A Tao Retreat in the Land of Sublime Sensuality
Tour operated in cooperation with Sacred Earth Journeys
Closed for Reservations
March 6 – 18, 2012
Accommodation
Tao Garden Health Spa & Resort, founded by Taoist Master, Mantak Chia, sits beneath the Himalayas’ lush foothills and is a dynamic oasis of health and wellness, blending the traditional Eastern arts of Taoist massage, acupuncture, Ayurvedic practices from India and 5 Element Chinese healing systems, along with new developments in holistic Western medicine. Tao Garden is a tranquil sanctuary where body, mind and spirit are soothed and the heart is encouraged to open. The resort features a large sun drenched pool with shaded lounge chairs, herbal steam bath, exercise room, tennis and basketball courts, the beautiful Anyamanee Spa, the Pakua Clinic, and the Joy of Juice Club. http://www.tao-garden.com
Salad Beach Resort is located on idyllic Haad Salad, a pure white sand beach in a picture perfect bay with all the trappings of tropical island life. The resort is set amongst beautiful tropical gardens and is set right on the beach, harmonizing with the wonderful natural surroundings and making it the perfect place to spend a dream holiday. The resort features an open-air restaurant on the beach, a swimming pool, a waterfall jacuzzi, a spa, and a diving school. http://www.phangan-saladbeachresort.com
Tour Itinerary
Our retreat in Thailand will be spent at two glorious destinations where we will absorb the teachings of Master Mantak Chia and Minke de Vos.
For the first half of our retreat we will base ourselves at the Tao Garden Health Resort and Spa. In the morning Master Chia will teach us the following courses of study: Inner Smile, Six Healing Sounds, the Microcosmic Orbit, Iron Shirt Qigong, and Tan Tien Qigong. In the afternoon we will have time to enjoy all the wonderful facilities the resort has to offer or head off to explore nearby sites with fun-filled excursions.
The second part of the retreat will be spent at Salad Beach Resort. Classes with Minke de Vos will deepen the embodiment of the Tao Basics. Our schedule will be flexible and will be adjusted according to the needs and interests of the individuals in the group and what is going on in the local places. We will practice together in the mornings and evenings, and then enjoy the afternoons with adventures, bodywork or rest.
We will do 3 excursions the first 6 days and 2 the last 6 days. On our excursions we will stop occasionally to take in the beauty of the island with our whole body and feel the energy through practices like Tree Hugging and Qigong Walking. When we show the earth our delight, love and appreciation, the earth is strengthened. Our joy is multiplied through celebrating life together!
Day 1 Tue, Mar 6: Arrive Chiang Mai; Tao Garden (D)
Arrive in Chiang Mai and be transferred to the captivating and internationally renowned Tao Garden Health Spa & Resort, the most unique natural health spa in the world and our base for the next 6 nights. Our week at this peaceful retreat will be full of insightful teachings, healthful activities, including many opportunities for pampering and indulgence as well. Settle in to your beautiful room and set out to explore the gorgeous surroundings. This evening we will gather for a Welcome Dinner where we will be introduced to our retreat leaders and fellow participants.(Overnight at the Tao Garden Health Spa & Resort)
Day 2 Wed, Mar 7: Tao Garden; Excursion to Wat Suan Dok Temple (B, L, D)
We begin our day outside in the Tai Chi field where we will join the community and other guests in qigong and morning exercises followed by a fruit break and breakfast. We will then head over to the Meditation Hall to begin our course with Master Chia on the Tao Basics of Energy Cultivation, which give you a map of your body and its energy channels. You will learn how to navigate with inner awareness and tap into the abundant healing chi from the matrix of the Universe and the nurturing Earth. Our first topic of study will be the Cosmic Inner Smile. The Cosmic Inner Smile is a powerful internal healing and relaxation meditation, which dissolves physical and mental tensions that can cause energy blockages and unhealthy Chi. It enhances the energy of the organs and glands, our life force in general, and stills and focuses the heart and mind (hsien). It makes us more aware of our body and inner being, because we learn to communicate with our organs, glands, spine and other specific parts of our body, as well as our soul. Taoists discovered that consciousness is rooted not only in the brain, but also in the vital organs and in a more subtle sense, in each of the cells. Smiling to the organs and thanking them for the work they do will reawaken the intelligence of the body. We are often so out of touch with the body and emotions that we do not notice inner disharmony developing until it finally manifests itself as a serious illness. Practicing the Cosmic Inner Smile daily lets us look inside to keep in touch with the state of our inner organs, our Chi, our breath and emotions. We can spot problems at their inception, making it easier to balance the emotions and virtues.
After class, we break for lunch and then set out in the afternoon for an excursion to Wat Suan Dok Temple, a Royal Temple of the Third Class. Wat Suan Dok, which translates roughly to “Flower Garden Temple”, was founded in 1370 CE for the monk Sumana Thera, by King Kue Na of Lanna. The temple was built in the centre of Wiang Suan Dok, a walled settlement of the Lawa people who are older thanChiang Mai itself. Here, we will listen to a lecture about Buddhism in Thailand, have an open discussion with one of the Buddhist monks and then participate in a meditation course.
Later we return to our resort to enjoy a delicious and healthful dinner. This evening we will be introduced to our Tao Yin Yoga practice, which incorporates exercises for rejuvenation, health and longevity. Starting with full body breathing, we will move through a series of exercises that activate the meridians governing the various organs. The psoas “Muscles of the Soul” and the flexibility of spine are emphasized and strengthened while tendon elasticity is enhanced for greater flexibility.
(Overnight at the Tao Garden Health Spa & Resort)
Day 3 Thu, Mar 8: Tao Garden (B, L, D)
We begin our day once again with our morning exercises followed by a fruit break with succulent local fruits and a hearty breakfast. We then head over to the Meditation Hall for our course with Master Chia. Today we will focus on the Microcosmic Orbit and learn the correct practices of qigong. We will begin with warm-ups then learn how to sit properly and keep the spine supple and loose. We will also learn about inner smiling, warming the stove, activating sexual energy, gathering Tan Tien Chi, and connecting with the Cosmos to draw the Cosmic Energy into your Microcosmic Orbit, and create the Cosmic Orbit with the Universe. We will learn how to use the recommended techniques for enhancing the sensation of Chi: mind eye power, hands-on touching of vital Chi centres, and natural breathing methods, and how to use them in combination to draw ever more Chi into the Microcosmic Orbit.
These techniques will support the conscious opening of your Microcosmic Orbit, a vital force which will allow you to open up your senses and increase the awareness of your own microcosm of mind, body and spirit connection with that of the macrocosm of the universe and its own sustaining forces. Creating this connection will support you on the path to more balance, harmony and peace, and will help you maintain this as a lifelong state of being.
After our morning session we break for lunch and then have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy the resort facilities. Splash around in the swimming pool, soak in the therapeutic hydrotherapy pool, take an herbal steam bath or indulge in some pampering spa treatments. The day is yours to enjoy at your leisure so make the most of your time at the resort by exploring all the wonderful services it offers. Evening practice will be a Full Moon Qigong for connecting with the full moon energy. This Cosmic Feminine Energy is very healing and empowers self reflection.
(Overnight at the Tao Garden Health Spa & Resort)
Day 4 Fri, Mar 9: Tao Garden; Excursion to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep Temple (B, L, D)
We begin our day with our usual qigong and morning exercises followed by breakfast. We then explore the Six Healing Sounds, the sounds that heal, with Master Chia in the Meditation Hall. The Six Healing Sounds and their related postures help to restore, balance, and cleanse the vital organs. They also stimulate the Chi flow throughout the body to enhance one’s overall health and vitality, and help release any excess heat that may be trapped in the cooling sacs that surround each organ. This course will show you how to assume the postures and produce the sounds sub-vocally; their vibrations redistribute any excess heat into cooler regions of the body where it can safely be stored or used. Once the organ energies are balanced, you have a good foundation for establishing and nurturing the virtue energies. This will help to maintain the Chi balance throughout the system. Minor ailments, such as colds, flu, and sore throats, can be prevented or thrown off easily. Several psychologists have taught some of their patients to use the Six Healing Sounds in sitting, standing, and laying down postures to relieve depression, anxiety or anger; body work oriented healers have used the Six Healing Sounds to help speed up healing, while spending less of their own life force energy.
We then enjoy another delicious lunch at the resort and later depart for an excursion to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep Temple. This sacred temple, which enshrines sacred relics, is more commonly referred to as “Doi Suthep”, the name of the mountain on which it is located. The original founding of the temple remains a legend, however, it is thought that the temple was founded in 1383 when the first chedi was built. Over time, the temple has expanded with more extravagant enhancements including the addition of more holy shrines.From the temple, we can admire the impressive views of Chiang Mai. Upon our return to the resort you may enjoy more of the facilities and many amenities. In the evening we gather for dinner and end the day with our Tao Yin Yoga practice along with a practice including the Six Healing Sounds we learned earlier in the day.(Overnight at the Tao Garden Health Spa & Resort)
Day 5 Sat, Mar 10: Tao Garden (B, L, D)
Qigong and morning exercises will begin our day once again, followed by breakfast. Heading to the Meditation Hall, we settle in for our next session with Master Chia. Today we learn Iron Shirt Qigong. In the days before gunpowder, Iron Shirt Qigong was one of the principal martial arts. This martial art built powerful bodies, able to withstand hand-to-hand combat. Even then, however, martial use was only one aspect of Iron Shirt Qigong and today its other aspects remain vitally significant for anyone seeking better health, a sane mind and spiritual growth. “Iron Shirt” refers to the fact that its unique system of breathing exercises, which pack concentrated chi into the fascia (connective tissues) surrounding the vital organs, protects them from injuries, accidents or blows. We also learn how to root ourselves in the earth’s power and thus to direct the earth’s gravitational and healing power through our bone structure. Iron Shirt’s strengthening of the organs is of special interest to athletes and performers, for it teaches them how to increase the performance of the organs during sports, speech, singing, dancing, and playing music. For the Taoist masters, all this in turn lays the groundwork for higher, spiritual work.
After our morning session we enjoy lunch and then spend the afternoon at leisure. Continue to focus on strengthening your body at the resort’s fitness center or sports area. Go for a hike to explore the wonderful flora and fauna on the property and then indulge in some pampering with optional spa treatments. You may also wish to spend some time in quiet contemplation resting in one of the many serene and quiet areas found among the resort. Later in the evening, after dinner, we gather once again for our usual Tao Yin Yoga practice.(Overnight at the Tao Garden Health Spa & Resort)
Day 6 Sun, Mar 11: Tao Garden; Excursion to Tai Lin Temple (B, L, D)
We begin our day once again with our qigong and morning exercises followed by breakfast and then head to the Meditation Hall for our final session with Master Chia. Today we will focus on Tan Tien Qigong, which strengthens your core with Taoist “Empty Force” breathing, incorporating powerful “Dragon” and “Tiger” sounds.After lunch we enjoy another excursion to the Tai Lin Temple where we will receive an initiation of Quan Yin and view the beautiful statue of this Goddess of Compassion. After returning to the resort we have time to freshen up and relax before gathering for dinner, followed by our Tao Yin Yoga practice. As this is your final evening at this beautiful resort, be sure to take advantage of all the wonderful amenities and the spectacular grounds.
(Overnight at the Tao Garden Health Spa & Resort)
Day 7 Mon, Mar 12: Koh Phangan; Salad Beach Resort (B)
Leaving the peaceful resort of Tao Garden, having learned and absorbed the teachings of Master Mantak Chia, we continue our journey and transfer to the airport for our flight to Koh Samui. After our flight we board a 45 minute ferry ride and transfer to our base for the next 6 nights, Salad Beach Resort in Koh Phangan, “the most natural destination in the eastern sea of Thailand”. This stunning resort will be our playground for the next week. Check in to your room upon arrival and roam the breathtaking grounds. Here, we will deepen the embodiment of the Tao Basics and Healing Love practices we learned at Tao Garden with Minke de Vos. The first 3 days we will focus on solo cultivation to gain mastery of the energy and the last 3 days we will focus on how we can apply this knowledge to heal and enhance our relationships.
This evening we will begin our Bone Toning Qigong practicewhich will involve standing postures and joint opening to purify the bone marrow, build blood, strengthen the bones, and increase bone density. The practice will also improve movement, prevent lower and back pain and injuries, recharge the kidneys and the brain, strengthen the immune system, and build a strong and aligned posture. Through our practice we will penetrate the chi and sound vibration into the bones to build internal power and rooting. We will empower our yoga postures with a heightened awareness of our heaven and earth alignment and release internal knots with unwinding, spontaneous movements. Allow the wisdom of energy to work its magic on you!(Overnight at Salad Beach Resort)
Day 8 Tue, Mar 13: Salad Beach Resort (B, L)
This morning we begin the day with a qigong practice on the beach. We will shake, stretch, breathe, move energy and connect consciously with the environment. We then enjoy a delicious tropical breakfast and have a bit of time to swim and relax before our class. Our morning classes will be tailored to the energy of the group and will incorporate meditation and discussion. During this course, you will learn the practice of Healing Love, a practice that connects your sexual energy with your heart to grow love and compassion, and learn how to cultivate our sexual energy for health and bliss. Through mindfulness, breathing and movement you will learn how to refine and channel your creative energy, strengthen your pelvic floor, and be present in your body. You will also learn how to activate your multi-orgasmic potential, a safe and supportive Taoist tantric practice that involves no explicit sexual activity. You will also learn Chi Self Massage, which stimulates chi and blood circulation to rejuvenate the body. Learn how to individually release blockages, surrender to the flow, and enliven your expression of love through your body.
After class, we eat lunch together and then you have the rest of the day to enjoy independently. Wander the grounds of the beautiful resort, take a dip in the pool, relax in the waterfall jacuzzi, splash around in the sea, or indulge in some optional spa treatments. In the evening, we gather together once more for our Bone Toning Qigong practicebefore drifting off to sleep; we may even be joined by local musicians and members of the local community.
(Overnight at Salad Beach Resort)
Day 9 Wed, Mar 14: Salad Beach Resort: Snorkeling Excursion (B, L)
We begin the day with a Heart Qigong practiceon the beach. This simple moving form will help teach you how to connect your compassionate heart with the world around you. Nourish yourself with the forces of the 6 directions and bless with peace the local energy field.
After our morning practice, we enjoy breakfast and then head out for an exciting day and a fun-filled snorkeling excursion. Our day trip will take us along Koh Phangan’s west coast to some of the best places for snorkeling and diving. We will stop at 2 or 3 bays for snorkeling where we will have the chance to see many types of sea creatures and coral gardens. Some of the species of fish found in these waters include coral groupers, barracudas, six-banded angelfish, anemone, box-fish, sea turtles and more. During our day trip we will also take a break and recharge with a delicious traditional Thai lunch.
We return to our resort in the late afternoon allowing you to freshen up and relax after an exhilarating and active day. In the evening we gather together for our evening Bone Toning Qigong practice.
(Overnight at Salad Beach Resort)
Day 10 Thu, Mar 15: Salad Beach Resort (B, L)
Greet the day on the glorious beach with a Sexual Vitality Qigong practice where you will learn to flow sensually with the “Swimming Dragon”. We then enjoy breakfast and a bit of leisure time before class. Today we will continue to enhance our practice and deepen our knowledge. We will also learn Ovarian or Testicle Breathing and upward draws to refine and energize our higher centres, and explore the inner alchemy of masculine and feminine energies to balance our inner life, while enhancing our sexual polarity.
We break for lunch and then enjoy another afternoon at leisure. Spend the day with activities that enhance the teachings you are learning. Practice self-love with some pampering spa treatments, enjoy playful activities with your new friends, or deepen your qigong practice independently. The whole day is yours to fill as you please. In the evening we join as a group for our Bone Toning Qigong practice before retiring.
(Overnight at Salad Beach Resort)
Day 11 Fri, Mar 16: Salad Beach Resort; Excursion to Wat Khao Tham (B, L)
This morning we gather on the beach for an Earth Relationship Qigong practice where we will stabilize and root our energy and connection with the Earth. After breakfast we gather for class and focus on Harmonious Exchange. Together we will dance and flow, connecting with one another spiritually and energetically. After our class we enjoy lunch together and then head off for another day of discovery off the resort.
This afternoon we explore the Wat Khao Tham, a Vipassana Buddhist temple located on a hilltop near Ban Tai Beach. This cave temple is located amidst unspoiled mountain scenery and is a favourite spot for meditation on the island. Near the temple we will also stop at Wat Pho Steam House and indulge in a purifying and detoxifying steam treatment with Thai herbs. We then enjoy a delicious lunch and refresh with a delicious ice cream treat at a homemade ice cream shop located in a forest just outside the main town. Upon returning to the resort, spend some time to relax and settle in. In the evening we gather once more for our Bone Toning Qigong practice.
(Overnight at Salad Beach Resort)
Day 12 Sat, Mar 17: Salad Beach Resort (B, D)
Today we begin our day once more with our morning qigong practice followed by a delicious breakfast. We then settle in for our daily class where we will review and discuss the teachings we have learned thus far. Today is the day to clarify any questions you may have so that you can build a deep understanding of all the techniques and wisdom you have learned. We will incorporate meditation, dance and movement into our class and share our energy for a rich and soulful practice.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. This is your last day to take advantage of all the resort amenities so be sure to take in as much as you can. In the evening, we gather for a final Farewell Dinner. This will be your opportunity to share your favourite moments and highlights of the retreat as well as express gratitude to all those who shared in the journey with you. We will close the evening with a final Bone Toning Qigong practiceand head to sleep in preparation for a day of traveling the next day.
(Overnight at Salad Beach Resort)
Day 13 Sun, Mar 18: (B)
Our last morning in magnificent Thailand, we enjoy a delicious tropical breakfast and then prepare for your return flight home. Transfer to the ferry dock and board your ferry back to Koh Samui, then transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangkok and then your return flight home. May you be filled with a wealth of knowledge, wisdom and love, and many wonderful memories.
(B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to conditions beyond our control.
Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to conditions beyond our control.
Tour Inclusions
Tour Includes:
- 12 nights accommodation based on double/shared occupancy – 6 nights at Tao Garden Health & Spa Resort and 6 nights at Salad Beach Resort
- All meals at Tao Garden Health & Spa Resort
- Breakfast Daily, 4 Lunches, and 1 Farewell Dinner at Salad Beach Resort
- Airport Transfers
- Ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan and return
- Local Flights – Chiang Mai/Koh Samui & Koh Samui/Bangkok
- Transportation and entrance fees for all afternoon excursions included in the itinerary
Added Features:
- In-depth Classes, Wisdom Teachings, and Discussions with Master Mantak Chia and Minke de Vos
- Daily Tao Yin Yoga and Qigong Practices
- Meditations and Movement Exercises
- Visit Wat Suan Dok Temple with Lecture, Discussion and Meditation with local Buddhist Monk
- Visit Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep Temple
- Visit Tai Lin Temple
- Snorkelling Excursion with traditional Thai Lunch
- Visit to Wat Khao Tham Temple and Steam Treatment at Wat Pho Steamhouse
- Excellent Resort Amenities and Free Activities
- Optional Spa Treatments
Tour Does Not Include:
- Airfare to Chiang Mai, Thailand and return from Bangkok, Thailand
- Cancellation & Medical Insurance (please call us for a quote)
- Meals and drinks not specified (participants will be responsible for buying their own food in Hana)
- Cost to obtain valid passport
- Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks and telephone calls. Any item that is not specifically detailed on our website or in the final retreat itinerary.
Please read the Terms and Conditions for this tour.
TOUR PRICES:
** Bonus! SAVE! You will receive a 5% discount if ALL payments are made by check or money order. This discounted price is noted below in red.
Price Per Person (Land Only)
$3,600 payments via check or money order
$3,789 payments via credit card
Single Supplement
$750 payments via check or money order
$789 payments via credit card
Travel Insurance
Body Mind Spirit Journeys highly recommends the purchase of Trip Cancellation/Interruption Travel Insurance, and we therefore provide you with an easy way to contact BMSJ’s preferred insurance provider, Access America
If you need additional information or have questions, please call Access America directly at 800-284-8300, and refer to code F025323.