About this Retreat
Nina Rao learned traditional chants from her grandfather in a village in south India when she was nine years old. The chants quietly stayed with her until she rediscovered chanting with Krishna Das in New York in 1996. For many years Nina has been Krishna Das business manager and assistant, and accompanies him musically. In 2007, she recorded the track ‘Nina Chalisa’ on Krishna Das’ CD “Flow of Grace” and in January 2013, she released her debut double-CD album, “Antarayaami – Knower of All Hearts“. She released her second album “Anubhav” in 2018. You can find her interviews on a number of podcasts, online courses, and documentary films on Bhakti Yoga, kirtan, and chanting the Hanuman Chalisa. She is also a podcast host on the Be Here Now Network. Nina regularly leads retreats, kirtan, and chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa, in her hometown of Brooklyn, New York and beyond. She is also founder and active chairwoman of
SavingWildTigers.org. For more information visit
NinaRaoChant.com
Shamina’s passion for yoga spans over 25 years. She was born in India and grew up around the world. Morning yoga will include slow flow grounding asana, pranayama and meditation with an emphasis on the connection between breath and movement. The class will be paced to provide room for stillness within the flow, to enhance body awareness with mindfulness and intention. All levels welcome! Thoughtful sequencing in a breath-centered vinyasa practice brings awareness to the connection of the work we do on the mat to our lives off the mat. Shamina's yoga practice grounds her work as a full spectrum doula and lactation consultant, as she supports new parents through the transformative journey of childbirth and early parenthood. She integrates yoga into all aspects of her work, fostering balance, empowerment, and joy in the power of this practice to bring people together, no matter what our backgrounds are.
Keli Lalita was first introduced to yoga at age seven by her mother, who studied with the disciples of Sri Rama Krishna in the foothills of the Catskill mountains. Her formal training to teach came from the Atmananda School of Yoga in NYC and continued with Shiva Rea. She has been teaching yoga asana since 2004, but her great love is Bhakti philosophy. She is currently a PhD student in the department of Anthropology at UAlbany.
http://mantralogy.com
Details of this retreat
Nina is so happy to be joined by her sister and yogini, Shamina and friend in practice and life, Keli Lalita --their wish is for this retreat to be restful and rejuvenating for all.
Nina will share her long-standing kirtan (call-and-response chanting in the Hindu and Buddhist traditions) practice during the nightly kirtans. During the day, she will share other modes of mantra practice including longer-form prayers such as the Hanuman Chalisa and also Prayers to Goddess. Tracing the roots of mantra practice, Nina will also teach and share some fundamental Veda chants including the Gayatri mantra and Shanti mantra that we can incorporate into daily individual practice as well. Nina will weave these practices together with stories of great teachers, readings from sacred texts, and teachings of her guru Sri Siddhi Ma, and other inspirational spiritual teachers that help us on our life journey. In this intimate setting, we have a chance to share and discuss as questions, ideas, and thoughts come up. Bring an inspirational poem or piece of writing you wish to share, bring your mala for practice, bring your notebook and pens/pencils, bring your walking shoes and warm clothes if the weather permits for us to be outdoors in Nature together.
Morning yoga with Shamina will include slow flow grounding asana, pranayama and meditation with an emphasis on the connection between breath and movement. The class will be paced to provide room for stillness within the flow, to enhance body awareness with mindfulness and intention. All levels welcome!
Keli Lalita will be an accompanying musician for the kirtans, and together with Nina will teach an introduction to the Bhagavat Gita which is a foundation philosophical, devotional, sacred text. This program is great inspiration for discussion amongst us all.
Schedule
Thursday, June 13
3 - 8 pm Arrival & Check-in
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Welcome and Opening program with Nina and Shamina
Friday, June 14
7 - 8:15 am Morning Yoga with Shamina
8 - 9 am Breakfast
10 am - 12 pm Morning Class with Nina Rao
12:30 -1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 4 pm Free Time for Spa Treatments, Relaxation, etc.
4 - 6 pm Afternoon class with Nina
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Kirtan with Nina Rao
Saturday, June 15
7 - 8:15 am Morning Yoga with Shamina
8 - 9 am Breakfast
10 am - 12 pm Morning Class with Nina
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 4 pm Free Time for Spa Treatments, Relaxation, etc.
4 - 6 pm Afternoon class with Nina
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Kirtan with Nina Rao
Sunday, June 16
7 - 11 am Check-out of Rooms
7 - 8:15 am Morning Yoga with Shamina
8 - 9 am Breakfast
10 - 12 pm Closing Class with Nina
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch & Departure
*Please note that the schedule is subject to change at any time.
Verified
