Wednesday, October 18, 2006

DAN FANTHORPE

DAN FANTHORPE

I have a background in classical Hatha yoga, including Ashtanga
Vinyasa yoga and yoga therapy. My main practice is
Ashtanga but my focus at the moment is on yoga therapy. I guide
students toward comfortable stillness in yoga asana. We work on
creating a balanced body to live in and a balanced mind to live with.
I started teaching in 1997 at a small school hall in New Zealand
with 3 students and when I left there were 20. Teaching those first classes
fired my passion for teaching and from there at the age of 18 I did my
first Hatha Yoga Teacher Training with the IYTA in New Zealand.
I also studied with my mother Valda Jaquiery in the Iyengar system
for 2 years.
With the yearning for knowledge I decided to leave New Zealand and
head to India. It was there I found a love for Ashtanga
yoga and Buddhist Tantra .
After a few years of searching and dabling my feet in the yoga well, teaching
and practicing, I completed an Advanced Hatha Yoga Teacher Training in
Byron Bay with Louisa Seer and Yoga Arts for 9 continuous months.
I then came back to New Zealand to set up the Tapas School of Yoga
in New Plymouth.
From there I had the opportunity to come to Sydney and work with Eileen
Hall as a senior teacher at Ashtanga Yoga Moves in Paddington.
I also teach classes at Elix’r Health Club in Sydney and conduct workshops
Internationally.
I continue to study and teach in India and Sydney. My partner, son
and I base ourselves on the Central Coast, NSW, Australia.

email: danthemanhere@hotmail.com

MEDITATION ON SAMUI


Dipabhavan
Meditation Retreats
“The Development of Light Hermitage”
Koh Samui, Surat Thani
April 22nd - 27th

Monthly Meditation Retreats in English & Thai

As Taught by

Venerable Than Ajarn Poh
(Abott of Wat Suan Mohk)

Are you tired of all the hustle and bustle in your mind? Meditation is a way of calming the mind so that we can see things more clearly and create a more wholesome, peaceful life for ourselves and others around us. Here is a chance to learn to meditate and about some of the Buddhas teachings. The new Theepapawan Meditation Centre offers 5-day silent Buddhist Meditation retreats for beginners. It is located in an idyllically peaceful and natural setting atop a mountain in the beautiful forests above Hua Thanon, just south of Lamai.

What is the 5 Day Meditation Retreat?
It is a very special period of time in one’s life which one devotes just to oneself, a time to explore and learn the “inner side” of oneself. This is an opportunity get to know yourself thoroughly, in all aspects, e.g., who you are, what you really need in life and how you can accomplish it. This retreat might just be a start towards discovering your true essence. A meaningful experience that may prove to be one of the most rewarding of your life.

What the participants learn:
Ãnãpãnasati (mindfulness with breathing)
o The breath & the body as a basis for mindfulness
o Feelings as a basis for mindfulness
o The mind (heart) as a basis for mindfulness
o The Dhamma (Law of Nature) as a basis for mindfulness

Practice: Formal Meditation
o sitting meditation
o standing meditation
o walking meditation
o lying down meditation (only during free time in your private room)
o loving kindness meditation

Who should participate?
The retreat is open for people from all walks of life, races, ages, sexes, faiths, and beliefs without prejudice or discrimination. It is good for anyone who wants a happy life, a life that has an aim, a life that is full of meaning, a life that is free from all stresses, pressures, frustrations, and problems, a life that is beneficial to everyone and everything in this universe.
One should be mentally balanced and in reasonably good health; the retreat is not substitute for psychotherapy or the like.

The retreat is free of charge however, donations are welcome.

WELCOME TO KOH SAMUI


Koh Samui is an island in the Gulf of Siam, south of Bangkok. It is famous for its numerous bays and beaches, and the welcoming attitude of the peaceful Thai people.
Koh Samui has over 150years established coconut farming. Over 2 million coconuts are harvested monthly. Fishing has also been the livelihood for many island people. You can still see unaffected fishing villages which give a timeless view of island life. Hence the fishing harbor in front of Spa Samui Beach Resort, Lamai Beach.


The “Samui folks”, as they are called, are easy going and full of laughter. This beautiful tropical island, Koh Samui, is known as the “Island of Smiles”. Buddhism is the religion of over 90% of the island. Some of the attractions include The Big Buddha Temple, rocky coast lines and tropical waterfalls such as Hin Lat and Na Muang. When was the last time you showered under a waterfall? A perfect place to relax , contemplate, meditate....

The Spa Village is in the tranquil Lamai Valley and is designed with your physical and emotional health in mind. You can relax by the pool under the swaying palms sipping ‘young coconut juice’......or take advantage of all Spa Samui’s optional extras: take a mountain bike trek, do a jungle hike, take the shuttle bus to the beach or the markets, indulge in massage, reiki, craniosacral therapy, numerology, hypnotherapy, chiropractic, healthy lectures, tea ceremony.... A great spot to rejuvenate one’s body, mind, and soul.

For more information on Spa Samui and all it has to offer please see www.spasamui.com or www.thesparesorts.net

That’s what this AstangaSpa retreat is all about, a great place to develop your practice and better your quality of life. This is the place to unwind, enjoy good company and AMAZING food. To treat your body to wonderful massages and your mind to peace and harmony. This is the place to allow the spirit to be lifted of everyday burdens and to learn what you can do for yourself to reach the best health and happiness of your life. Take advantage of all that Spa Samui has been sharing with its patrons for many years and allow your practice to grow with the guidance of Mark and Dan. And as a precursor to all the above, if you have the time, embark on the wonderful journey that is Buddhist Meditation as taught by Tharn Ajarn Poh of Wat Suan Mokkh. Learn the way of acceptance and the path from suffering (dukkha) with Anapanassiti/Vipassana, at the five day silent meditation retreat.

Inclusions:
1 x VIP Steam Room, & Massage: Take your time relaxing in our Herbal Steam Room (which includes sarongs, towels & showers), let the Thai herbs do their thing, while enjoying our Thai slender tea. After your steam a rejuvenating drink of watermelon juice. Now you’re ready for your hour Aromic Herb Oil Massage. After your massage you’ll be treated to a fresh fruit salad to replace the blood sugar.

1 x Classical Thai Massage: This is the real Thai Massage. Our practitioners are under the ongoing training of an A-jarn (revered master) who regularly visits The Spa to give instruction. The “touch technique” is the slowest and deepest approach we have. This is a two-hour massage used to correct major imbalances of energy that may have developed into some form of symptom.

GETTING TO KOH SAMUI


GETTING TO KOH SAMUI
First Arrange To Get To Bangkok...
Let Kellie know if you would like her to arrange your flights. It may be possible to arrange a group discount booking.

THEN TO KOH SAMUI ISLAND............

Overnight Train to Surat Thani, Bus then Ferry to Koh Samui.
If you’re up for a bit of adventure and you aren’t short for time, the overnight train from Bangkok to Surat Thani (PhunPin) and ferry ride gives a glimpse of Thailand life. The train is a ride not to be missed (definitely a favourite of mine).
Combination tickets (train, bus & ferry) bring you, eventually, to your wonderful island escape. Trains depart Bangkok 6.30pm, 7.20pm, 9.55pm & 10.35pm, arriving in Phunpin (Surat Thani) between 5.34am & 7.20am (fan compartments 580bht/upper berth, 630bht/lower and A/C 680bht/upper berth, 730bht/lower). Lower berth is definitely more comfortable if you are able to arrange it at time of booking.
The last two trains (9.55 & 10.35pm) are not sleepers, so book early to avoid an uncomfortable night! All trains are met with buses connecting to the ferries, and you’ll be whisked away on a kamikaze ride to DonSak, perhaps regretting that you were too stingy to pay the extra for the flight. All going well you’ll be at the retreat by early afternoon. Most travel agents (in Bangkok) handle train arrangements, or go to Hualamphong Station in Bangkok.
Again, ask Kellie for further instructions, it is possible to land in Bangkok and be on the train to Surat that same night....

Flights
Bangkok Airways
BANGKOK - SAMUI . 2000 - 3,700 bht each way, very easy to book online.
10-30 flights daily (depends on season)
PHUKET - SAMUI . 1,600 bht each way (approx.)

From baggage claim at the Samui Airport just ask the “Limo” van to Lamai to go to Spa Village (“Spa Boon Cow”) approx. 200 Baht or to the Spa Beach Resort. approx. 150 Baht (and catch the free shuttle bus to Spa Village, runs every half hour).

Thai Airways
BANGKOK - SURAT . 2,350 bht each way.
But you must then take a connecting bus (& ferry) to Samui (500bht). The 10:30am flight gets you on the island by early afternoon. The 5.40pm flight arrives at 6.55pm, and a Bus to Khanom (or taxi) can be attempted to get you to the last ferry, or take the (rather dubious) night ferry from the main pier, arriving at Nathon (Samui) at 6am.

Bus
Air-conditioned buses depart regularly (almost every hour) from Bangkok’s southern bus terminal from 8am till 9pm. Fares are approx. 375bht all the way to Samui (includes ferry - this is a good price, as ferry tickets bought in Surat can be up to 350bht) or 280bht to Surat.