Yoga
Most mornings will begin with 60-75 minute Vinyasa (flow) practice to get the body moving and the mind awake and ready for the day. In the afternoons, you will practice a lighter Yin class.
Mantra
The mantras you will practice will be Tibetan Buddhist mantras. You will practice these at the resort and then use these when you go to visit holy places as part of your practice.
Meditation
Your meditation sessions will follow the teachings on compassion and kindness, which come from the Mahayana Buddhist school of thought training. These will be in the morning and evening.
Schedule
Day 1
Arrive at Namo Buddha Resort. Dinner is provided. Welcome session in the evening.
Day 2 and 3
Full day at the resort to rest and unwind. Yoga, meditation, and mantra practice.
Day 4
Afternoon hike from the ancient Namo Buddha Temple to Namo Buddha lookout and Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery.
Day 5
Full day at the resort.
Day 6
Trip to Kopan Monastery. If time permits, hike to Pullahari Monastery (1 hour).
Day 7
Full day at the resort.
Day 8
Trip to Swayambhunath, Buddha Par, Thamel. This day involves the most amount of walking as you do one kora of Swayambhunath Temple approximately 2 kilometers followed by the steps to the top Temple. Then, you walk to Thamel approximately 2 kilometers from here. This walk gives a close-up view of the workings of Kathmandu.
Day 9
Full day at the resort.
Day 10
Trip to Pharping.
Day 11
Full day at the resort.
Day 12
Trip to Boudhanath Stupa and final dinner near the stupa.
Day 13
Depart. Breakfast is included on this day.
Note
On this retreat, you will practice yoga, meditation, chant, and pranayama - the usual things - but you will also take the practice to very special places. Ancient places, full of the energy of past and present yogis.
Each location has some spiritual meaning and benefit. Your focus will be to develop an inner awareness of compassion and kindness towards yourselves and others. Through this practice, you will come to know more happiness and ease in life.
Be prepared to meditate mindfully and allow the beauty of these places to infuse inspiration to propel you further on your yogic journey.
This retreat has a strong spiritual focus but rest assured, you will still have the opportunity to relax, explore, and buy those perfect little gifts for yourself and others.