Heathen Hill Yoga

Heathen Hill is pleased to present these outstanding guest teachers

Vivekan

September 6-8, 2013 – Basics Bliss: Bodhisattva Yoga in the Catskills

vivekan-jesssizedDescription

In the Bodhisattva tradition, being of greater benefit to those around you, often begins with benefiting yourself. Vivekan & Jess invite you to join them for a weekend of bliss in the nearby mountains! Establish a solid Basics-level practice (or deepen a preexisting one!) with revitalizing Bodhisattva Yoga; a combination of engaging mindful flows, breath work, meditation, Buddhist philosophy, and the altruistic motivation to help others– with a rock and roll sensibility to top it off. With home-cooked, locally-harvested meals, the idyllic late summer setting, and lots of relaxing down-time, it’s the perfect opportunity to set the important foundations integral to a safe, comprehensive, and fun Bodhisattva Yoga practice.

About Vivekan & Jess

Vivekan is the founder and director of Park Slope, Brooklyn’s Bodhisattva Yoga (www.BodhisattvaYoga.com). He was originally certified under a direct disciple of Swami Satchidananda and has since studied with many teachers of varying traditions. He has especially been inspired by teachers from Tibet, China, India & the West. Synthesizing these influences, Vivekan has created his own unique brand of yoga instruction called Bodhisattva Yoga. His meditation instruction, and broad yogic knowledge and experience, enriches his students’ experience with his ability to tie yogic philosophy with ordinary, everyday experiences.

Bodhisattva Yoga’s Co-Director, Jess, received her teacher certification under Vivekan and continues to apprentice under his guidance. She draws inspiration from her practice, her teachers and the Dharma. Among students and private clients she is known for her warmth, encouragement and her ability to share her personal tips, tricks and hacks to make life off and on the mat a little more laid back and rock star.

Friday, September 6

Arrive anytime after 2pm and enjoy the property. Settle in, explore.
5:45-7:15pm, Bodhisattva Yoga
Enjoy a welcome glass of sangria! Perhaps take a soak in the hot tub…
Candlelight dinner in the Plum House

Saturday, September 7

Breakfast, self-serve. Choose from seasonal fresh fruit, homemade breads and spreads, yogurt, granola, coffee, tea and more.
9:30-11:15am, Bodhisattva Yoga
Picnic lunch buffet served outdoors overlooking the amazing views~
5pm – 6:30pm, Bodhisattva Yoga
Sunset dinner and wine in the Plum House (It’s BYOB! Heathen Hill and Vivekan and Jess are judgment-free)
Evening bonfire, s’mores and star-gazing 🙂

Sunday, September 8

Breakfast, self-serve to your liking
9:30-11:15am, Bodhisattva Yoga
Hearty country brunch in the Plum House
Leisure departure

Cost (per person):

– Honeymoon Sweet (Sold!)
– Le Trailer Single, $580
– Yoga House, $490
– Campground Luxe, $470

Price is per person and includes all: Bodhisattva Yoga sessions, amazing meals, and quaint accommodations.

Registration

This retreat is Open Enrollment—perfect for newcomers to yoga, growing Basics-level practitioners and accompanying family members, spouses and friends who are in a fit condition (meaning, without physical obstructions) to participate in group yoga sessions working at Bodhisattva Yoga’s Basics I-II Level.

Please call 718.499.9642 (YOGA) or e-mail Jessica@BodhisattvaYoga.com.

For more information visit www.BodhisattvaYoga.com.

Sept. 7-9 – Basics Bliss: Bodhisattva Yoga in the Catskills

Description

In the Bodhisattva tradition, being of greater benefit to those around you, often begins with benefiting yourself. Vivekan & Jess invite you to join them for a weekend of bliss in the nearby mountains! Establish a solid Basics-level practice (or deepen a preexisting one!) with revitalizing Bodhisattva Yoga; a combination of engaging mindful flows, breath work, meditation, Buddhist philosophy, and the altruistic motivation to help others– with a rock and roll sensibility to top it off. With home-cooked, locally-harvested meals, the idyllic late summer setting, and lots of relaxing down-time, it’s the perfect opportunity to set the important foundations integral to a safe, comprehensive, and fun Bodhisattva Yoga practice.

Friday, September 7

4:30-6pm Basics Flow
7pm Delicious Dinner in the Plum House

Saturday, September 8

Breakfast, self-serve
9:30 – 11am Basics Flow & Breath
Lunch served outdoors (weather permitting)
5 – 6:30pm Basics Workshop & Philosophy
Sunset Dinner served in Plum House

Sunday, September 9

Breakfast, self-serve
9:30 – 11am Basics Flow & Breath
Hearty Country Brunch

About Vivekan & Jess

Vivekan is the founder and director of Park Slope, Brooklyn’s Bodhisattva Yoga (www.BodhisattvaYoga.com). He was originally certified under a direct disciple of Swami Satchidananda and has since studied with many teachers of varying traditions. He has especially been inspired by teachers from Tibet, China, India & the West. Synthesizing these influences, Vivekan has created his own unique brand of yoga instruction called Bodhisattva Yoga. His meditation instruction, and broad yogic knowledge in general, enriches his students’ experience with his ability to tie yogic philosophy with ordinary, everyday experiences.

Bodhisattva Yoga’s Co-Director, Jess, received her teacher certification under Vivekan and continues to apprentice under his guidance. She draws inspiration from her practice, her teachers and the Dharma. Among students and private clients she is known for her warmth, encouragement and her ability to share her personal tips, tricks and hacks to make life off and on the mat a little more laid back and rock star.

Registration

This retreat is Open Enrollment—perfect for newcomers to yoga, growing Basics-level practitioners and accompanying family members, spouses and friends who are in a fit condition (meaning, without physical obstructions) to participate in group yoga sessions working at Bodhisattva Yoga’s Basics I-II Level.

Please call 718.499.9642 (YOGA) or e-mail Jessica@BodhisattvaYoga.com.

For more information visit www.BodhisattvaYoga.com.

Prices

– Honeymoon Sweet $470 per person
– Le Trailer Single $560 per person
– Yoga House $470  per person
– Campground Luxe $450 per person
Price is per person and includes all: Bodhisattva Yoga sessions, amazing meals, and quaint accommodations.
Score 10% Early Bird savings by enrolling before June 14!

Start Date: September 7 , 2012
End Date: September 9, 2012

Aug. 10 -12 – Country Bliss: Bodhisattva Yoga in the Catskills

Description

In the Bodhisattva tradition, being of greater benefit to those around you, often begins with benefiting yourself. Vivekan & Jess invite you to do just that, with a summer weekend with them in the mountains! Deepen your practice with revitalizing Bodhisattva Yoga; a combination of challenging, mindful flows, Buddhist philosophy and meditation, and the altruistic motivation to help others– with a rock and roll sensibility to top it off. With home-cooked, locally-harvested meals, the idyllic summer setting, and lots of relaxing down-time, it’s the perfect opportunity to immerse in and stabilize the yogic cultivation of ananda (joy, bliss)!

Friday, August 10

Arrive anytime after 2pm and enjoy the property
4:30 – 6pm – Unwind in an Arrival Flow
Enjoy a welcome glass of sangria!
7pm – Delicious dinner in the Plum House

Saturday, August 11

Breakfast, self-serve to your pleasure
9:30am – 11am Morning Flow & Pranayama 
Sumptuous Lunch served outdoors
5pm – 6:30pm Afternoon Workshop & Meditation
Sunset dinner in the Plum House
Evening bonfire, s’mores and star-gazing 🙂

Sunday, August 12

Breakfast, self-serve to your liking
9:30am – 11am
Morning Flow & Pranayama
Hearty Country Brunch in the Plum House

About Vivekan & Jess

Vivekan is the founder and director of Park Slope, Brooklyn’s Bodhisattva Yoga (www.BodhisattvaYoga.com). He was originally certified under a direct disciple of Swami Satchidananda and has since studied with many teachers of varying traditions. He has especially been inspired by teachers from Tibet, China, India & the West. Synthesizing these influences, Vivekan has created his own unique brand of yoga instruction called Bodhisattva Yoga. His meditation instruction, and broad yogic knowledge in general, enriches his students’ experience with his ability to tie yogic philosophy with ordinary, everyday experiences.

Bodhisattva Yoga’s Co-Director, Jess, received her teacher certification under Vivekan and continues to apprentice under his guidance. She draws inspiration from her practice, her teachers and the Dharma. Among students and private clients she is known for her warmth, encouragement and her ability to share her personal tips, tricks and hacks to make life off and on the mat a little more laid back and rock star.

Registration

To register for Bodhisattva Yoga’s retreat, you must have attended a retreat with Vivekan and Jess in the past or be actively practicing at their Park Slope location.
Pricing per person includes all: Bodhisattva Yoga sessions, amazing meals, and quaint accommodations.

Prices

Yoga House: $470
Le Trailer Singles: $560
Honeymoon: $470
Campground Luxe: $450

Please call 718.499.9642 (YOGA) or e-mail Jessica@BodhisattvaYoga.com.

For more information visit www.BodhisattvaYoga.com.

Aug. 12 -14 – Bodhisattva Yogic Bliss: Vinyasa, Meditation and More

Title: Bodhisattva Yogic Bliss: Vinyasa, Meditation and More
Location: Heathen Hill

Description: 

In the Bodhisattva tradition, being of greater benefit to those around you, often begins with benefiting yourself. Vivekan & Jess invite you to enjoy a complete weekend of self-nurture. When not deepening your practice with revitalizing yoga flows attentive to form and breath, and restful meditation imbued with Buddhist thought, bask in blissfully delicious meals, the country summer setting and the opportunity to let go and lay back.

Vivekan and Jess’ retreats are renowned for garnering great guests. Newcomers have always felt welcome. Bring a friend and/or make new ones, or do your own thing!

About Vivekan & Jess

Vivekan is the founder and director of Park Slope, Brooklyn’s Bodhisattva Yoga (www.BodhisattvaYoga.com). He was originally certified under a direct disciple of Swami Satchidananda and has since studied with many teachers of varying traditions. He has especially been inspired by teachers from Tibet, China, India & the West. Synthesizing these influences, Vivekan has created his own unique brand of yoga instruction. Think well-sequenced, energetic Vinyasa flows imbued with an awareness to form, breath, Buddhist thought and acceptance. His meditation instruction, and broad yogic knowledge in general, enriches his students’ experience with his ability to tie yogic philosophy with ordinary, everyday experiences.

Jess received her teacher certification under Vivekan and continues to apprentice under his guidance. She draws inspiration from her practice, her teachers and the Dharma. Among students and private clients she is known for her warmth, encouragement and her ability to share her personal tips, tricks and hacks to make life off and on the mat a little more laid back and rock star.

Vivekan and Jess infuse their Bodhisattva Yoga blend with their studies of Buddhist thought, and expertise in yoga, ecology and green living. Vivekan has been featured on such popular media outlets as MTV Brazil and Channel 9 News, and inside the pages of Time Out NY. He has also taught meditation in such notable settings as The New York Times. Jess has been featured in publications like Budget Travel, E, the Environmental Magazine, and MSN, and has spoken at The Tibet Center and the Rubin Museum of Art.

Retreat Schedule

Friday, August 12

4:30 – 6pm – Unwind in an Arrival Flow
Enjoy a welcome glass of sangria!
7pm – Delicious dinner in the Plum House

Saturday, August 13

Breakfast, self-serve to your pleasure
9:30am – 11am Morning Flow & Meditation
Sumptuous Lunch served outdoors
3pm – 4:30pm Afternoon Flow
Sunset dinner in the Plum House
Evening bonfire, s’mores and star-gazing 🙂

Sunday, August 14

Breakfast, self-serve to your liking
9:30am – 11am Morning Flow & Meditation
Hearty Country Brunch in the Plum House

To register, call 718.499.YOGA (9642) or e-mail Jessica@BodhisattvaYoga.com.

Start Date: August 12, 2011
 End Date: August 14, 2011

From Garden to Plate: A Weekend Yoga Retreat with Vivekan – July 30-August 1 2010

Title: From Garden to Plate: A Weekend Yoga Retreat with Vivekan
Location: Heathen Hill
Description: A blissful weekend of yoga and seasonal living. When not practicing invigorating and restorative yoga sessions with the seasoned yogi, we’ll be practicing yoga off-the-mat–eating mostly organic, seasonal meals derived locally, straight from the property!

It’s a wonderful opportunity to de-stress in the fresh country air, and immerse yourself in your yoga practice. Not to mention indulge in nourishing, nutritious and delicious seasonal cuisine! Yoga practitioners seek balance in the body. Eating local, seasonal foods helps guide us into greater harmony with the earth’s natural cycles; and therefore brings us healthy equilibrium.

Check out our blog re-cap from last year to learn more and browse pictures!

About Vivekan

Vivekan is the founder and director of Park Slope, Brooklyn’s Bodhisattva Yoga. He was certified under Jayadeva, a direct disciple of Swami Satchidananda. “I have been especially inspired by teachers from Tibet, China, India & the West: H.H., the Dalai Lama, the late Sifu Sheng Yen, the late Sermey Khensur Lobsang Tharchin Rinpoche, Khyongla Rato Rinpoche & the clear-thinking empiricist, Serge Ledan, MD. Vivekan’s exposure to eclectic yoga styles, along with his home practice, has led to his unique approach to instruction, which he terms as Inspired FlowsTM. “My Inspired FlowsTM differ from class to class – I never come in with a script; it is based on the premise that fun and effort are not mutually exclusive.”

Vivekan has been featured on MTV Brazil and Channel 9 News, and inside the pages of Time Out NY and The New York Times.

Space is limited. To reserve your spot, please contact:
Jess Root
jessica@bodhisattvayoga.com
718.499.9642 (YOGA)

Start Date: June 30, 2010
 End Date: August 1, 2010

Relax, Rejuvenate & Revitalize: A Weekend Getaway with Vivekan of Bodhisattva Yoga – July 24-26

Title: Relax, Rejuvenate & Revitalize: A Weekend Getaway with Vivekan of Bodhisattva Yoga
Location: Heathen Hill
Description: Vivekan, founder and director of Park Slope, Brooklyn’s Bodhisattva Yoga, invites you to a weekend of relaxation, rejuvenation and revitalization. Though this can be just a getaway, it’s opportunity to cultivate mental and physical wellbeing. Set at Heathen Hill Guest and Retreat Center, in the Catskills’ peaceful and natural settings, you will learn and practice tools for relaxing the body and clearing the mind. Through the practice of yoga, along with the natural, supportive setting and environment, you will experience the body and mind in the moment. Becoming aware of our body, speech and mind, we will witness how we unknowingly create suffering. This knowledge, along with Vivekan’s instruction and the natural setting, will aid in an attitude and perspective shift. We can then discover how yoga can help us build genuine, harmonious relationships with others by engendering a spirit of generosity, ethical conduct, patience, enthusiasm, mindfulness and insight.

About Vivekan

Vivekan (AKA, William D. Mejia, Jr., B.S., E-RYT) is a New York City native and the founder/director of Park Slope, Brooklyn’s Bodhisattva Yoga. He received certification under Jayadeva, a direct disciple of Swami Satchidananda. Vivekan credits Rodney Yee as an asana and flow-sequence giant from whom he learned a great deal. “I also must credit my venerable and sagely mentor, Serge Ledan, MD, as a peerless friend and one who has completed the trainings. His empirical mind has helped me yoke the essence of Buddhism and the utility of yoga.” Vivekan’s exposure to eclectic yoga styles, along with his home practice, has led to his unique style, which he terms as Inspired FlowsTM. “My Inspired FlowsTM differ from class to class – I never come in with a script; it is based on the premise that fun and effort are not mutually exclusive. One can be interested in, and mindful of, form and breath and yet not be restrained by orthodoxy.” Vivekan has instructed thousands of students in the New York City area; he has also worked extensively with individuals coping with hard-drug addictions, HIV, AIDS and their respective difficulties and treatments. He has attended to under-served populations such as seniors and individuals with physical, visual and hearing disabilities. He has led numerous workshops, seminars and retreats based upon wellness, yoga & meditation.

Vivekan operates Bodhisattva Yoga as an ecologically and socially responsible business – using recycled products and wind-energy, while hosting monthly activist meetings called Engagement for Change. Aspiring to Right-Livelihood, he now terms himself a sustainopreneur (and is a founding member of AEREAS) as he seeks to marry his entrepreneurial spirit with his concern for ecological and social issues. He is currently in a graduate program for Environmental Management; and, his next project of interest is tentatively titled, Bodhisattva Group International (BGI). BGI is an envisioned organization intent on solving problems facing habitat, species and humanity on a global level. BGI’s function will be to meet the increasing demand in eco-tourism and holistic wellness while addressing key ecological and social difficulties unique to locality

 

Start Date: July 24, 2009
 End Date: July 26, 2009

For Registration, contact vivekan@bodhisattvayoga.com