RETREAT VIDEO




















🌿 THE RAGA RETREAT 🌿 Music Yoga & Tea
Yunnan, China — April 2026
April (Easter Holidays)
10 - 15
Five Nights ~ Six Days
2026
Yunnan Dali
Lijiang
China
Private Retreat
@ SATI
Jade Dragon Mountain
Hosted by Shivam Rath
& Echo Ai
Open your voice,
balance mind with heart
& connect back to nature
✨ Special Feature: Ancient Tea Ceremonies woven throughout the retreat, honouring Yunnan’s rich heritage as the birthplace of tea.
Hidden in the mountains of Yunnan, where tea forests meet cloud-kissed peaks, our Raga Retreat awakens the spirit through music, meditation, and the timeless flow of nature.
What is a Raga?
Short Definition :
Raga's are based from nature, seasons and times of day/ night. Ragas require the musician to become a medium to invoke the mood and feeling above all else while learning new scales and delicate, intricate phrasing.
In learning Raga music the student naturally has to harmonise both brain and heart to perform and present the chosen Raga in order to conjure the Bhava (devotional feeling) or Rasa (essence) correctly thus making this a discipline and therapeutic practice of great inner and outer alignment.
Location
Nestled in the misty mountains of Yunnan, surrounded by nature and a protected wetland, this Raga Retreat offers a serene escape into music, meditation and rich ancient culture of local village life.
@ SATI Retreat centre
Kunming is the closest International Airport
but Lijiang Airport is closest to the venue and has direct flights via Bangkok
Kunming has a 3 hour high speed train to reach the venue.
(Direct Airport Pick up & Drop Off also Available on Request)
Learn the Basis of INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC,
MANTRA, YOGA
& Create A Powerful
* SOUNDKALPA *
(Intention through sound and expansion through voice)
Do you have a passion for yoga or musical expression?
Connecting head to heart through voice and the power of sound !
Modern day science is now proving the ancient wisdom of Nada Yoga and the power of sound. The fact that music can bring us to heightened states of awareness, intuition, release pent up or repressed emotions and bring us closer to head & heart coherence and the powerful flow state when we come into that alignment.
So whether it's for performance or self expression or simply exploring greater harmony within oneself this experience could be for you :)
🌿 Raga & Tea Retreat | Yunnan, China — April 2026 🌿
Journey to the mystical mountains of Yunnan, the birthplace of ancient tea culture, where cloud-kissed forests and timeless traditions create the perfect setting for inner transformation. Here, we weave the sacred threads of Indian Raga, Yoga, Meditation, and ancient Tea Ceremony into one immersive retreat that nourishes body, mind, and spirit.
What’s Included
✨ Immersive Raga & Voice Activation — unravel the mysteries of Indian Ragas, explore scales, rhythms, and melodic expression, and unlock your creative voice.
✨ Yoga, Mantra, and Meditation Practices — daily grounding and uplifting sessions to align body and spirit.
✨ Daily Yoga Nidra & Sound Healing — deep rest and vibrational renewal.
✨ Ancient Tea Ceremony Sessions — guided by tea master Echo Ai amidst Yunnan’s legendary tea mountains, blending ritual, mindfulness, and cultural immersion.
✨ Nourishing Cuisine — locally inspired, meals to energize your practice with vegan / GF options.
✨ Conscious Community — share this sacred and unforgettable journey with like-minded seekers, musicians, and yogis.
✨ Special Feature: Ancient Tea Ceremonies woven throughout the retreat, including a visit to join the local temple monks
Why Yunnan?
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Ancient tea culture with thousands of years of ceremony and wisdom
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Lush mountain landscapes & serene natural beauty
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Rich spiritual heritage & vibrant cultural traditions
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The perfect meeting point of East Asian ritual and Indian musical philosophy
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Your Guides
🎶 Shivam Rath — Yoga Teacher, Multi-instrumentalist, Composer, Producer, Indian classically trained musician, Meditation & Nada Nidra instructor.
🍵 Echo Ai — Yoga & Tea Ceremony facilitator, weaving movement and mindfulness with the art of ancient tea.
Who is this for?
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Seekers ready to explore Raga as medicine, music as yoga
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Yogis and musicians longing to deepen their practice and creativity
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Lovers of mantra, kirtan, and collective singing in conscious community
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Those drawn to ancient wisdom traditions — sound, stillness, and tea
Step into Yunnan’s timeless atmosphere, where tea, music, and meditation converge. Leave renewed, inspired, and attuned — ready to set your intentions for 2026 with clarity and resonance.
Check out our Super Early
&
Early Bird Prices Below ~?~
🌿 Raga & Tea Retreat | Yunnan, April 2026 🌿
5 Nights / 6 Days – All Inclusive
Accommodation • Plant-based meals • Yoga & Raga classes • Tea Ceremonies • Sound Healing
💎 Super Early Bird (limited spaces)
🔹 AUD $2,200 per person
Valid until December 31, 2025
🕊 Early Bird
🔹 AUD $2,400 per person
Valid until Feb 28, 2025
🌸 Standard Contribution
🔹 AUD $2,600 per person
Bookings from March 2026 onwards
🌿 Optional 3-Day Add-On: Yunnan Exploration Tour 🌿
Extend your retreat by joining us for a guided cultural adventure across Yunnan:
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Wander through the Ancient Old Town with its living tea culture and heritage markets
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Bathe in natural hot springs for rejuvenation
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Hike and explore the scenic mountains & tea plantations
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Share music, mantra, and stories in magical natural locations
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Optional 3-Day Add-On Tour
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Early Bird: AUD $1008.00
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Standard: AUD $1200.00
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👉 Full Package E.g (Retreat + Tour) from AUD $3,208 total
(Super Early Bird combined rate)
🌏 Make music your medicine, yoga your lifestyle, and tea your teacher.
Leave feeling inspired, rejuvenated, and deeply connected.
✅ Returning Retreat Students: 20% discount on all tiers.
✅ Couple / Friends booking together: $200 off.
10/04/2026
To:
15/04/2026
With Musical Celebration and clear meditative intentions.
🌏 Make music your medicine, yoga your lifestyle, and tea your teacher.
Leave feeling inspired, rejuvenated, and deeply connected.
✨ Retreat Commitment ✨
To honour the depth of the practice, we are only accepting participants for the full retreat duration. This ensures the focus, immersion, and shared group commitment that make the experience so transformative.
🌿 Limited to just 10 participants 🌿
This retreat is intentionally kept small and intimate, creating a safe and powerful container for learning, connection, and growth. Spaces will fill quickly — secure your spot early and enjoy the Super Early Bird discounts!
💫 If this resonates with your soul, it’s time to embark on this incredible journey.
Let 2026 be the year of transformation, music, and inner harmony!
📩 Booking Info (at the bottom of this page)
👉 [Reserve your spot now]
NEED US TO HELP WITH AIRPORT PICK UP OR DROP OFF ?
Let us know with your
TESTIOMONIALS
I just wanted to say some words of gratitude, post integration of our RAGA journey. I feel like I am still bathing in all of your frequencies. Expanded & open to the flow of life and a whole lot of love. For me, it was the perfect spot and perfect timing to be reminded of how much light there actually is in this life, and how powerfully our vibration creates our reality. Effortlessly manifesting love & joy.. just by surrendering and expanding to true self, to truth. Thankyou to Shivam Rath for allowing us to bathe in your divine light - and initiating us into the use of the sacred sounds ourselves. It was beautiful to see how the use of our voice allowed each and everyone of us to open up to our unique vibration.. expand.. together creating a rhythmic resonance of truth & authenticity. All your tones will forever remain with me, thank you for resonating and co-creating our rainbow! With all of my gratitude for you all (the facilitators & everyone who held the space for everyone) Keep shining your unique colour & tone.. let our rainbow songs carry us through this adventure of life by
N.Konsten
Raga Retreat 2022
Shivam is a brilliant musician and teacher. Having completed his recent 5 week Raga course I can say he imparts his expert technical knowledge clearly and patiently and in an a way that holds our attention.
As a musician and Slide Guitar player he presents his music in a way that lifts and entrances his audience displaying not only technical brilliance but also displaying diversity and thoughtful intermingling of various styles through a fusion of Indian Classical with Electronic genres on an underlying spiritual/yogic base. Brilliant!
Mark Buhmann
2024 Raga Course
Feeling deep resonance in my reservoir following from the re~treat. Deepest gratitude to you All. It is so precious to unite our hearts and share care the prayer of healing harmony and happiness for the antidote of all humanity.
Your kindness and relaxed ‘styling’ of sharing is inspiring & encouraging.
Sita Anita
2025 Raga Retreat Aus
Please advise before the retreat if you are an instrumentalist and what level you feel you are at.
E.g : Beginner, confident, professional etc.
(Slide Guitar, Sitar, Tabla, Bansuri, Harmonium etc )
* We are only accepting participants for the full duration to keep the focus and group commitment throughout.
Please enquire for further details.
*Maximum of 10 participants to keep the retreat intimate and contained so secure your position by booking soon and receiving the early bird discounts!
If this resonates with your soul, it's time to embark on this incredible journey &
Book your spot !
Let 2026 be the year of transformation, music, and inner harmony!
Booking Info
At bottom of the page :
🌿 Raga Retreat – Yunnan, China 2026
5 Nights / 6 Days | 10th – 15th Jan
SATURDAY 10/01
– ARRIVAL & WELCOME
16:00 – Arrival & Settling In
17:00 – Hatha + Nāda Yoga Wind-Down
18:00 – Dinner
19:00 – Welcome Circle, Orientation & Evening Kirtan + Tea Ceremony
SUNDAY 11/01
– INTENTION & ACTIVATION
07:30 – Yoga & Morning Raga with Tea
08:30 – Breakfast / Free Time
09:30 – Soundkalpa Intention Setting + Meditation
11:00 – Tea Ceremony & Sharing Circle
12:00 – Nāda Nidrā (Live Music Yoga Nidra)
12:30 – Lunch
14:00 – Nature Immersion + Vocal Freedom
16:30 – Rāga Dive Music Session
18:00 – Dinner
19:00 – + Kirtan & Concert
MONDAY 12/01
– RHYTHM & RAGA
07:30 – Yoga & Morning Raga with Tea
08:30 – Breakfast
09:30 – Tāla (Rhythm) + Rāga Exploration
11:00 – Tea Ceremony
12:00 – Nāda Nidrā (Guest Teacher)
12:30 – Lunch
14:30 – Sound Alchemy & Tea Ritual
16:00 – Optional Yoga / Nature Walk
17:00 – Ancient Chants
18:00 – Dinner
19:00 – Indian Classical Music
TUESDAY 13/01
– MANTRA & FLOW
07:30 – Yoga & Morning Raga with Tea
08:30 – Breakfast
09:30 – Sanskrit Mantra Chanting (Guest Teacher)
11:00 – Tea Ceremony
12:00 – Nāda Nidrā
12:30 – Lunch
14:00 – Optional Private Sessions / Creative Rest
16:00 – Sound Healing Journey + Movement
18:00 – Dinner
19:00 – Open Mic Jam + Ecstatic Dance (Open to Public)
WEDNESDAY 14/01
– CREATIVE EXPRESSION
07:30 – Yoga & Morning Raga with Tea
08:30 – Breakfast
09:30 – Creative Composition + Improvisation
11:00 – Tea Ceremony
12:00 – Nāda Nidrā
12:30 – Lunch
14:00 – Community Sound Offering
16:30 – Free Time / Mountain Tea Walk / Jam
18:00 – Dinner
19:00 – Acoustic Fire Night & Story Sharing + Evening Tea Ritual
THURSDAY 15/01
– INTEGRATION & FAREWELL
07:30 – Yoga & Morning Raga with Tea
+ Gratitude Practice + Tea Ceremony
08:30 – Breakfast
09:30 – Closing Circle + Reflections
11:00 – Scenic Mountain Tea Ritual with Monks
12:30 – Farewell Lunch + Departures
+ Optional 3-day Yunnan tour (15th–17th)
TBA
BOOKINGS & CONTACT INFO :
Enquires Please Contact :
HOSTED by Shivam Rath &
Echo Ai (China)
Whats App
+61 0412 079 983
Or E.mail
Or complete the booking form Below
About the Teachers and Facilitators
Shivam Rath is a second generation Australian meets Indian Classical Musician, following his fathers footsteps in both the world of Yoga and Indian classical music and since seriously taking up this path is sliding up to be one of Australia’s leading Slide Guitarist. Born into a musical family he has been combining his knowledge and path of meditation into the classically trained field of Music, Mantra and raga. He is also writing and producing his own music and compositions, with many C.Ds bridging, reviving and blending the ancient arts and music into our modern world.
Shivam has studied music directly from some of the worlds top leading instrumentalists including Riley Lee (Shakuhachi) Japanese flute & Indian Slide guitarist Debashish Bhattacharia. He is particular passionate about sharing his experience and knowledge of music and has taught and hosted workshops, retreats in numerous countries and locations around the world as well as multiple tours with some of India's incredibly acclaimed maestros, earning a respect and recognition for establishing himself in this rich and ancient musical tradition.
~ ? ~ WHAT YOU WILL LEARN ~ ? ~
In this enriching retreat, you will embark on a transformative journey to expand your knowledge and skills in the realms of music, language, and holistic living. Here's what you'll learn during our immersive experience:
1. Expressive Language and Music Mastery:
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Gain a deep understanding of the fundamental building blocks of music and language, including Mantras and Sanskrit.
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Develop your unique expression through these elements and harness their potential.
2. The Essence of Indian Classical Music:
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Dive into the theoretical and philosophical aspects of Indian Classical Music.
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Explore the esoteric concepts of Raga and Tala, and their ancient origins, as passed down through generations of musical maestros.
3. Focus on Musical Components:
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Choose your path: concentrate on voice, rhythm, instruments, or Sanskrit pronunciation.
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Delve deep into your chosen area of expertise.
4. Musical Instruments:
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Explore the world of Indian musical instruments, including Tabla, Mridunga, Indian Slide Guitar, Sitar, Tanpura, and more.
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Practice and play these instruments to your heart's content.
5. The Language of Rhythm and Melody:
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Learn to speak the intricate language of Rhythm (Tala) and Melody (Raga).
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Discover how to skilfully combine them to create your own compositions, songs, or mantras.
6. The Magic of a Single Raga:
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Master the art of a single Raga and learn how to invoke specific feelings, moods, and atmospheres.
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Act as a conduit between the world of Ragas and the cycles of time through your music.
7. Guided Melodic Exploration:
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Sing freely and be guided through the melodic phrases of a single Raga.
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Benefit from both individual tutoring and group meditative sessions.
8. The Power of Sound and Self:
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Understand the significance of sound, the natural keys, tonal qualities, and your own voice's strengths and weaknesses.
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Explore how to enhance these through Sadhana, much like the body in Yoga.
9. The Holistic Ashram Lifestyle:
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Embrace the yogic lifestyle in an Ashram-style setting.
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Immerse yourself in music, mantra, asana, pranayama, and meditation within a stunning natural environment.
10. Vocal Freedom and Confidence:
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Experience the profound benefits of opening your voice, which connects you to your heart.
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Enhance your everyday communication and build confidence in your daily life.
11. Bridging Head and Heart:
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Learn from Shivam how the throat serves as a bridge between the head and the heart.
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Discover how the power of voice and sound can harmonise your physical, mental, and emotional being.
12. Nature's Inspiration:
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Revel in the natural wonders of the Black Sheep Farm retreat centre and Compassion Temple.
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Enjoy waterfalls, spring-fed creeks, a swimming pool, sauna, private rooms, and breathtaking garden and landscape views to keep your creativity flowing.
13. Personalised Learning:
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Benefit from private and optional classes with multiple teachers who will guide and support your unique journey.
14. Lifelong Skills and Connections:
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Forge lasting connections and acquire lifelong skills.
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Enjoy special discounts on instrument purchases and ongoing lessons after the retreat.
This retreat offers a holistic and immersive experience, where you'll not only learn about music but also explore the depths of your own self and connect with the natural world. It's an opportunity for personal growth, artistic exploration, and connecting with like-minded individuals on a similar journey. Don't miss this chance to expand your horizons in a beautiful and supportive environment.
15. The art of Tea Ceremony
ASHRAM STYLE LIVING
"Its not about how long you practice but the quality of your practice"....
Thus we want to cultivate greater concentration and awareness to accelerate practice and learning.
The collective and self disciplinary routine of Ashram style living is made to create a simple but strong structure that is conducive to study and accelerated growth cultivating stronger levels of awareness throughout the day. The adjustments to daily routines enhanced by early morning Yoga, meditation and / or music, mantra practice shifts rapidly mental patterns and thus automatically giving rise to new experiences.
Yoga and meditation naturally allows a clear mind and healthy more supple body from early morning giving easier access to assimilation of new knowledge, musical ideas, memorising skills and sitting comfortably for longer periods.
* This is by no means a boot camp but.....
If you are looking for a luxurious retreat with great comfort and ease this retreat is not for you. The personal growth here comes with the challenge of diving beyond our comfort and by no means is learning Yoga, meditation & Indian Classical music ever meant to just be easy; no matter what instrument you choose or what vocal techniques you already know.
However there is also no overall goal or outcome in Yoga or learning Indian Classical Music and the real results are in how much you explore, develop, expand and realise about yourself and your own musical expression; given the extra skills and pointers we have to share :)
How to book the Retreat?
step1: fill your information @ https://www.crystalslide.com/contact
Or copy the below information and complete by sending to the following email address.
crystalslideshivam@gmail.com
All Payment Confirmation needs to be made 14 days before event begins to secure your spot.
REFUND POLICY
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A non-refundable $400 deposit is required to secure your spot and lock in your Early Bird or Super Early Bird price (if paid in full before the deadline).
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Full refunds are available up to 14 days before the retreat begins (minus the deposit).
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20% cancellation fee if cancelling within 14 days of the retreat start.
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50% cancellation fee if cancelling within 7 days of the retreat start.
We appreciate your understanding as this allows us to plan accommodation, meals, and logistics with care for the whole group. 🙏
In the event of heavy weather, government restrictions, or unexpected local conditions affecting the retreat, we may adjust the program schedule or, if necessary, postpone/cancel. In such cases, participants will be offered a partial refund or a credit to join a future retreat.
We deeply appreciate your understanding, as this policy allows us to carefully plan accommodation, meals, and logistics while ensuring fairness to all participants. 🙏
💎 Super Early Bird (limited spaces)
🔹 AUD $2,200 per person
Valid until December 31, 2025
🕊 Early Bird
🔹 AUD $2,400 per person
Valid until Feb 28, 2025
🌸 Standard Contribution
🔹 AUD $2,600 per person
Bookings from March 2026 onwards
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5 Nights / 6 Days (all meals, accommodation & classes included)
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Super Early Bird (until Dec 31, 2025): AUD $2,200
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Early Bird (until Feb 28, 2026): AUD $2,400
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Standard: AUD $2,600
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Optional 3-Day Add-On Tour
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Early Bird: AUD $1008.00
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Standard: AUD $1,200
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( payment is including all gourmet veg meals and your chosen accomodation option)
Aum Prem Santi
E.mail:
with Subject: Raga Retreat
With
1. Your name
2. The number of participants
3. contact phone number
4. contact email address
5. your arrival time and expected departure date
6. Your instrument if you are bringing something to focus or a request to learn & borrow?
7. Which accommodation choice?
8. Dietary Requirements (Gf / vegen etc)
9. Musical experience.
10. Any questions or requests.
Step2: Payment
** You can use the PayPal link or you can pay directly into the bank account of according to the Early Bird or Standard Price etc:
S.Rath
BSB: 082-729
Acc No: 983400020
With add a screen shot or conformational e.mail of proof of payment attached.
There are limited spaces so please pay a $400 deposit to secure your spot or the full amount before the expired dates
if you wish for the early bird prices and bonus
( payment is including all gourmet veg meals and accomodation)
Note *
Your spot is held but not fully confirmed until you pay the remaining amount due 14 days before the retreat begins.
Thank you and See you Soon !
Aum Prem Santi
Below Video From Past Retreat


NadaNidra ~ Rhythm & Raga

For More information about Rhythm and Raga scroll down.
For more information about YogaNidra & NadaNidra click here
THE NATURE OF RAGA
Crystal Slide
Raga's are based from nature and times of day/ night. Ragas require the musician to become a medium to invoke the mood and feeling above all else in learning a new scale. A small clip based on Indian Raga Durga.
MUSIC, MEDITATION & MANTRA
Melody, Movement & Rhythm
MEDITATION
Incorporating Music
Music is a field of vibration coursing through the current of this moment; offering as the perfect medium to demonstrate where our consciousness is or isn’t. Based on Yoga and advanced practices discover how Music can create a constant stream to keep the mind engaged with the act or practice of meditation. Experience when the mind is empty how the music will just 'flow' through and keep us in the 'zone'


INSTRUMENT
Sing though your hands
Just about all Indian instrumentalist I have met can replicate their playing through their voice. The intrinsic connection between head and hands is not in the tone or tenor of our vocal range but in the feeling and conscious connection between the movement or language of sound
MANTRA
Voice & Sacred Sounds
Mantra means to release or liberate the mind; it could be as subtle or dynamic as one needs. Sanskrit mantra or Chanting sacred sounds or syllables through the power of will, voice or percussive rhythms is a profound meditative practice ’which allows us to discover the geometrical foundations of space and time.

Presenting the Trinity of Music ~?~

MOVEMENT
The physical body is also a vehicle of sound and communication between music. The trinity in Indian philosophy being Mother Melody (Raga) Father Rhythm (Tala) and the combined creation between them: movement or dance. Through the practice of Yoga and tuning into the physical body on a subtle plane one can experience dance like states through feeling alone; a free flow allowing the body to lead and the mind to rest and let go.

RHYTHM
The language of rhythm is a world of its own; and through the serious practice of Tabla Shivam has learnt how to speak intricate rhythms and syllables which allows him to play almost any percussive instrument with skill and dexterity. The practice his highly meditative balancing both brain hemispheres and is akin to chanting or doing ‘mantra’ meditation.
Another clear example signifying that first music should come from inside; because if you can speak it ~ you can play it!

MELODY
Based upon original and traditional sources including the ancient Raga system and intuitive nature of heart to head connection; Shivam teaches in depth and highly subtle movements between the major scales, tones and semitones which create the rich atmosphere and mood that is Raga. Using Voice and Instrument to demonstrate the dynamics; this too becomes a universal language applicable to any sincere music aspirant.