Mysore Traditions Yoga Retreat

Mysore India October 14-23 2022

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We are excited to announce a unique yoga experience in Mysore! Join us for an exploration of the roots of the yoga tradition in Mysore with Dr. M. A. Alwar and the worlds more senior teacher of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, Ashtanga Legend, Sri BNS Iyengar. Sri Alwar is the head of the Samskriti Foundation and organizer of Mysore Yoga Conference. He has offered us a very special opportunity to experience the roots of his yoga tradition in Melukote. This retreat will be an immersion in the history, philosophy and spiritual views of the yoga community of Mysore, particularly the Iyengar sect of Brahmins whose tradition originates in Melukote.

Yoga Narasimhan Temple

Melukote is home to a rich yoga tradition and history that is an important part of Mysore’s yoga legacy.

Join Andrew Eppler along with his teachers and mentors for an immersive training in traditional Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga- Asana, Mudra, Pranayama, Sanskrit Chanting, Meditation and Philosophy. This will be an immersion in Indian culture under the guidance of legendary teachers, philosophers and spiritual leaders from Mysore. Our group will explore ancient temples, palaces, holy places and palm leaf manuscripts. Experience the beauty and richness of Mysore’s yoga culture!

WHAT’S INCLUDED

This retreat includes all Yoga Classes, Lectures, Meals, Accommodation, Arrival Assistance, and Guided Excursions around the beautiful cities of Mysore and Melukote. All meals will be provided on-site for guests. We have reserved Chitravana Jungle Resort for the first five days. We will practice asanas, enjoy the swimming pool and the amazing Ayurvedic food which they are famous for. We will have a lecture every day with Mysore's most illustrious scholars. When we are not studying and practicing Yoga there will be plenty of time to relax and enjoy Mysore and all it has to offer.

Melukote Adventure - After 5 days of intensive practice and exploration in Mysore we will move to magical Melukote! This is an unprecedented opportunity and exposure to the Yoga Tradition of Mysore. The second half of the retreat will be in a remote location, under the guidance of Sri Alwar. Melukote is a very important place for Mysore’s Yoga Parampara and in fact is considered to be its birthplace by many. The 1200 year old temple city was home to the sage Ramanuja who founded Vishishtadvaita Philosophy. We will visit a different holy place each day and immerse ourselves in the spiritual teachings of Mysore’s yoga culture. This will be a glimpse into ancient India with great insight into the yogic tradition which
Sri Krishnamacharya came from.

GETTING THERE

You will need to fly into Bengaluru airport or Mysore airport. On your request, we will arrange a taxi for you from Bengaluru airport directly to Chitravana Jungle Resort. The cost is $50 each way. People are welcome to share taxis. We will arrange a free pick up if you fly to Mysore airport. Whichever transportation option you choose we are there for you and will assist in every way we can.

ACCOMMODATION

We will be staying and practicing at Chitravana Jungle Resort. Just outside the bustling city, our resort is a space of pure peace and tranquility, surrounded by 6 acres of tropical forest. Swimming pool, amphitheater, and solitude can be found on the resort grounds for guest use. This is an oasis in the hustle and bustle of India! The property features 10 cabins with the highest quality modern & comfortable accommodation. On the 6th day we will leave the serenity of Chirtavana Jungle Resort to pursue a more austere experience in the ancient temples of Melukote. We have the best accommodation in Melukote arranged. All accommodations include clean rooms with hot water and fans. We will be in simpler accommodations but very well taken care of by our gracious hosts.

MEALS:

Each day in both locations, guests will be provided with tea or coffee, a full brunch and dinner consisting of delicious vegetarian Ayurvedic meals provided on-site by excellent chefs. Please let us know in advance of any dietary restrictions you may have and we will do our best to make sure you get the food you need. We will go out of our way to make sure we have plenty of young coconuts to drink after each asana practice!

SCHEDULE INFORMATION

Arrive Thursday October 13 to settle in and be ready for a full program on the 14th. A meal will be served at 5:30pm. We will have a greeting and introduction circle and talk about the adventures to come.

Day 1: Friday October 14
8:30 - 11:00am Therapeutic Movement + Primary Series + Theory with Andrew
11:30 - 12:30pm: Brunch
12:30am - 4:30pm: Free time
4:30 - 5:30pm: Mysore Yoga Parampara with BNS Iyengar
5:30-6:30pm: Dinner
7pm-9pm: Mysore Yoga Traditions Film

Day 2: Saturday October 15
8:30 - 11:00am Therapeutic Movement + Primary Series + Theory with Andrew
11:30 - 12:30pm: Brunch
12:30pm - 4:00pm: Free time
4:00 - 5:30pm: Yoga Philosophy with Sri BNS Iyengar
5:30-6:30pm: Dinner
7pm-9pm: Mysore Yoga Traditions Archive - Sri Lakshmithathachar Swami

Day 3: Sunday October 16
8:30 - 11:00am Therapeutic Movement + Raja Vinyasa Yoga + Theory with Andrew
11:30 - 12:30pm: Brunch
12:30am-4:30pm: Free time
4:00 - 5:30pm: Yoga Philosophy with Sri BNS Iyengar
5:30-6:30pm: Dinner
7pm-9pm: Mysore Yoga Traditions Archive - Sri Gangadhar Bhat

Day 4: Monday October 17
8:30 - 11:00am Therapeutic Movement + Mysore Style Yoga Practice + Theory with Andrew
11:30am - 12:30pm: Brunch
12:30 - 2:00pm: Free time
2:00 - 5:30pm Trip to Mysore Palace under the guidance of Sri M G Narasimhan whose family has served in Mysore Palace for generations. Learn first hand about the history of Mysore from an expert guide who has been the curator of Jaganmohan Palace for the last 40 years.
5:30-6:30pm: Dinner
6:30-7:30pm: Mysore Yoga Traditions Archive - Dr. Mohan Raghavan - Neuroscience and Ashtanga Yoga

Day 5: Tuesday October 18
8:30 - 11:00am Therapeutic Movement + Intermediate Series + Pranayama with Andrew
11:30 - 12:30am Brunch
11:30am - 4:00pm: Free time (Last day to explore Mysore and shop. We will go as a group to the Central Market and let everyone explore as they like)
4:00-5:30pm: Comparative Yoga Philosophy with Dr. Nagaraj Rao - learn about the diversity of Indian Philosophy and how the various schools of thought have differed throughout India’s long philosophical history.
5:30-6:30pm: Dinner
7-8pm: Talk about Mysore Yoga Parampara and briefing for the Melukote Adventure with Andrew

Day 6: Wednesday October 19
8:30 - 11:00am Therapeutic Movement + Primary Series + Theory with Andrew
11:30am Brunch
2:30 - 4:00pm Travel to Melukote
4:00 - 5:30pm Light Refreshments, settle in
5:30-6:30pm: Dinner
7-9pm: Introduction to Melukote with Sri Alwar

Veda Puskarini

We will practice asana in the ancient holy place where the sage Ramanuja bathed and had a profound vision in the year 1080 CE. After asana each day we will swim in that sacred water.

Day 7: Thursday October 20
7:30 - 10:00am Therapeutic Movement + Asana Practice + Theory with Andrew
10:00am - 11:00am Swimming and relaxing
11:AM - 12:00pm Brunch
12:00 - 3:00pm Free time
3:00pm - 6:00pm Adventure - Each day Sri Alwar will take us to a different holy place of his choosing. We will learn about the roots of the Mysore Yoga Parampara with Sri Alwar, exploring the history, philosophy and culture of yoga in the Iyengar tradition. Sri Alwar grew up in Melukote and he is intimately familiar with every inch of it.
7:00 - 8:00pm Lecture with Sri Alwar
8:00 - 9:00pm Dinner

Day 8: Friday October 21

7:30 - 10:00am Therapeutic Movement + Asana Practice + Theory with Andrew
10:00am - 11:00am Swimming and relaxing
11:AM - 12:00pm Brunch
12:00 - 3:00pm Free time
3:00pm - 6:00pm Adventure - Each day Sri Alwar will take us to a different holy place of his choosing. We will learn about the roots of the Mysore Yoga Parampara with Sri Alwar, exploring the history, philosophy and culture of yoga in the Iyengar tradition.
7:00 - 8:00pm Lecture with Sri Alwar
8:00 - 9pm Dinner

Day 9: Saturday October 22
7:30 - 10:00am Therapeutic Movement + Asana Practice + Theory with Andrew
10:00am - 11:00am Swimming and relaxing
11:AM - 12:00pm Brunch
12:00 - 3:00pm Free time
3:00pm - 6:00pm Adventure - Each day Sri Alwar will take us to a different holy place of his choosing. We will learn about the roots of the Mysore Yoga Parampara with Sri Alwar, exploring the history, philosophy and culture of yoga in the Iyengar tradition.
7:00 - 8:00pm Lecture with Sri Alwar
8:00 - 9pm Dinner

Day 10: Sunday October 23
7:30 - 10:00am Therapeutic Movement + Asana Practice + Theory with Andrew
10:00am - 11:00am Swimming and relaxing
11:AM - 12:00pm Brunch
12:00 - 3:00pm Free time
3:00pm - 6:00pm Adventure - Each day Sri Alwar will take us to a different holy place of his choosing. We will learn about the roots of the Mysore Yoga Parampara with Sri Alwar, exploring the history, philosophy and culture of yoga in the Iyengar tradition.
7:00 - 8:00pm Lecture with Sri Alwar
8:00 - 9pm Dinner

Day 11: Monday October 24

8:00am - Morning Meditation and Sharing Circle
9:00 - 10:00am Brunch
10:00 - 12:00pm Check out of rooms
12:00pm - Bus to Mysore arriving at 1:30pm

*We will include transportation back to Mysore. If you need a taxi back to the airport don’t forget to tell us in advance!

What is included in the cost of the retreat?

10 days of Yoga Classes, Mudra, Pranayama, Lectures form renowned Sanskrit Scholars, Excursions and Cultural Experiences in Mysore and Melukote.
10 days and 11 nights of accommodation at Chitravana Jungle Resort and the finest accommodations in Melukote, SV Comforts

2 full meals a day of delicious, Ayurvedic vegetarian cuisine provided by expert chefs. Coffee and Tea will be provided in the morning and the afternoon.
Unlimited lifetime access to Mysore Yoga Traditions Archive for continued study or the philosophy of Mysore.
A certificate of completion endorsed by Samskriti Foundation and Ashtanga Yoga Studio
A new group of global friends and acquaintances
A beautiful experience with the spiritual culture of India and an intimate glimpse into the history and theoretical foundations of Mysore’s Yoga Parampara
Memories to last a lifetime!

Taxis to and from Mysore can be arranged for $50 each way. People are welcome to coordinate and share taxis when it is convenient. It is recommended that you exchange some money so that you can buy gifts and move around on your own when you want to.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS

Sri BNS Iyengar
Sri BNS Iyengar has many titles. Lovingly referred to as “Guruji” by his students, he is one of the world’s most revered Yogis and a renowned Vedic scholar with a profound knowledge of yoga. As a direct student of Sri T. Krishnamacharya, “the father of modern yoga,” Guruji was part of the peer group that developed in Mysore in the formative years of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. As such, he is an important figure in the parampara, or lineage, of Mysore’s rich and ancient yoga heritage. Today, at age 95, he is the world’s oldest living teacher of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. It was our relationship with Guruji BNS that started the entire Mysore Yoga Traditions project and opened up opportunities to learn with the whole Sanskrit community in Mysore.

Dr. M. A. Alwar
Sri Alwar grew up in the heart of the yoga culture of Mysore. He was educated in the traditional way as his father’s eldest son. Sri Alwar received his PHD in Nyaya philosophy at the Maharaja’s Sanskrit College in Mysore. He continues to teach at the same college as a senior professor. Sri Alwar is the co-organizer of Mysore Yoga Traditions Conference. It is only because of his help and life long familiarity with the Sanskrit community in Mysore that we are able to offer the extraordinary educational opportunities that we continue to create in Mysore Yoga Conference. Sri Alwar is the President of Samskriti Foundation which was founded by his father Sri Lakshmithathachar, a legendary Sanskrit scholar. Sri Alwar is also the Acharya or spiritual leader of Nathamuni Sampradaya which is also known as Svayam Acharya Purusha Parampara. This is the same spiritual tradition that Sri Krishnamacharya belonged to and it is the last surviving unbroken lineage of the Iyengar yoga paramparas. If you want to learn about the Yoga Tradition of Mysore, Sri Alwar is perhaps the most qualified person in the world to teach you. In this extraordinary adventure we will be able to spend a considerable amount of time with Sri Alwar and learn about his family’s history which can be traced back for a thousand years to the time of the saint Ramanuja who was the founder of Vashishtadvaita philosophy. What we will experience under the guidance of Sri Alwar is a totally unique experience and an unprecedented opportunity that has never been offered before.

Learn about Sri Alwar's father lakshmithathachar swami and their spiritual lineage

Andrew Eppler
Andrew has been practicing Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga for over 3 decades. Andrew is the director of Ashtanga Yoga Studio and he is the producer and director on Mysore Yoga Traditions Film. Andrew is also the organizer of Mysore Yoga Conference and has a passion for bringing high quality yoga education from Mysore into the international yoga community. Yoga has been a lifelong journey for Andrew. He has grown up with Ashtanga Yoga and witnessed its evolution into world culture first hand. Andrew has spent many years studying the philosophy of the Nathamuni Sampradaya tradition that Sri Krishnamacharya belonged to. With the help and support of his teachers in Mysore, Andrew has developed an approach to teaching physical postures that fits the modern paradigm. While staying grounded in traditional ideas about philosophy and the sequences of Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga, Andrew believes that there is inevitable evolution in yoga practice and uses a "global fusion" of techniques. He is constantly researching different methods, comparing techniques from yoga communities around the world as he travels, and refining them to create the best approach possible in his own teaching. Andrew sees yoga as an evolutionary process and strives to help each yoga student fall in love with the practice of yoga in a way that allows them to practice for their whole life and create their own evolving, healing practice that can be both a solitary practice and shared with other practitioners in a gracious, respectful way.

FURTHER DETAILS

It is highly recommended to register by September 15, 2022. New visas are required to visit India, and you will need to reapply even if you have previously received one. Andrew is available to assist with airline tickets, the Indian Visa process, and any other questions you may have leading up to the event. However, because the retreat is coming so quickly, time is of the essence! Space is limited. Please reserve your place as soon as possible to ensure a spot in the retreat.

Due to the very limited space available in the retreat, no refunds are possible once you pay for the retreat. You may however transfer your amount paid to another person. If the retreat has to be canceled due to unavoidable global circumstances such as borders closing, you will be fully refunded. It is highly likely that this retreat will sell out quickly so it is best to book early.