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Yogi Shanti Desai Institute & Yoga RetreatUpcoming EventsOne day workshops with Yogi Shanti Desai at The Convention Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. Monday December 10, 2007 (9:00 AM to 4.00 PM) Self Realization with Yoga Shanti Yoga Institute
Trends have changed over the years. The institute was a thriving community in the 1970s when yoga first came to the West, and people were seeking mantra and devotional yoga. Later students became more interested in meditation and eastern philosophy. In the 1980s alternative healing became prominent and students were interested in mysticism, crystals, macrobiotic diets and subliminal music. Today’s trends are toward brand name yoga and physical fitness. Yoga has become more business oriented with students looking for certifications in certain brands of yoga. At the Shanti Yoga Institute the primary goal is personal transformation through dynamic balanced living and selfless service. Yogi Shanti’s message has remained the same throughout the years, regardless of popular trends. Shanti’s students range from young students first learning about yoga to students who have known Shanti and have used his books for thirty years and continue to return for personal guidance and inspiration. The institute holds group classes, private classes, and seminars in the humble peaceful setting of the Yoga Retreat in the seaside town of Ocean City, NJ. Shanti’s private classes and consultations are tailored to the student’s level and individual needs. Shanti’s dynamic group classes are held as Satsang for guidance and inspiration. Students can share and ask questions from their past week’s practice and reading. Shanti’s teaching are spontaneous and no two classes are the same. Yoga ClassesGroup ClassesIn group classes students experience the harmony of the body mind and spirit. In the ancient tradition of the Upanishads where students sat silently in humility at the feet of the master to absorb wisdom, Shanti transmits his teachings to students directly at a personal level flowing spontaneously and synchronizing energy with group meditation. Class meetings become Satsang (inspiration and guidance) to students of all ages and backgrounds. In a competition free group environment, students release stress and explore and experience gentle attunement of mind, body and spirit. Each session becomes a uniquely refreshing and dynamic experience including postures, breathing, relaxation, mantra chants, mediation and discussion of philosophy based on Hatha, Raja, Gnana, Karma and Bhakti Yoga. Weekly classes inspire students to continue their personal journey of daily practice and study, applying the general aspects of yoga in everyday life, awakening one to SWA-DHARMA - personal attunement into universal rhythm and to flow with life. Drop in students are welcome. Shanti holds group classes for the students at all levels for weekly guidance and inspiration. Previous yoga study or a private session with Shanti is recommended to gain benefits from group classes. Group classes do not have a set structure, but the teachings unfold spontaneously. Drop-in students are welcome who cannot commit themselves to the set schedule.
Textbooks by Yogi Shanti Desai are recommended Private ClassesPrivate classes are generally available at any day and time as it fits in Shanti’s schedule. Shanti recommends private classes in the following situations.
ConsultationConsultation is available to individuals, couples, families and groups. Students usually come for consultation with health, financial, relationship and social problems, as well as issues with personal loss, tragedy, divorces or death. Many students come when they are overwhelmed, confused, lost and need direction to balance their life. Shanti has learned human psychology by teaching and advising students for years and living and applying yoga principles to daily life. When teaching, he uses a combination of yoga positions, dietary and herbal guidance, cleansing techniques, fasting, breathing, relaxation and meditation. Shanti offers a practical application of meditation and Vedanta philosophies. This holistic approach aims to harmonize the student’s body, mind and spirit. By seeing the situation clearly, the student can take responsibility of their own life and remove the root causes instead of just superficial removal of symptoms. To sign up for classes, print the registration form and mail to: Contact us for more information. Seminars
Seminar topics include Self-realization, dynamic balanced living, personal transformation, active meditation, passive meditation, unconditional love, selfless service and spiritual awakening. Discussions, sharing and guidance are a part of each seminar, providing a unique experience. Shanti teaches some deeper practical philosophies from the scriptures, sings and interprets devotional songs (Bhajans) of the saints, mantra chanting and meditation. Most students relate to the topic of discussion and derive collective inspiration. Shanti throws light on the topics that have been shared with practical philosophy. The seminar provides a social gathering, fellowship of like-minded seekers, inspiration and guidance (Satsang) with a vegetarian lunch break. Students gain clarity of goal and are uplifted to set a positive direction in life. Shanti is also available to groups and organizations to give private workshops on the topic of their choice. He is available to give weekend workshops with an introductory lecture on Friday night. Teacher TrainingShanti is available to offer individualized intensive teacher training at The Yoga Institute in Ocean City, NJ. The training is ideal for those who are interested in personal growth and want to use teaching as a service. Teaching can provide inspiration to enhance one’s own personal evolution. With years of teaching experience, Shanti can provide quick and effective tools to produce dynamic teachers. Many yoga teachers who have attained Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) 200 and 500 hour teaching certificates and are actively teaching yoga come to Shanti frequently for personal inspiration and teaching guidance. Shanti was awarded the RYT –500 hours certificate by Yoga Alliance. His books are used as textbooks by various organizations. They provide information and guidance for all aspects of teacher training. Shanti trains teachers at the personal level by teaching them scientific theories and practical training. Teachers are allowed in all his programs and gain experience by substitute teaching under his supervision. He assigns them appropriate reading of his textbooks and other scriptures that cover all aspects of yoga. He explains the inner depth of philosophy for personal transformation and teaching techniques to be an effective teacher. Teachers have the opportunity to consult him for guidance whenever necessary. Many organizations have heavy publicity that attracts teachers looking to gain a certification (label) so they can open their own studio and make money. Many such organizations offer teaching certificates that are taught in large groups and include mostly the physical aspects of Yoga, intellectual philosophy and social activities. Such programs are expensive and involve sacrifices of time and energy. They provide second-hand diluted teaching. Trainers have limited exposure and experience and have not integrated yoga into their personal life. Shanti has worked in partnership with yoga studios in Iceland annually for the past ten years. The teachers have large active studios and facilities to fulfill RYT 200 hour training requirements with their Icelandic teacher. Shanti’s textbooks are the main source of the curriculum. Teacher training in Iceland concludes with a seven to ten-day residential intensive training with Shanti before he presents them with their certificates. Shanti is available for teacher training to existing yoga organizations. His teachings can compliment an organization’s current curriculum to create a holistic yoga training program.
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The Shanti Yoga Institute opened in Ocean City, NJ in 1974. At that time it was run as an Ashram (communal yoga living). Back in the 70’s when many students were seeking spirituality, there were many classes and seminars and Sunday evening Satsang and celebrations open to the public.
Shanti conducts two one-day seminars in the spring and two one-day seminars in the fall. The dates are set two months in advance. The seminars are ideal for newcomers to get a holistic introduction to yoga by being exposed to others who have integrated yoga in their lives. It is good for those who are curious and open-minded to explore. Those who are long time practitioners and yoga teachers attend all the workshops and gain deeper insight. 
Yoga Retreat