Chance to find a deeper connection through yoga

Music and Mantra Festival, Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire

MANDALA Yoga Ashram, an authentic yoga and meditation centre located on the western edge of the Brecon Beacons is hosting the first Music and Mantra festival from August 8 to 12.

The festival follows the highly praised Sacred Feminine festival last summer and is part of a bigger trend for large yoga gatherings in Wales (including All Roots at the Stackpole estate, BWY summer event at Margam Park and the Big Retreat, Pembrokeshire).

The festival features Welsh musicians including Rajesh David and Louise Thorndycraft, as well as international renowned yoga teachers such as Swami Gyan Dharma and Swami Nishchalananda. Guests will have the opportunity to engage in a full programme of music and singing including special fire ceremonies (Havans), uplifting chanting, sound work and celebratory kirtan (a form of group singing). There will also be discussions and other forms of yoga practice such as yoga classes (movement), meditation and karma yoga (selfless service).

The ashram has had music and mantra (sacred sound or vibration) as part of its daily timetable since it was first established in 1986. The festival is the cornerstone of the annual calendar of events and retreats offered at the ashram. All indoor accommodation has sold out but there is ample space for those wishing to camp in the ashram’s spacious grounds.

The ashram’s course director Swami Krishnapremananda said: “Although yoga is often perceived to be only about physical stretching and movement, here at Mandala Yoga Ashram it has always been important to offer a taste of the huge variety of beneficial yoga practices. This festival will be an opportunity for yoga students to find a deeper connection to themselves and others, whilst also experiencing the joy and profound nature of music and mantra.”

■ The festival can be booked via the website http://mandalayoga.net or by calling the ashram on 01558 685358.