Diwali Festival of Light

21-22 October 2017 An evening program of sound healing, candlelight meditation and festive dinner. There is the option to stay overnight at Kookaburra Creek, enjoy early morning meditation, breakfast and then stay on for the Sound Silence Stillness 1 Day Retreat - a beautiful and uplifting weekend program to

every now and then we need to retreat from the busyness of our lives to delve deep into the heart, the mind and the soul.

An immersive yoga retreat with a focus on the higher limbs of raja yoga and the philosophical tradition of advaita vedanta. Also included is hatha yoga, nature walks, forest meditations, agni hotra, sound healing and nourishing, delicious foods for a holistic, revitalising, restorative and truly transformative weekend.

Samyama is the yogic processes of dharana, dhyana and samadhi merged together through specific yogic practices resulting in powerfully insightful meditation where we come to 'know' the true nature of that which we meditate upon.

​We identify and unravel the inner obstacles through self-enquiry (vichara) and satsang, gaining the space and clarity to discern the higher truths and awaken to the usually inaccessible stages and states of spiritual consciousness (samadhi). The result...understanding, awareness, acceptance, peace, bliss, purpose.

The retreat is facilitated by Robert Becker and Mandy BeckerKnox - knowledgeable and caring teachers who have practiced and taught yoga and meditation most of their lives, after years of guidance from their own teachers in the traditional ashrams of India.

​This is a profound opportunity to deepen your knowledge of yoga and its underlying philosophies, and to experience the beauty and gifts of the subtler, less commonly taught practices of Yoga.
Samyama means perfect
​control of the mind

"Samyama is a technical name for three inseparable processes of Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi taken collectively. By the practice of Samyama, the Yogi gets knowledge and powers. The three processes are practised on any one object successively at the same time. The five Angas of Yoga are intended to purify the body, Prana and the senses. These three practices purify the mind. They constitute the very basis of Yoga. With the help of these three, the Yogi dives deep within and brings out the pearl of knowledge of anything."
​~ Swami Sivananda
Retreat highlights
  • early morning healing meditation
  • ​pranayama (yogic breathwork) 
  • samyama meditation practice
  • sacred bush walk & meditation nearby
  • solitary forest meditation
  • mouna (silence) and time for reflection
  • agni hotra vedic fire rituals
  • sound healing
  • yoga philosophy - Advaita Vedanta; Raja Yoga of Patanjali
  • time for deep rest
  • lovely, newly renovated retreat centre less than an hour from most places in Perth

Upcoming dates

Upcoming Yoga & Meditation Weekend Retreat dates:
  • 17-19 November 2017​​
about
Meditation is amazing - we literally peel away the layers of illusion to reveal the majesty and beauty, the creativity and insight of the true self. In all our seeking, striving and all our doing, we forget that perfect knowledge and insight are cultivated through being still and are found within. Even yoga is something we 'do', yet is also the state we desire to attain. It is through Samyama that the meditator becomes the meditation, the dancer become the dance, the subtle form of that which we meditate upon is revealed to us. 

holistic yoga
Retreats are an opprtunity to live and experience the yogic lifestyle. Sivananda's traditional hatha yoga is comprised of 5 distinct points which together comprise a balanced and holistic system of self-care and self-awareness. On this retreat we include proper exercise (yoga asana); proper breathing (pranayama); proper relaxation (yoga nidra); proper thinking (meditation); proper diet and lifestyle (sattvic/peaceful food, time in nature). When practiced with sincerity and integrated into everyday life and everyday thinking, traditional yoga perfectly and effortlessly brings balance and harmony to the 5 aspects of self: the body, breath, mind/emotions, wisdom and soul. 

samyama
While the other limbs (asana, pranayama, pratyahara) work to purify the body, prana and the senses, dharana, dhyana and samadhi purify the mind and its thoughts and emotions.
To be in samyama is to be in a state where you have perfect control over the mind. In this state, the ideas and beliefs we think are true are revealed as illusory, fleeting & disproportionately important. This process of shedding illusion eventually reveals the divine self - and this first glimpse, ou rfirst experience of samadhi, even if it is momentary, can be electrifying and life-changing. It is through diligence and continuing practice that we integrate insights in a meaningful and authentic way.

Weekend program

Friday
5.00pm Arrive between 4pm - 5pm 
4.00pm Afternoon Tea
5.00pm Hatha Yoga
6.45pm Agni Hotra 
7.00pm Dinner 
8.00pm Opening Circle
8.30pm Yoga Nidra & Trataka
9.30pm Mouna

Saturday
6.00am Wake up & tea
6.30am Mano Yoga Meditation
8.00am Hatha Yoga
9.45am Breakfast
11.00am Sharing Circle & Meditation
1.00pm Lunch
2.00pm Mouna and Rest
3.00pm Samyama Meditation
4.00pm Afternoon tea
4.30pm Hatha/Yin Yoga 
5.30pm Pranayama/Meditation 
6.45pm Agni Hotra 
7.00pm Dinner 
8.00pm Sound Journey Meditation
9.30pm Mouna

Sunday
6.30am Wake up & tea
7.00am Mano Yoga Meditation
8.00am Hatha Yoga
9.45am Breakfast 
11.00am Samyama Meditation
12.00pm Forest Walk & Reflection 
1.00pm Closing Circle
1.30pm Lunch 
3.00pm Departure
Staying at Kookaburra Creek...
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Stunning space for our yoga and meditation practice
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Warm, cosy shared living and eating spaces
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We feed your soul...delicious, nourishing, heart-warming sattvic food
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Food is fresh, vital and prepared with love
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Spacious shared bedrooms with either 2, 3 or 4 beds. Fresh, beautiful linen.
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Luxurious, renovated bathrooms
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Wrap around verandahs with hammocks and chairs overlooking the forest
Book Now

About the venue & program

Kookabura Creek Yoga Centre

Kookaburra Creek Yoga Centre in the Perth hills is set within 10 acres of natural bush. The centre was created as a sanctuary for seekers to experience the profound depths of true yoga. The centre has been blessed by our spiritual gurus who's presence, wisdom and influence infuse the program and teachings. The centre and grounds are a beautiful, pristine and vital environment which supports, replenishes and holds you during your retreat. ​

The healing power of nature

Living closely to nature brings us into harmony with both the external environment and our inner nature, enabling an intuitive understanding of what is needed to rebalance and bring healing to the body, mind and soul. On this retreat we meditate within and upon nature, including the sun, the moon and the trees.

Hatha Yoga

Kookaburra Yoga's integrated system of Hatha and Raja Yoga is holistic and beneficial on every level of being. Asanas are of 2 types (both rejuventative/uplifting and restorative/calming) imbued with 4 qualities: those which bring inner quiet; those which bring focus and body awareness; those which bring humility and detachment; and those which increase confidence and vitality.

Daily Rhythm

We establish a rhythm and routine which bring immediate calmness to the body, mind and soul. The schedule for your days and evenings is taken care of, allowing you to relax deeply, immersing yourself in the program and the retreat process. You'll fall asleep to the sounds of the forest.

Switch off and reconnect

We unplug from technology for the weekend. By all means bring a book (paper), camera, and provide loved ones with our landline for emergencies. With our focus consciously tuned to experience the present moment, the natural world and our own inner nature we are able to begin the recovery and reintegration of our fragmented attention.

Rest, write, read & reflect

Many people come to a retreat for rest and respite. We have allowed time in the program for  the rest you need and reflection. Our wide verandahs overlooking the creek and forest with comfortable chairs and hammocks are the perfect place to read, write or reflect. 

Sangha (community)

You'll have the time and the opportunity to get to know and share with others. We have some lovely big common areas to relax and mingle. This is balanced with extended periods of mouna where we keep company with others while maintaining a respectful silence to enable each other to go deeply into the meditation and retreat processes.

Agni Hotra

Agni Hotra is a purifying vedic fire ceremony performed exactly at sunset and sunrise. The ceremony, which includes burning cow dung and chanting mantras, is purfying and cleansing to both the environment and to participants. The Havan is a longer and more complex fire ritual sometimes included if the weather is permitting.

Accommodation

We have several onsite accommodation options which include shared rooms in the newly refurbished retreat centre which can accommodate 13 guests in single beds. There are 2 cosy, enclosed gazebos which each sleep2 guests. Beautiful, new bathrooms are shared.

Powerful, healing places 

We take an extended walk to nearby places in the Wungong and Churchman's Brook reserves. These are places of spiritual significance and natural beauty, and spend time meditating on the scarp, by the river's edge and upon granite boulders. This country is imbued with a powerful life force which is nourishing and healing

Sound Journey

A beautiful sound journey with guest sound healer Nicole Lloyd who uses sacred instruments including large gongs, crystal bowls, the flute and koshi chimes to transport you to a blissful state where deep healing, integration and soul connection occur. The sounds nourish and nurture, bringing calmness to the nervous system enabling a deep and true relaxation experience.

Sattvic Food

Food on this retreat is sattvic - meaning it brings peace and enhances the wellbeing of the body, mind and spirit. All food is plant-based, predominantly organic with much of the produce coming from our own kitchen garden. Cuisine is vegetarian and gluten-free, and is sustainable, pure and real. Vegan options for all dishes.

Total surrender

On retreat we leave behind concerns and distractions to deeply and profoundly realise the spiritual and material benefits of yoga, returning to our lives with renewed energy and focus. We deepen the gratitude in our hearts for both the joys and sorrows of our lives. Both are a gift of love leading us beyond duality to the graceful, limitless centre of ourselves. 

About the facilitators

Robert Becker

Robert has taught yoga and inspired many students over almost 4 decades here in Australia, and also India, Africa and Europe. Robert is a humble teacher, his yoga is deeply spiritual and real and he is committed to sharing and passing forward the insights and knowledge he has acquired. Robert has a Masters in Psychiatric Social Work, having worked in the field for many years, and is a professional and skilful group facilitator and spiritual guide. 

Mandy BeckerKnox

Mandy has decades of experience teaching the subtle, powerful and transformational methods of yoga. Her knowledge and insights have been inspired through devotion, consistent practice, higher education in yoga, Ayurveda, the arts, and integration of yogic values and concepts into everyday family and professional life. Mandy makes traditional, spiritual yoga practical, relevant and accessible.

Testimonials

"The four day Yoga retreat was the most peaceful, insightful and healing experience I've ever had. The shared accommodation was comfortable and vegetarian meals were absolutely fabulous; home made exquisitely prepared cousins. The days were fully scheduled with yoga, meditation, bush walks, healing fire ceremonies and many more soul nurturing activities. Mandy and Robert are remarkably skilled in all aspects of Yoga and share their knowledge with love and attentivness. I am very grateful for such a wonderful retreat, set in a beautiful pocket of green bush environment."  
~ Debbie

"Sincere heartfelt gratitude to Mandy, Robert, and your beautiful family and friends for such a blissful weekend; words don't seem to do it justice. The Easter Vigil Retreat was precisely what I needed at precisely the right moment.  And the food was mouth-wateringly delicious each and every love-filled meal! I would highly recommend this to anyone seeking to soothe the soul, tune in to nature, self, and a joyful community that feels like home..." 
~ Mel

"It is very rare to find such authenticity and purity in teachers such as Mandy & Robert. I am so grateful to have been taught by them not only in the practice of yoga but all the other elements that make a yogi. Thank you for offerings your lives to this teaching and helping to heal this world."
~ Claire

"Never have been to such an amazing and peaceful venue with the most knowledgeable and kind instructors. Thank you for introducing me to this beautiful form of self love."
~ Paige

"I thought the retreat was just simply beautiful and inspiring. I was inspired by the food which you made. My journey over my stay was extremely nourishing and I felt so safe and secure.Thank you both for your warm generosity and  for being so inspiring and sharing the beautiful practices. As I have said before when I am going to spend a day at Kookaburra I always feel as if I am coming home to a safe and beautiful space."
~ Jo-ann

Inclusions & Cost

Residential
Non-residential
Camping
450
360
400
Stay in shared room. 
Stay offsite in your own accommodation.
Stay onsite in your own tent.
  • 2 nights stay in shared room. Shared bathroom.
  • All meals, snacks, tea
  • Full retreat program
  • All meals, snacks, tea
  • Full retreat program 
  • Full use of facilities and venue during program.
  • Camp onsite using your own tent and bedding.
  • All meals, snacks, tea
  • Full retreat program
  • Full use of facilities and venue.

Facts & Questions

Why choose Kookaburra Yoga for your retreat?
  • Established, reputable business. Kookaburra Creek Yoga Centre is directed by experienced teachers Robert Becker and Mandy BeckerKnox in Perth, Australia. Kookaburra Creek Yoga is well established having been operating for twenty years.
  • Retreat management experience. Kookaburra Yoga have offered professionally organised and facilitated international retreats for over ten years. Each retreat is carefully planned to ensure the safety and comfort of participants. 
  • Health & Safety. Our venue is maintained to a high standard to support the health and wellbeing of participants. We take every precaution to ensure the hygiene and health of participants.
  • Quality food. Food is an integral part of our retreats and menus and ingredients are planned and considered to ensure they are nourishing, health-promoting and conducive to yoga and meditation.
  • High quality program. Directors Mandy and Robert facilitate all Kookaburra Yoga Retreats. They are both exceptional yoga and meditation instructors with decades of continuing education, self-enquiry and practical teaching experience. They have literally taught thousands of people yoga and to meditate and how to effectively apply the knowledge gained to enhance and transform lives.
  • Professional leadership. Both Robert and Mandy have worked professionally in high-level leadership positions in government and the not-for-profit sector and are leaders and skilful group facilitators able to guide individuals and groups safely through peak experiences and the transformational change which often occurs on retreat. 
  • Value for money. Retreats are fully inclusive with everything included in the cost. There are no additional costs and there are no items or services offered for sale during the retreat.
  • Socially responsible. We care for people and the planet. All our retreats cause as little harm as possible. We are an entirely vegetarian venue.
  • Personal development. Kookaburra Retreats are a wonderful opportunity for personal and professional development. You'll be gently guided to explore limitations and obstacles to achieving your potential and become equipped with the tools, techniques and practical wisdom to evolve and grow. Kookaburra Retreats are transformational and potentially life-changing!
Do I need experience in Yoga to attend this retreat?
No, we welcome anyone who is interested in embarking upon a journey of self enquiry and discovery. The yoga and meditation practices on each retreat are carefully explained and taught in a caring and respectful manner. All of the practices taught can be adapted to suit the needs of each participant.
​WHAT ARE THE VENUE DETAILS?
  • Kookaburra Creek Yoga Centre is a purpose-built yoga centre in Bedfordale in the Perth hills with capacity and equipment for 40 students.
  • The centre is set on 10 acres of bushland and is quiet and serene.
  • The residential retreat facility is in separate buildings on the property including the primary residence (accommodation for 10 participants), a renovated railway carriage (accommodation for 2), and an enclosed, powered gazebo (accommodation for 2).
  • The grounds and facilities are also suitable for those who may wish to camp in their own tent.
CANCELLATION POLICY
  • ​If you cancel 0-1 week before the retreat the full amount of the retreat is payable.
  • If you cancel 1-2 weeks before the retreat 50% of your payment will be refunded to you.
  • If you cancel more than 4 weeks prior to the retreat your full payment will be refunded to you.
  • ​If we have a waitlist and can fill your place from this, all money paid will be refunded to you regardless of when you cancel. 
What if I am not in perfect condition or if I get sick?
  • You should be fine to attend if you are in reasonable health. Please check with your own health care provider if you have any concerns or doubts.
  • If you get sick during the retreat, an after hours locum doctor (bulk billed) can be called or you can attend the Armadale Hospital Emergency Department (24 hours emergency) which is 5 minutes by car. 
​WHAT IS THE RETREAT SIZE?
Maximum Capacity:
  • Staying onsite in shared accommodation - 16 people
  • Camping on grounds - 7 people
  • Guests staying in accommodation offsite - 7 people
what are the payment options? 
  • Full payment required when booking to reserve your place
  • Online payments only: credit card, paypal or direct deposit 
  • If you require a payment plan please be in touch to pay in two instalments.
What should I bring?
  • clothing for: yoga, bush walking, warmth, waterproof jacket if raining
  • sturdy shoes, water/wind proof jacket for bush walking
  • shawl and warm clothing for meditation and evenings
  • notebook and pen
  • reading material
  • torch
  • ​toiletries, personal items

Book Now
Kookaburra Creek Yoga Centre
210 Carradine Road, Bedfordale WA 6112

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