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Introduction to Erotic Tantra – the Yoga of Intimacy

Consecrated to the study of sacred eroticism this weekend workshop explores the connection between sexuality and spirituality from the standpoint of traditional Hindu and Tibetan Tantra. The esoteric teachings, aimed toward addressing concerns of the tantric beginner practitioner, are presented in a coherent, step-by-step approach.

Departing from our culturally inherited sex- and body-negative attitude, participants will obtain a clear understanding on how authentic tantric practitioners understand, harness, and utilize the creative force to further their personal and spiritual evolution. The basic mechanism at work is as follows: When the erotic energy of the body is properly channeled, the body-mind's vibrational rate is augmented to the point where we are bodily attuned to the vibration (spanda) of higher levels of existence. During such moments of attunement, genuine spiritual breakthroughs can and do occur.

The mysteries and secrets of spiritual eroticism are explained in conjunction with relevant information from Yoga, Taoism, and alchemy. Attendees will gain an understanding of the evolutionary and spiritual potential of human sexuality and sexual relationships, the polarity, transmutation, and sublimation of energy, sexual healing, transfiguration, modern sexology, and retention, control, and development of orgasm.

Hatha Yoga practice and meditations relevant to erotic Tantra, as well as practical exemplifications and interactive exercises of a non-sexual nature form part of the teachings. The course is initiatic in nature, and students will be introduced to a lot of rare, hard-to-find information, in a most coherent and easy to understand way. The course keeps a commitment to a clear and elevated level of communication, but there are no explicit presentations or nudity whatsoever. A highly respectful atmosphere prevails throughout the course. Both couples and individuals may attend, and no prior knowledge of Yoga or Tantra is required.

To download the workshop flyer, click here (PDF, 301 KB).

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MORE DETAILS ON THIS WORKSHOP>>click to expand/collapse

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This Weekend Seminar Package includes:

	•	The workshop itself, consisting of approximately 7 hours of teachings on each day
	•	2 nights accommodation (check-in Friday 19 July, departure and check-out Sunday 21 July in the evening)
	•	Full board – 3 wholesome, healthy, organic spa cuisine meals daily
	•	Drinking water, herbal teas, (all beverges included, with the exception of wine, champagne & spirits)

Unlike ordinary couples, Samvara and consort are not to be thought of as two different entities.
In reality, their divine embrace is a metaphor for the union of great bliss and emptiness, which
are of one and the same essence.

About La Clairière Spa & Bio Hotel

The exceptional location of La Clairière enables you to organically experience the sublime play of nature's four elements – the fundamental basis for a naturally harmonious life. The external harmony of the surrounding forest is being mirrored by La Clairière's dedication to a concept of holistic wellbeing. The in-house state-of-the-art spa offers a wide array of vitalizing and natural spa treatments designed to bring about harmonization, balancing, and rejuvenation.

Beyond the awe-inspiring surroundings and the exceptional spa facilities, fine, tasty, organic meals using exquisite local ingredients typical for the Alsace region are being prepared with great care and love.

Transfer Time: 60 minutes from Strasbourg Airport (SXB)

>> click on any of the images above to access the image gallery featuring more shots of La Clairière Spa & Bio Hotel

Testimonials:

"I was ready to be transported into another world - to a haven set amongst a wooded paradise of oaks, beeches, alders, and pines, where I could be pampered by soothing hands and relax in the stainless steel heated outdoor pool whose water is filtered through the deep layers of sandstone and enhanced with minerals."
(Nick Hordern, Brighton)

"I came to this hotel because I heard of the spa and the beautiful area, and I was NOT disaapointed. First the area, the mountains, woods, and town are just enchanting to walk through and enjoy. La Clairière was terrific - I felt like I could have stayed another week. I've been to spa's in New York, California, Paris, London, Greece... and they pale in comparison. The treatments were terrific with natural products. I also thought the food was great, all organic produce."
(Ellen Lubmann, New York )

• Address: La Clairière Spa & Bio Hotel, 63 route d'Ingwiller, 67290 La Petite Pierre, Parc Naturel des Vosges du Nord, Alsace, France
• GPS: N 48° 51' 28", E 7° 20' 20"
• Contact: discover@asianyogaholidays.com, +66 (0)83 393 90 21
• Hospitality Partner Website: www.la-clairiere.com

Julien Balmer

Julien Balmer joined Agama Yoga in 2002 and has been teaching at the Thailand headquarters and in Europe for the better part of the last decade. Julien has informed his own background in Hatha-Yoga, Tantra-Yoga, and Kundalini-Yoga with intense study of numerous experts and rare sources, as well as his own deep and committed practice. He is a dedicated and sincere teacher, adept at bringing subjects into grasp without sacrificing their mystical qualities.

>> click on any of the images above to access the image gallery featuring more shots of Julien

An accomplished cross-country skier in his youth, Swiss Virgo Julien came upon the spiritual path in early 2002 after lots of adventure in his early 20s. He traveled extensively throughout Central and South America while enrolled in university, and spent a good amount of his time exploring our amazing planet, immersing himself in unknown cultures and meeting its peoples and ways of lives.

In February, 2001, a life-changing and near-fatal accident on a small paradise island in Brazil kindled his interest in the mysteries and spiritual traditions of the East. He soon embarked on his first trip to Asia, where he did his first meditation retreat at a Thai forest monastery. A few months later Julien found himself in Swami Vivekananda Saraswati's First Level Intensive Course at Agama Yoga in Rishikesh, which radically revolutionized his outlook on life. The Truths set forth by this passionate teacher deeply touched him, and a feeling that "this was it" began to unfold.
However, he did not drop out all at once. He returned to Switzerland for another year to earn his Masters degree in Finance & Economics from the University of St. Gallen (HSG). He wrote his master's thesis on the dollarization of developing countries with special reference to latin-american experience, and was awarded a prize for the best thesis of the year.

In early 2004, Julien moved to tropical Koh Phangan, Thailand, and committed himself fully to his yoga practice and a continuous striving for yogic realization. He also became a filmmaker, producing and co-directing Through the Eastern Gate, a poetic documentary about three young Westerners searching for meaning in modern times; the film has so far screened in 11 film festivals on 4 continents, and was picked up by Alive Mind Media/Lorber HT Digital for DVD distribution in late 2008.

In 2008, Julien conceived and initiated the Phangan Film Festival (PFF) – an annual open-air event bringing high-quality independent films from around the world to the beautiful island of Phangan. Following PFF's success, Julien co-created the annual Dharamsala Film Festival (DFF) in 2011. Since 2009, Julien has also been involved in an earthen house building and permaculture adventure in the hills above Sri Thanu village where Agama Yoga is headquartered.

Julien has experienced the transformational power of the Yoga system first-hand and wishes to share this treasure with others. He has informed his own background in traditional yoga with intense study of numerous experts and rare sources, as well as his own deep and committed practice. Julien has been teaching in Europe and Southeast Asia for the better part of the last decade, most notably at the Agama Yoga Thailand headquarters where he serves as a senior resident teacher. He is grateful for the inspiration, guidance, and support that he continues to receive from members of the Agama family. When off the island, he facilitates transformational workshops and yoga retreats around the globe, creating a sacred space for his practical knowledge and experiential wisdom to overflow onto others.

Press >>click to expand/collapse

Publication	Year	Title	Read now	Download
ArsMondo	2013	Interview with Julien Balmer
Gesunde Medizin	2012	Von Null auf Yoga (Retreat Review)
Spa Confidential	2011	Interview with Julien L. Balmer
Oriental-Escapes	2011	Retreat on Spring (Retreat Review)
Condé Nast Traveller	2010	Yoga Holidays – The What, Why, and Who
Spiegel Online	2010	Filmfest auf Ko Samui – Kleine Inseln, großes Kino

Testimonials >>click to expand/collapse

Date	Comment
4 March 2012	"Very informative and well structured. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and energy with us - I anticipate attending more of your courses." (Lalah, Manila)
9 Sept. 2011	"I came with high expectations - not only were they met in every respect, but exceeded. It was inspiring and gave me an amazing insight. You have prepared me well for changing things in my life and hopefully the lives of others, too. Thank you!" (Marius, Berlin)
1 August 2011	"It was a pleasure to be taught by Julien who is a sympathetic, thorough, and knowledgeable teacher. The retreat was excellent and very inspiring. I feel it has put me on a good path and I look forward to our next meeting." (Nigel, Chamonix)
1 August 2011	"Thank you for a great week. I truly appreciated that Julien took the time to sit down and carefully explain the fundamental principles of yoga, such as the chakra teachings. Julien is well informed, skilled, thorough, humble, and compassionate." (Pernilla, Stockholm)
18 July 2011	"Julien is very skilled. I had many yoga teachers but I must say he really stands out. His approach to yoga is different than what I was used to. Very, very interesting in terms of feeling the positive effects of the exercises immediately. I found it very impressive! I would recommend him to anybody and hope to do other retreats with him." (Kathleen, Antwerp)
18 July 2011	"Julien is a very devoted , skilled, and gentle yoga teacher. I am honored and grateful to have participated in his retreat. I could only wish to find more retreats such as this one in the future." (Monika, Warsaw)
30 May 2011	"Thank you Julien for your commitment to us all, for sharing your knowledge and wisdom, for your patience and humility, for being open and accessible, for inviting opinion and debate, for encouraging us to move beyond our thresholds and deepen our practice and understanding." (Tanya, Dubai)
30 May 2011	"Serene, warm and very knowledgeable." (Maja, Zagreb)
18 Feb. 2011	"Julien is very articulate and concise. Clear messages and instructions. Attention to detail." (Ahmed, Brisbane)
18 Feb. 2011	"Julien is the first person I meet to create a deep interest in yoga inside of me." (Lana, St. Petersburg)
23 Jan. 2011	"Julien is able to explain in a manner that is easily understandable. He is open, friendly, and willing to share his knowledge. Thank you!" (Sue, Bangkok)
23 Jan. 2011	"Great speaker, very knowledgeable, looking forward to more…" (Arline, Bangkok)
13 Sept. 2010	"Thank you very much for having guided me back to the true meaning of Yoga. I feel privileged to have crossed your path. I do hope to come and do some more yoga at your centre in Koh Phangan." (Angelina, London)

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La Clairière Tantra Workshop with Julien Balmer (20 - 21 July 2013)


Occupancy & Rates * (all prices per person)

Single Occupancy, Room "Classic" - 700 EUR

Double Occupancy, Room "Comfort" - 650 EUR

If you are sharing a room, what is the name of your room mate?


Please note: Each participant must fill in this registration form separately.


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Terms & Conditions *Download AYH Terms & Conditions (PDF, 4 pages, 68 KB)

	Please ensure that you fully read and understand the terms and conditions outlined below, as they define both parties' rights, responsibilities, and obligations. 1. Contract The following terms and conditions in addition to the general information published on the website www.asianyogaholidays.com form the basis of the contract between you ("Client") and Asian Yoga Holidays (“Company”), 58/10 M. 8, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani 84280, THAILAND. Your contact is with Asian Yoga Holidays, either by electronic mail or via phone. The contract between you and the Company comes into existence once the specified deposit has been paid and you have received a written confirmation and acceptance of your booking via electronic mail. If a Client books for a third party, the Client takes on full legal and financial responsibility for the ensuing contract with the Company. All terms and conditions stated herein will automatically apply to the third party in the same way they apply to the Client who is making the bookings. If a Client has any special requests that go beyond the services included in the package he/she is booking, the Company will endeavour to assist the Client but is not obliged to do so. Additional costs arising from the Client's special request will be borne by the Client. 2. Payment, Deposits & Cancellations a) All prices are quoted in American Dollars (USD) and are inclusive of government & service tax. b) A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total package cost per person is required to hold a reservation and secure a booking. c) Payment schedule and cancellation terms: A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total package cost per person is due in the moment of booking and must arrive at the Company's account within 4 days of booking. Full payment must be received no less than 60 days prior to the scheduled commencement date of the Yoga Holiday/Yoga Retreat. If a booking is made within 60 days of the scheduled commencement date of the Yoga Holiday/Yoga Retreat full payment is required at the time of booking. Once full payments are received we will issue a confirmation receipt detailing the package components. Please review the invoice and notify the Company of any errors or changes. We cannot accept any responsibility/liability of errors or inaccuracies, if we are not notified within 15 days of confirmation invoice issuance. Any cancellation must be made in writing (electronic mail). The cancellation will take effect from the day the written confirmation is received. The following scale of charges will be payable depending on when the notification of cancellation is received. - prior to 61 days before scheduled commencement date of the Yoga Holiday/Yoga Retreat: 25% of total holiday/retreat cost - 60-30 days before scheduled commencement date of the Yoga Holiday/Yoga Retreat: 60% of total holiday/retreat cost - less than 30 days before scheduled commencement date of the Yoga Holiday/Yoga Retreat: 100% of total holiday/retreat cost (including no show) 3. Yoga Holiday & Yoga Retreat Package Rates, Pricing Guarantee In today’s global economy, currency fluctuations and fuel price changes are frequent and unpredictable. The Company therefore reserves the right to alter the published prices prior to booking. Once a booking has been made the Company reserves the right to alter the price as a result of foreign government action (including, but not limited to, changes in the rate of VAT and any other duties or levies, exchange rate fluctuations or increases in transportation costs). If the alteration results in an increase of more than 15% of the original cost quoted, the Client may cancel the booking and obtain a full refund, less an administration fee of 100 USD per person and transaction costs. In the event of an increase, an amended email will be sent to the Client and the difference will have to be settled within 7 days. The Company will absorb an amount equivalent to 2% of the package price and only amounts exceeding 2% will be passed on to the Client. No increase will be made within 30 days of scheduled commencement date of the Yoga Holiday/Yoga Retreat. In the rare event that a Yoga Holiday or Yoga Retreat package bought by the Client is subsequently sold or offered at a discounted price, the Company will be under no obligation to refund the difference in price. 4. Yoga Holiday & Yoga Retreat Package Descriptions, Website Accuracy The information about the Yoga Holiday & Yoga Retreat packages featured on our website and in our marketing materials are given in good faith and believed to be accurate at the time of publication. We rigorously check the accuracy of our information supplied on our web site and brochures. However, it may also prove necessary for the Company to vary or modify a package itinerary or its contents due to local prevailing conditions. The Client agrees to such necessary variations or modifications being made and also agrees to be bound by the decision of the Yoga Holiday/Retreat Coordinator or representative appointed by the Company. 5. Booking Changes & Cancellation by Asian Yoga Holidays We hope and expect to be able to provide you with all the services we have confirmed to you at the time of booking. On rare occasions changes do have to be made, and we reserve the right to make these. Most of these changes are minor. However, if we consider them significant changes we will do our best to advise you as soon as possible if there is time. Yoga Holidays & Yoga Retreats need minimum numbers to proceed. If the package arrangement is cancelled because the minimum number of participants required hasn't been reached by the specified deadline, we will inform you in writing within the period indicated in the description of the package and reimburse all monies received (including the non-refundable deposit paid at the time of booking), less applicable transaction costs. If a teacher is unable to come due to last minute accident / illness, we will find a suitable and similarly competent replacement. 6. Curtailment & Unused Services No refund or compensation will be paid by the Company for any unused accommodation, meals, holidays, retreats, services, transportation or other features included in the Yoga Holiday/Retreat. Clients who do not complete a Yoga Holiday/Retreat for any reason whatsoever, will not be refunded for a portion or the remainder of the package booked. 7. Force Majeure The Company accepts no responsibility for and shall not be liable in respect of any loss or damage or alterations, delays or changes arising from (including, but not limited to) unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond its control, such as war, or threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial disputes including air traffic control disputes, terrorist activity, political unrest, change in government regulations, natural and nuclear disaster, floods, fire and adverse weather conditions, technical problems with transport, closure or congestion of airports or ports. 8. Responsibilities of the Client a) Health. All clients participating in a Yoga Holiday/Retreat must be in reasonably good health and not have any medical history of mental disorders (schizophrenia), heart failures, lung disorders, epilepsy, or recent surgery and agree to discontinue the Yoga Holiday/Retreat if any serious medical condition arises during the Yoga Holiday/Retreat. It is understood that under no circumstances whatsoever the Company can be held responsible for health issues of a Client. It is recommended that the Client advises the Company of any health conditions in the moment of booking, and that he/she carries sufficient medication for any medical conditions. b) Travel Documents. It is the Client's sole responsibility to ensure that all necessary travel documents such as passports (minimum 6 month prior expiration date) and appropriate entry Visas if applicable are obtained and are valid. The Company cannot accept any responsibility should you be denied access into a country. If failure to have any necessary travel or other documents results to fines, cost, cancellation charges, or any other penalties imposed to the Company, you will be responsible to reimburse those charges to the Company. c) Insurance. It is the Client's sole responsibility to ensure that he/she has adequate insurance cover. It is a condition of booking a Yoga Holiday/Retreat that the Client has taken out adequate insurance against such risks as (including, but not limited to) medical costs, personal accident risks, personal liability and legal expenses. d) Right Conduct. The Company makes every effort to ensure the highest standards of yoga etiquette and safety. However, Clients are reminded that they take part in a Yoga Holiday/Retreat at their own risk and that they must behave in a fit and proper manner at all times, in accordance with all recognized yoga practices and procedures and take proper responsibility for their own safety. The Company reserves the right to require to withdraw from the Yoga Holiday/Retreat any person whose actions or conduct is considered by the Company in it’s absolute discretion to be incompatible with the comfort and safety of the Company’s other Clients or to be offensive to them. In the event of such misconduct, no liability whatsoever will be owed to that Client by the Company upon withdrawal from the Yoga Holiday/Retreat. 9. Jurisdiction This agreement shall be governed by Thai law and be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Thai Courts. I hereby certify and acknowledge that I understand that my acceptance on a Yoga Holiday/Retreat organized and carried out by Asian Yoga Holidays (“Company”), 58/10 M. 8, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani 84280, THAILAND is predicated on my assurance that I am physically fit to engage in a Yoga Holiday/Retreat with exercise and traveling. I fully understand the risk of yoga exercise, of living and/or traveling through a foreign country and the possible dangers arising from the forces of nature, and I am prepared to assume such a risk. In order for the Company to accept me as a member of the aforementioned Yoga Holiday/Retreat, I hereby release and absolve the Company, its agents, employees and invitees thereof from any and all damages resulting from death or personal injuries, including loss of services, which I may sustain on account of, arising from, or in connection with the aforementioned Yoga Holiday/Retreat or from the ownership, maintenance, use, operation or control of any automobile, ship, boat, sport and water sport equipment or otherwise. I further understand that the remoteness of the destination, local custom and/or prevailing weather conditions may cause minor inconvenience or modification to portions of the Yoga Holiday/Retreat, and the Company reserves the right to modify and/or cancel any arrangements due to unfavourable weather conditions and/or technical difficulties. This liability waiver contract signed by me is entirely subject to the terms and conditions above, which have been read, understood, and unconditionally agreed to. I further agree to strictly observe and comply with the additional terms and obligations that Asian Yoga Holidays or any of its employees may deem necessary or needful during the course of the Yoga Holiday/Retreat.
	* I have read and understood the Terms & Conditions and hereby agree to everything outlined therein.

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I have read and understood the Terms & Conditions and hereby agree to everything outlined therein.