Yoga Retreat with Yogi Ashokonanda in India

I first came across Yogi Ashokonanda on Amazon Video :) I was intrigued by his unique style and started practicing his 20 minute video classes. Out of the blue, I saw a social media post promoting his upcoming visit to Glasgow! I went along to his all day long Himalayan Hatha and Pranayama workshop where I was mesmerised by his knowledge, understanding and humility.

After many years and a lot of consideration an opportunity arose to visit him in person in South India for an immersive yoga retreat. We departed on Christmas Day and left the snow and ice and arrived in Tamil Nadu to begin our retreat.

Our first day began with a tour of the garden where we were introduced to the staff, the plants, the trees and the creatures of Yogiville. Yogi Ashokananda has spent the past twelve years creating his garden of Eden, an oasis under the shadow of sacred Arunachala Mountain where Lord Shiva was believed to have visited.

We spent the week immersed in Himalayan Hatha Yoga, Prana Kriya and Meditation, eating organic Ayurvedic meals and receiving Ayurvedic treatments, visiting temples, exploring Tiruvannamalai and a little bit of shopping.

We spent the evening by the fire playing djembis, chanting and having a jolly good time. We were pleasantly surprised by the lavish pyrotechnics on Hogmanay and we even managed to squeeze in a fire walk before the bells. New Year was celebrated by a very elaborate Puja ceremony conducted by the Yogi himself where we were introduced to the Hindu traditions and customs while dressed in our Sari and Longi.

It was so sad to leave behind our beloved Yogi and come back to the mundane chores of daily life in Glasgow and freezing temperatures. His love, joy and grace shall remain within our hearts forever.

We can hardly wait for the next time:)