Frequently Asked Questions

Our headquarters are located in northeastern Pennsylvania. The Himalayan International Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy of the USA® is situated in a serene wooded setting on a 400-acre campus near Honesdale in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. Directions are posted here or can be obtained through Google Maps or similar services.

The Himalayan Institute was founded in 1971 to teach yoga and meditation as systematic means for developing consciousness and increased awareness of Self in the individual.

Combining the best of Eastern wisdom and Western knowledge, the Himalayan Institute offers a wide variety of seminars and programs in hatha yoga, meditation, yoga philosophy, psychology, holistic health, hatha yoga teachers’ training, and other related subjects.

Many of our seminars are appropriate for the beginner who’s interested in finding out about yoga as well as for the more experienced yoga practitioner who would like to enrich and inspire their yoga practices. For details on seminars, see our calendar.

The Himalayan Institute tradition is rooted in raja yoga. Raja yoga (often called ashtanga or the royal path) incorporates eight separate steps into its practice. The first two steps are the yamas and niyamas (moral restraints and constructive observances). Asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises) are the third and fourth rungs on the ladder of raja yoga. Pratyahara (sense withdrawal) and dharana (concentration) are the fifth and sixth steps in this path. The final two steps are dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (higher consciousness.) Raja yoga is the understanding, control, and mastery of your mind. It is a science and a way of life, not a religion.

Our seminars are generally held on weekends. They begin Friday evening and end with Sunday lunch. You may arrive anytime after 2:00 p.m. on Friday; check-out is 2:00 p.m. Sunday. See our calendar for seminars and additional details.

Friday P.M.
4:45 Hatha yoga class
6:15 Supper (light meal)
7:30 Lecture
10:00 Silence observed until 8:00 a.m.

Saturday
6:30 Hatha yoga class
8:00 Breakfast
10:00 Lecture
12:30 Lunch (main meal)
3:30 Practicum
6:15 Supper
7:30 Lecture
9:00 Chanting
10:00 Silence observed until 8:00 a.m.

Sunday A.M.
6:30 Hatha yoga class
8:00 Breakfast
10:00 Lecture
12:30 Lunch (main meal)
Departure

Our typical guest rooms are simply furnished with two twin beds, sink, desk, closet, and medicine cabinet. Toilets and showers are down the hall. We have a few rooms available with a private bathroom for an extra charge.

Yes, the extra days would be your own private retreat rather than a structured program. The cost would be that of accommodations which include a private room, three vegetarian meals a day, and hatha yoga classes daily at 6:30 a.m. and Monday through Friday at 5 p.m.

The Institute’s programs are designed for adults, and our guests generally are looking for an atmosphere conducive to a quiet retreat. However, we do have a limited number of spaces in our Guest House (located on our campus outside the main building) which can accommodate families. Call (800) 822-4547 for availability and charges. Please note that the Institute does not provide childcare.

The Institute does not have the facilities to care for your pet, but click here for a list of nearby kennels.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.

November 11,2011 – November 11, 2012

If you have started a special practice, such as Gayatri, Maha Mrityunjaya, or Navarna Mantra, this is the perfect place and time to take your practice to the next level. Otherwise an initiation mantra or breath meditation, like So-Ham, is fine.

Please see our “How to Participate” page for details.

We aim to post seminar content within one month of the live event. We will email our Premium Members at that time with access information.

Content from our live events will be presented online in engaging and accessible ways, like streaming video and audio, written material, and interactive exercises. We’ll make select content downloadable because we know you’ll want to take it with you and share it with your friends.

Most modern systems capable of viewing video from popular media sites such as YouTube or CNN.com should be able to display media content on this site. To test your systems ability to display content on this site browse through one of our free mini eCourses “Quick Tips for Balanced Living”.

Browser Compatibility
All media should display in any current browser. We test and support the following browsers in their most current version: Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox, and Chrome.

Mobile & Handheld Devices
This site is 100% iOS (iPhone / iPad) compatible and should be viewable on many other mobile and handheld platforms.

The All Access Pass is a benefit of Premium Membership. Holders of the All Access Pass are Premium Members. To sign up for your Premium Membership, click here»

We will evaluate each seminar to determine the best format to share it with you online. We promise to deliver all the essential content so that your home study is effective, successful, and enjoyable, and that your efforts realize the goals and objectives set out by the seminar presenter.

Complete list of All Access Seminars

* Space is limited. Some restrictions apply. Accommodations not included.
Go to YLGM core programs page