Reflect & Renew
HIB's Fall Retreat in Honesdale, PA
October 6—8, 2017
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Program Calendar
Join us for HI Buffalo’s first fall getaway to the Himalayan Institute’s campus in Honesdale, PA. This special program, featuring Mary Gail Sovik and Irene (Aradhana) Petryszak, has been designed just for us! Our weekend will include a special HIB tea reception, lectures and discussion on various topics that relate to bringing harmony to our daily lives, hatha classes, guided relaxation, and meditation. Come and learn about the foundational principles of yogic lifestyle (the yamas and niyamas) and how every action in life is sadhana (spiritual practice). We will share engaging inspirational stories (feel free to bring along your favorite), reflect on what is important to us, and contemplate how we can feel nourished and renewed. We will have plenty of time to enjoy the Institute’s 400-acre campus nestled in the Poconos, along with optional use of the Institute’s PureRejuv Wellness Center, where you might choose to book a massage or other therapeutic treatments.
Mary Gail Sovik
Mary Gail Sovik has studied yoga and meditation since 1973 under the guidance of Swami Rama and Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, and holds a master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame in educational counseling. She served as the resident administrator in the Minneapolis and Buffalo Himalayan Institute centers for many years,...
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Irene (Aradhana) Petryszak
Irene Petryszak served as the chairman of the Himalayan Institute from 1996 to 2008 and was a senior editor of Yoga International magazine. She holds a master’s degree in Eastern studies and has studied and practiced yoga for over 30 years in the United States and India under the guidance of Swami Rama and Pandit Rajmani Ti...
See Full Bio and Upcoming Events
For more than fifty years, the Himalayan Institute’s Retreat Center has been a gathering place for people seeking inspiration and aspiring to restore inner balance. Home to a vibrant community of yogis, it’s a place for seekers wishing to study the ancient tradition of yoga and to deepen the connection between themselves and the world around them. Whether you visit for a weekend retreat, a personal getaway, or one of our longer-term programs, your visit to the Himalayan Institute will accelerate your personal journey of rejuvenation and transformation.
Free Wifi
400-Acre Campus
On-Site Cafe
Meditation Shrine
Wooded Hiking Trails
Pond with Kayaks
On-Site Wellness Center
Bonfires and Stargazing
Bookstore and Giftshop
Sacred Space
The Sri Vidya Shrine is the spiritual heart of the Himalayan Institute. This sanctuary offers an ideal setting for silent meditation and group spiritual practice, a cornerstone of the Himalayan Tradition for thousands of years. Open to seekers of all backgrounds and traditions, the Shrine provides a serene, sacred space for meditation, quiet reflection, prayer, and contemplation.
Nourishing Meals
Our nutritionally balanced vegetarian meals are thoughtfully prepared to nourish body, mind, and spirit. Each of our three daily meals is designed to be easily digestible and to support a meditative lifestyle. Sharing meals here naturally fosters connection, offering both deep nourishment and a sense of community.
Loving Community
The Himalayan Institute welcomes people from all walks of life. With a blend of short-term guests, long-term visitors, and a vibrant residential community, the atmosphere here is warm, inviting, and rooted in kindness, generosity, and service. It’s a place where friendships form naturally, often becoming the kind of connections that feel like family, and last a lifetime.
Rest in Nature
Nestled in the rolling hills of the Poconos, the Himalayan Institute’s 400-acre campus offers breathtaking views, scenic hiking trails, and quiet spaces for reflection and contemplation. Walking is a favorite activity, whether along our groomed trails or meandering paved roads, inviting both movement and mindful presence in nature.
Conscious Simplicity
At the Himalayan Institute, we embrace simplicity in all aspects of life, from our surroundings to our approach to yoga. By minimizing distractions, we create space to strengthen the inner self and quiet the mind. Guided by authenticity and grounded in philosophy rather than frills, we support a path of meaningful personal growth.
Treat Yourself
Our Himalayan Café serves the Institute’s signature chai, coffee, and homemade cookies and treats on Saturday and Sunday mornings. The 24/7 Tea Lounge offers a variety of herbal teas for anytime enjoyment. On campus, the MOKA Origins Factory is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering handcrafted, ethically sourced chocolate and coffee, with free tours and tastings on Saturdays.
