MEDITATION & YOGA
Modern science is now discovering what Himalayan sages have known for centuries: Meditation and yoga are among the most effective ways to enhance our well-being.
WHY MEDITATION & YOGA?
Meditation can increase our health, happiness, wisdom and compassion. Studies show that daily practice improves immune response, cognitive function, and neural synchrony (all parts of the brain working together harmoniously). Many people find it also benefits creativity and productivity. Over time, meditation practice can lead to deep transformation, healing and empowerment.
Yoga is a holistic path for personal development, integrating body, mind and heart — not just on the mat, but in all of life. The path of yoga trains us to become our happiest, healthiest selves, and helps us cultivate our best qualities. Ultimately all we do becomes karma yoga — offering service to a greater good, with mindful presence, free from selfish motivations, and full of joy and care.
Meditation and yoga are a way of life. The aspiration is to become so immersed in our practice that gradually we evolve to embody warmhearted presence, grounded sensitivity, and skilful means in every moment of our lives. This supports our own well-being and helps us to benefit others more effectively..
MEDITATION AND YOGA AT DHARMALAYA INSTITUTE
Softer approach, deeper transformation
Dharmalaya Institute offers a variety of courses and retreats exploring meditation, yoga and related philosophies and practices. Programmes feature varying degrees of instruction, guidance and discussion. Some retreats include philosophical explorations and deeply engaging conversations, while others are mostly silent.
Dharmalaya Institute's environment is welcoming, non-judgmental and free from pressure, more about allowing rather than pushing or even trying. It’s a place to settle into a restful and joyful relationship with meditation, yoga, and all of life. This is a place to let go of tensions, including the tensions that are created when we try too hard to practice.
We also offer an ongoing series of meditation retreats in Mingyur Rinpoche’s Joy of Living programme, which presents profound meditation teachings and practices in an accessible, secular format designed so that anyone can connect with the practices, regardless of background or prior experience. One special feature of the Joy of Living retreats at Dharmalaya is the inclusion of daily yoga practice, which supports the body to support the mind.
Perched on a forested hillside in the foothills of the Himalayas, our campus provides a peaceful and healthy environment with eco-friendly natural buildings and nutritious plant-based meals to support your practice.
For upcoming meditation and yoga programmes, see our Events page.
Personal Retreats
Dharmalaya supports dedicated practitioners of meditation and yoga by providing a conducive environment for personal retreats. We offer a small number of retreat cottages where experienced practitioners can conduct formal retreats in an inspiring natural setting, supported by healthy plant-based meals. For details about doing personal meditation retreats at Dharmalaya Institute, see this page.
Featured Video
In this video, Mingyur Rinpoche explains the essence of meditation and describes some common misunderstandings about practicing meditation. He also shares some tips for bringing meditation into our day-to-day lives.
What is your reaction to Mingyur Rinpoche’s statement that you don’t have to be calm and peaceful in order to meditate?
LEARN: COMPASSIONATE LIVING | DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE | NATURAL BUILDING | ORGANIC FOOD GROWING | MEDITATION & YOGA | PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT