Buddha & the Yogis: the Divine Feminine

The Buddha and the Yogi/nis retreat series brings together three contemporary Buddhist and yogic masters to serve as guides for participants to actively explore, intellectually and experientially, some of the profound texts and practices from the yogic technologies associated with Tantric Mahayana Buddhism and Vedantic Hinduism, in the pristine hidden mountain valley of Menla, land of the Medicine Buddha.

This year’s retreat explores the interface of Buddhism and yoga with the unique perspective we glean by looking through the eyes of the divine feminine. In both Buddhism and Vedantic yoga traditions, the feminine voice—expressed through numerous goddesses—has a strong presence that provides balance and insight into internal yoga involving the central channel and the transmutation of deep emotions.

In this course we will explore traditional myths, texts, and practices—such as the Devi Mahatyam on the Yogi/nis’ side of things, and some of the Tara and Vajrayogini literatures as well as Unexcelled Yoga Tantra on the Buddha’s side—that represent the perspective of the feminine, giving voice powerfully to the feminine principal itself. We will look at the fantastical stories and unravel their insights as they shed light on traditional philosophical views as well as on contemporary circumstances and culture.

We will practice yoga asana in the Ashtanga yoga tradition daily as well as explore sitting practice, chanting, and pranayama as foundations for embodying the practice more fully in our lives. Each day will include lively explorations and discussions of the merging and differences between Buddhist and yogic teachings and practices, with all classes following the traditional structure for teaching in the Indo-Tibetan traditions:  listening, contemplating, and meditating/practicing, the last of which is the process by which all concepts come to be integrated into personal experience. All lecture-based classes include opportunities for Q&A and dialogue with students, guided meditations, and illuminating investigation of esoteric texts.  

Join us for this totally unique, personally transformative, and very inspiring event—all levels welcome!

You may attend either part or the entire event, and you need not have attended previous Buddha & Yogis retreats to appreciate and learn a lot from this one.

If you wish to come for the weekend, please register via this link.

Please email frontdesk@menla.org for reading materials Richard and Robert will draw from during the retreat discussions.

Schedule

Sunday July 16th

3 – 8pm Check-In
4:15pm Early Arrival Asanas
6 – 7pm Dinner
7:30pm Welcome & Opening Discussion (All Faculty)

Monday July 17th – Saturday July 22th

5:00 – 7:00am Mysore-style Open Yoga Practice
6:30 – 7:15am Beginner Yoga (Taylor)
7:15 – 9:15am Internal Form Yoga (Freeman)
9:30 – 10:30am Breakfast
10:45am – 12:00pm Chanting, Pranayama, Meditation (Freeman)
12:00 – 4:00pm Free time (Spa, pool, hiking trails)
1:00 – 2:00pm Lunch
4:00 – 5:45pm Afternoon Class (Thurman)
6:00 – 7:15pm Dinner
7:30 – 9:00pm Evening Discussion (Freeman & Thurman)

Sunday July 23rd

5:00 – 7:00am Mysore-style Open Yoga Practice
6:30 – 7:15am Beginner Yoga (Taylor)
7:15 – 9:00am Internal Form Yoga (Freeman)
9:15 – 10:15am Breakfast
10:30am – 12:30pm Closing Discussion (All Faculty)
12:30 – 1:00pm Lunch & Check-Out

Note: Schedule is subject to change at anytime