.

A 5-day in-person training to express and transform limiting emotions and live life joyfully as a divine play – the Leela.

This immersion works with the elegance of Bharatnatyam (Indian classical dance), the depth of Rasa Siddhanta (philosophy of emotions), and the heart of Bhakti Yoga (Yoga of devotion).

The immersive training works in four phases:

• Accepting: Through movements and expression exercises called Abhinaya from Bharatnatyam, we will evoke and embody our deep-set emotions at the somatic level. We will also work with Pranayama and chanting methods to make this evocation gentle and empathetic.
• Expressing: We will delve into the nine fundamental human emotions through the study of the ancient science of Natya Shastra, the science of artistic expression. Through playful skits, gesturing (Mudra), and storytelling, we will learn how to express these emotions safely yet assertively.
• Transforming: Through group reflection and self-introspection, guided by stories from ancient Indian classics like the Puranas, Itihasa, and Bhakti Yoga Shastra (the science of devotion), we will learn how to spiritually transform our limiting emotions for self-growth.
• Assimilating: By understanding the core Bhakti Yoga principle of Leela – life as a divine play, we will learn how to use our newfound emotional empowerment and gain a fresh perspective on how to navigate life with faith, joy, and lightness.

Why Join Our Training?

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by limiting emotions and lose sight of the joy and playfulness that life can offer. Our immersive training retreat is designed to help you:

• Embody and Express Your Emotions: Learn to evoke and embody deep-set emotions through the graceful movements and expression exercises of Bharat Natyam. Use Pranayama and chanting methods to ensure a gentle and empathetic journey.
• Transform and Empower Yourself: Understand and express the nine fundamental human emotions with the help of Natya Shastra, the ancient science of artistic expression. Transform limiting emotions through self-reflection, group activities, and stories from Indian classics.
• Assimilate a New Perspective: Embrace the Bhakti Yoga principle of Leela, viewing life as a divine play. Gain emotional empowerment and a fresh perspective to navigate life with faith, joy, and lightness.

What Will Participants Benefit?

• Emotional Healing and Growth: Through Abhinaya, Pranayama, and chanting, participants will experience profound emotional healing, releasing deep-set emotions at the somatic level.
• Artistic and Aesthetic Enrichment: Learn the art of expressing emotions through playful skits, Mudras, and storytelling, rooted in the rich tradition of Natya Shastra.
• Spiritual Transformation: Engage in self-introspection and group reflections guided by ancient stories, transforming limiting emotions into powerful tools for self-growth.
• Holistic Well-being: Understand the principle of Leela, integrating emotional empowerment into daily life to achieve a balanced, joyful, and light-hearted existence.

Who is this training for?

This training is for anyone seeking to deepen their emotional intelligence and spiritual practice, including yogic practitioners-teachers, therapists, artists, life-coaches, and spiritual seekers from all backgrounds. It is ideal for those who wish to transform limiting emotions and integrate ancient wisdom into their daily lives.

The course content works with basic techniques of Bharatnatyam, and therefore preference will be given to beginners in Indic dance forms. Advanced practitioners and performers, please take a note of this.

If you are looking to reconnect with joy, faith, and a playful perspective on life, this retreat will provide the tools and guidance you need. Join us to embark on a transformative journey towards emotional and spiritual empowerment.

What makes this training unique?

• Ancient Wisdom, Modern Relevance: Our program integrates ancient Indian philosophies with contemporary practices, making it accessible and relevant for today’s spiritual seekers.
• Expert Guidance: Learn from experienced facilitators, Prasad Rangnekar and Vandana Arumugam, who have dedicated their lives to mastering these ancient arts and sciences.
• Supportive Community: Join a like-minded community of spiritual seekers, fostering connections and support that extend beyond the retreat.

Know your Facilitators

Prasad Rangnekar

Prasad Rangnekar, E-RYT500, is a Yoga Educator based in India who teaches in over 15 countries for the past 29 years. He has been a student practitioner of Yoga for the last 39 years, studying both, in traditional lineages, as well as academically, with a Master’s degree in Philosophy. He is the Founder-Director of Yogaprasad Institute and conducts Yoga and Meditation Teacher Trainings, mentorship sessions, retreats, and workshops to spread the wisdom of traditional Yoga in its traditional. Being a transformation guide using Yogic methods he is regularly invited to speak at Indian Embassies, The European Commission, Yoga conventions, Schools, Corporate bodies, and Charity organizations.

Vandana Arumugam

Vandana is a seasoned performer and dedicated teacher of the classical dance form Bharatnatyam, boasting an impressive 30 years of experience. She holds a master’s degree in Bharatnatyam and is also an internationally certified yoga teacher, skilfully integrating her expertise in both disciplines to train and mentor aspiring dancers. Vandana serves as a distinguished faculty member at Anitha Guha’s prestigious Bharathanjali Institute, where she passionately teaches both Bharatnatyam and yoga, nurturing the next generation of dancers with her profound knowledge and unique approach.

Join Us

Embark on a transformative journey to discover the divine play called life. Whether you are a seasoned yogic practitioner, a student of arts, or new to spiritual exploration, this training offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of yourself and the world around you.