Simplify
Yoga for Clarity and Calm
April 10—12, 2026
With
Mark Nelson
When Henry David Thoreau famously stated, Simplify, Simplify, Simplify, he was onto something. Adding more is not necessarily richness. Shedding the non-essentials shows us what matters most and reveals who we really are.
This spring, join us for a weekend of slow flow and gentle yoga, restorative and yin yoga sessions, accompanied by soothing sound baths. We’ll take the time to explore the philosophy of yoga and understand how we can “clean the lens” of our self perceptions to let go of the impediments that keep us from embracing our own well-being. Each day will be a balance of movement, stillness, outdoor time, and self-reflection, so you can return home refreshed, with a new sense of clarity.
Simplify. When doing less means so much more.
Mark Nelson
Mark was first drawn to yoga as a way of bringing balance to a busy career as a creative director. He soon discovered that it was transforming his mind as well as his body. That combination of mindfulness and movement drew Mark deeper into the practice, studying Vinyasa Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, and Yin Yoga, along with the phil...
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Himalayan Institute Retreat Center
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
Retreat Center Highlights
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.
Registration
Dates
Friday, April 10, 2026 @ 7:30 pm–Sunday, April 12, 2026 @ 12:30 pm
Tuition
$350 per person + accommodations
Register Now Campus Info
Need Help?
Call us: (570) 253-5551
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$350