Description
“bhūmir-āpo’nalo vāyuḥ khaṁ mano buddhir-eva ca | ahaṅkāra itīyaṁ me bhinnā prakṛtir-aṣṭadhā || 4 ||
Earth, water, fire, air, ether, mind, intellect and the ego; make up the eight parts of My material nature.” Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 7 Verse 4
This retreat will focus on the “Five Elements” as taught by Paramahamsa Vishwananda, offering a comprehensive exploration of each of the five elements: air, fire, earth, water and ether and more through a variety of engaging activities.
Each day, we will venture into the beautiful Scottish National Park of the Cairngorm Mountains (and beyond!) to connect with one of the elements. At each location, the knowledge of that natural element will assist you in truly engaging with the profound understanding of material and spiritual reality. Key locations within the wild Scottish environment have been meticulously selected to enhance our experience of the elements and practices, aiding us in reconnecting and delving within.
The purpose of each exercise is to activate and balance the elements within ourselves, enabling us to uncover our full potential as human beings.
In ancient Vedic philosophy matter is considered part of God’s energy, known as prakriti. Prakriti is divided into eight forms. This is what Lord Krishna explained to Arjuna 5000 years ago in the Bhagavad Gita. Just one material energy extends itself into meridians, shapes, forms, names, and entities from this world and universe.
When there is an imbalance within our body in any of these elements, one doesn’t reach their full potential as a human being. Most illnesses arise from such imbalances. When these elements are in harmony and balance, it leads to abundance, beauty, grace, and wellbeing for oneself and others.
We are very excited that this retreat will be complemented with an excursion day to the famous Loch Ness as one highlight. Another highlight will be that one of our element locations is near to Findhorn Eco-Village with a possibility to visit this place that has inspired spiritual seekers for many years since it’s humble beginnings in 1962.
Details
Event dates: September 16 to September 23, 2024
Applications close: July 16, 2024 12:00 am
Notifications will be sent: July 26, 2024
Full payment is due: August 16, 2024
Teacher
Swami Anashuya
“Connect with nature through the 5 elements in the beautiful Scottish National park – it’s simply amazing. I am so excited to share this adventure with you!” – Swami Anashuya
Swami Anashuya has dedicated his life to the study and practice of ancient spiritual teachings of the Hindu tradition. He had the great fortune of meeting his spiritual master Paramamhamsa Vishwananda in 2006 and in 2008 he was initiated as Swami into the spiritual lineage.
Known for his unique ability to convey complex spiritual concepts in a clear and concise manner, Swami Anashuya is making the teachings accessible to people of all backgrounds and experience levels. He is known for his compassionate and supportive approach (with humour!) and his ability to create a nurturing space for individuals to explore their spiritual paths.
Included in the price
- 7 nights stay (4 people bedrooms with bunkbeds) in one “Badaguish” forest lodge
- Seminar facilitation by Swami Anashuya
- Daily vegetarian/vegan meals, beverages and water
- Transportation to the different seminar locations
- One extra day trip
- A full range of sangha activities
Not included in the price
- Transportation to and from United Kingdom – Scotland
- Transportation to and from the port of entry to the seminar location
- Tips
- Insurances (see below for details)
Registration procedure
- Before booking, please confirm that you are able to travel to United Kingdom – Scotland
- Please only register for this event if you are able to pay the full fee of € 800 by 16 August 2024
- Registration closes 16 July 2024
- Directly after registration is closed, your Terms & Conditions application will be reviewed for final selection of participants. (See below for further details)
- You will be notified of the status of your application via email
- If you are accepted into the retreat, you will receive an e-mail with payment instructions
- Your space can only be confirmed after we receive the full payment of € 800
- Full payment is due no later than 16 August 2024
Health & Safety
All travellers are responsible for their own health and safety during this retreat.
- You must be in good physical and mental health.
- This retreat is not appropriate for physically impaired, disabled, or pregnant travellers.
- Travel health care and accident insurance​
- Travel cancellation insurance
Program
- Optional Atma Kriya Yoga and Surya Namaskar practice every morning
- “Five Elements Seminar” – excursions to different nature locations, lecture with Swami Anashuya and exercise of the Element Meditations and Mudras
- Lunch picknick
- Afternoon free time, excursions and sangha activities
- Evening quality time in community – experience sharing, singing, chanting, games, movies and more
Participants
This retreat aims to help each participant connect with nature within the wild and untamed landscapes of Scotland, fostering a sense of connection and balance with the various elements of nature within ourselves.
Our teachings are delivered with warmth, accessibility, and inclusivity, welcoming participants from diverse backgrounds and levels of experience. The goal is for you to integrate these teachings into your spiritual practice at home. Swami Anashuya will provide practical examples and recommendations for application during each day of the retreat, including guidance on practice frequency and techniques.
Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or taking your first steps on the spiritual path, you’ll find support and encouragement in our nurturing retreat community.
As you immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and soul-stirring vistas of the Scottish Highlands, you will have the opportunity to connect with others as well as have a peaceful time for yourself, share experiences, and build relationships.
Location & Accommodation
Being outdoors changes people; if you strip away four walls, individuals act more naturally and embrace different values. Discover the transformative power of the outdoors at Badaguish, a unique spot in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park area.
As an accommodation and facilities site, Badaguish invites you to explore and develop new skills. Situated in a woodland clearing within the Glenmore Forest, it offers a relaxing space for us to embark every day on a different adventure exploring the beauty of the region.
We have one wooden lodge at Badaguish all for ourselves, providing a safe haven in the idyllic woodland setting. The lodge is modern, spacious, and well equipped.
The Cairngorms National Park encompasses mountains and valleys and within this, many different villages with their own communities.
The largest of the UK’s national parks, located in the heart of Scotland, the Cairngorms is made up of over 4,500sq km of un-spoilt countryside, five of the UK’s six highest mountains, 43 munros, 9 nature reserves, an abundance of majestic wildlife, glistening lochs, fast flowing rivers and huge swathes of forests containing ancient Caledonian Pine trees.
The next little town to go to is Aviemore next to the river Spey. From there it is around 15 minutes (6.3 miles) by car to our lodge in Badaguish.
Best airport to fly to is Glasgow as we can arrange transport from there for you. Aviemore is around 50 mins by car from Inverness airport in the north. It also has a trainstation for the “Caledonian Sleeper” from London.
In Scotland you have to expect rain any time of the year. And temperatures can range a great deal too. That means you should be prepared for a variety of weather.
For questions please write an e-mail to: krishnaviroopadasi@innerjourney.ch