Yogic Studies Bali Immersion 2020
The Texts & Traditions of Yoga
June 28 - July 5, 2020
A week-long immersion into the deeper dimensions of Yoga's history, philosophy, and practice.
Engage in formal study of India's great wisdom texts.
Together we will study and contemplate selections of the Vedas + Upaniį¹£ads, Buddhist PÄli Canon, Indian Epics, YogasÅ«tra, Tantras + Ägamas, and Medieval Haį¹hayoga texts.
Alongside a daily practice of Äsana and Meditation.
Tentative Daily Schedule*
7-7:30 — tea + coffee
7:30-9 — yoga practice
9-10:30 — breakfast
10:30-12:30 — class 1 (history + philosophy)
12:30-2 — lunch
2-4:30 — class 2 (textual study)
4:30-4:45 — tea break
4:45-5:30 — meditation
*Finalized schedule will be provided prior to retreat.
Cultural + Religious Excursions
Experience the unique living traditions of Balinese Hinduism.
Tanah Lot Temple
We'll visit this gorgeous 16th-century temple built out of the coastal rock formation, whose fascinating history, and story of snakes, is uniquely tied to the establishing of Hinduism on the island of Bali.
Kecak Performance
Pronounced "kay-chak." Experience this powerful traditional Balinese dance, and reenactment of the RÄmÄyaį¹a by night, after studying and reading selections of the Sanskrit by day. Think of the opening scene from the film Baraka.
Tirta Empul Temple
tÄ«rtha in Sanskrit means a sacred ford or river crossing; a holy bathing-place, often for pilgrimage. We will conclude our retreat at this famous 10th-century water temple, dedicated to Viį¹£į¹u. The temple hosts a pond with natural spring waters—a sacred crossing, where Balinese Hindus and guests bathe for ritual purification.
Your Teachers
Seth Powell
History + Philosophy
Seth is a longtime practitioner of yoga and a scholar of Indian religions, Sanskrit, and yoga traditions, and is the founder of Yogic Studies. He is currently a PhD Candidate in South Asian Religions at Harvard University, where he is writing his dissertation on the history, theory, and practice of premodern yoga texts and traditions in India.
As a scholar-practitioner, Seth is gifted in his ability to present the ancient teachings of yoga clearly in an accessible, light-hearted, and inspiring manner—while maintaining a rigor and sensitivity to traditional Indian knowledge systems.
Nikki Costello
Äsana + PrÄį¹ÄyÄma
Nikki is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher (CIYT) and a Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT). For 26 years, her teaching has been inspired by annual trips to India including RIMYI (Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute) the study of scriptural and philosophical texts and a daily practice of meditation. In 2013-2014, she was a contributing editor at Yoga Journal, writing the magazine’s “Basics Column,” and in 2016, Nikki was named one of the 100 Most Influential Teachers in America. She is currently completing her MA in Yoga Traditions at SOAS, University of London.
Nikki will be offering our morning Äsana + prÄį¹ÄyÄma practice. She has led yoga and meditation retreats for over two decades and seamlessly integrates philosophical study and inquiry with embodied practice.
Program Tuition Includes:
- Daily morning yoga practice* w/ Nikki
- Daily vegetarian breakfast + lunch
- Optional shared accommodation on site at Chalina (rooms limited**)
- 2 daily classes w/ Seth
- Evening meditations w/ Seth
- Transportation for excursion trips
- Yogic Studies Immersion Readings + Translations Book (printout + PDF)
- Recommended Bibliography (PDF)
Not included: roundtrip airfare to Bali, airport pickup, dinner, or personal spending.
* Yoga practice will consist of easeful Äsana, functional movement, light breath work, and relaxation.
** Limited on-site shared accommodation will be available for up to 14 participants. Those who wish to find private rooms will be directed to recommended villas and guesthouses nearby.
Retreat Accommodation
Limited accommodation (14 beds) on-site at Chalina will be available on a first-register basis.
Please note this is luxury accommodation, however, it will be SHARED with one other assigned person.
Those wishing for private or other rooms will have no trouble finding off site accommodations within short walking distance. We can provide recommendations.
ALL participants, regardless of stay, will have access to Chalina, its pool, yoga shala, and facilities during the retreat program — as well as breakfast + lunch meals.
Questions about the trip?
For all questions or trip inquiries, please contact Kory at [email protected]
