Seminars
Yoga Vidya Ashram Westerwald - Yoga Vidya Ashram Bad Meinberg - Yoga Vidya Ashram North Sea - Yoga Vidya Ashram Allgäu
Loving Greetings from Haus Yoga Vidya
We invite you to stay in a peaceful environment where you can gain new insights, access to your intuition, and rediscover your inner resources of happiness. At Haus Yoga Vidya, the daily programme of yoga postures, breathing exercises, deep relaxation, chanting, meditation and vegetarian meals is designed to have an optimal effect on your body, mind and spirit.
Enjoy the rejuvenating tranquillity and closeness to Mother Nature as you replenish your energy and relax completely. In addition to lectures and workshops, there are two meditation sessions and two yoga exercise classes offered daily.
Haus Yoga Vidya also offers many leisure activities such as cycling (Bicycles can be hired from the nearby "Havergoh" guesthouse for a fee. They also offer guided tours.), hiking in the adjoining forests and valleys, excursions that you can take to a variety of local points of interest. You are very welcome at Yoga Vidya throughout the year.
We are always happy to receive your suggestions, comments and registrations.
Please send them to: info(at)yoga-vidya.de
September 2024
Asana classes and guided meditations are usually in German. If you need translation for asana classes, please let us know when you register.
Kriya Kundalini Yoga with Anantharavi
| Date: | Sep 8-13 2024 |
| Location: | Westerwald |
| Register: | W240908-2 |
| Title: | Kriya Kundalini Yoga with Anantharavi |
| Instructor: | Anantharavi Thillainathan |
Kriya Kundalini Yoga, combined with mindfulness and concentration, helps to sublimate the energies. Yoga classes with different focuses: Chakra concentration, affirmations, mantra recitation. Kriya Hatha Yoga: 18 postures were compiled by Babaji, the teacher of Paramahamsa Yogananda, from the thousands of postures into a powerful series of exercises to rejuvenate the body and prepare it for the more subtle stages of Kriya Yoga.
Each posture consists of different stages, making them suitable for beginners and advanced practitioners alike. They are constructed in pairs or as counter-postures so that each sequence is followed by a natural relaxation phase. Integrated mudras and bandhas activate the Kundalini energy. Much practice, little theory. Chanting and meditation complement the seminar. Uplifting and energising!
Shared room € 457; double room € 572; single room € 676; tent/caravan € 378
October 2024
Asana classes and guided meditations are usually in German. If you need translation for asana classes, please let us know when you register.
Theme Week: International Week - Celebrating Unity in Diversity
| Date: | Oct 13-18 2024 |
| Location: | Bad Meinberg |
| Register: | B241013-10 |
| Title: | Theme Week: International Week - Celebrating Unity in Diversity |
| Instructor: | international guest teachers from India, USA and other countries |
During this theme week, we open the ashram especially for non-German speakers. Alongside our standard German program, we will offer English yoga classes twice a day, as well as English satsang and meditation in the morning and evening. We will also host a number of international guests from India, the USA and other countries, who will give talks on various topics related to yoga and vedanta.
You can stay either for the whole week or just a few days. When registering online, please indicate how many days you would like to stay in the "Additional Comments" field under "Additional Information". Basend on that, the price for your stay will be calculated.
Overnight accommodation including full board, satsang, meditations, yoga classes and lectures etc.:
- Monday to Friday per day: shared room € 62; double room € 81; single room € 102; dormitory/tent/caravan € 46
- Weekend (Fri-Sun): shared room € 139; double room € 179; single room € 221; dormitory/tent/caravan € 109
Prices for the entire week:
Shared room € 310; double room € 407; single room € 508; dormitory/tent/caravan € 230
December 2024
Asana classes and guided meditations are usually in German. If you need translation for asana classes, please let us know when you register.
The hidden language of the Asanas
| Date: | Dec 22-27 2024 |
| Location: | Bad Meinberg |
| Register: | B241222-8 |
| Title: | The hidden language of the Asanas |
| Instructor: | Swami Sukhananda |
Take a step beyond Hatha Yoga, listen to your inner intelligence. Use this opportunity to explore meditation in asanas sequences. Experience and deepen your knowledge of the true power and mystical potential of each pose. Use this knowledge to bring quality to your everyday decisions and experiences.
Shared room € 457; double room € 556; single room € 658; dormitory/tent/caravan € 378
Renewing in the light
| Date: | Dec 27-29 2024 |
| Location: | Bad Meinberg |
| Register: | B241227-6 |
| Title: | Renewing in the light |
| Instructor: | Swami Sukhananda |
How can you bring light in the dark of winter? The Divine Light Invocation is a powerful meditation for transformation, concentration and healing brought to the west by Swami Sivananda Radha. Whether learning it for the first time or renewing this practice, you can deepen your understanding of yourself and the world around you. In this workshop you explore the relaxation techniques, mantras and visualizations that can strengthen your meditation on Light. Use the potential of the Light within to build a bridge to your own inner wisdom.
Shared room € 210; double room € 253; single room € 293; dormitory/tent/caravan € 181
Kundalini Yoga - Steps to Freedom
| Date: | Dec 29 2024 - Jan 3 2025 |
| Location: | Bad Meinberg |
| Register: | B241229-5 |
| Title: | Kundalini Yoga - Steps to Freedom |
| Instructor: | Swami Sukhananda |
Kundalini Yoga provides you with a symbolic map of your mind. It shows how the practices of Yoga can help you to connect to your inner wisdom and move forward, whatever the situation might be. Explore that the power of Yoga transforms your life through a process of self-inquiry and meditation practices. Each choice you make, each step you take, can help you to overcome limitations and bring you closer to your potential. Suitable for all levels.
Shared room € 457; double room € 556; single room € 658; dormitory/tent/caravan € 378
January 2025
Asana classes and guided meditations are usually in German. If you need translation for asana classes, please let us know when you register.
Writing your life
| Date: | Jan 3-5 2025 |
| Location: | Bad Meinberg |
| Register: | B250103-8 |
| Title: | Writing your life |
| Instructor: | Swami Sukhananda |
Open to your inner voice in this unique class that combines the practices of Yoga with writing. In a Hidden Language of Hatha Yoga process, you will be guided to reflect on how Hatha poses relate to your mind, body and spirit - and your life. Using Mantra and meditation you will explore the power of Saraswati to unlock your creative potential. Your reflections will then be the seeds of inspiration that blossom in writing exercises that reveal how the story of your life can evolve. Suitable for anyone, whether beginner or experienced with yoga and/or writing.
Shared room € 210; double room € 253; single room € 293; dormitory/tent/caravan € 181
April 2025
Asana classes and guided meditations are usually in German. If you need translation for asana classes, please let us know when you register.
Meditations from Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
| Date: | Apr 11-13 2025 |
| Location: | Bad Meinberg |
| Register: | B250411-6 |
| Title: | Meditations from Vijnana Bhairava Tantra |
| Instructor: | Dr. Nalini Sahay |
Sri Vijnana Bhairava Tantra is an ancient tantric text in the form of a conversation between Shiva and Parvati on meditation practices. The methods of the 112 techniques discussed expand the awareness and release blocked prana (energy). Vijnana Bhairava Tantra is a book of practices, not of philosophy. The methods are in their seed form and the entire book can be written on one long piece of paper.
You will be taught these powerful practices in a simple and uncomplicated way, making it possible for you to attain higher level of spiritual development and inner contentment. The Vijnana Bhairava Tantra comes from the Kashmiri Shaivite tradition and forms a part of the Rudrayamala Tantra. Its techniques are all inclusive and the practices are for people of all ages; everyone can find a practice suitable for his or her level.
Vedanta Course Training
| Date: | March 11-18 2025 |
| Location: | Bad Meinberg |
| Register: | B250411-5 |
| Title: | Vedanta Course Training |
| Instructor: | Swami Tattvarupananda |
Deepen your knowledge of Vedanta and receive the tools to systematically introduce it to students. Do this by listening to Vedanta talks, asking questions, reasoning and giving talks on Vedanta to small groups. You will learn how to structure and run an eight-week Vedanta course. Scriptures tell us that everything is awareness. For many people this is an abstract statement that cannot be translated into everyday life. For thousands of years, Vedanta has been a means of knowledge to realize your true nature and actualize this knowledge in daily life. In this training course the basic teachings of Vedanta will be systematically unfolded. Step by step you learn to understand the basic principles of Vedanta: awareness, isvara and jiva. There will also be two satsangs (meditation and chanting) per day and an asana class.
Contents and topics
- Review of the basics of Vedanta: concepts, motivations, qualifications, the Self, isvara, karma yoga, dharma
- Exemplary talks on Vedanta with questions and answers
- You will give several talks on Vedanta to small groups, including feedback. By explaining the topics in the lectures and answering questions, you deepen your own understanding of the teachings.
- Learn to teach a 10-week Vedanta course, build a study group, or present workshops on Vedanta.
The training is right for you if you
- already have a basic knowledge of traditional Vedanta, as taught by Swami Chinmayananda and Swami Dayananda, as well as students in this tradition such as Chandra Cohen, Swami Tattvarupananda or James Swartz.
- You see Vedanta as a means of knowledge to understand who you are
- You want to grow and apply this knowledge in your life
- You want to deepen and review your knowledge in a group of experienced students of Vedanta
- You are interested in a systematic and traditional approach to learn Vedanta Texts.
Literature: This training will be based on James Swartz’s book "The Essence of Enlightenment".
Vegan Indian Cooking with Nalini
| Date: | Apr 13-16 2025 |
| Location: | Bad Meinberg |
| Register: | B250413-2 |
| Title: | Vegan Indian Cooking with Nalini |
| Instructor: | Dr. Nalini Sahay |
Food not only maintains your body, it also influences your thinking and actions in subtle ways. Yogic cuisine is simple, full of purity and harmony, healthy and delicious. When you are practicing yoga, such nutrition is essential because it balances the flow of energy in mind and body; it provides you with prana, the energy of life.
Dr. Sahay will share her insights into the yogic teachings on nutrition plus Indian cuisine, which is among the most delicious and varied in the world.
You will learn:
- to plan a balanced meal
- the effect of various spices and how to combine them
- to prepare various dishes with vegetables and legumes: salads, chutneys and desserts.
You will get valuable advice for everyday cooking, as well as for special occasions and for professional cooking in restaurants and retreat centres.
Adjusting the asanas to your own body
| Date: | April 18-21 2025 |
| Location: | Bad Meinberg |
| Register: | B250418-13 |
| Title: | Adjusting the asanas to your own body |
| Instructor: | Gauri |
In this seminar you will learn to find a comfortable position in the asanas and take care of the parts of your body that sometimes send a warning.
Keeping in mind that not all bodies are the same, we can learn to use the yoga practice as a way to take care of ourselves and treat the body with respect and joy. Yoga practice is accessible to everyone. In this seminar, we will teach different variations that allow us to adapt the postures to the specific needs and abilities of each individual. Different tools will be used such as chairs, cushions, blocks, belts, blankets, etc. to help you improve your position and bring more joy to the practice.
Free from anger, fear and rage
| Date: | April 18-20 2025 |
| Location: | Bad Meinberg |
| Register: | B250418-2 |
| Title: | Free from anger, fear and rage |
| Instructor: | Swami Tattvarupananda |
Freedom from anger, fear and rage with yoga and meditation. Are you interested? Then attend this seminar in which you will be taught systematic knowledge about yoga and meditation. Through stories about the art of living, you will find answers about yourself, God and the world. How do I organise my relationships, deal with conflicts and free myself from dependencies, from everything I "need"? This yoga seminar is also about freedom from desires and inner constraints. This also means freedom from desires and freedom from reaction patterns that prevent us from simply being happy and content. No previous knowledge of yoga and meditation necessary. English with German translation. Daily yoga, meditation and mantra chanting.
How to Get out of your Mind and Accept Life
| Date: | Apr 18-21 2025 |
| Location: | Bad Meinberg |
| Register: | B250418-12 |
| Title: | How to Get out of your Mind and Accept Life |
| Instructor: | Shanmug Eckhardt |
As the Buddha taught, life is full of pain and suffering. We can’t get rid of the pain, but we can accept it and get rid of the suffering. It is our mind that gets stuck on the suffering, taking much of the joy away. Take a new perspective on your problems and the way you live your life. Pain is a part of your human condition, trying to avoid it or trying to control it, are the cause of suffering and long-term problems that can ruin your quality of life.
Through practices like mindfulness and attitudinal changes you can learn to embrace the experiences that life offers.
Escape the trap of avoidance. Develop the openness to accept painful experiences. Practice mindfulness to be present in the moment. Discover what you value most and commit to live a meaningful and vital life.
Yoga Nidra Training for Yoga Teachers
| Date: | Apr 18-25 2025 |
| Location: | Bad Meinberg |
| Register: | B250418-3 |
| Title: | Yoga Nidra Training for Yoga Teachers |
| Instructor: | Dr. Nalini Sahay |
This intensive seminar focuses on Yoga Nidra in the tradition of Swami Satyananda. Dr. Nalini's detailed explanations will enable you to have a clear comprehension of the subject. Through practice and discussion, you learn to be completely aware and effortlessly relaxed on the mental, spiritual, emotional and physical levels.
Bhaja Govindam - A message from the 9th century
| Date: | Apr 20-25 2025 |
| Location: | Bad Meinberg |
| Register: | B250420-4 |
| Title: | Bhaja Govindam - A message from the 9th century |
| Instructor: | Swami Tattvarupananda |
A beautiful work written by Shankaracharya. It reveals the realities of life. Each verse gets us into a contemplative state of mind. Realise the truth of worldly life and surrender to God and let your life be an offering at the feet of the Lord. What else we can do in this mortal life. We need to connect to an immortal source from where we can draw an immense amount of strength. Let us begin this new year with a new energy where we can understand ourselves more and more, looking into the grace of the Lord in each step. It is a rare opportunity to get to know these beautiful verses of Shankaracharya.
Find your identity and accept yourself - for Non-binary, Transgender and persons with Gender dysphoria
| Date: | Apr 25-27 2025 |
| Location: | Bad Meinberg |
| Register: | B250425-6 |
| Title: | Find your identity and accept yourself - for Non-binary, Transgender and persons with Gender dysphoria |
| Instructor: | Dr. Nalini Sahay |
Who am I? Why should I refer to myself as masculine or feminine? Why should I not be in the middle of this spectrum? Where is my/our balance? What holds me back from leading the kind of life I/we want? What is dominating my/our life? Which gunas/qualities sway me/us?
Above all, this seminar is aimed at non-binary, transgender people and people who are in conflict with who they were made to be at birth. We will work on topics such as self-confidence and self-worth, change of perspective, liberation from shame and guilt, toxic stress and trauma. Fight- flight- fright response is converted to emancipation, liberation and freedom from stereotypes.
You will experience self-love & self-compassion. We will use mental & physical relaxation techniques from yoga to achieve the goal at the end of the seminar to get clarity about your/our identity and to be proud of who we/you are.
Asana intensive - lots of practice, with a bit of theory
| Date: | Apr 27 - May 2 2025 |
| Location: | Westerwald |
| Register: | W250427-3 |
| Title: | Asana intensive – lots of practice, with a bit of theory |
| Instructor: | Swami Saradananda |
This is a rare opportunity to make a breakthrough with your yoga practice! Work intensively on asanas; learn advanced asanas in a playful and relaxed atmosphere. Swami Saradananda's approach is concentrated and systematic. She makes even the most difficult and asanas seem possible to do. Learn special techniques to improve your flexibility, coordination, endurance and strength. The seminar includes 5 hours of asanas daily, as well as sessions of meditation and Sanskrit chanting.
Love what you are doing
| Date: | Apr 27 - May 2 2025 |
| Location: | Nordsee |
| Register: | N250427-2 |
| Title: | Love what you are doing |
| Instructor: | Swami Tattvarupananda |
Vedanta is not only the philosophy of universal unity, it is also often called the philosophy of perfect freedom. This seminar gives you techniques to bring this freedom into your daily life. Rightly understood, this freedom will lead you to find greater happiness, true independence and peace of mind. Do what you love, and begin to love whatever it is that you do – for absolute freedom in everyday thinking and doing.
Tattwa Shuddhi Sadhana
| Date: | Apr 27- May 2 2025 |
| Location: | Bad Meinberg |
| Register: | B240407-2 |
| Title: | Tattwa Shuddhi Sadhana |
| Instructor: | Dr. Nalini Sahay |
Tattwa Shuddhi Sadhana is a tantric system designed to purify your entire being on all levels; it prepares your mind and body for the development of a richer inner experience. It includes nyasa (consecration of the body), prana prathishta (installing life into a mandala), panchopara (five ingredients offered in worship) and mantra repetition.
This is a subtle sadhana that provides necessary links to higher practice and leads to the regeneration of tissues and cells. The chakras and nadis are cleared of blockages; tensions and preconceived notions drop away because of the balanced prana and resulting harmony
The course is taught by Dr. Nalini Sahay, a direct disciple of Swami Satyananda Saraswati. The source of the sadhana is the Srimad Devi Bhagvatam, translated and restructured by Swami Satyananda Saraswati.
May 2025
Asana classes and guided meditations are usually in German. If you need translation for asana classes, please let us know when you register.
Asana intensive - lots of practice, with a bit of theory
| Date: | May 2-4 2025 |
| Location: | Westerwald |
| Register: | W250502-3 |
| Title: | Asana intensive – lots of practice, with a bit of theory |
| Instructor: | Swami Saradananda |
This is a rare opportunity to make a breakthrough with your yoga practice! Work intensively on asanas; learn advanced asanas in a playful and relaxed atmosphere. Swami Saradananda's approach is concentrated and systematic. She makes even the most difficult and asanas seem possible to do. Learn special techniques to improve your flexibility, coordination, endurance and strength. The seminar includes 5 hours of asanas daily, as well as sessions of meditation and Sanskrit chanting.
Sri Yantra Seminar with Dr. Nalini Sahay of the Bihar School of Yoga
| Date: | May 2-4 2025 |
| Location: | Bad Meinberg |
| Register: | B250502-8 |
| Title: | Sri Yantra Seminar with Dr. Nalini Sahay of the Bihar School of Yoga |
| Instructor: | Dr. Nalini Sahay |
The Sri Yantra is the mother of all yantras; it contains the essence of all yantras. Meditation on it is said to vanquish any problems that may arise from anger, jealousy and other negative emotions. Meditation and study of it is a type of spiritual pilgrimage.
Sri Yantra represents the universe at the macro-cosmic level and the human body at the micro-cosmic level; each circuit corresponds to a chakra of the body. The spiritual journey from material existence to ultimate enlightenment is mapped in the Sri Yantra.
Effective and tested practices based on meditations on the Sri Yantra will enable you to:
- Recharge your energy levels.
- Detach yourself from negative feelings and emotions.
- Cultivate inner silence.
- Better trust yourself
- Take control of your life.
- Access answers from your inner self.
- Clear your karmas.
Mudras
| Date: | May 4-11 2025 |
| Location: | Nordsee |
| Register: | N250504-3 |
| Title: | Mudras |
| Instructor: | Swami Saradananda |
Learn to use your hands to direct psychic energy for meditation and self-healing. Mudras are hand positions that enable you to seal psychic energies into specific channels within your subtle body. They are powerful spiritual tools that can enhance the purification and good health of your physical, mental and psychic being. With regular practice, mudras can sharpen and expand your spiritual wisdom. They help to restore balance within the microcosm and bring it into harmony with the macrocosm.
This weekend seminar will introduce you to the basic energetic concepts of working with mudras. It promises to be unique in its practical as well as theoretical approach. You will learn about the subtle energies in the hands and each finger. You will also be encouraged to put this information into practice, using your own hands.
The morning asana classes will focus on hand health and flexibility. This weekend promises to be especially helpful for everyone who does computer work.
You are unique
| Date: | May 9-11 2025 |
| Location: | Westerwald |
| Register: | W250509-3 |
| Title: | You are unique |
| Instructor: | Swami Tattvarupananda |
Every human being is a jewel with special talents and duties. The focus of this seminar will be on discovering and optimizing your unique gifts and talents. Explore the practical wisdom of yoga to gain new inspiration in life. Obstacles on your spiritual path will gradually dissolve, leaving you feeling better harmonized with your true self and more insightful in your daily life.
Why is Krishna blue - Yoga Stories
| Date: | May 9-11 2025 |
| Location: | North Sea |
| Register: | N250509-4 |
| Title: | Why is Krishna blue - Yoga Stories |
| Instructor: | Swami Saradananda |
Everyone loves stories and this seminar offers you an easy way to get into and understand the philosophy of yoga. Swami Saradanananda will tell classic and entertaining stories, explain the background and thus open up a path to the millennia-old wisdom of yoga with smiles, thoughts and learning.
Forgiveness, Healing, Transformation
| Date: | May 16-18 2025 |
| Location: | Allgäu |
| Register: | A250516-3 |
| Title: | Forgiveness, Healing, Transformation |
| Instructor: | Swami Tattvarupananda |
To heal, we need to learn to forgive. Past situations may seem like a big load that affects your present life, but these experiences become a transformative power when you learn to forgive. During this weekend, Swami Tattvarupananda will lead you on a path of transformation using Yoga and Vedanta. You will learn new steps on the path to healing and wholeness.
Conditions of participation
Why Yoga Vidya?
What is Yoga Vidya?
Yoga Vidya is a non-profit association and Europe's leading provider of education and training in yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, massage, holistic health and spirituality.