Accommodations & Urban Retreat
Shanti Yoga Ashram
Guest Accommodations
Urban Retreat
Residential
Immersion Program
Shanti Yoga Ashram
The word ashram, common in India, refers to a usually secluded residence of a spiritual community with a leader, similar to a monastery or convent. Shanti Yoga is, by contrast, a busy urban ashram where people live and many guests come to help integrate health and peace into daily life. Founded by Victor (Vyasa) Landa, it began in1983 as the Shanti Yoga Center for Harmony offering classes and programs, and has since grown into the School of Life which is a larger community with a core group of 6 residents who work internally on self-development and externally in service projects.
Guest Accommodations
In the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, we offer you a quiet, modest oasis of peace. Whether visiting from out of town or looking for a refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life, you may stay in one of our modest rooms, as available, and participate in yoga classes and activities as you wish. You will be walking distance to downtown Bethesda and the metro (subway). Wellness services and sattwic, vegetarian meals may be available. $40-60/night single room depending on the room and length of stay.
Urban Retreat and Health Improvement
Shanti Yoga can provide a place to rest your body, mind and spirit for:
Relaxation, to simply slow down and re-energize
To learn more about yoga and developing a healthy lifestyle
Help in recovering from a difficult experience
Guidance and support for healing or embarking on a change in life such as a new job, preparing for an event, quitting smoking, weight loss, starting a family, etc.
custom program for a weekend to a month or more.
You are welcome for a day, weekend or longer for simply quiet time, a flexible program to accommodate your interests, or a structured program for specific needs. You can participate in Hatha yoga classes, meditation, fresh vegetarian meals, shat kriyas, pranayama; or, do a fast or steambath. You may stroll through the neighborhood, browse through spiritual books and videos or relax at your leisure. All meals served use sattwic, Biodynamic and organic food. Please contact Durga for information, options and rates.
To those looking for serious change,
Many people are aware they need to do something different to take care of themselves and their health, yet something stops them from taking action whether it is a simple change of diet or a major change of habits. Chronic pain, fatigue, insomnia, debilitating stress, hard-to-control emotions, overweight/eating disorders, etc. will drag us down, or sometimes the changes in lifestyle we need seem too foreign or overwhelming to implement. Yet, we know that if we do not take care of ourselves, we cannot get better, we will not find the true happiness and inner peace that is our birthright, nor can we give of ourselves appropriately to our work, family and community. Vacations may make us feel better, or distract us, but we know they are only temporary.
Getting started and staying on track can be difficult. Perhaps knowledge of where or how to start may be lacking, motivation may be low, or there may simply be a lack of space in life to get going. Setting aside space and time with a strong support system provides the necessary practical help in self care Please inquire to talk about a structured program whether you would remain at your home or stay at the ashram, and for how long - anything from a weekend to a month can be a good start.
Residential
Those who live and work in the area are welcome to consider student-residency in our convenient, yogic environment. Student-residents are encouraged to take part in the spiritual practices of meditation, positive thinking, karma yoga, hatha yoga, satsang, agnihotra, as well as personal study and to attend events to enhance one’s practice and knowledge. These activities are included in the residential donation (with the exception of those taught by guest teachers). Long term members live together with all student-residents as a true family. Participation in community life is discussed during the application procedure, and all residents must honor the practices of eating only vegetarian in the Ashram, no smoking, drinking or overnight guests, and other guidelines. Further protocols will be discussed with those interested.
This can be an opportunity to get your feet wet in a yoga lifestyle, short or long term, and to experience community living in a spiritual setting.
Immersion Program
The Yoga Immersion Program is a 1-3 month residential service and study period. Live at the ashram and delve into the teachings and lifestyle that yoga offers. You will have the opportunity to develop and establish your sadhana (spiritual practice) and receive guidance in yoga studies and practice. While you gain experience living in a yoga community, you will work on self-discovery and self-acceptance, and learn the true meaning of self-less service. $500/month plus daily Karma Yoga/service work. Please contact us to inquire about this opportunity.