Drashta - Advanced Yogic Psychology Immersion
Course Date: April 10 – April 18, 2026
About the Retreat
Drashta is an 8-day advanced meditation immersion in India at Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, designed for advanced yoga practitioners who want to understand the mind through the lens of yogic psychology. It combines traditional teachings from the Bihar School of Yoga with clear, structured practices that help you observe your inner patterns with depth and clarity.
You’ll learn two core tools used in advanced meditation training:
1. SWAN Meditation
A reflective method to understand your Strengths, Weaknesses, Ambitions and Needs with objectivity.
2. Antar Mauna (Inner Silence)
A step-by-step meditation technique that helps you watch your thoughts, understand their patterns, and move towards inner stillness.
“Antar Mauna makes you aware of the inner silence and the inner noise.”
— Swami Satyananda Saraswati
Why Drashta?
Drashta offers a rare opportunity to study the architecture of the mind within a peaceful natural setting in the Western Ghats — ideal for deep inner work and advanced yogic practice.
Throughout this self-awareness retreat, you’ll explore the mind’s vital organs, namely
Chitta – The storehouse of feelings and memories
Buddhi – The inner wisdom that helps you make decisions
Aham – The sense of “I” or identity
Manas – The active, responsive mind
The mind’s organs Influence your perception and response to the world by branching out into vrittis (patterns of the mind) or 5 instinctive survival strategies.
Right Knowledge (Pramana)
Misconception (Viparyaya)
Imagination (Vikalpa)
Sleep (Nidra)
Memory (Smriti)
These concepts are shared as an experiential practice through group discussions and guided daily reflections.
Who is Drashta For?
It is a structured, advanced-level training immersion for those who already have a foundation in yoga, meditation, breathwork, or therapeutic modalities and want to deepen their understanding of the mind through yogic frameworks.
This is not a beginner-level yoga retreat.
Drashta is a YACEP certified course
Yoga teachers
Clinical hypnotherapists
Mindfulness and meditation facilitators
Sincere seekers experienced in inner work
Advanced yoga students
Psychotherapists and counsellors
Mental health and healing professionals
Practitioners looking for YACEP continuing education hours
Daily Schedule
Time: 5:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Chanting & Japa
Sukshama Vyayama, Pranayama and Bandha.
Theory and Group study
Organic Farm & Time for Self
Yog nidra
Yoga asana abhyaas
Community Gathering
What’s Included
On-site assignments for deepening SWAN and Antar Mauna
YACEP certification (Yoga Alliance Continuing Education)
Study material (books) + course PDFs
Weekly online support sessions until July 2026
Lectures & group discussions on holistic psychology and yogic science
Airport transfers from Madurai (IXM)
8 nights of accommodation (10–18 April 2026)
All meals (vegetarian, sattvic)
All activities, hikes and retreat experiences
| Per Person Price | Twin Sharing | Single Occupancy |
|---|---|---|
| Early Bird Price | 1485 Euros | 2200 Euros |
| Regular Price | 1600 Euros | 2400 Euros |
Meet the Teachers
Geetika Sharma
Cognitive Spiritual Therapist and Satyananda Yoga Teacher.
Initiated into the discipline of yoga by her grandmother at the age of ten, she guided her first Hatha Yoga class for international seekers at 14 years of age. A third-generation yoga teacher, her journey has been shaped by the Iyengar and Satyananda Yoga tradition....
Certified at the Bihar School of Yoga, Geetika was initiated into karma sannyasa as Sannyasi Shraddharupa by Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati at Bihar school of yoga.
Geetika is also a certified cognitive hypnotic coach.
Read more
Devika Sharma
Quantum Physicist, Meditation and Mindfulness Guide.
A PhD in Mathematics from TIFR, Mumbai, Devika is a quantum physicist based in Israel. Bridging scientific rigor with inner exploration, her work and teaching reflect a rare harmony between intellect and stillness....
With learnings drawn from Vipassana, Hindu philosophy, tantra meditations, and the Satyananda Yoga tradition, seamlessly interwoven with insights from quantum science, her presence offers a contemplative space where inquiry moves beyond concepts into direct experience.
Born to the quality of silence in New Delhi and raised across reputed educational institutes across India and abroad, Devika works as a research scientist at the Weizmann Institute and guides us towards an embodied understanding of consciousness.
Read more
Geetika Sharma
Cognitive Spiritual Therapist and Satyananda Yoga Teacher.
Initiated into the discipline of yoga by her grandmother at the age of ten, she guided her first Hatha Yoga class for international seekers at 14 years of age. A third-generation yoga teacher, her journey has been shaped by the Iyengar and Satyananda Yoga tradition.
Certified at the Bihar School of Yoga, Geetika was initiated into karma sannyasa as Sannyasi Shraddharupa by Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati at Bihar school of yoga.
Geetika is also a certified cognitive hypnotic coach.
Devika Sharma
Quantum Physicist, Meditation and Mindfulness Guide.
A PhD in Mathematics from TIFR, Mumbai, Devika is a quantum physicist based in Israel. Bridging scientific rigor with inner exploration, her work and teaching reflect a rare harmony between intellect and stillness.
With learnings drawn from Vipassana, Hindu philosophy, tantra meditations, and the Satyananda Yoga tradition, seamlessly interwoven with insights from quantum science, her presence offers a contemplative space where inquiry moves beyond concepts into direct experience....
Born to the quality of silence in New Delhi and raised across reputed educational institutes across India and abroad, Devika works as a research scientist at the Weizmann Institute and guides us towards an embodied understanding of consciousness.
Read more
Retreat Highlights
Isla’s Ridge is the perfect serenity for this immersive study of the mind.
Interact with farm animals like horses, cows, hens and friendly dogs.
Nestled within the Western Ghats at 1,200 meters above sea level at Palani Hills that boasts rich biodiversity as part of the Shola Forests.
Take a pony ride, explore the vegetable garden and leave with a warm and quiet heart.
Garden dining with valley views
Village exploration
Harvest & cook with the community chef for a delightful farm-to-kitchen experience.
The training urges on a complete digital fasting and conscious speaking for the success of your intended goals.
Art room
Swimming pool overlooking a stunning valley view of Palani Hills.
Silent walk through a coffee plantation and farms.
See what our members have to say!
“The approach was thoughtful and grounded, allowing me to deepen my experience of awakening to rest. The environment, schedule and overall energy made it easy. The food was fabulous!”
“A calm, well organized retreat in a peaceful setting.”
“I left feeling more focused and connected to my practice.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during the Drashta – The Observer training immersion?
You study the mind through yogic psychology using SWAN and Antar Mauna. The program combines theory, guided practice, reflection and group discussions. The aim is to help you observe your mental patterns with clarity and understand the inner structure of the mind.
Who is this yoga training immersion meant for?
For experienced practitioners—yoga teachers, advanced students, therapists, healers and those with prior meditation or yogic practice—who want to deepen their understanding of the mind using yogic frameworks.
What style and level of yoga will we practice at the yoga retreat?
The focus is primarily on meditative and reflective yogic methods from the Satyananda Yoga tradition—mainly SWAN meditation and Antar Mauna. These are advanced internal practices not posture-based yoga classes.
What will a day look like at the retreat?
Days include guided meditation practices, theory sessions, group study, reflective assignments, nature-based activities, meals and evening gatherings—the schedule balances learning with silence, rest and immersion in nature.
What makes Drashta different from other yoga retreats?
Seeking Yogi has structured Drashta as an advanced-level yoga training, not a recreational retreat. It focuses on the mind’s architecture, guided internal practices, silence, digital fasting and systematic self-study. It is designed for practitioners already familiar with yoga or inner work.
What is Antar Mauna?
Antar Mauna, or Inner Silence, is a step-by-step meditation technique that teaches you to observe thoughts, their movement and the mind’s reactions. It gradually helps you develop inner awareness and steadiness.
Will there be any support after the retreat is over?
Yes. Weekly online sessions continue until July 2026. These include reflective themes, Antar Mauna practice and Q&A to help integrate the learning.
Is this retreat safe for solo women?
Yes. The retreat environment is structured, supervised and safe for solo women travellers.
Can I attend if I’m menstruating or have a mild injury?
Yes, as the practices are internal and meditative. You may modify physical activities as needed.
Is this retreat suitable for seniors?
Yes, if they are comfortable with light walks, group sessions and meditative practices. The retreat is not physically strenuous and deeply relaxing.
How many people will be part of the retreat?
The group size will be 7 to 8 participants and 2 teachers to maintain personal guidance and a quiet learning environment.
Will I have to share my room?
Rooms are offered on a twin-sharing basis unless a single room option is specifically arranged. Details will be shared at booking.
What type of meals will be served? Are dietary needs accommodated?
Sattvic vegetarian meals are served. Basic dietary needs can be accommodated with prior notice.
Will there be wi-fi at the retreat?
The retreat encourages digital fasting and participants are advised to disconnect. Limited connectivity may be available only for urgent needs.
Where is Isla’s Ridge located?
Isla’s Ridge is in Kodaikanal in the southern state of India, Tamil Nadu, overlooking Palani Hills and Shola forest. Isla’s Ridge is a boutique CGH Earth property with 2 bungalows and 5 rooms, farm-to-table cuisine and spots for reflection in nature.
How do I reach Isla’s Ridge in Kodaikanal?
The nearest airport is Madurai (IXM). Airport pick-up and drop-off are included. From Madurai the drive to Isla’s Ridge is approximately 3 hours.
What time do we arrive and leave for the retreat?
Arrival is on 10 April 2026 for orientation. Departure is on 18 April 2026 after breakfast.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, a shawl, jackets, an alarm clock, walking shoes, personal toiletries, a meditation notebook and pens, a water bottle and any required personal medication.
What amenities are available?
Clean rooms, wi-fi, hot water, farm surroundings, nature trails, a swimming pool, an art room, garden dining spaces and quiet zones for reflection.
What’s included in the retreat fee?
Accommodation for 8 nights, meals, airport transfers, all practices, lectures, hikes, study material, YACEP certification and weekly online support until July 2026.
What is the cancellation and refund policy?
A 50% refund is applicable for cancellations made at least 45 days before the retreat start date. No refund is applicable for cancellations made within 20 days of the retreat start date.
How do I know my spot is confirmed?
You will receive an official confirmation message or email.
How do I contact Seeking Yogi?
If there are any questions or concerns, contact us at +91 99586 35055, +91 72289 77969 or email us at theseekingyogi@gmail.com.
Have questions? We’re here for you
Have questions? We’re here for you
