Raga Offerings
Preamble
- Raga Svara is a learning and healing institution.
- We want everyone to learn how to heal. The intent and ownership of transformation lies within each guest.
- Our goal is to provide a holistic experience to rejuvenate the body and mind.
- While we keep on gaining pace, playing catch up, and running ahead, we lose our existential foothold. In the constant flux that we are thrown into we can’t find our sense of being, our sense of wholeness. There is a spectre of turmoil, pervasive and omnipresent. We seek slowness, we seek togetherness, we seek balance. We seek peace.
- We are a place to take a pause and connect with ourselves and with our ecology.
- To be really in sync with oneself and nature is to understand and experience the time scale of nature around us. The road to our wellbeing is so simple and clear yet riddled with hardships. Eating सात्त्विक (essential, natural, clean) food, taking a stroll among the trees, practising योग (yoga), observing self-discipline, watching and hearing the birds, breathing in clear air, smelling the sweet flowers and pungent leaves. These go a long way in renewing and sustaining our body, mind and spirit. In Carl Jung’s words, “When you walk with naked feet, how can you ever forget the earth?”
Thoughts on Hospitality
With Raga Svara, and with Northstar as well, but more acutely at Raga, I come to the question of étranger or xenos. I am unable to take on the role of a subservient host. Hospitality is an act of giving and receiving, a game if you will. The rules and codes must be adhered to. However, it always remains a struggle. It is never a transaction.
While all our services are priced, value truly remains outside of economic rationality. To bring economics in the giving and receiving, tarnishes the sanctity of the “act”. Hospitality perhaps has no place in contemporary society, making it even more valuable. It is beyond and even against economic rationality. And our hospitality remains out of economic rationality making it a matter of cultural value (more on cultural value at some other time).
Now at Raga, the dominant aesthetic, in Bourdieu’s terms, is a combination of ease and asceticism i.e., self-imposed austerity, restraint, reserve and quietude, which are affirmed in that absolute manifestation of excellence, relaxation in tension.
We are not service providers, no unilateral flow of goods or services, no subservience. The guest, the student, the étranger partakes in the ritual of giving and receiving; in the act of crossing boundaries (of entering our sacred space), and thresholds between ours and yours, between self and the other, between private and the public, between inside and outside. These dichotomies overlap never exactly but match each other’s territory. It is always a struggle.
As Derrida said:
Hospitality is ethics, is the condition of humanity – for ethos is place: Hospitality is culture itself and not simply one ethic amongst others. Insofar as it has to do with the ethos, that is, the residence, one’s home, the familiar place of dwelling, inasmuch as it is a manner of being there, the manner in which we relate to ourselves and to others, to others as our own or as foreigners, ethics is hospitality; ethics is so thoroughly coextensive with the experience of hospitality.
L’hospitalité, c’est la culture même et ce n’est pas une éthique parmi d’autres. En tant qu’elle touche à l’éthos, à savoir à la demeure, au chez soi, au lieu du séjour familier autant qu’à la manière de se rapporter à soi et aux autres, aux autres comme aux siens ou comme à des étrangers, l’éthique est hospitalité, elle est de part en part co-extensive à l’expérience de l’hospitalité, de quelque façon qu’on l’ouvre ou la limite.
- Mohit Patel
Porosity of Boundaries
One major objective for Raga Svara is to create, what I call, “Porosity of Boundaries”. I want to make the solid walls between apparently different ideas more porous, more accommodating. One such boundary is between western medicine and our traditional medicine. I have thought for quite sometime about Indian traditional systems, whether therapeutic or belief systems (many times they merge seamlessly) and their place in Raga Svara.
Ayurveda (perhaps the most popular among our traditional medicine systems) is loved and trusted by many. At the same time it is derided by many for its lack of evidence based research to support its claims. Ayurveda is, unfortunately, a victim of many babas and their companies who make extraordinary claims to dupe gullible people (here, here). Many rationalists are rightly on guard against all claims made by traditional systems.
Of late, there has been a new trend of providing legitimacy to traditional medicine by using the epistemic frameworks of modern science. Using, mostly callously, concepts like “evidence based”, “clinical trials”, etc. the quack tries to pass off as a scientist.
I believe that the fundamental issue here is of “epistemic categories”. Ayurveda, or for that matter any conceptual category, needs to be evaluated within the dynamics of discourse in which they operate. It would be futile, and even misleading, to transpose one system’s internal dynamics to another system to evaluate it. An honest, and perhaps more useful, approach would be to evaluate Ayurveda within its own framework defined by its first principles and givens. The same goes with modern medicine. To think that modern science is not riddled with fallacies of inductive logic would simply show that one does not understand the very foundations on which it rests. The analytical tools and objectivity, the foundations of modern science, itself rest on historical paradigms and strategies of inquiry that are effective only within a specific milieu.
Personally, it has been a humbling experience for me to be able to see “categories” as internally consistent while being utterly shamanic when seen from another lens.
As individuals all we can do is to be clear and honest within our own minds about the limitations of each system. What I find difficult to accept and understand is the parasitic attempt to gain epistemic legitimacy. And this works both ways. Some Ayurveda proponents will claim “scientifically proven”, “clinically tested” to sell their products and some"modern", synthetic products will claim to be “natural”.
All said and done, each system must pass a falsifiability screen. We cannot accept unsound arguments even if they are internally consistent. And there exist methods that must be employed in evaluation of any system. Unfortunately, Ayurveda (and other traditional systems such Siddha, Unani et al.) is neither making enough attempts to develop its own proof mechanisms nor is it adopting proof mechanisms of other systems (such as clinical trials of modern science) in its true spirit.
- Mohit Patel
Retreat Offerings
- The treatments are specifically designed to each individual’s needs as per their Prakriti. We aim to transform your inner being. We believe that this transformation can only come to fruition with the collaborative efforts of Raagis (our guests) and our team of expert Ayurvedic Vaidyas (doctors), skilled physical therapists, Yogis and Wellness cuisine chefs.
- While on a retreat at Raga Svara, guests are encouraged to opt for a Retreat of Wellness.
- While we offer various retreat options, these must be thought of as a guidepost, not as a fixed path.
- Our two general retreats: Wellness Retreat and Yoga Retreat are suitable for most guests looking for a relaxing and mindful experience focusing on developing a healthy lifestyle.
- Our Healing Retreats are designed for specific health conditions. You are encouraged to select a retreat during reservation. However, please note that all retreats are personalized to each guest. During arrival consultation with our resident doctor, your individualized itinerary will be designed. No two guests have the same itinerary.
- Apart from personal sessions, we have a daily retreat consisting of morning yoga, evening yoga/meditation, pranayama, talks, garden walks, etc. These are dynamic and change each week depending on the season and expert advice. Our goal is for you to have a relaxing yet meaningful stay with us.
- See all retreat options here Click here
Ayurveda
- Ayurveda forms the foundation of our therapeutic approach, with Yoga and Physiotherapy as supporting but essential elements of a holistic retreat of wellbeing.
- Ayurveda means the science of life or the way of life. Originating from the Vedas, it is amongst the oldest and most comprehensive systems of healthcare.
- Good health results from having your mind, body, and spirit in harmony.
- Ancient Indian wisdom and therapeutic practices of Ayurveda and Yoga are fully realized at Raga Svara.
- At Raga Svara, our guests receive two therapies per night as a part of their retreat. Based on each individual's Nadi pariksha and wellness goals, it may include various Ayurvedic therapies, yoga, meditation, physiotherapy sessions, or any other therapies recommended by our resident Ayurvedic doctor.
- Co-existence of traditional approaches and modern systems is not only possible but essential to move towards a broader conception of health and wellness. Our goal is not to stop at therapy but rather move towards Eudaimonia, a sense of flourishing, moving from relief of suffering to the cultivation of positive emotional and mental states.
Therapies
Abhyangam
Abhyangam forms the basis of all external therapeutics in Ayurveda. It is a rejuvenating full-body massage from head to toe using liberal amounts of specially prepared warm herbal oils that harmonizes your senses and revitalizes your energy, leaving you refreshed and balanced at Raga Svara.
Shirodhara
Shirodhara is one therapy that has been prominent in representing Ayurveda all over the world. Experience pure tranquility as a continuous stream of warm oil gently flows over your forehead during Shirodhara, dissolving stress and promoting mental clarity.
Patra Pinda Swedana
Touch of herbal bolus massage, Patra Pinda Swedana, releases muscle tension and promotes detoxification, revealing a renewed sense of vitality at Raga Svara. It helps to counter stiffness, pain and discomfort.
Takra Dhara
The soothing rhythm of Takra Dhara, where medicated buttermilk cascades over your body, calming the mind and nurturing your inner balance at Raga Svara's wellness haven. The butter milk flows from the forehead to the scalp and hair. This therapy helps in relieving from insomnia, stress related problems. This deeply relaxing therapy revitalizes the body & mind.
Udwarthanam
Rejuvenate your senses with Udwarthanam, a therapeutic dry powder massage that stimulates circulation, tones the skin, and promotes a sense of lightness and rejuvenation at Raga Svara. It gives firmness to the body & helps in pain & body ache.
Navarakizhi
Navarakizhi therapy is a kerala specialty therapy where medicinal rice (Navara) paste tied in a bolus is applied on the whole body in a specific manner by dipping it in milk & herbal decoction. It is an ancient Ayurvedic healing experience with Navarakizhi, a luxurious treatment using rice bolus to nourish your body, enhance muscle tone, and invigorate your spirit at Raga Svara.
Rasayani
Rasayani is a uniquely timed session that includes Abhyangam, Patra Pinda Swedana and Shirodhara. Aimed at rejuvenation through Abhyangam, getting rid of aches and pains and the cumulative stress with Patrapinda Swedana and Shirodhara to relax the mind and rediscover inner calmness.It promotes longevity, enhances immunity, and boosts overall well-being, offered at Raga Svara.
Yoga
- "Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.” –The Bhagavad Gita.
- The literal meaning of the term 'Yoga' means 'union', union of one with one's true nature, with one's true reality.
- Yoga is not just Asanas, Yoga is more than just Asanas. The practice and lifestyle of yoga is not just about the perfect posture, it's about creating a deeper connection and awareness of ourselves. It's following the Yamas and Niyama(moral codes), it's practicing pranayama and dhyana, it's about being kind and patient with others as well as one's own self. It's about slowing down, pausing and looking inside, and then start observing the outside world with a better perspective.
- Yoga at Raga Svara is not about bending or twisting the body and holding the breath. It is about understanding in totality the wonderful tradition of health and wisdom, practising, learning and having a transformative experience. Every group or individual session at the Retreat seamlessly blends the spiritual and physical and has balanced inclusions of Asanas (Hatha Yoga postures), Pranayama (breathing techniques), Pratyahara, & Dhyana (Meditation).
- At Raga Svara, the ultimate essence of yoga is the journey to find our own way back to harmony, peace, and compassion. Far away from the commotion and noise of the outside world, Raga campus provides spaces with such meaningful experiences.
Weather
Our campus is beautiful in all six seasons: Vasant (Spring), Grishma (Summer), Varsha (Monsoon), Sharad (Autumn), Hemant (Pre-winter) and Shishir (Winter). Our trees, plants and foliage have different characters in each season and one can experience the beauty of nature in all its diversity throughout the year. Temperatures in peak summer (May and June) can get uncomfortable in outdoor areas, but all indoor areas are centrally air-conditioned for your comfort.
Children on Campus
We do not encourage bringing kids below 12 years of age to the retreat. Peace and introspection are key to experiencing Raga Svara in its fullness. However, we understand that sometimes there are unavoidable circumstances in which you may have to bring a toddler with you. In case you decide to bring a child with you, please note the following:
- A child below 4 years can be brought along at no extra cost (extra bed not provided).
- A child below 12 years is not eligible for any therapies.
- A child below 12 years must not be brought to group sessions in order to maintain silence at all times.
Cuisine
- Raga Svara cuisine is designed to promote health and well-being. According to Ayurveda, the best preventive medicine is a food and lifestyle adapted to the individual's basic needs. Ragis are encouraged to reevaluate their previous eating habits and to learn and practise eating mindfully. We carefully combine traditional cooking methods with modern food tastes. We offer a multi cuisine menu with carefully selected options. Our horticulture team maintains a vegetable and herb garden that produces seasonal vegetables for our kitchen. One of our key principles is to use seasonal ingredients (as a part of our Ritucharya practice).
- We do not serve non-vegetarian food and alcohol on premises.
Campus
Our campus is very thoughtfully designed with ecology at the centre. There are many garden spaces, outdoor spaces, fruit orchards, vegetable gardens and much more on the campus to experience and explore. It is difficult to describe our campus experience. The only way to understand our campus is to be here.
View GalleryA Note on Pricing
It is easy to believe that Raga Svara is a "business" and that it is different from Northstar or RKU, which are our learning institutions. But that would be an error. If anything, Raga is an even more potent form of learning. Raga is about bringing back the prime mover of transformation within one's self, which so often is not the case in formal learning.
Raga is, in Gasset's terms, a "salvation". The "theme" or more aptly the "melody " of the Raga is to be placed in direct relation with the "elementary currents of the spirit"; with the pre-eminent concerns of humans: love, belonging, peace, purpose.
The core element of our approach is to provide therapeutic relief to the malaise of the body and mind. Ancient Indian wisdom and therapeutic practices of Ayurveda and Yoga are fully realized within our “home”. Co-existence of traditional approaches and modern systems is not only possible but essential to move towards a broader conception of health and wellness. Our goal is not to stop at therapy but rather move towards Eudaimonia, a sense of flourishing, Kalyanam, moving from relief of suffering to the cultivation of positive emotional and mental states.
For the longest time, we have struggled with putting a price to our offerings. It is almost a debasement. Rationally, I should not be thinking of it that way. However, I have excelled at the art of losing money. If my fate is to be a mediocre maker of ventures, so be it. In the present scheme of things, our offerings have to be priced. Our home needs to run, bills need to be paid, staff needs to be paid, et al. Having been to some of the most expensive retreats in the world, I do not say it lightly that Raga is one of India's best retreats in all respects.
And so it is only natural that the Talavia Family will be contributing a major share of the cost of retreat at Raga for all Ragis. All guests will pay less than half of the true price structure.
While it is natural in the sequence of steps that led to the conception of Raga, it is not natural in the current world of business. There are no immediate incentives to underwrite transformation of others. But our family has a history of doing such monstrous long term thinking. In the long run, if more people are better educated and healthier in all respects, we are all better off. This is still not a wholly utilitarian step. Being a Raagi is an end in itself. We have no ulterior motive of improving the society through you. If that happens, we would be happy.
Building Raga Svara has cost a fortune, not just in terms of material resources. It has drained us all of our last drop of creativity and brute force of will. But Raga it self will renew us. And if it has to be our salvation, will it first be our annihilation? Who knows:
Remembering Siddhartha's wise words to Kamala: I think, I fast, I wait.
- Mohit Patel
