Ashtanga Yoga and Philosophy in the Bernese Oberland with Chiara Castellan and Ganga Puri
An inner journey of discovery surrounded by the stillness of nature awaits you.
AIRYOGA teacher Chiara Castellan and Yogacharya Ganga Puri from India will introduce you into the practice of Ashtanga Yoga and the philosophy of Patañjali from Sunday, August 5, through 12, 2012 at Schweibenalp, located above the lake of Brienz. A holistic combination for your body, mind and soul.

This intensive retreat is designed to learn more about the source of Ashtanga Yoga and the Yoga philosophy of Patañjali. It's a journey of self discovery, a journey to meet ourselves - on and off the mat.

In the morning AIRYOGA-teacher Chiara Castellan offers traditional Ashtanga Yoga Mysore Style and lead Ashtanga Yoga classes for beginners, which will build the foundations of a sustainable practice.
Afternoons on the retreat are dedicated to the father of Yoga – the study of the Sutras of Patañjali with Ganga Puri from Haridwar/North of India. He will introduce us into the traditional Ashtanga, or 8 limbs Yoga; focusing on the importance of removing the modifications of the mind, self-study with devotion, and practicing with detachment. The Yoga Sutras is a foundational text of Yoga, which became the principle for many Yoga teachers these days. Discover the ancient philosophy that believes one can use discipline to observe daily life, that the mind is to be trained on the way to union, and learn the importance of being a witness.
After dinner we will have the unique opportunity to explore the mystic atmosphere of the Aarti-ceremony.

During this retreat there is plenty of free time to explore nature on your own, or just to rest and relax.

This week is recommended both for beginners and experienced practitioners.
No prior knowledge is necessary.

Chiara teaches in German and English. Ganga teaches in English.

Chiara Castellan studied architecture at ETH in Zurich. She has been practicing yoga since 1995. While practicing, she experienced moments in which place, space, time and identity dissolved. These experiences awakened her curiosity and she wanted to learn more about yoga.
Chiara met eminent Yogis from the entire world who inspired her and taught her much. In 2006 she completed the 200-hour Yoga Alliance teacher training in Zurich with Clive Radda, Lance Schuler and Glenn Ceresoli, the following year the advanced teacher training in Iyengar Yoga with Glenn Ceresoli.
Chiara lived in Mysore, India, where she studied Ashtanga Yoga at the Ashtanga Yoga Institute as well as the ancient language and texts at the Sanskrit University. In 2010 she was authorized by her teacher R. Sharath, a grandson of the famous Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, to teach the Ashtanga Yoga method.

Yogacharya Ganga Puri was born in Haridwar (the gate of heaven) at the banks of the Holy Mother Ganges into a family of renunciates. His childhood passed in the company of only holy men and women. Since 2001, he has overtaken the spiritual heritage of his father and assumes responsibilities for the maintenance and courses of Santosh Puri Ashram in Haridwar, North of Delhi.
For more information on Ganga Puri and Santosh Puri Ashram please also check-out www.yoganga.org.


Accommodation
We can accommodate up to 20 people in shared or single (limited) rooms. All of them with shared showers.
For more information about Schweibenalp please see www.schweibenalp.ch.

The Schedule (subject to modifications)
6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.: Ashtanga Yoga Mysore Style
8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.: Ashtanga Yoga for beginners
9:00 a.m.: Breakfast
1:00 p.m.: Lunch
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.: Patañjali Yoga Philosophy
6:00 p.m.: Dinner
7:30 p.m.: Aarti Ceremony

What is included
• shared/single accommodation
• 3 vegetarian meals per day
• all classes
• blankets and pillows
• linens and bath towels
• transfer from the bus stop Bramisegg to Schweibenalp and return

What is not included
• Arrival journey to Schweibenalp

Please bring your own yoga-mat if possible!

Cost
CHF 1’190.- for accommodation in shared rooms (3 to 4 in a room)
CHF 1’290.- for accommodation in shared rooms (2 in a room)
CHF 1’490.- for accommodation in single rooms (limited)

Arrivals
By rail from Luzern-Brünig or Bern-Interlaken to Brienz. Then with the Postbus to bus stop Brienzerberg/Bramisegg. Upon request we will provide transfer free of cost from the Postbus stop Brienzerberg/Bramisegg to Schweibenalp. For the transfer direct from the Brienz train station a fee of CHF 30.- per car will be charged.

The arrival time at Schweibenalp is from 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 5, 2012. We are unable to receive guests at the house before that time so please organize travel arrangements accordingly.
All participants are expected latest at 6:00 p.m. for dinner and the meet and greet.
Your first yoga class will be on Monday morning, August 6, 2012.

Departures
The departure should take place on Sunday, August 12, 2012, by 2:00 p.m. If you are traveling by Postbus and train, it will depart at 1:58 p.m. from Brienzerberg/Bramisegg.

Booking / Deposit
For more information or to book please email tanja@ashtangi.ch.

A deposit of CHF 500.- per person is required upon booking.
Your booking will be confirmed by the payment of the deposit and is binding.

The deposit is not refundable and non transferable.

The remainder of the cost of the retreat is due on July 1, 2012 latest.
The full amount is due for cancellations after July 1, 2012.

If one of the teachers is unable to lead the retreat due to unforeseen circumstances, we reserve the right to replace the teacher with an equivalent one.