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Program Calendar
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A Tantric Approach to Sankalpa: Harnessing the Power of the Senses
March 16—18, 2018
With
Sandra Anderson
Registration for this event has closed
Check out our various upcoming programs—we're sure there's something to inspire you
Program Calendar The mind has enormous power to manifest our deepest desires when we apply it wholeheartedly. But all too often our roaming minds are weakened and drained of vitality by our habits and fragmented attention. The key to spiritual practice, as well as worldly success, is to place the full power of the mind into our resolve, and for that the mind must be unified and stabilized. Tantra teaches us how to concentrate the energy of our senses to stabilize the mind and direct its power into our convictions and intentions (sankalpa). Experience how the senses are expressions of our life force —prana, and give shape to our sankalpas and strength of character. We’ll look at the five cognitive senses and the five active senses from the perspective of tantra yoga and neuroscience, and explore the right use of desires. Each session will include a discussion and related practices.
Together we will cover:
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The role of the ten senses in spiritual practice
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How and why we lose energy and vitality through mismanagement of the senses
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How to use asana to work with the active senses (karmendriyas), train attention, and stabilize the mind
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Practical tapas to empower sankalpa
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Resting the senses and rejuvenating the mind with effortless concentration
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The Siva Sankalpa Sukta: a hymn for auspicious thoughts
Sandra Anderson
Senior faculty at the Himalayan Institute, Sandy teaches yoga, meditation, and philosophy, and is a key instructor in the Institute's teacher training programs. She is the coauthor of the award-winning book, Yoga Mastering the Basics, and a frequent contributor to the Himalayan Institute's online Wisdom Library. Her work dr...
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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.
$229
Registration
Dates
Friday, March 16, 2018–Sunday, March 18, 2018
Tuition
$229 per person + accommodations
Campus Info
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