Dear Colleagues,

I am delighted to announce a Summer Academy of Yoga, Meditation and Spiritual Wisdom to be held in Kathmandu, Nepal, from the 11th to the 22nd of August, 2025. Please circulate it!

The Summer Academy offers both a theoretical understanding and practical experience of Yoga, Meditation and Eastern spiritual traditions. This integrated framework bridges the divide between the experiential and the intellectual, fostering a deeper, comprehensive approach to these contemplative disciplines. From the philosophical underpinnings of the Pātañjala Yōgaśāstra to Buddhist teachings on the path of awakening, the course is grounded in robust theoretical frameworks. Beyond theory, participants will experience Yogic Cleansing (ṣaṭkarma), Yoga Postures (āsana), Breathing Exercise (prāṇāyāma), Mantra Chanting and Guided Meditation sessions. Physical health and mental wellbeing are paired with intellectual enquiry, leading to integration in how we see and practice yoga.

 

The Summer Academy will rigorously analyze and discuss selections from the Pātañjala Yōgaśāstra, Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra, and Ṣaṭcakra Nirūpaṇa and dwell on the core Buddhist teachings from the Mahāsatipaṭṭhāna Sutta, the Pratītyasamutpāda Sūtra, and relevant canonical texts. It could be a unique opportunity to see how Yoga and Buddhism are complementary systems striving towards awakening.

 

The Academy is held at the Maharshi Vedic Foundation on the southern slopes of the Kathmandu Valley whose natural and forested surroundings are ideal for yogic practice. The area’s strong connection with celebrated spiritual masters - Padmasambhava, a Buddhist yogi celebrated as the second Buddha and Gorakṣanātha, the revered founder of the Haṭhayoga tradition – should serve as inspiration for participants.The location is also only a short walk away from Tribhuvan University and is surrounded by hillsides and greenery.  

 

Course requirements: Basic level of Yoga practices with some knowledge of Sanskrit and familiarity of Eastern Spiritual tradition.

  

Participation fee: $ 700.00

 

The costs include accommodation and full boarding for the duration of the program (12 nights, 11th to 22th August) and field trips (including site entrance fees).

Please find further details in the pdf attached herewith. Applications and queries should be sent to p.pangsrivongse@gmail.com

With best regards,

Diwakar