Raj Balkaran
Every yoga posture carries a story, and every story reveals something about the posture. In this weekend program, the warrior’s steady focus, Hanumān’s powerful leap, and the lotus’s sacred stillness are explored not as abstract ideas, but as living expressions of practice. Each āsana holds a mythic psychology: a map of consciousness, a call to the practitioner, and an opening into the deeper tradition from which yoga arises.
Drawing on Raj Balkaran’s The Stories Behind the Poses, this experience invites participants to step into mythology rather than simply study it. Instead of observing these narratives from a distance, guests will be immersed in the storyworlds themselves, allowing the teachings to become embodied and felt.
Each session follows a clear thematic arc, moving from the qualities that make practice possible, through the tensions that enrich it, and toward the surrender that brings it to completion. Stories of Śiva, Hanumān, Indra, and the great sages form the core material, explored through breath, posture, and relational presence. Myth and physical form reflect one another throughout: posture becomes story expressed through the body, while story becomes posture expressed through consciousness.
No prior background in mythology or Sanskrit is required. What matters most is a willingness to encounter the wisdom traditions of ancient India not as history alone, but as a living tradition.
Recommended reading: The Stories Behind the Poses, by Raj Balkaran
Faculty
Raj Balkaran is a Sanskrit scholar, author, and lineal wisdom teacher who brings the insight traditions of ancient India into clear, contemporary expression. He is the author of The Stories Behind the Poses and several academic works.
Program Format
This is a Live Extended Education Program. Participants join a cohort of 16 learners in a rigorous course of study, with up to 26 hours per week over either two weeks or four weeks, depending on the program. In addition, students are required to dedicate 26 hours of service each week in one of Esalen’s operational departments.
The day after arrival, the program begins with an orientation meeting, where participants receive their class schedule and service assignment. More activities are also available through the open class schedule, along with general schedule information including arrival, departure, and meal times.
Accommodations & Tuition
Housing for LEEP students is dorm-style and gender-inclusive, with four students sharing a room. Tuition is $1600 for two-week programs and $2900 for four-week programs, and includes accommodations, meals, and the workshop. A non-refundable $20 application fee is collected at the time of application and applied to the deposit if accepted. After acceptance, a non-refundable deposit of $480 secures a two-week space, and $870 secures a four-week space.
All students must provide proof of negative test results at check-in. Please review the current COVID safety guidelines for complete details before booking.
Applications are closed, and this program is full.
Designed for shared stays, this room type accommodates four to six guests in a welcoming, gender-inclusive setting, with a maximum stay of seven consecutive days. It’s a practical choice for retreat participants who value comfort, simplicity, and a sense of community during their time away.
Each bunk room includes twin-size bunk beds and a private bathroom with a shower, offering the privacy and convenience guests need throughout their stay. Fresh towels, bath soap, and bed linens are provided, so you can settle in with ease and focus on your experience rather than the details.
With its straightforward layout and thoughtfully provided essentials, this accommodation supports a restful and uncomplicated stay, making it well suited for those looking to share space while still enjoying comfort and functionality.
Ideal for guests who want a more social stay without the atmosphere of a dorm, this cozy shared room offers a comfortable and practical setup for up to three people of the same gender. The space is arranged with three beds: two on the main floor and one tucked into a sleeping loft, creating a simple, welcoming environment that still feels private and restful.
Each room includes an in-room bathroom with a shower, making daily routines easy and convenient. To help you settle in with ease, towels, bath soap, and bed linens are all provided. Whether you are traveling for a retreat, a wellness stay, or a peaceful getaway with others, this room offers a warm balance of connection, comfort, and simplicity.
Designed for guests seeking a little extra privacy, this inviting room offers a peaceful place to unwind within the charming, Big Sur-inspired motel atmosphere of the property. Thoughtfully located for convenience, it overlooks the main campus and garden, giving you a calming view to return to throughout your stay.
Inside, you’ll find a private bathroom and a comfortable setting that supports rest, simplicity, and easy access to the wider retreat experience. It’s an ideal choice for solo travelers or couples looking for a quiet, well-situated space to recharge between wellness activities, meals, and moments of relaxation.
If you’d like to share the room, one additional guest may join for an extra $250 per night.
Settle into a relaxed stay surrounded by the charming motel-inspired atmosphere of Big Sur. This Standard Two Double Beds room offers a comfortable, unfussy space designed for easy rest and shared travel. With two double beds and a private bathroom, it is a practical choice for friends, couples, or family members looking to enjoy time together while still having room to unwind.
The room’s simple, welcoming feel makes it easy to slow down after a day of exploring, reconnecting, or simply enjoying a peaceful break. Whether you are traveling for a quiet getaway or a shared adventure, this space provides the comfort and privacy you need for a restful stay.
Designed for a serene Central Coast escape, this room invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and settle into a truly restful stay. A luxurious queen bed creates a comforting place to unwind after a day of exploring, offering the kind of refuge that feels both elevated and easy. The atmosphere is warm and relaxing, with thoughtful details that help guests feel instantly at ease.
Depending on the room, you may enjoy one or more of the following features:
Whether you are here for a peaceful getaway or simply looking for a more refined place to rest, this room offers a welcoming balance of comfort, charm, and natural beauty.
Settle into a Premium Plus King room and take in the breathtaking beauty of Big Sur from a space designed for rest and renewal. After a day of exploring the coastline, unwind on a private deck in an upstairs unit or a patio on the ground level, both offering a front-row seat to the ocean views. Inside, picture windows welcome in natural light and create a calm, airy atmosphere from morning to evening.
These accommodations are ideal for guests seeking the comfort of a king-size bed along with thoughtful upgrades throughout. Expect elevated bathrooms and decor, plus premium in-room WiFi for added convenience during your stay. With its blend of comfort, style, and unforgettable scenery, this room offers a serene retreat for travelers looking to experience Big Sur at its most inspiring.
Raj Balkaran is a Sanskrit scholar, author, and lineal wisdom teacher known for making the insight traditions of ancient India feel accessible, relevant, and deeply resonant in the modern world. His work bridges classical knowledge and contemporary understanding, offering a thoughtful perspective for those seeking meaning, context, and depth in their practice. As the author of The Stories Behind the Poses...
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Fri, Nov 27 – Sun, Nov 29