Shadow Yoga is a school of Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga was developed over many centuries by the master yogins of the order of Nath Sampradaya, beginning with the legendary Adinath, and brought to fruition through the labours of Matsyendranath and his student Goraknath. Sundernath, the founder of Shadow Yoga, is an initiate of the Nath Sampradaya and a life long student of its practices.
The name of his school is derived from the Chaya Purusha ( the yoga of the Shadow man), described in the Shiva Svarodaya and the Shiva Samhita. This method of meditation and divination explains how the life breath manifests in the intricate layers of shadow that constitute the human organism.
The set of practices utilised in Shadow Yoga are tools by which these layers of ‘shadow’ can be systematically dispersed so that the unalloyed inner light is revealed.
Of these, Nrtta or pure dance, is the legacy of the Pashupata ascetics, whose practices prefigured those of the Naths. Through training in this art, the sadhaka (aspirant) rediscovers the natural rhythmic currents hidden within the body that unlock the other practices and sow the seeds of spontaneity. Yet the path that leads to that spontaneity and the state of sahajavastha (natural existence) is long and rigorous and varies from individual to individual.
Shadow Yoga adheres to the basic principles of training of this ancient tradition free from the corrupt and watered down practices of the modern age.
Many Yoga texts and the myriad practices recorded in them are now accessible to all but the principles by which they are to be applied are only hinted at in cryptic ‘twilight’ language’. These principles must be imparted and their implementation overseen by one who has already travelled the path. This is the role of the diksha (initiating) guru. Without this guidance one is likely to end up irreversibly damaged by obsessive practice or floating in a spurious ‘spontaneity’ of confused emotion.
In this age Hatha Yoga is often misused either as a way to satisfy agendas or as a refuge to hide away from the confusion of modern life. Those who created this system did so in order that those who are genuine may cross the river of life. Without understanding, it does not matter how many difficult asanas and pranayamas are mastered, one will only dig deeper into the mud. Therefore one must diligently train and pay close attention without projection. Yoga is for oneself in impossible situations. Bear this in mind and keep to the path.
Sundernāth (Shandor Remete) was fortunate to be born into a household at the southeastern tip of the great Hungarian plain where the art of yoga was a daily presence. From this seed, his destiny on the path of yoga unfolded.
He is an initiate of the Kanpatha Hatha Yogins of Nepal, descendants of Sri Gorakhnath, and his Guru Sri Matsyendranath. These great Yogins were the forefathers of Tantrik Hatha Yoga, the heart of which is Hatha Yoga – the science bestowed upon humanity by Adinatha (Lord Shiva).
Emma Balnaves is an initiate of Sundernath and co-founder and teacher of Shadow Yoga. She was introduced to yoga in her early teens when she became intrigued by the mystery of the practices and the feelings they evoked inside her.
After studying visual communication, majoring in photography at university, and working in the creative arts in Sydney, New York, and London, Emma committed herself to a life of teaching yoga. With decades of in-depth study and research in yoga, Ayurveda, and other internal arts, Emma began incorporating the full spectrum of the yogic process in her teaching.
In 2019 she completed her first film Agniyogana, which she was inspired to create as a way to share the essence of these teachings and bring a better understanding of all aspects of the practice.
We acknowledge that we meet and work on Indigenous lands across the globe and we pay respect to elders, past and present, and acknowledge the role that Indigenous peoples continue to play within their local communities.
Shadow Yoga is concerned with the social and environmental impacts of industry and the marginalisation of various groups. We have pledged 1% of sales to help fund diverse grassroots organizations and appreciate the support of our community.
In 2002, Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, created 1% for the Planet and started a global movement. “The intent of 1% for the Planet is to help fund these diverse environmental organizations so that collectively they can be a more powerful source in solving the world’s problems."
Platform Tents
Luxurious, raised tent accommodations include private outdoor showers, sinks, flushing toilets, and a large wrap-around viewing deck. Most tents have transparent panels above the beds to allow for star-gazing of the night sky. Thoughtfully placed Pendelton blankets and additional all-weather duvets are provided.
Bell Tents
Ground-level canvas bell tent sites with beds, bedding, chairs, rugs, and solar twinkle lights. Bathrooms & showers are shared. The bell tents have lighting but no power for phones or accessories.
Food & Beverage
Local, organic, vegetarian meals are provided.
A wide selection of teas and coffees are included as complimentary offerings. Meals are enjoyed at the custom-made communal table or the outdoor pavilion kitchen and lounge area.
Suggested packing list for attendees
Over the past twenty years, we have introduced and taught all the preparatory practices required to cultivate the subtle energy and initiate the gathering of vital power that leads to the spontaneous or natural state of Sahajavasta which is the highest peak of meditation.
These practices and technical tools were laid out in Sundernath’s book Taranyali Tridha Dhyanam in the chapters on Krantam and Kriya. In the last chapter, he introduces the principles and characteristics of the final phase to which they lead – the acquisition of Shambhavi Mudra. These properties can be summed up in the term prasādājñā which implies that this mudra has a double nature – Rudra Shakti, the command of authority for the removal of impurities and Kundalini Shakti, the command of grace. When these two energies are drawn together into a single point the portal of transmission is opened. In this explanation I gave enough for genuine seekers to gain some sense of the path ahead and the demands that it would make.
The time has come to teach those individuals who are suitably prepared and open, by practical steps and in a systematic manner, the complete process through to this final stage.
This will be undertaken in four stages as follows:
Each stage will consist of three-weekend workshops, each weekend consisting of three sessions. Between these stages, the students will be given suitable time to practice and absorb what they have learned before proceeding further.
Copyright © Shadow Yoga. All rights reserved. No part of these teachings may be reproduced, distributed, recorded or transmitted in any form or by any means, including, recording, or other electronic or mechanical means, without the prior written permission of Shadow Yoga. All advice given is strictly in confidence.
Close by: Remember to call ahead for visit conditions
Roche de Solutré: Not to miss, on the Great Site of France Solutré Pouilly Vergisson
Musée de préhistoire: Jardin archeological and botanical garden, the Maison du Grand Site to complete the tour.
Château De Pierreclos: In the midst of organic vineyards.
Chateau De Berze-Le-Chatel: Historical monument, one of the most well-preserved medieval fortified castles of Burgundy (where Ridley Scott shot ‘The Last Duel’!)
Chapelle Des Moines: In Berzé-la-Ville (the next village!) – not to be missed.
Château De Cormatin: (only possible to visit its magnificent garden) Between Tournus et Cluny.
Les Communs: Local ceramists.
Chapaize – L’église Saint Martin & L’église De Lancharre: The village offers bed and breakfasts, 3 restaurants a Sunday organic market, an art gallery, and artists’ ateliers.
Grottes D’azé: Earth under life: in -350 000, a primal man appeared in the cave, then rhinos and antique elephants…the prehistorical cave and the underground river hide one of the largest European cave bears fields.
Château De Saint-Point-Lamartine: If one appreciates the writer
Solornay sur Guye: The neighbouring town – includes a restaurant, small food store, salon de thé – pâtisserie
Cité- Abbaye De Cluny: The Benedictin Abbaye Of Cluny Shined On The Whole Middle Age Europe, Being The Widest Of Western Christianity Before The Building Of Saint-Peters In Rome.
Communauté De Taizé: Christian Ecumenical Community Founded In 1940 By Brother Roger.
Abbaye Saint Philibert – Tournus: One Of The Largest French Monastic Cities.
Inclusions
If you are flying to Auckland, when your flights are confirmed, please pass the info to Jaymin Gansell who will co-ordinate transport to the retreat on the Tuesday. This will be an additional shared cost. If you are already in Auckland you are welcome to contact her too.
Discounts
Cancellation Policy
Limited to 20 participants. We expect places to fill quickly.
Included in your fee
Exclusions
Extra meals, fruits, tea, coffee & juices
Extras
We regret that Teacher’s Discount is not available for the retreats.
Venue information
Closest domestic airports (in order) are Kozhikode, Cochin, Coimbatore.
Cochin takes longer because of very heavy traffic. The asram will help organise a taxi for you – see contact details below.
Contact
For taxi bookings and information about additional treatments or extending your stay, please contact Jishnu Ravendranath
WhatsApp is prefered +918075435242
Cancellation Policy
Limited to 20 participants. We expect places to fill quickly.
Over the past twenty years, we have introduced and taught all the preparatory practices required to cultivate the subtle energy and initiate the gathering of vital power that leads to the spontaneous or natural state of Sahajavasta which is the highest peak of meditation.
These practices and technical tools were laid out in Sundernath’s book Taranyali Tridha Dhyanam in the chapters on Krantam and Kriya. In the last chapter, he introduces the principles and characteristics of the final phase to which they lead – the acquisition of Shambhavi Mudra. These properties can be summed up in the term prasādājñā which implies that this mudra has a double nature – Rudra Shakti, the command of authority for the removal of impurities and Kundalini Shakti, the command of grace. When these two energies are drawn together into a single point the portal of transmission is opened. In this explanation I gave enough for genuine seekers to gain some sense of the path ahead and the demands that it would make.
The time has come to teach those individuals who are suitably prepared and open, by practical steps and in a systematic manner, the complete process through to this final stage.
This will be undertaken in four stages as follows:
Each stage will consist of three-weekend workshops, each weekend consisting of three sessions. Between these stages, the students will be given suitable time to practice and absorb what they have learned before proceeding further.
Copyright © Shadow Yoga. All rights reserved. No part of these teachings may be reproduced, distributed, recorded or transmitted in any form or by any means, including, recording, or other electronic or mechanical means, without the prior written permission of Shadow Yoga. All advice given is strictly in confidence.
Close by: Remember to call ahead for visit conditions
Roche de Solutré: Not to miss, on the Great Site of France Solutré Pouilly Vergisson
Musée de préhistoire: Jardin archeological and botanical garden, the Maison du Grand Site to complete the tour.
Château De Pierreclos: In the midst of organic vineyards.
Chateau De Berze-Le-Chatel: Historical monument, one of the most well-preserved medieval fortified castles of Burgundy (where Ridley Scott shot ‘The Last Duel’!)
Chapelle Des Moines: In Berzé-la-Ville (the next village!) – not to be missed.
Château De Cormatin: (only possible to visit its magnificent garden) Between Tournus et Cluny.
Les Communs: Local ceramists.
Chapaize – L’église Saint Martin & L’église De Lancharre: The village offers bed and breakfasts, 3 restaurants a Sunday organic market, an art gallery, and artists’ ateliers.
Grottes D’azé: Earth under life: in -350 000, a primal man appeared in the cave, then rhinos and antique elephants…the prehistorical cave and the underground river hide one of the largest European cave bears fields.
Château De Saint-Point-Lamartine: If one appreciates the writer
Solornay sur Guye: The neighbouring town – includes a restaurant, small food store, salon de thé – pâtisserie
Cité- Abbaye De Cluny: The Benedictin Abbaye Of Cluny Shined On The Whole Middle Age Europe, Being The Widest Of Western Christianity Before The Building Of Saint-Peters In Rome.
Communauté De Taizé: Christian Ecumenical Community Founded In 1940 By Brother Roger.
Abbaye Saint Philibert – Tournus: One Of The Largest French Monastic Cities.
