The Four Desires

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The Four Desires

A ParaYoga® Master Training & 3-Day Intensive

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Check out our various upcoming programs—we're sure there's something to inspire you

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The Four Desires

A ParaYoga® Master Training & 3-Day Intensive
June 9—11, 2017

Registration for this event has closed

Check out our various upcoming programs—we're sure there's something to inspire you

Program Calendar

According to ancient wisdom, the four aims of life: purpose, prosperity, pleasure and freedom provide the road-map to achieving your most fulfilling, joyful and meaningful life. Achieving all four of these desires is the key to lasting happiness.

The Four Desires is the inspiring, empowering and life-changing process, based on these ancient, time-tested teachings that Rod created for anyone seeking a better, more fulfilled life. The Four Desires will unleash your vision and power to thrive, show you how to tap into the power of your soul and guide you to become who you were meant to be, the place where worldly and spiritual prosperity meet.



The Four Desires is a best-selling book, a workbook and meditation CD, but it all began and continues to be a powerful and truly life-changing process that Rod teaches as live events throughout the year. A course like no other, applying the most profound insights into happiness and lasting fulfillment, the Four Desires process will transform you and your life––forever. This is a course for anyone––those who have never done yoga, experienced yoga students and yoga teachers alike––that will teach you how to unlock your soul’s potential and empower you to prosper in every area of your life.

Throughout the weekend, Rod will guide you through short yoga and meditation practices, yoga nidra (complete physical, emotional and psychic relaxation) sessions as well as yogic methods of vichara (discernment, self-reflection), exercises to help you find answers to your life’s most vital questions. He will also provide you with the tools to ensure that you stay on your soul’s brightest path long after the workshop is over. In short, this weekend will empower you to fulfill your highest destiny.

“A human being is born to dive deep into the stream of life, find the hidden treasure and attain eternal fulfillment.”

-The Upanishads


The Four Desires is based on the ancient insight that your soul has four distinct desires…

Dharma—the desire for purpose, the drive to become who you are meant to be

Artha—the desire for the means (health, security, finances) to prosper materially

Kama—the desire for pleasures like intimacy, beauty, and love

Moksha—the desire for spiritual fulfillment and lasting freedom

The journey of learning to fulfill these four desires is how each of us creates our unique path to lasting happiness and, at the same time, how we each achieve our most vibrant, creative and meaningful contribution to the world.

This is a yoga training like no other. Guided by master teacher, Rod Stryker, you will uncover your life’s purpose, discover your heart’s desires and learn how to apply tantric science in the art of fulfilling them, heighten your intuition, learn the ancient process for fulfilling specific intentions and apply the most effective processes for breaking free from your non-constructive patterns. This is a process for anyone––whether you have never done yoga or you’re an expert­­­­––wanting a better, richer, more meaningful life.

To purchase the book, workbook or 2-CD practice set click here.


Topics Covered

The Four Desires is a step-by-step process that will enable you to:

  • Uncover your life’s unique purpose
  • Discover your heart’s desires and increase your capacity to fulfill them
  • Understand and transform your non-constructive patterns
  • Access lasting peace
  • Overcome future challenges
  • Live more joyfully and intentionally
  • Tap into the healing and strengthening power of deep meditation and systematic, complete relaxation
  • Heighten your intuition
  • Make your most creative and meaningful contribution to the world.
  • Stay on your path to success and happiness

Recommended Reading

The Four Desires: Creating a Life of Purpose, Happiness, Prosperity, and Freedom by Rod Stryker

To prepare for the course we strongly recommend you read The Four Desires beforehand (at a minimum, the introduction and parts I – III).

This book can be purchased on our website or via Amazon; it is recommended that you read this prior to the training.

Note: In order to receive credit toward ParaYoga certification and Yoga Alliance RYT programs, as well as your certificate of completion for this training, you must complete a book report for this book, following our book report guidelines, and email it to us within six weeks following the completion of the training. You will not receive credit for submissions after the deadline; there are no make-up assignments.

  • All reports need to be submitted in Word (.doc) or Adobe (.pdf) format.
  • Please make sure your file is titled in the same format as the following example: (Your Name)_(name of training)(the year you did the training).doc (i.e. Ganesh B. Happy_Marma_2016.doc).
  • When you are ready to submit your book report, please email it as an attached Word document to [email protected].
  • Please make sure to include: your full name, title and date of training, and “book report” in your subject line.

Program Schedule

The schedule for this event is 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.–6:15 p.m. for each of the three days.

Rod Stryker

Yogarupa Rod Stryker is a world-renowned yoga and meditation teacher, guiding and sharing his wisdom for 40 years. He is the founder of ParaYoga®, the author of The Four Desires: Creating a Life of Purpose, Happiness, Prosperity, and Freedom. He is the creator of a comprehensive online yoga training curriculum and most rece...
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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.
Date
June 9—11, 2017
Duration
3 days, 2 nights
Teachers

$425 per person + accommodations

Registration

Dates
Friday, June 9, 2017Sunday, June 11, 2017
Tuition
$425 per person + accommodations
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