RETREAT VIDEO
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THE RAGA RETREAT
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From JAN
Thurs 23 - Sun 27
2025
Music on the Mountain
Yoga & Raga Camp
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Private Retreat
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​Hosted by Shivam Rath
& Allana Beltran
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Open your voice, mind & heart +
Learn the Basis of INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC,
MANTRA, YOGA
& SOUNDKALPA
(Intention through sound)
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​Location ​​
Alcheringa Dreamtime Land
Upper Main Arm
Bordering Mt Jerusalem National Park
(30 mins from Mullumbimby / Uki NSW)
(​Alacheringa Upper Main Arm
Weather Permitting)
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Do you have a passion for yoga or musical expression?
Whether it's rhythm, raga, singing, instrumental music, chanting, Kirtan, mantra, or simply immersing yourself in serene sound within a pristine natural environment, this experience is for you.
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Join Yoga Teacher and Musical Magician Shivam Rath for his annual Raga Retreat in the stunning Byron Bay hinterlands.
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Explore the mysteries of Indian Raag—scales, rhythms, and melodies—while unlocking creative blockages, deepening self-expression, and connecting to the transformative power of sound. Set your intentions for 2025 with clarity and focus in a nurturing environment.
Located beside the breathtaking Mt. Jerusalem National Park, this retreat offers:
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Immersive Raga & voice workshops
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Yoga, mantra, and meditation practices
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Ecstatic dance and Yoga Nidra
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Tea and fire ceremonies
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Lush sub-tropical forest walks and incredible swimming holes
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Nourishing plant-based meals
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A supportive and like-minded conscious community
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Step into the enchanting world of music, yoga, and nature, and leave feeling inspired, rejuvenated, and empowered.​
Surrounded by like minded conscious community. ​​
Join us and become part of a conscious community, resonating atop the Mt with positive vibrations through the magic of sound and ancient Raga.
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Teacher & Guest Teacher Info :
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Shivam Rath: Yoga Teacher, Multi Instrumentalist and Indian Classically trained musician,
Kathryn Riding voice activation and Yoga.
Sara Rath Yoga, Yoga Nidra
Mico Sundari : Mantra, Voice, Sanskrit Pronunciation
Jereymy Wakefield & Melanie Roske ~ Tea Ceremony & Live Music
Allana Beltran ~ Nature Immersion Meditation
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Authentic Ayuvedic Indian Food and catering
by Chef Sabi Hussan
​& Indian Cook Pramila
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(More Info on teachers
Read Further Below)
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Are you eager to dive into the enchanting world of Indian Ragas, unravel the mysteries of musical scales and melodies, and set your intentions for 2025 with clarity and focus in a serene natural setting?
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POINTS OF INTEREST :
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Want to sing, play or learn Indian Ragas to expand your understanding of musical expression, scales and melodies?
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Yoga and Ashram style Living during the New Year Resolution for clarity and focus of intention setting
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Deepen your skills with voice, sound or instrument whether it be stringed, wind, Sanskrit or percussion ?
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Already know or play Indian Music or Instruments and want to take it a step or quite a few steps further?
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Love Chanting, Kirtan, Mantra, group singing and being in a conscious crowd of self developing souls through sound and positive vibrations?
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Hanging out in lush rainforest participating in Yoga, Music and exploring some of the shire's best, water holes or waterfalls all within walking distance?
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Ecstatic Dance celebration and song circles with live DJ
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The possibilities are endless, but we trust you've caught the essence of what we're offering. If this resonates with your soul, it's time to embark on this incredible journey with us.
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Book your spot now and let 2025 be the year of transformation, music, and inner harmony!
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Extended Early Bird Prices :
Until Fri JAN 10th 2025
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23/01/2025
To:
27/01/2025
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With Dance, Musical Celebration and clear meditative intentions.
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Or Join us for a taster on the Saturday of the
25th for a full day / or half day/night.
Lunch / Dinner included.
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Imagine yourself amidst the lush rainforests, where you can immerse in rejuvenating Yoga sessions, create beautiful music, and explore the wonders of nature, including serene creeks and cascading waterfalls. All the while cultivating a fresh new intention for 2025 and anchoring that through the power of music and sound.
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PROGRAM & INVESTMENT:
4 nights accomodation and meals.
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*Note*
Early Bird Coupon To any Of the below prices
- $200.00
Until the 10th of Jan 2025
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Sunrise View Private Rooms
Deluxe & Standard
(Very limited numbers)
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Deluxe Private:
$1880.00
$1680.00 only with early bird
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Standard:
$1480.00
$1280.00 only with early bird
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Camping :
$880.00
$680.00 only with early bird
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Sharing a room?
(Couple Reduction)
Room Price + Camp fee only =
~ Must confirm during booking ~ ​
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Sharing a Tent or Private house hire option?
(Couple / group Price)
Take a further $200.00 from combined total​​​​
~ Must confirm and pay together during booking ~
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There is one large fully contained house available for a group or couple.
Please enquire for further details.
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Coming with Family ?
Children are welcome if under supervision on the land free of charge but not during the sessions for focus and clarity.
Please enquire for further details.
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TESTIOMONIALS
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I just wanted to say some words of gratitude, post integration of our RAGA journey. How beautiful to see you all in one spot last week at the Raga retreat. I feel like I am still bathing in all of your frequencies. Expanded & open to the flow of life and a whole lot of love. For me, it was the perfect spot and perfect timing to be reminded of how much light there actually is in this life, and how powerfully our vibration creates our reality. Effortlessly manifesting love & joy.. just by surrendering and expanding to true self, to truth. Thankyou to Shivam Rath & Mico Sundari for allowing us to bathe in your divine light - and initiating us into the use of the sacred sounds ourselves. It was beautiful to see how the use of our voice allowed each and everyone of us to open up to our unique vibration.. expand.. together creating a rhythmic resonance of truth & authenticity. All your tones will forever remain with me, thank you for resonating and co-creating our rainbow! With all of my gratitude for you all (the facilitators & everyone who held the space for everyone) Keep shining your unique colour & tone.. let our rainbow songs carry us through this adventure of life by
N.Konsten
Raga Retreat 2022
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Shivam is a brilliant musician and teacher. Having completed his recent 5 week Raga course I can say he imparts his expert technical knowledge clearly and patiently and in an a way that holds our attention.
As a musician and Slide Guitar player he presents his music in a way that lifts and entrances his audience displaying not only technical brilliance but also displaying diversity and thoughtful intermingling of various styles through a fusion of Indian Classical with Electronic genres on an underlying spiritual/yogic base. Brilliant!
Mark Buhmann
2024 Raga Course
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WHATS IN YOUR INVESTMENT : ​
*includes 8 total gourmet Veg meals : lunch, dinner (GF / Vegan available)
+ morning tea fruit / snacks
+ Barista style Coffee/ Tea
( - Please Bring own breakfast as required )
EPIC privately owned camp grounds bordering lush sub tropical national forest.
4 nights accomodation and all sessions including select choice of instrument hire, private sessions, massage, guided meditations, TeePee Song Circles, sound healings, yoga, sunrise gazing, Ice Plunges, and hot outdoor bathing under the stars + guided bush walks, live ecstatic dance DJ, Zen Tea Ceremony & Vedic Fire Ritual.
Please advise before the retreat for instrument hire.
(Slide Guitar, Tabla, Bansuri, Harmonium)
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* We are only accepting participants for the full duration or a minimum of 3 days to keep the focus and group commitment throughout.
Please enquire for further details.
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*Maximum of 20 participants to keep the retreat intimate and contained so secure your position by booking soon and receiving the early bird discount! ​​
P.s
Previous Retreat @ Black Sheep Farm
Was Completely Booked OUT
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More info about the incredible waterholes and spectacular location of this retreat check out :
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https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/mount-jerusalem-national-park
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https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/the-tweed-area/attractions/unicorn-falls
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+ We will show you some extra special waterholes hidden to the general public. ​
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If this resonates with your soul, it's time to embark on this incredible journey &
Book your spot !
Let 2025 be the year of transformation, music, and inner harmony!
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Booking Info
At bottom of the page :
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Schedule :
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Thurs ​​
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23/01/2025
16:00pm Arrival ​
17:00 Afternoon Hatha & Nada Yoga
18:00 Dinner + Clean Up (Karma Yoga)
19:00 Welcome / Orientation
Evening Program
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Fri
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24/01/2025
5:30 Sunrise Gazing with Dawn Ragas
​ 7:00 Yoga & Voice activation
8:30 Breakfast
9:30 New Year's Soundkalpa resolution setting & Meditation
11:00 Morning Tea
12:00 Nada Nidra(Yoga Nidra with Live Music)relaxation meditation
12:30 Lunch+Clean Up Karma Yoga
14:00 Nature Immersion and Water Purification / Vocal Freedom
16:30 Raga Dive Music Session
18:00 Dinner+Clean up(Karma Yoga)
19:00 Musical Program & Kirtan (open to friends / family/ public)
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Sat
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25/01/2025
5:30 Sunrise Gazing with Dawn Ragas
​ 7:00 Yoga & Voice activation
8:30 Breakfast
9:30 Raga/Tala (rhythm)Music Integration
11:00 Morning Tea
12:00 Nada Nidra(Yoga Nidra with Live Music)relaxation meditation
12:30 Lunch+Clean Up Karma Yoga
14:30 Sound Alchemy / Tea ceremony with Wakefield and Melanie
16:00 Free time/ optional Yoga session/ walking meditation in nature
18:00 Dinner+Clean up(Karma Yoga)
19:00 Indian Classical Concert (open to friends / family/ public)
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Sun
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26/01/2025
5:30 Sunrise Tea ceremony with Dawn Ragas
​ 7:00 Yoga & Voice activation
8:30 Breakfast
9:30 Sanskrit Mantra Chanting with Mico Sundari
11:00 Morning Tea
12:00 Nada Nidra(Yoga Nidra with Live Music)relaxation meditation
12:30 Lunch+Clean Up Karma Yoga
14:00 Free time/ optional private sessions
16:00 Sound Healing & Yoga Flow
18:00 Dinner+Clean up(Karma Yoga)
19:00 Vedic Fire Puja & Ecstatic Dance (open to friends / family/ public)
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Mon
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27/01/2025
5:30 Sunrise Gazing with Dawn Ragas
​ 7:00 Yoga & Voice activation with Kathryn Riding
8:30 Breakfast
9:30 Raga/Tala Music Integration
+ Closing Ceremony
​11am Bonus Water hole trek with packed picnic lunch
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BOOKINGS & CONTACT INFO :
Alcheringa Dreamtime Land
Enquires Please Contact :
HOSTED by Shivam Rath & Allana Beltran
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0412 079 983
0421 388 949
Or E.mail
the_sunrise-surfer@hotmail.com
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Or complete this booking form
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About the Teachers and Facilitators
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Shivam Rath is a second generation Aussie Indian Musician, following his fathers footsteps in both the world of Yoga and Indian classical music and since seriously taking up the path is sliding up to be Australia’s leading Slide Guitarist. Born into a musical family he has been combining his knowledge and path of meditation into the classically trained field of Music, Mantra and raga. He is also writing and producing his own music and compositions, with many C.Ds bridging, reviving and blending the ancient arts and music into our modern world.
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Shivam has studied music directly from some of the worlds top leading instrumentalists including Riley Lee (Shakuhachi) Japanese flute & Indian Slide guitarist Debashish Bhattacharia. He is particular passionate about sharing his experience and knowledge of music and has taught and hosted workshops, retreats in numerous countries and locations around the world as well as multiple tours with some of India's incredibly acclaimed maestros, earning a respect and recognition for establishing himself in this rich and ancient musical tradition.
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Kathryn Riding is a teacher of voice, movement and yoga. With more than 30 years' experience. She is also an accredited Yoga Australia teacher trainer, a graduate of WAAPA and has taught at some of Australia's finest training institutions including NIDA, WAAPA, QUT and the Northern Rivers Conservatorium. Her training also includes yoga teacher training with Eve Grzbowski and Mardi Kendall at the Sydney Yoga Centre where Kathryn also taught, studying yoga in India, training in voice and movement with Roy Hart Theatre in Paris, completion of advanced teacher training course with internationally recognised yoga teacher Donna Farhi, ongoing training in BMC Body-Mind Centring, Reiki, ongoing vocal studies with Shivam and Mico. Kathryn is passionate about vocal freedom and the therapeutic effects of sound and devotional singing.
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Sara Swati Rose Rath ~ Breathwork, somatic yoga , yoga nidra. Born and raised in a musical, spiritual, and yogic family in Byron Bay, Sara’s journey has been deeply rooted in connection and healing.Twelve years ago, a profound healing crisis became a turning point, leading Sara to reconnect with her truth, creative spirit, and a variety of powerful healing modalities. This transformative period inspired her to integrate diverse practices, creating a unique fusion of plant medicines, yoga, bodywork, breathwork, nutrition, and sacred women’s work.
At the age of 21, Sara’s path took a pivotal turn when she traveled to Peru to work with plant medicines in the jungle. These sacred ceremonies catalyzed significant shifts, helping her break free from destructive patterns and embrace a life rooted in spiritual growth. This awakening inspired her to pursue formal training, beginning with a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, India through the Association of Yoga and Meditation.
Her dedication to deepening her practice has since led her to immerse herself in retreats, regular training, and private mentorships across the globe. This includes eight months of private teacher training with renowned yoga teacher trainer Lance Schuler, further refining her expertise and commitment to sharing her gifts.
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6 years working with medicinal plants including CBD oils.
3 years of regular guided water-fasting twice a year while studying nutrition with Susan Schuler.
Body work trainings, level one Zenthai shiatsu, level 1 and 2 Lomi Lomi, level 1 Reike, Level 1 Cranio Sacral Certificates & currently undergoing education and training in a 1 year course specialising in women's sacred sexuality.
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Melanie & J Wakefield Roske ~ Melanie and Wakefield are the heart behind AHANAH, weaving decades of experience in sound, breathplay, and somatic practices to create transformative journeys. Together, they craft spaces of connection and presence, blending Melanie’s grounding guidance with Wakefield’s resonant sound alchemy. Their unique approach incorporates ceremonial tea rituals and breath & sound journeys, inviting participants to reconnect with their inner rhythms, release tension, and access states of balance and clarity. At the core of their work is a shared passion for cultivating harmony within.
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~ ? ~ WHAT YOU WILL LEARN ~ ? ~
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In this enriching retreat, you will embark on a transformative journey to expand your knowledge and skills in the realms of music, language, and holistic living. Here's what you'll learn during our immersive experience:
1. Expressive Language and Music Mastery:
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Gain a deep understanding of the fundamental building blocks of music and language, including Mantras and Sanskrit.
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Develop your unique expression through these elements and harness their potential.
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2. The Essence of Indian Classical Music:
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Dive into the theoretical and philosophical aspects of Indian Classical Music.
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Explore the esoteric concepts of Raga and Tala, and their ancient origins, as passed down through generations of musical maestros.
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3. Focus on Musical Components:
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Choose your path: concentrate on voice, rhythm, instruments, or Sanskrit pronunciation.
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Delve deep into your chosen area of expertise.
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4. Musical Instruments:
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Explore the world of Indian musical instruments, including Tabla, Mridunga, Indian Slide Guitar, Sitar, Tanpura, and more.
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Practice and play these instruments to your heart's content.
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5. The Language of Rhythm and Melody:
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Learn to speak the intricate language of Rhythm (Tala) and Melody (Raga).
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Discover how to skillfully combine them to create your own compositions, songs, or mantras.
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6. The Magic of a Single Raga:
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Master the art of a single Raga and learn how to invoke specific feelings, moods, and atmospheres.
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Act as a conduit between the world of Ragas and the cycles of time through your music.
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7. Guided Melodic Exploration:
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Sing freely and be guided through the melodic phrases of a single Raga.
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Benefit from both individual tutoring and group meditative sessions.
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8. The Power of Sound and Self:
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Understand the significance of sound, the natural keys, tonal qualities, and your own voice's strengths and weaknesses.
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Explore how to enhance these through Sadhana, much like the body in Yoga.
9. The Holistic Ashram Lifestyle:
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Embrace the yogic lifestyle in an Ashram-style setting.
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Immerse yourself in music, mantra, asana, pranayama, and meditation within a stunning natural environment.
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10. Vocal Freedom and Confidence:
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Experience the profound benefits of opening your voice, which connects you to your heart.
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Enhance your everyday communication and build confidence in your daily life.
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11. Bridging Head and Heart:
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Learn from Shivam how the throat serves as a bridge between the head and the heart.
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Discover how the power of voice and sound can harmonize your physical, mental, and emotional being.
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12. Nature's Inspiration:
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Revel in the natural wonders of the Black Sheep Farm retreat center and Compassion Temple.
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Enjoy waterfalls, spring-fed creeks, a swimming pool, sauna, private rooms, and breathtaking garden and landscape views to keep your creativity flowing.
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13. Personalized Learning:
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Benefit from private and optional classes with multiple teachers who will guide and support your unique journey.
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14. Lifelong Skills and Connections:
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Forge lasting connections and acquire lifelong skills.
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Enjoy special discounts on instrument purchases and ongoing lessons after the retreat.
This retreat offers a holistic and immersive experience, where you'll not only learn about music but also explore the depths of your own self and connect with the natural world. It's an opportunity for personal growth, artistic exploration, and connecting with like-minded individuals on a similar journey. Don't miss this chance to expand your horizons in a beautiful and supportive environment.
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WHY ASHRAM STYLE LIVING?
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"Its not about how long you practice but the quality of your practice"....
Thus we want to cultivate greater concentration and awareness to accelerate practice and learning.
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The collective and self disciplinary routine of Ashram style living is made to create a simple but strong structure that is conducive to study and accelerated growth cultivating stronger levels of awareness throughout the day. The adjustments to daily routines enhanced by early morning Yoga, meditation and / or music, mantra practice shifts rapidly mental patterns and thus automatically giving rise to new experiences.
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Yoga and meditation naturally allows a clear mind and healthy more supple body from early morning giving easier access to assimilation of new knowledge, musical ideas, memorising skills and sitting comfortably for longer periods.
* This is by no means a boot camp but.....
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If you are looking for a luxurious retreat with great comfort and ease this retreat is not for you. The personal growth here comes with the challenge of diving beyond our comfort and by no means is learning Yoga, meditation & Indian Classical music ever meant to just be easy; no matter what instrument you choose or what vocal techniques you already know.
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However there is also no overall goal or outcome in Yoga or learning Indian Classical Music and the real results are in how much you explore, develop, expand and realise about yourself and your own musical expression; given the extra skills and pointers we have to share :)
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How to book the Retreat?
step1: fill your information @ https://www.crystalslide.com/contact
Or copy the below information and complete by sending to the following email address.
the_sunrise-surfer@hotmail.com
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All Payment Confirmation needs to be made 14 days before event begins to secure your spot.
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REFUND POLICY
Full Refunds made up to 14 days before the retreat begins.
20% cancellation fee after 14 days
50% cancellation fee after 7 days
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There are limited spaces so please pay a $400 deposit to secure your spot or the full amount if you wish for the early bird price
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Until the 10th of Jan 2025
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( payment is including all gourmet veg meals and your chosen accomodation option)
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In the event of heavy or severe weather conditions we may postpone or cancel the remaining days during the retreat and then refund each participant accordingly. Please enquire for further details.
Aum Prem Santi
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E.mail with Subject: Raga Retreat
With
1. Your name
2. The number of participants
3. contact phone number
4. contact email address
5. your arrival time and expected departure date
6. Your instrument if you are bringing something to focus or a request to learn & borrow?
7. Which accommodation choice?
8. Dietary Requirements (Gf / vegen etc)
9. Musical experience.
10. Any questions or requests.
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Step2: Payment
** You will get a PayPal link or you can pay directly into the bank account of:
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S.Rath BSB: 082-729
Acc No: 983400020
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With a screen shot or conformational e.mail of proof of payment attached.
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There are limited spaces so please pay a $400 deposit to secure your spot or the full amount if you wish for the early bird price and bonus
(before the end of 2024)
( payment is including all gourmet veg meals and accomodation)
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Below Video From Past Retreat
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NadaNidra ~ Rhythm & Raga
For More information about Rhythm and Raga scroll down.
For more information about YogaNidra & NadaNidra click here
THE NATURE OF RAGA
Crystal Slide
Raga's are based from nature and times of day/ night. Ragas require the musician to become a medium to invoke the mood and feeling above all else in learning a new scale. A small clip based on Indian Raga Durga.
MUSIC, MEDITATION & MANTRA
Melody, Movement & Rhythm
MEDITATION
Incorporating Music
Music is a field of vibration coursing through the current of this moment; offering as the perfect medium to demonstrate where our consciousness is or isn’t. Based on Yoga and advanced practices discover how Music can create a constant stream to keep the mind engaged with the act or practice of meditation. Experience when the mind is empty how the music will just 'flow' through and keep us in the 'zone'
INSTRUMENT
Sing though your hands
Just about all Indian instrumentalist I have met can replicate their playing through their voice. The intrinsic connection between head and hands is not in the tone or tenor of our vocal range but in the feeling and conscious connection between the movement or language of sound
MANTRA
Voice & Sacred Sounds
Mantra means to release or liberate the mind; it could be as subtle or dynamic as one needs. Sanskrit mantra or Chanting sacred sounds or syllables through the power of will, voice or percussive rhythms is a profound meditative practice ’which allows us to discover the geometrical foundations of space and time.
Presenting the Trinity of Music ~?~
MOVEMENT
The physical body is also a vehicle of sound and communication between music. The trinity in Indian philosophy being Mother Melody (Raga) Father Rhythm (Tala) and the combined creation between them: movement or dance. Through the practice of Yoga and tuning into the physical body on a subtle plane one can experience dance like states through feeling alone; a free flow allowing the body to lead and the mind to rest and let go.
RHYTHM
The language of rhythm is a world of its own; and through the serious practice of Tabla Shivam has learnt how to speak intricate rhythms and syllables which allows him to play almost any percussive instrument with skill and dexterity. The practice his highly meditative balancing both brain hemispheres and is akin to chanting or doing ‘mantra’ meditation.
Another clear example signifying that first music should come from inside; because if you can speak it ~ you can play it!
MELODY
Based upon original and traditional sources including the ancient Raga system and intuitive nature of heart to head connection; Shivam teaches in depth and highly subtle movements between the major scales, tones and semitones which create the rich atmosphere and mood that is Raga. Using Voice and Instrument to demonstrate the dynamics; this too becomes a universal language applicable to any sincere music aspirant.