Ashtanga Yoga and Sitting Meditation Retreat with Kim Roberts

Developing Maitri
November 24th - 30th, 2007

Transformation occurs only when we accept and love ourselves exactly as we are, without waiting to be transformed into something better in the future. Maitri is a Sanskrit word meaning "loving kindness." In the Buddhist teachings on compassion, Maitri for both self and other is a prerequisite for success along the path to realization.

It is only by training the mind to be present that we gain the ability to see who we really are. The asana and pranayama practices of Ashtanga yoga help to clear and calm the system, preparing the stage so to speak. The practice of Shamatha meditation from the Tibetan Karma Kagyu Buddhist lineage helps settle and focus the mind, allowing us to see more precisely what is. Developing Maitri allows us to accept those parts of ourselves that we might otherwise prefer to deny, paving the path towards transformation and ultimately liberation.

Kim began practicing Ashtanga yoga with Richard Freeman in 1992 and spent 10 years studying and eventually teaching with him in Boulder, Colorado, USA. She also spent a year studying with Sri Pattabhi Jois and was authorized by him to teach the Ashtanga system. She has a Master's degree in Psychology from Naropa University, founded by her teacher, the venerable Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, and was a practicing psychotherapist for 10 years. Due to her background as a practitioner of Tibetan Buddhist meditation her approach to Ashtanga takes on a contemplative quality. She sees each posture as an opportunity to wake up to the present moment by coming back to the breath, and ultimately as preparation for sitting meditation. This approach makes the practice of Ashtanga available to all. Kim has taught internationally for over 10 years and is currently managing a studio in Hong Kong. Visit her website at www.papayayoga.com for more information.

Kamalaya Koh Samui provides an inspirational setting for such a retreat. Its superb facilities are nestled amongst rocks, trees and nature, with breathtaking views of the sea and mountains. The Monk's Cave, which once served Buddhist monks as a place of meditative retreat, further accentuates the special energy of this already stunning place. The cave is available for personal meditation practice or simply as a place to sit and reflect. The natural open-air, wood-floored Yoga Pavilion overlooks a pristine coastline. The Yantra Hall, designed with principles of sacred geometry, offers an ideal space for yoga, dance and other meetings and events.

Kamalaya's additional facilities, such as the Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa, offer boundless opportunities to relax and enhance your well-being. ??The cuisine is healthy, varied and creative to support you on your retreat, and additional, optional classes are included with Kamalaya in-house instructors in practices such as chi gong, tai chi, meditation and spirit dance.

Prices for the retreat are fully inclusive and start from Thai Baht 58,500 for single occupancy and 45,500 for double occupancy and include the following:

• Attendance at the seven-day retreat
• Accommodation for 6 nights
• Round trip airport transfer from Koh Samui Airport
• 3 Kamalaya meals per day
• 1 treatment to choose from:
  • 1 x 90mins Traditional Thai massage
  • 1 x 60mins Vital Essence Oil massage
  • 1 x 60mins Traditional Asian Foot massage
  • 1 x 60mins Traditional Asian Hand massage
• Use of Steam Cavern, Swimming Pool, Plunge Pools and Shakti Fitness Center
• Attendance to the scheduled holistic activities
• 10% Service Charge and 7% VAT are included

Developing Maitri is open to day visitors at the following rates: Thai Baht 34,000 per person. This includes:

• Attendance at the seven-day retreat
• 3 Kamalaya meals per day
• 1 treatment to choose from:
  • 1 x 90 min Traditional Thai massage
  • 1 x 60 min Vital Essence Oil massage
  • 1 x 60 min Traditional Asian Foot massage
  • 1 x 60 min Traditional Asian Hand massage
• 10% Service Charge and 7% VAT are included

To register or for further information please contact us at: info@kamalaya.com

Spa Contact Address:
Kamalaya Koh Samui, 102/9 Moo 3, Laem Set Road, Na-Muang, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, 84140, Thailand