The Art & Science of Yoga

“Yoga is both an Art and Science”
-BKS Iyengar

“Both Buddhism and science prefer to account for the evolution and emergence of the cosmos and life in terms of the complex interrelations of the natural laws of cause and effect. From the methodological perspective, both traditions emphasize the role of empiricism. For example, in the Buddhist investigative tradition, between the three recognized sources of knowledge – experience, reason and testimony – it is the evidence of the experience that takes precedence, with reason coming second and testimony last. This means that, in the Buddhist investigation of reality, at least in principle, empirical evidence should triumph over scriptural authority, no matter how deeply venerated a scripture may be.”
-HH Dalai Lama

“Science is the human adventure of accepting uncertainty, exploring ways of thinking about the world and being ready to overturn any and all certainties we have possessed to this point. This is among the most beautiful of human adventures.”
-Carlo Rovelli

Yoga seen as an open-ended, ongoing, experiential search within the context of a systematic path of ever-deepening levels of practice is both an art and science. In ancient India, the art and science of yoga–both physical and internal–were taught and practiced by practitioners from all schools, whether Vedic, Buddhist, or Jain. In contemporary times, various methods of yoga and meditation are taught to groups of people who have widely differing beliefs, including even materialists. As BKS Iyengar said, “You can practice yoga and not believe God exists, but you do have to believe you are conscious!”

In this weekend retreat, Carolyn and Hugh will teach yoga asana and pranayama from the Iyengar method, hatha yoga lineage. Menla’s Director and 20-year student of Robert Thurman’s, Michael will give Buddhist teachings and cover methods of meditation from the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

Open to all levels of experience.

Schedule

Friday, February 15th

• 4:15 – 6pm  Yoga Asana
• 6:15 – 7:15pm Dinner
• 7:30 – 9:30pm Evening Talk

Saturday, February 16th

• 6 – 7am  Tea and Coffee Available
• 7:30 – 8:30am Morning Meditation
• 8:45 – 9:45am Breakfast
• 10:15am – 12:30pm Asana Practice
• 12:45 – 1:45pm Lunch
• 1:45 – 4:15pm Free time for Spa Treatments, Sauna & Steam or Relaxation
• 4:15 – 6pm Restorative Asana, Inversions
• 6:15 – 7:15pm Dinner
• 7:30 – 9:15pm Evening Talk

Sunday, February 17th

• 6 – 7am  Tea and Coffee Available
• 7:30 – 8:30am Morning Meditation
• 8:45 – 9:45am Breakfast
• 10:15am – 12:30pm Asana Practice
• 12:45 – 1:45pm Lunch
• 1:45 – 4:15pm Free time for Spa Treatments, Sauna & Steam or Relaxation
• 4:15 – 6pm Restorative Asana, Inversions
• 6:15 – 7:15pm Dinner
• 7:30 – 9:15pm Evening Talk

Monday, February 18th

• 6 – 7am Tea and Coffee Available
• 7:15 – 8:15am Pranayama
• 8:30 – 9:30am Breakfast
• 9:30 – 10:30 Pack up and Check-Out of Rooms
• 10:30am – 12:15pm Asana Practice
• 12:30 – 1:30pm Lunch & Departure