The Omega Institute is proud to present the Spring Ecstatic Chant for 2012 from May 4-6 in Rhinebeck, NY.

Celebrate spring with a weekend of inspiring musical prayer. Known in India as kirtan (Sanskrit for “devotional chanting”), the call-and-response, rhythmic quality of these unifying prayers kindles a joyful mood and can lead to profound states of deep meditation. In India, kirtan is accepted as one of the surest paths to enlightenment.

During the weekend, we sing a variety of traditional and new chants in an array of chanting styles, accompanied by contemporary and ancient instruments, including the harmonium and tabla—standards in Indian classical music. The weekend includes an extraordinary late-night Saturday session.

This fifth annual program is a spring version of Omega’s Labor Day weekend Ecstatic Chant, which has enthralled sold-out audiences for many years.

Save $50 on the Labor Day weekend Ecstatic Chant workshop when you attend Spring Ecstatic Chant. This offer cannot be combined with other discounts. Teachers are subject to change.

Tickets are available HERE.

The retreat includes:

• Daily kirtan and satsang with Shyamdas
• Special access to evening kirtans with Deva Premal and Miten
• Daily 2 hour Jivamukti Yoga class with John Smrtic
• 7 nights’ accommodations
• 3 meals per day
• Full beach access
• Use of the infinity swimming pool
• Wi-Fi access throughout the main building
• Transfer to and from Liberia airport and Blue Spirit

Shyamdas has lived in India for nearly 40 years exploring the arts of puja and celebration. A prolific translator and writer, he has more than 20 books on bhakti yoga—the yoga of devotion—and sacred chant, divine service, puja, and Vedanta. He originally studied with Neem Karoli Baba and later with His Holiness Goswami Prathameshji. Shyamdas has also studied classical Indian music and specializes in classical dhrupada music of the mystic poets of North India. He teaches and performs internationally and his numerous CDs include Beloved Chants and Cool Dual.

John will utilize teachings from Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Sutra and even the lilas of Shri Krishna as a springboard to launch us into our daily Jivamukti Yoga practice. Each session will include an uplifting yet challenging asana practice from an intelligently sequenced vinyasa format, blissfully intertwined with a thematic Bhakti Groove music mix to keep us in the bhav! The extended class format will also allow for deep relaxation and meditation, to start each day off just right.

John Smrtic, J.D., E-RYT, is an Albany, NY based Jivamukti Yoga teacher who has spent a rare 600+ hours in front of his teachers and Jivamukti founders, Sharon Gannon and David Life. Soaked in this direct transmission, John is passionate to convey their teachings and method as purely as possible. Using these teachings and traditional yogic scripture as a foundation, John blends wit, music and challenging, intelligently sequenced asana from a vinyasa format to make each class a unique experience. John has gained acclaim for his class music mixes, affectionately referred to as Bhakti Groove. Check John out atwww.bhaktigrooveyoga.com

“Thirty million Americans and countless millions worldwide have taken up a practice that is transforming their lives. Follow filmmaker Suzanne Bryant as she meets with the most prominent Yoga Gurus and teachers in the west and travels to India to explore the power of this ancient practice. Along the way she discovers what YOGA IS.”

Look forward to the premier of the new film featuring interviews with Shyamdas, Krishnadas and many more next week when “Yoga Is” premiers next week!

For more information about the film and filmaker and to request a screening, please visit http://www.yogais.com.

Deva Premal’s new music album, Password, is now available through iTunes and White Swan Musica:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/preorder/password/id459242568

“Mantras are passwords that transform the mundane into the sacred,” says Deva Premal. Password represents a shift in direction for Deva and Miten, with the introduction of Danish producer RajRishi, who brought the cream of Copenhagen’s jazz players into the mix. The result is a substantial, musically refined album with sublime arrangements of ancient mantras, complementing Deva’s soulful vocals.

You can enjoy a short sample of Deva’s work at the following address: http://whiteswanrecords.bandcamp.com/track/shyam-prabhu-mix

Please find below the flyer detailing this year’s exciting odyssey of kirtan, yoga and devotion in the heart of India visiting the cities of Vrindavan, Jatipura and Agra among others led by the renown kirtan artist Shyamdas as well as Vraj Devi and Carla Olla from Love Yoga Center.

The program runs from November 23 – December 8 and includes all daily meals, accommodation, kirtan, yoga classes and more!

We hope to see you later this year!

Love Yoga India Retreat Flyer