to reduce their stress levels and focus on the current reality. The transformation towards forming a monk mind is progressive process too, which takes week long process which involves yoga and meditation sessions.
Through practices such as Vipassana as well as mindfulness and buddhist meditation enable participants to learn how to ignore disturbing thoughts and to discipline the mind. The concentration on the process of mindfulness assists in calming the mind in order to achieve the calmness and stillness of the monk mind.
Relation of Buddhism and yoga
Both Buddhism and yoga paths are headed for freedom of the mind and the propelling of contentment. Yoga is based on physical exercises, Pranayama and meditation, which helps to reach chosen state of mind, and what is more familiar to Buddhist is the concept of mindfulness and compassion.
Yoga is not only a physical activity in the context of the yoga in monastery, its about the realization and to feel yourself doing yoga in such authentic and peaceful place. Yoga prevails beyond physical exercise in the monastery retreat. The postures of yoga have links with the Buddhist principles like The Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path by helping the practitioners understand the concept of change, pain and detachment in the lives of the people. Yoga and Buddhism both teach that true freedom comes from the release of attachment and the cultivation of a compassionate heart.
As one of the key practices of the yoga in monastery, participants discover how yoga interplays with Buddhist principles where participants attend sessions that combine mindfulness, yoga, and teachings from Buddhists monks. Unlike other systems, practices of Buddhism are well integrated into the optimum yoga technique to offer a combination of both physical exercise and mental training. By the end of the week, the participants should integrate the principles of both traditions into their daily lives, giving them a completely new perception of reality.
Buddhist meditation
In both yoga and Buddhism, meditation is core to the process and is perhaps the main focus at the monastery retreat. Both paths are headed for freedom of the mind and the propelling of contentment. Some of the techniques applied in training include Vipassana, mindfulness, and walking meditation which helps the learners to develop peace of mind.
- Vipassana Meditation (Insight Meditation): This meditation is used to attain the wisdom of the ultimate nature of reality. The practice of mindfulness consists of focusing on the physical sensations, thoughts, and feelings without having any attachment or judgement where participants become aware of changes. Vipassana helps a person to understand how suffering occurs and learn ways of bringing freedom from such suffering through paying attention.
- Zazen Meditation (Seated Meditation): Zazen is the practice of sitting that involves the participants sitting without moving with focus on the breath. Zazen objective is to still thoughts and to develop mindful state of consciousness. It is an effective way of training for one’s focus and can be done in total silence. People face inside and become more spiritual during the session.
- Walking Meditation: This meditation is done while taking a walk. It’s done without rushing by concentrating on the subsequent steps and the whole-body sensations. This form of meditation is beneficial for the participants as it makes them maintain their focus and Presence in the movement and bring Presence into the everyday practice.
These various forms of meditation practices are enhanced by yoga that can help one let go of physical tension, increase flexibility, and focus on the physical sensation of the body. Together, yoga and meditation provide a balanced approach to healing, mental clarity, and spiritual growth.
Authentic Yoga Asanas, Meditation, and Breathing Practices
One of the foundational aspects of this retreat is the purest form of yoga, meditation, and breathing practice learned from ancient traditions. Coached by experienced instructors and monks, participants perform the exercises, which will help both physically and spiritually transform a person. The serene environment of the monastery, with its tranquility, chanting monks, and picturesque surroundings, creates an ideal space for personal growth and deep introspection.
Yoga Asanas
Yoga Asanas is simple practice of yoga sessions which are not only about the health of the body, but also about awakening of the spirit. It is a foundation for connecting mind and body being aware to movement and felling sensation.
The daily session of yoga in the retreat is not only about physique but also about awakening everyone’s soul and showing what they can really do. Participation involves mastering basic postures that have flexibility, muscle strengthening, and concentration benefits. Every session is planned and begins with some exercises to bring blood circulation and muscles into action and ends with a relaxing effect of the asanas.
Mediation
Meditation is an essential part of the retreat offering moments of quite reflection and self-discovery. With the gentle guidance of experienced teachers, you will explore different forms of meditation that help calm your mind and open your heart.
- Mindfulness Meditation: This practice is all about being present. You will focus on simple things, like your breath or the sensation of your feet touching the ground. It’s amazing how something so small can bring such clarity, helping you let go of stress and truly appreciate the here and now.
- Vipassana: In Vipassana you will learn to observe your sensation of body learning art of impermanent of this materialistic world. How thoughts and emotions are impermanent just watch them without judgment. It’s not about controlling your mind but understanding it. Over time this practice helps you let go of mental clutter and find a sense of freedom in just being
- Zazen: There is something magical about sitting quietly in the monastery, surrounded by the sound of nature or the gentle hum of life around you. Zazen invites you to embrace stillness, teaching patience and the beauty of simplicity. These meditation practices aren’t just tools for the retreat also they are skills you can carry with you, helping you navigate life with more clam and clarity.
Breathing Practice (Pranayama)
The retreat also emphasizes the power of your breath. Through pranayama (breathing techniques), you will learn how to harness your breath to balance your energy, calm your mind, and prepare for meditation.
- Kapalabhati: This is a more energizing practice, involving quick, forceful exhalation. It’s like a wakeup call for your body and mind, leaving you feeling refreshed and focused.
- Nadi Shodhana: It is a simple technique that helps balance your body and mind by alternating your breath between nostrils. It’s incredibly soothing and a great way to clear your head when you are feeling stressed.
- Ujjayi: Ujjayi is a deeply calming breathing technique used in yoga and meditation that involves deep abdominal breathing and constricting the back of the throat to create a snoring sound. It helps you find a steady rhythm and stay grounded in the present moment.
Core part of Retreat
This 1-week yoga in monastery at Nepal Yoga Home is focused on the major goal of achieving unity between the spirit, the heart, and the body. It is not just a sequence of individual yoga and meditation classes; it is a path of entering a new monastic lifestyle. Yoga in Monastery is a chance to reset and reconnect with yourself. The experience is simple yet deeply meaningful, combining yoga, meditation, and quiet moments that help you slow down and focus on what truly matters. The yoga sessions are gentle but purposeful, focusing on movements that connect your body and mind. Meditation is a key part of the retreat.
Daily Yoga Practices
Yoga is the focal point of this yoga in monastery retreat. Yoga sessions create harmony in the body and mind. Morning practices generally involve movements by which the energy of the body is awakened by dynamic poses such as ‘Sun Salutations’ and ‘Surya Namaskar’ pose. These movements increase energy in our body, enhance flexibility of our muscles as we get ready to face the day’s challenge mentally.
In the evening the intention is more meditative, and participants are given an opportunity to simply rest and think about the day. Sometimes these sessions end with guided relaxation, or a yogic sleep called Yoga Nidra.
Meditation and Mindfulness During Yoga in monastery
Meditation is an essential part of the retreat, which is aimed at helping individuals attain mental calm and perception. Participants are introduced to a variety of meditation techniques, including:
- Silent Sitting Meditation: It assists in calming the thoughts as aids in focusing on the present moment or momentary vibrations. This way people are able to watch their own thoughts further and learn how to maintain an appropriate emotional state.
- Walking Meditation: It is usually practiced in the gardens or other areas of the closest nature that let participants breathe in and out along with the peace. This practice is related to being aware and centeredness or being present in a place.
- Metta Meditation: This is also called loving kindness meditation that involves exercising goodwill and benevolence toward oneself and to other people. It also plays an important part in emotional healing amid the improvement of interpersonal relationships. These forms of meditation are integrated throughout the retreat so that individuals can learn how to interact with the world in a more peaceful manner.
Connecting to Nature
One of the best part of this retreat is the chance to truly connect with nature right here at Nepal Yoga Home. The peaceful surroundings offer the perfect space to practice yoga, meditation and reconnect with yourself. The natural beauty at Nepal Yoga Home transforms the retreat experience, calming the mind and nurturing the spirit. In this peaceful environment, yoga and meditation take on a deeper meaning helping you cultivate a sense of harmony within and around you.
Monastery Visit
A unique and enriching part of the 1-week yoga in monastery is the opportunity to visit 2-3 ancient monasteries around Kathmandu. These visit not only offer a deeper understanding of Buddhist teaching but also allow participants to immerse themselves in the peaceful, serene energy of these sacred place.
Visiting monasteries, they can experience the calm and stillness that is at the core of monastic life. These visits give the chance to witness monks in their daily routines, engage in silent contemplation and learn about Buddhist philosophy from experienced practitioners. The peaceful surroundings of these monasteries provide the perfect complement to meditation and yoga practice.
Healthy and Yogic Food
A significant aspect of the 1-week monastery yoga retreat at Nepal Yoga Home is the emphasis on healthy, yogic food. It’s not about just eating to fuel your body; it’s about embracing food as a part of your overall journey toward mindfulness and balance. The meals here are thoughtfully prepared to align with the retreat focus in holistic wellness, helping you feel light, energized, and completely present in the moment.
The food served at the monastery is vegetarian, rooted in the yogic tradition of Sattvic eating. It’s about meals that are clean, fresh and easy to digest. Every dish is designed to nourish not just your body but also your mind, keeping you energized for yoga sessions and meditation practices. There is nothing fancy here, just food that feels good.
By the end of the week, you’ll notice the impact of these meals. Your body feels lighter and more energized, your mind clearer and calmer. The food becomes a key part of the transformation, teaching you that nourishment is about much more than just eating. In this yoga in monastery experience the food is more than just a meal, it’s a lesson in mindfulness, simplicity, and gratitude. It is another step on the path to harmony and self-discovery.
Who can Join?
The 1-week yoga in monastery is designed for people of all levels. Whether you’re new to yoga or meditation, have some experience or are an advanced practitioner, this retreat is a welcoming space for everyone.
Buddham saranam gacchami.
I would like to go with enlightened master.
Namo Buddhaya
Namaste to buddha