Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Retreat House
Reith near Kitzbühel, Tyrol, Austria
Mountains, lakes, fresh air -
Just like the Himalayas in Tyrol, Austria
Yoga in the tradition of Swami Sivananda
Swami Sivananda (1887-1963) taught the integral yoga practice
Swami Vishnudevananda (1927-1993), an outstanding student...
founded the international Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres and Ashrams worldwide
The yoga classes are taught by experienced teachers
It begins with the breathing exercises, or "Pranayama", for 20 to 30 minutes
And then various yoga poses and variations.
These variations are adapted to the level of the students.
Beginners are taught easier poses
And intermediate students can do more advanced poses
So that everyone can take part in this programme.
I've been doing asanas for six years now. I always have a great feeling of well-being afterwards.
Yoga is a refined system that brings contentment and, yeah, bliss. (Yoga teacher training student)
For the people who come here, the daily schedule is very energizing and rejuvenating.
The daily schedule is always the same during yoga vacation.
We begin with a morning meditation at 6am, followed by mantra chanting and a short talk
Then a short break before the yoga class begins at 8am
At 10am there's a big brunch
Then free time
At 2 pm there's a lecture or workshop
Then another short break before the second yoga class at 4pm
Dinner is at 6pm and the evening meditation is at 8pm
We have special programmes at Easter and Christmas and other holidays
They are the highlights of the year
Special guests come to give performances and workshops
They're real yoga festivals.
The yogic diet is vegetarian...
...and aims to keep the body healthy.
The vegetarian diet consists of vegetables, grains, beans, fruit, herbs and fresh teas.
That's the highest mountain around here about 2200 metres high
The Wilder Kaiser and the Kitzbüheler Horn are both about 2000 metres high.
We do a lot of walks and hikes here - combined with yoga.
The silent walks help to focus the mind.
You forget the past and enjoy the present moment.
It's a wonderful preparation for meditation.
