Yoga Mexico I'm moving overseas once more, this time from Turkey to Mexico. This isn't a permanant move for me but I plan to be there for several months. I am joining a new Agama Yoga school on the pacific coast of Mexico in Mazunte, Oaxaca State. Agama Yoga Mexico is very pleased to be able to offer it's classes and retreats in both English & Spanish. The senior teacher & one of the founders is Geoffery Torkington from the U.S.A..  At the Agama Yoga Mexico resort, you can find fantastic surf, great weather and charming atmosphere. As one Spanish journalist said "I have been to many so-called paradises through my work and travels which turned out to be nothing special, but Mazunte truly is a paradise, vibrant and so filled with natural energy and beauty."  The place, 'El Neem' named by Buddhist owner and professional healer, refers to the famed Indian bitter herb tree and has only just recently been completed and has space for 30 to 40 students. It looks onto the jungle and pacific ocean and is covered by a perfect and eye pleasing pyramid-like thatched roof. The whole place in general has a glow of comfort, peace and professionalism. The rural coastal town and area which gets a positive several page review in Lonely Planet, is not a resort town. Guest houses are one or two stories and are brightly painted in the characteristic and warm old school mexican style.  Agama Yoga Mexico are offering a ten day silent meditation retreat in late December 2008, led by Agama Yoga Teacher Nancy Miller. The retreat will consist of a 5 hour morning & five hour evening session each day, leaving plenty of time in the afternoon for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing. The sessions will involve a form of "tantric vipassana", music meditation, as well as other meditation styles. The meditation program will allow for two hours of Hatha Yoga practice during the day. Additionally, we will watch the epic "Jesus of Nazareth" over the course of six nights to bring a resonance with the spirit of Christmas. Dharma talks and guided time zone meditations will also take place over New Year's Eve, when we aim to harmonize with the energies in each part of the world and to meditate on the national souls of our global brothers and sisters. In order to attract people who would not normally have an opportunity to experience a retreat setting such as this, we are offering very low prices for this retreat as follows: Daily rate - $20 Full Retreat rate (10 days) - $100 This meditation retreat coincides with the season where large groups of Mexico City tourists come to the Mazunte area, so prices for accomodation are the highest of the year, although the $30 a night range should still be available. For this reason however, we will be offering an area with blankets where people can sleep outside for just 40 pesos per night (you may want to bring a mosquito net). Space may be limited so please contact us to reserve your place. Use the form below to contact Agama Yoga Mexico if you are interested in attending this retreat & we will confirm your place. Additional retreats & workshops will be held throughout the course of the year. Check this page frequently for details of future events.  The most popular offering over the years at other Agama Yoga schools, has been the First Month Intensive Course which offers an excellent introduction to Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Kriya Yoga, Tantra Yoga and Laya Yoga. It also includes theory and practice on techniques from Karma Yoga, Raja Yoga, Nidra Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Jnana Yoga thereby constituting a genuine example of "Integral Yoga" (as defined by Sri Aurobindo). Agama Yoga Mexico are pleased to be able to offer the same course taught in the same style by Agama authorised teachers. Explanatory lectures and information are given on various related topics such as: healing through natural methods, diet in Yoga, purification and cleansing techniques, yin/yang balancing, Ayurveda, relaxation, mastery and transmutation of the sexual energy, physiology and psychology in Yoga, the use of music in Yoga, Eastern philosophy, mental concentration and meditation, as well as many others. The senior teacher is available to offer personal guidance and counseling as well as for consultation and questions. A free, comprehensive set of printed materials that contain information about the techniques of the day and various other esoteric topics accompanies each class. These form an inspiring and profound 150-page Yoga textbook. Some free events, or events by small donation will be available to participants, such as: Meditation, Dance instruction and lessons (by Maribel), movies, purification technique (shanka prakshalana), Temescal or Shamanistic herbal sauna (set cost to be announced), Spanish lessons, Bhajans/Chanting, Healthful Cooking and presentations in different healing modalities by friends of the school and by our beloved students.. The introductory First Month Intensive Course is especially designed to accommodate newcomers. It is not necessary to attend for a whole month. The course runs in a cycle, so that you may begin and continue at any time. The first day is free, so simply drop in for a session – but be prepared to be hooked for many years! Students may also, if they wish, treat the course simply as a Yoga retreat. We offer approximately six hours of instruction daily plus the films and other activities mentioned above. You are welcome to join us for all classes and events at your level, for one day, one week, two weeks, or for the full course; any option is acceptable according to the opportunities available to you. Below is a sample daily program for the course: DAILY PROGRAM / Saturdays through Wednesdays (thurs-fri no class) - a total of 24 days in five weeks 08.30-10.30 Morning lecture and asana practice 16.00-18.00 Afternoon sun salutations and asana practice 18.15-19.30/20.00 Lecture, questions and answers Films and other special events such as Spanish lessons, dance classes, meditation, devotional singing/bhajans and 7 chakra dance will be held throughout the month on set days. Many are free and some are for an additional but relatively small charge. COST OF THE FIRST MONTH YOGA COURSE The daily charge which includes both morning & afternoon sessions as well as the evening lectures will be $12 per day. Students enrolling for the entire 24 days of instruction, will be given approximately 10% discount making the total cost of the Yoga course $250 (this allows for the first day being free of charge). Students serious about attending but with insufficient funds may be considered for a work trade. DATES FOR 2009 FIRST MONTH COURSE Saturday 3rd January to Tuesday 3rd February  ACCOMODATION At school accommodation options are currently being prepared, but are likely to include camping (bring your own tent) and dormitory rooms for the budget conscious and additionally one or two clean and charming private rooms. Many people choose to stay in the nearby town a 5 minute walk. With the exception of the high season in Christmas and Easter, reasonable rooms can generally be found for around 160 pesos ($12) and beautiful high end accommodations on the beach from $50-$80 USD. GETTING TO MAZUNTE If you are flying in, Mexico City is a good hub although the nearest international airport is Huatulco. From Mexico City , the fastest way is to take an airplane to Puerto Escondido or Huatulco which will be from $70 to $100 USD one way in the non holiday season. From Puerto Escondido you can take a private taxi for 300-350 pesos directly to Mazunte which takes under 90 minutes. The bus is cheaper but takes twice as long. Shared taxis may also be available. From Huatulco you can take a private taxi directly or a shared taxi to Pochutla and transfer for Mazunte again from there. Another option is to fly into Acapulco and take the bus down the coast. From Oaxaca City , you can take the 8 hour bus ride to Pochutla and take a taxi from there to Mazunte. Lonely Planet , Mexico offers some additional details and options. GETTING TO EL NEEM FROM MAZUNTE From Mazunte, first find Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga (the turtle refuge and museum). From there, walk 3 minutes East towards San Agustinitio beach up the hill. You will see El Neem and Agama Yoga on your right (and 3 hermanos on your left). If you are coming from Puerto Angel, go several kilometers passing through Zipolite and San Agustinillo and all the restaurants and guest houses. go up the hill and you will see it on your left. The "First Month Course" is also taught during the year in Thailand, India and Israel, and occasionally in Greece. It may be also be offered in other cities worldwide, so check the main Agama website in Thailand for details.
 We would be really grateful if you would help us spread the word about our yoga course & meditation retreat. You can do this in several ways: Yoga Poster in Spanish Meditation Retreat Poster in English www.moving-overseas-guide.com/Yoga-Mexico.html By doing just one of the above, you could help to make a positive difference in this world.
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