Mahamrityunjaya Yantra and Mantra Retreat

The retreat is led by Antarshuddhi (Nadeshda Stürzebecher), Vienna and Brahmananda (Narendra Bharwaney), London.

Mantra and Yantra are the tools of tantric practice. They represent sound and form, consciousness and energy. The combined use of these tools aims to focus the mind and to expand the awareness. The created symbol then becomes a vehicle through which we can deepen our understanding of the more subtle layers of the mind and personality and our relationship with the internal and external expression of these energies.

Mahamrityunjaya Mantra and Yantra

We will dedicate this week-long retreat to the mantra and yantra of Mahamrityunjaya. A form of the deity, Siva and literally meaning, the ‘great victory over death’, mahamrityunjaya has been used for a few thousand years at least, for protection, healing and for the relief of suffering, both for ourselves and for others.

We will explore the symbols associated with Siva as well as the abstract forms through the practice of mantra and yantra.

Unique Content

The content of these retreats is unique and you will be guided through the different aspects of a process of self-exploration in which the daily practices are integrated in a holistic way. We will chant Mantras focused on Siva to build and focus the mental energies and to accompany the process of the drawing and painting of the Mahamrityunjaya Yantra.

These images can be drawn freehand but we will focus on a geometric construction using compass and straight edge, exploring the connections and parallels between cultures of what is sometimes called ‘sacred geometry’ and the archetypal ingredients of the Yantra, namely the square, the circle, the triangle and the lotus petals.

We will explore ‘philosophy in pictures’ as we see how these symbols resonate in the consciousness and how we can then use the created image as a powerful tool of meditation.

The Retreat Includes

A full and varied programme, from 7 am to 9 pm.

• Daily 90 minutes asana, pranayama, and meditation class
• Yoga nidra sessions
• Karma yoga and periods of silence (mouna)
• Talks and discussions on Mantra and Yantra
• Exploration of the cross-cultural significance of ‘sacred geometry’
• Daily Mantra chanting practice
• Learning the use of sacred instruments of compass and straight edge
• Drawing and painting of Yantra as a practice and a sacred act
• Exploring the use of colour and colour mixing in Yantra painting
• Development of your own sketchbook to explore these techniques
• Evening sessions on the terrace including kirtan and havan (fire ceremony)

The Venue

This one full week retreat will offer time to go deep into your practice and immerse yourself in the peace and vibrancy of the Grempoli (Tuscany) venue and enjoying three healthy organic vegetarian meals all largely sourced from the garden.

We will practice karma yoga daily, live and eat together and have space for local walks and periods of silence and reflection.

No previous knowledge or experience of drawing and painting is necessary but it would still be useful. A list of materials needed will be emailed after booking

Maximum number of participants: 11

Language: English.

Practicalities

Where: Nestled in the beautiful Tuscan countryside, Grempoli is 45 minutes from Florence airport, and 30 minutes from the center of Florence (easy bus ride from Pisa airport).
Collection and drop off to local stations etc is included and will be arranged.

When:

The retreat will begin at 5pm sharp on Sunday 8th August, it will conclude with lunch at 1pm on Sunday 15th August.

Please try and arrive by 3pm on the 8th to give yourself time to settle in. The programme will conclude with lunch at 1pm on the 15th. Please make your arrival and departure to ensure that you do not miss any part of the programme.

If you are arriving late, or leaving early it requires someone else to leave Grempoli to take you to the station thus creating disruption to the programme and affecting others participation in it also. We are aware flight and train times are not always convenient and we would therefore strongly encourage you to stay an extra night before or after (or both) as is necessary to allow for a smooth begining and proper closure to the process.

Leaving early, after such an immersion and intense programme is really not advisable and should be avoided if at all possible. Give yourself the luxury of some time, space and reflection after completing this retreat.

(There would be no charge for these extra nights, but a donation towards costs would be much appreciated)

Cost of retreat:

Early bird price until 30th June: Double € 690/Single € 790/ (Only 3 single rooms available)

Full price after 30^th June 2021: Double € 760/Single € 860

Concession prices are available and payment in instalments is also possible. Please contact us to discuss, especially if you are very keen on attending and have difficulty managing the full amount.

Please bear in mind, the fee includes 7 nights’ accommodation in beautiful single or double occupancy room with shared bathroom, 3 healthy, organic nutritious meals per day, local collection and drop off, all tuition, classes and materials – up to 8 hours per day, a hiking day trip and the soothing company of chickens, good people and a lovely dog.

To express your interest for the retreat please, contact Prem via Grempoli’s contact form.