TRUTH IN COMMUNITY
AUGUST 25-28, 2023
ASHA Centre (UK)
“All of these creatures of the earth and creatures of the air, tree, bush, creeper, vine, grass, etc., water, mountains.
Know that everything is brahman, and see everything in the self.”— Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā 7.19 (trans. Slatoff).
Join Daniel Simpson in a beautiful setting for a weekend immersion in practice and study. Drawing on his book, The Truth of Yoga, this retreat is an accessible guide to how yoga evolved, from its earliest origins to what it is now.
Together, we’ll explore the traditional foundations of yoga – meditation and breathing techniques – as well as physically embodying the history of postures, from ascetic austerities to vinyasa flow.
We’ll also dive deep into yoga philosophy, unpacking key principles that link modern methods to earlier traditions. The aim is to highlight ideas that foster collective understanding, while taking time to relax and recharge in idyllic surroundings.
This is a great opportunity to spend time with Daniel and a diverse community of like-minded people. Come and get inspired by a rich combination of scholarly knowledge and practical insight, with some light-hearted twists!
HOME FROM HOME
The ASHA Centre is the perfect spot to reconnect with ourselves, with each other and with our natural environment. Nestled within rolling hills in the Forest of Dean, it’s a peaceful place with fertile earth, majestic trees and sustainable farming.
There will be plenty of time on the schedule to explore the centre’s gardens and nearby trails. Our main practice space has a gorgeous panorama of the site, and the evening skies host glorious sunsets.
We will stay in charming cottage-style rooms with en-suite bathrooms – shared and single options are available, as well as staying off-site for those who live locally (with access to all retreat programming).
The centre was specifically designed to include spaces of inspiring, natural beauty for quiet contemplation.
DELICIOUS FOOD
We will be nourished by wholesome cuisine using ASHA’s own seasonal organic produce, along with other locally sourced ingredients. All food is vegetarian and vegan – please let us know of other dietary requirements to ensure they’re accommodated.
Three meals a day are provided – breakfast, lunch and dinner. Refreshments and snacks are available throughout the day – including teas from the herb garden.
The centre is powered by sustainable energy from a biomass boiler, a bio-bubble sewage system and solar panels.
RETREAT SCHEDULE
Approximate, for guidance
DAY 1: FRIDAY (AUG. 25)
ARRIVAL
4:00 - 6:00 pm – check-in
6:30 pm – dinner
7:30 pm – welcome / introductions / meditation
DAY 2: SATURDAY (AUG. 26)
EMBODYING HISTORY
7:00 am – morning meditation / pranayama / gentle asana
8:00 am – breakfast
9:00 - 10:30 am – discussion: "What is (and isn't) yoga?"
11:00 - 12:30 am – physical practice: “The roots of yoga”
1:00 pm – lunch
2:00 - 3:00 pm – time in nature
3:00 - 4:30 pm – discussion: "Why do we practise? What’s the goal?"
5:00 - 6:30 pm – physical practice: “How postural yoga evolved”
7:00 pm – dinner
8:00 pm – evening meditation / reflection / journaling
DAY 3: SUNDAY (AUG. 27)
EMBODYING PHILOSOPHY
7:00 am – morning meditation / pranayama / gentle asana
8:00 am – breakfast
9:00 - 10:30 am – discussion: "What is suffering? How might it be alleviated?"
11:00 - 12:30 am – practical philosophy: “Overcoming obstacles”
1:00 pm – lunch
2:00 - 3:00 pm – time in nature
3:00 - 4:30 pm – discussion: "How do we find our own way?"
5:00 - 6:30 pm – practical philosophy: “Intentions and boundaries”
7:00 pm – dinner
8:00 pm – evening meditation / reflection / journaling
DAY 4: MONDAY (AUG. 28)
DEPARTURES
7:00 am – morning meditation / pranayama / gentle asana
8:00 am – breakfast
9:00 am – closing circle
10:00 am – check-out
MEET DANIEL SIMPSON
Daniel is the author of The Truth of Yoga: A Comprehensive Guide to Yoga's History, Texts, Philosophy, and Practices.
He teaches courses on yoga history and philosophy at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, on yoga teacher trainings and at truthofyoga.com.
Daniel holds a master's degree in yoga studies (from SOAS at the University of London) and has been studying yoga in various forms since his first trip to India in the 1990s.
In a previous career, he was a foreign correspondent, working for Reuters and the New York Times.
His approach draws on all of these experiences, presenting practical guidance in an engaging and humorous way.
JOIN THE RETREAT
Choose one of the options below, then click the button to register
A non-refundable deposit of £200 secures your place
£595
With 2-3 single beds
En-suite bathroom
All meals included
£795
Private occupancy
En-suite bathroom
All meals included
£345
No accommodation
Access to everything else
All meals included
GETTING HERE
ASHA Centre is in Gloucestershire, at Gunn Mill House, Lower Spout Lane, Flaxley GL17 0EA
The nearest main-line station is Gloucester, and Bristol airport is 50 miles south
QUESTIONS?
Please get in touch via the form below