SOUTH INDIA - GOKARNA
SwaSwara is located on the western coast of India, popularly known as the ‘Konkan’ coast in the state of Karnataka in South India. Set a little away from the village of Gokarna, nestling amidst rolling hills and lined by serene coconut palms are 24 villas inspired by the homesteads, tradition and craft of the Uttara Karnataka region.
We live unaware of the inner sound of our being, drowned out as it is, by the din of daily life. Only when everything else quiets down and we are at peace can we hear it. That's why we've made sure, that the shouts of the modern world die down to whispers, at SwaSwara. The inner voice of the Self. That echoes on a fabled beach, shaped like the very first sound of creation, Om. A perfect setting, for communion of mind and body. Come, say hello to the song and celebration within you.
We believe life can be really simple, if we keep it that way. Start your SwaSwara day with Yoga on the beach, as the sun rises over Gokarna.
Yoga works in tandem with the principles of Ayurveda and is practised in harmony with an individual’s ‘prakurti’ or special blend of qualities that makes us unique. Details of medical history and basic lifestyle will help identify the inherent intelligence of the body which determines metabolic processes. Asana (postures) which are the foundation of yogic practice are combined with Pranayama (breathing techniques), Mantra (sounds and vibrations), and Dharana (concentration) to bring a yogi to the final state of Dhyana (relaxation and contemplation in meditation).
At SwaSwara, you can learn Yoga Nidra a deep relaxation state, in which the mind is between sleep and wakefulness, where the subconscious mind is alert and responding to instructions while the conscious mind takes a back seat. This powerful practice opens the window to knowledge; increasing creativity and helping you realize a new Self. Witness your transformation when our Yoga guru and the artist in residence help you unleash your hidden potential as you play with water colours, clay, coconut leaves or pottery. Engaging the mind in such pursuits help you rediscover the joys of childhood, long forgotten in the mad rush to achieve and attain.
Every team member at SwaSwara lives the life plan of this space, a life defined by positive energy and healthy habits, as they go about doing their ‘karma’ or ordained contribution to this space. Our Yoga gurus will invite you to experience ‘Karma Yoga‘ or self realization through ‘karma’. Any act that delivers beyond intent or profit, done with faith and humility for the benefit of a larger world would qualify as Karma Yoga. You could spend time tending to the greens on our organic farms, help us clear the beach or perhaps surprise our team members by serving them a meal at the staff mess.
The SwaSwara Yoga practice transcends popular notions, to delve deep into the realms of relaxation, artistic expression and human potential through music, art and philosophy.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if a sense of joy prevailed in every moment that we lived and we could smile from the heart, where there are no thresholds between the inner realms and the outer worlds? Difficult as might seem, in a world filled with anxiety and negative energy, it is possible. At SwaSwara it is. With meditation, one’s being is filled with more prana (energy) cleansing, nourishing you from within, calming you whenever overwhelmed. You emit the same energy, in harmony with the world around you. This leads to a space, where you perceive the world as a part of yourself; love flows strongly between the world and you and you become someone capable of accommodating different values in life without any conditions. Yoga and meditation is practised at SwaSwara in many forms, music is one of them. Our artist in residence and yoga gurus will open many doors into your mind and soul as they introduce you to your inner song through music. Walk down to the Blue Dome every day, for chanting and meditation sessions that will empower your mind and body and teach you how to use the power of words and silences to connect with the energy of the cosmos.
SwaSwara believes that art urges voyages, enabling us to find and lose ourselves at the same time. In which we dip a brush into our souls and reveal your hidden muse. SwaSwara invites talented artists to take up residence and be your mentors on this instinctive journey. It could well be a passing shape or a spider’s web that can give expression to your imagination. You are invited to the art studio to play with just about anything. It could be a lesson in tribal Warli art or paper flowers that will evoke artistry. Let the colours on your palette flow, get down and dirty and play with clay. And in the midst of it all, if you feel like chasing a tune, feel free to go full throttle and sing out loud. Back in your everyday world, the clay from SwaSwara may follow you around for all time to come. Or that tune could well become your song for life! Because SwaSwara stays with you long after you have left the soil of SwaSwara.