TANTRA: New 9-Month Program Begins in April 2020!

Posted by AB on Jan 13, 2020 in Retreats, Uncategorized | Comments Off on TANTRA: New 9-Month Program Begins in April 2020!

TANTRA 

April-December 2020

Tantra is an ancient branch of Yogic science for awakening to the sacredness of life.  Greatly misunderstood in the West, Tantra (“to weave, to expand beyond limitation”) is a vast spiritual system of philosophy and practice intended to help humanity realize greater freedom, empowerment and enjoyment in life.  Tantra is rooted in the understanding that there is a singular, all pervading reality which has two primary aspects:                                                                                                               Consciousness (Shiva, the transcendent aspect of the divine, eternal, illimitable consciousness that is the ground of Being)                                                               Creative Power/Energy (Shakti, the immanent force of the divine, from which the entire universe, in all its diversity and multiplicity manifests)

Tantra sees life as a profound gift and human beings as living temples of shakti, composed of the same creative force from which the universe was born.  Our bodies, energies, mind and heart are tremendous tools for awakening and realizing freedom, empowerment and enjoyment in this life.   With ancient roots that have continued to grow, Tantra is very much a living tradition. Its inclusive, life-affirming worldview and powerful practices are said to be the best system of yoga for our modern age.  Much of what we have come to know as Yoga actually has deep roots in Tantra, including: asana, pranayama, cleansing practices, mudra, mantra, chakras, kundalini, yoga nidra, kriya,  many forms of meditation, ritual and more.

This unique nine month program is a deep dive into the living tradition of Tantra – intended for those who have completed yoga studies or comprehensive teacher trainings, study and practice and want to go deeper.  The program will include master classes, guided home study and practice, personal guidance and support, weekend residential retreat, opportunity to receive initiation in the Himalayan Tradition, guest teachers and more.

Master Classes will consist of Dharma talk (teaching), discussion and practice.

Weeknight/ Weekend Program:  The  program will begin in April 2020.  It will be a combination of two Tuesday nights / month (6-8:45p) and one weekend day (Sun. 10-5).  There will also be a full weekend retreat at at the Himalayan Institue in Honesdale, PA Sept 17-20.  Program Dates:                                                                                               April: Sun. 5, Tues, 7, 21                                                                                                      May: Sun. 3, Tues. 5, 19                                                                                                      June:  Sun. 7, Tues. 9, 23                                                                                                      July: Sun. 12, Tues. 21                                                                                                          August: Sun. 9, Tues. 11, 18                                                                                          September: Tues. 1, 15,  Sun. 20                                                                                October: Sun. 18, Tues. 20  (Possibly 4-7 for retreat in Ely)                                November: Sun. 1, Tues. 10, 17                                                                                          December: Sun. 6, Tues. 1, 15                               

                                 Residential Retreat – Pilgrimage to a Living Tradition                                                      Himalayan Institute – Honesdale, PA Sept. 17-20, 2020                       Set amidst the rolling hills and mountains of the Pocnoco Mountains in eastern Pennsylvania, The Himalayan Institute (HI) is an international non-profit whose mission is “To inspire, educate, and empower all who seek to experience their full potential.”  It does this through transmitting the Wisdom of the Himalayan Tradition (Yoga/ Sri Vidya Tantra) and global humanitarian work.   Founded in 1971 by Sri Swami Rama, it is a vibrant yogic community, ashram, publishing, residential and retreat center distinguished by its authentic, living connection to the ancient wisdom tradition of the Himalayan Masters.

The Himalayan Institute’s picturesque 400-acre campus offers breathtaking views, scenic hiking trails, and peaceful spaces for reflection and contemplation.  It also home to the PureRejuv wellness center (Ayurvedic Services and Massage), Sri Vidya Shrine (image below), Sacred Grove Cafe, Himalayan Institute Bookstore + Press, Moka Origins bean to bar speciality Coffee and Chocolate (Yum! Tantra…delighting in the senses :-), and Yoga International.

Our retreat will focus on the Himalayan Tradition / Sri Vidya Tantra, consisting of:

-Daily group practice + teachings                                                                                          -Personal meditation and chanting in the Sri Vidya Shrine                                             -Living and meals in the Himalayan Institute community                                               -Free time for reflection, hiking, Ayurvedic treatments, massage, etc.                       -The opportunity to receive initiation into the Himalayan Tradition Lineage thru receiving a personal mantra.

Our in-depth study will include:

   Essential Teachings + Practices of Tantra:

• What is Tantra? How does it relate to the Yogic tradition?
• History of Tantra: Periods, Types, traditions and its evolution
• Why is Tantra the appropriate practice for modern yogis
• The paths of Tantra:  Right and Left Handed, Internal, External and Mixed
• Study of Traditional Tantric texts, philosophies and chants
• Essential Tantric Texts of Hatha Yoga: Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gherand Samhita
• Sun, Moon, Fire: Hatha Yoga for awakening the forces of prana, mind and kundalini
• Training in Essential Tantric Practices Including:
  • Asana (posture)
  • Ayurvedic diet + lifestyle
  • Shatkarma (cleansing practices)
  • Pranayama (energetic breathwork)
  • Mudra (Sacred gesture)/ Bandha ( Energetic seals)
  • Tantric Meditation: Kriya (Active forms of meditation), Laya (The yoga of dissolution), Mantra Japa and more
  • Mantra + Chanting (invocation of sacred vibration)
  • Yantra (sacred geometry)
  • Yoga Nidra (awakening through deep rest)
  • Sacred Ritual + pilgrimage
  • Diksha: Initiation into the Himalayan Tradition through receiving a personal Mantra
• Teachings and practices for the energetic body
  • Chakras: The vortexes of Consciousness and Energy
  • The Heart Lotus – the ultimate place of pilgrimage
  • Swara Yoga, Nadis and Marma: Energetic rives and confluences in the body
  • Kundalini Shakti: Awakening your life to the power of the infinite
  • Granthis + Karma: The obstacle is the way
• The Tantric Understanding of Divinity and ultimate reality
• The living mythology of Tantra: Dieties, Gods and Goddesses as Shakti
• Guest teachers (Indu Arora: Vijnana Bhairav, Chanti Tacoronte Perez: Yantra, Rolf Sovik: Initiation and the Himalayan Tradition)

  Your Investment:  Program Tuition + Payment Option

  Full Price – $2850. (Paid in full by the beginning of the program )
  

  Early Registration Discount – $2695. (Paid In full by Feb 15)

***Books, retreat travel and accommodations are additional expenses.                             If you are interested in participating in the program, but are unable to attend or afford the retreat at the Himalayan Institute, you may attend the Fall Immersion in Ely, MN Oct 4-7, 2020 as an alternative.    Space is in this program is limited and will be allotted in the order which deposit ($300) is received.  Once accepted, your deposit is non-refundable, and will be applied toward the cost of the program.

Payment plans are available through Paypal Credit.  This option is the cost of tuition + a 4% credit card fee.  You would then have 6 months to pay paypal without interest. Please email [email protected] or visit paypal credit for more information about payment plans.

To register, please submit a $300 deposit via:

Venmo (@ben-vincent-9)                                                                                                   Check or cash in person or via mail to:

Ben Vincent                                                                                                                             5354 40th Ave S.                                                                                                                 Mpls., Mn 55417

Please note there will be a 4% fee for all credit card payments to cover the additional cost of credit card fees.

Angela’s return to teaching – Dec 2019

Posted by AB on Dec 9, 2019 in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Angela’s return to teaching – Dec 2019

The Yoga of Emotions – Fall Immersion: Oct 6-9, Ely, MN

Posted by AB on May 2, 2019 in Retreats, Travel | Comments Off on The Yoga of Emotions – Fall Immersion: Oct 6-9, Ely, MN

The Yoga of Emotions – Nava Rasa Sadhana

October 6-9, Ely, MN

Our annual Fall Immersion is intended for yogis looking for deeper study and practice of yoga in a retreat setting.  We will explore the in-depth teachings and practices of through dharma, meditation, asana, pranayama, mantra, kriya, chanting, yoga nidra and self-inquiry.  This year we will be delving into: The Yoga of Emotions and Nava Rasa Sadhana.

Yoga sees humans as multidimensional beings, composed of physical body, prana, mind, emotions, intelligence (all subject to change) and the Eternal Self.  How we experience life is based largely on the fluctuations of our bodies, minds, energies and emotions.  These are interwoven and powerful – yet emotions (“that which moves outward”) hold a unique role in shaping our experience of well-being and suffering, of ourselves and life.  Our culture teaches us little about how to navigate and channel the emotions of life.  This immersion will be based on traditional yogic and tantric teachings about Nava Rasa Sadhana: The Spiritual Practice of Nine Emotions.  They are: Courage, Fear, Love, Anger, Joy, Sadness, Wonder, Disgust and Peace.  From a dualistic view, each of these emotions come in pairs of complimentary opposites, each with pleasant and unpleasant aspects.  From a non-dual perspective, each of them is sacred and may be channeled skillfully for the fulfillment of our dharma. As a defining aspect of human life, how we feel, witness, process, understand and channel our emotions profoundly shapes us.  We will explore teachings and practices for relating to and using our emotional energies to awaken, including:

• Understanding the Nine Emotions/ Nava Rasas experientially and conceptually
• How and why do emotions arise?  What is their purpose?
• Yogic Science of Emotion, mind and their karmic roots
• Western Science of Emotion, Brain and Nervous system
• Cultivating Witness Consciousness, emotional equanimity and peace
• Learning to feel and process emotion skillfully 
• Yogic Practices for Emotional Healing and Transformation: Asana, pranayama, ayurveda, mantra, meditation, kriya, chanting, yoga nidra, self-reflection, relationship and more

Daily Session Schedule:                                                                                                       The immersion will begin Sunday Oct. 6 and conclude Weds. Oct 9

Sunday Oct 6:  6-9 pm                                                                                                       Monday Oct 7:  8:30-11:30 am, 2:30-5:30 pm                                                               Tuesday Oct 10:  8:30-11:30 am, 2:30-5 pm,  7-9 pm                                                   Wednesday Oct 11:  7:30-10am

Optional Chanting and Silent Meditation M-W from 6-7 am

Your Investment: 

• $535 – Twin bed in a communal Loft Space
• $575 – Shared bedroom space (2 people/room, twin beds or queen bed for couples)
• $675 – Private bedroom space (queen bed)

Early Registration Discount- Receive $25 off the above rates when you register and pay in full by August 6.  Yoga Studies grads receive additional $20 off.

Rates are inclusive of

• Room
• Immersion Tuition
• Use of Camp du Nord facilities (sauna, hiking trails, canoes + kayaks, etc.)

Massage will be available during breaks.  Please note meals are not provided. Each cabin has a fully equipped kitchen for all your cooking needs. We will plan to eat dinners communally, with groups taking turns preparing food if the group size accommodates eating/cooking together.  For more information on the accommodations, visit the fall retreat page.

All payments are due in full September 15, with a fee of $45 for late payments, payment plans & registrations received thereafter.

To reserve your space, please send your Fall Immersion Registration + Waiver copy  and $150 deposit per-person (non-refundable) Payable via Venmo (@Ben-Vincent-9), Cash or Check.  Checks are payable to:

Ben Vincent (not Vincent Yoga)

5354 40th Ave S.

Minneapolis, MN, 55417

Please contact us with any questions or inquiries

Spring Renewal – Day Long Retreat: April 20, Minneapolis

Posted by AB on Mar 15, 2019 in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Spring Renewal – Day Long Retreat: April 20, Minneapolis

Spring Renewal Retreat 

April 20, Minneapolis

Spring is a time of cleansing, renewal and rebirth.  As the days get longer and warmer, the dregs of winter melt away, the Earth thaws, and the flowers and animal life begin to stir!  Human life is no different.  Many observe the transition to spring through time-tested rituals: Spring cleaning, Lent, tending and planting the garden and tuning-up bicycles.   Yet how many of make a conscious effort to cleanse and rejuvenate our bodies, minds and energy? The changing of the seasons is an auspicious time for reflection, honoring the cycles of life and transformation.  This day long retreat is an opportunity to do just that – a guided process integrating tools, teachings and practices for cleansing, revitalization, and bringing new life forth.  The retreat will include:

• Practices appropriate for Spring (Asana, Pranayama, Meditation)
• Dharma Talk, Q + A
• Receive Guidelines + Resources for Ayurvedic Spring Cleanse
• Journaling and Self-Reflection
• Yoga Nidra
• Recordings of the practices and teachings to support your Home Practice

Location + Schedule:  9:00-5:00 with a 75 minute lunch break.  The Retreat will be held at River’s Way Meditation Center in the Ivy building for the Arts- 2637 27th Ave S, Suite 201, Minneapolis, MN

Your Investment:                                                                                                                   Full Rate – $135, Early Reg- $108 (registered and paid by 4/1).                                      Yoga Studies Grads – $10 off the above rates

To Register: Pay online via PayPal (bvrocksteady@gmail.com), Venmo (@Ben-Vincent-9) or bring cash or check to ben in person.  The retreat will be limited to 20 people in the order in which registration + payment is received.

Email ben@vincentyoga.com if you have any questions.

Vinyasa Krama

Posted by AB on Mar 15, 2019 in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Vinyasa Krama

Vinyasa Krama: The Art and Science of Sequencing

  Yoga is a science of Self-Realization- aspiring to bring balance, healing and awakening to body, energy, mind and heart – that we may realize the eternal within us.   To fulfill this greater vision of yoga and the greater potential of our lives requires intelligent and comprehensive practice.   Yoga utilizes diverse practices to touch every aspect of human beings, these include: asana (posture), pranayama (energetic breathwork), shatkarmas (cleansing practices), meditation, guided relaxation, bhavana (intention + cultivated feeling), mantra, kriya, mudra, bandha, self-reflection, conscious living, etc.  The weaving of these diverse modalities into an integrated and effective practice is known as Vinyasa Karma.

Vinyasa Karma (literally a wise progression) is the art and science of skillful sequencing, which unlocks the transformative power of yoga.  Through attuning to our current state (or those of our students), understanding our needs and the particular effects of practices, we can create and guide practices that empower us to overcome challenges, achieve goals, live meaningful lives and find peace.  This special immersion will explore the essential principles of Vinyasa Karma, including:

• The true aims of yoga practice
• How to create and structure holistic practices: integrating postures, guided relaxation, breathwork, mediation and subtle practices
• The physics of sequencing: six types of yoga postures, the dynamics of asana, the essentials of selecting and sequencing postures, sequencing for the spine, nervous system, organs, and building toward “peak” postures
• The metaphysics of sequencing for the energetic body, mind and heart
• The energetics of sequencing: using prana to influence the doshas, prana vayus and gunas
• Pranayama- breath work as the sacred link of posture and meditation
• Tools for adapting practice for time of day, season and life circumstances
• Practicing in the light of Ayurveda
• Accessing intuition – the wisdom of the teacher is within you
• Angabanga and Sarvangabanga Sadhana- Practicing to escape vs. practicing to awake

Immersion Schedule

Dates: August 9th-12th , 8-4:30 pm (Break for lunch from 11:30-1)                                     August 9 – Vinyasa Krama: The Essentials of Sequencing                                             August 10 – The physics of sequencing                                                                    August 11 – The metaphysics of sequencing                                                           August 12 – Weaving together the threads of practice

Minneapolis Yoga Conference: March 22-24

Posted by AB on Mar 8, 2019 in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Minneapolis Yoga Conference: March 22-24

Join Ben and many great presenters at the sixth annual Minneapolis Yoga Conference presented by Tula Software, for a wide range of topics, workshops and immersions.  MYC is a wonderful opportunity for in-depth study with locally and nationally renowned teachers. Ben will be teaching “Yoga for Equanimity: finding Steadiness and Ease in Turbulent Times” Sat March 23, from 1:30-3:30″ and “Yogic Meditation for Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Well-Being” Sun March 24, from 8-10 am.  .

Yoga for Equanimity: Steadiness and Ease in Turbulent Times ~ Sat 3/23, 1:30-3:30    Change is the nature of the world we live in, yet it is the nature of humans to seek that which last. All too often, we allow our inner state to be determined by change in the world around us- the season, politics, other people, etc. To find lasting peace, yogis know that cultivating a calm steady mind. Through lecture and practice, this workshop will explore experientially the yogic understanding of the mind, and how to practice and live in a way that brings peace

Yogic Meditation for Mental, Emotional + Spiritual Well-Being ~ Sun 3/24, 8-10 am     For thousands of years, meditation (dhyana) has been at the heart of Yoga. Even as Hatha Yoga (postures, breathwork, relaxation) has become very popular, yogic meditation has largely been forsaken. Amidst the rigors of modern life, Its timeless teachings and practices are as relevant as ever. Dhyana offers us a time-tested path for finding peace, resolving stress and suffering, and realizing the greater potentials of human life. Yogic meditation utilizes the body, energy, mind and heart to: Calm, clarify and illumine the mind. Support emotional equanimity and healing. Balance the nervous system and prana Empower will (icca), knowledge (jnana) and action (kriya) shakti. Awaken the heart as love, compassion and wisdom. This will shop will include seated meditation, moderate movement and breathwork, lecture and Q + A. You will: Learn traditional postures and breathing practices to prepare for meditation. Learn the process of yogic meditation, and its place in the yoga tradition. Experience essential techniques of yogic meditation: 1) Witness Consciousness 2) Mantra (sacred sound) 3) Kriya: (Active meditation using breathwork, mantra and visualization) Learn tools for starting, deepening and/or overcoming obstacles to mediation practice. Receive recordings of the meditations to support your home practice

For more info or to register, Check out the Tula Software’s Minneapolis Yoga Conference website

Yoga Nidra: Resting To Awaken ~ Saturday, Dec. 1, 1-4 pm

Posted by AB on Nov 27, 2018 in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Yoga Nidra: Resting To Awaken ~ Saturday, Dec. 1, 1-4 pm

YOGA NIDRA: RESTING TO AWAKEN

Saturday, Dec. 01,  1– 4pm at One Yoga

Often translated as “Yogic Sleep”, Yoga Nidra is a tool, a practice, a process, and a state of transcendent awareness. The journey of Yoga Nidra integrates practices for balancing the physical and energetic bodies, deep relaxation, sankalpa (sacred intention), and guided imagery and kriya to work with the subtle body and subconscious mind. In working with with the deeper layers of our being, it is unparalleled in its capacity for relaxation, healing, transformation and empowerment. On its deepest level, yoga nidra is dissolution of all limited consciousness into the infinite.  Whether your goal is stress relief, rejuvenation, physical / emotional healing, removing karmic patterns, unlocking creativity or empowering yourself to manifest a dharmic desire, yoga nidra has something profound to offer you.