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    Yoga & Meditation

  • To Share

    Hi, I´m Ben. I would like to share with you Yoga, Meditation ... and Theater.

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    YOGA

    Today there are many forms of Yoga. I try to offer a mix of Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Yin Yoga, as well as QiGong and fascial training. The aim of my classes is a stabile body and a clear mind.

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    MEDITATION

    I practice the Meditation form of Zen Buddhism, also called Zazen. It has a tradition of around 1500 years. Recently there are studies of the Harvard University about its positive effects.

    RAKI Das kleine Buch

    THEATER

    I studied philosophy and write prose & poetry since early youth. My published books and theater plays you find here. In 2019 I founded the European Literature-Festival Lit.EU.

  • About

    What I offer

    Summers (April-October) I offer Yogaholidays, Workshops, Yoga on the beach and Private Yoga classes in various European countries. My Yoga-tour goes usually through Germany, Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Portugal, France and Switzerland. I work for Five-Star-Hotels and internationally known Yoga-Centers.

     

    Winters (November-April) I lead classes of Yoga and Zen Meditation, Workshops, Yogaholidays, also longer sitting periods like Zazenkai. Usually I´m in the south of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

     

    I publish prose & poetry since early youth and founded the European Literaturefestival Lit.EU. An adaptation of one of my novels is played since 2021 on various stages, in Swiss, German, Austrian, Croatian and Belgian theaters. As a studied philosopher I offer public philosophical talks.

    How I teach

    Every class is different, every day new. I teach Yoga for beginners, intermediate and experienced; some of my classes include all levels (like at Yogaholidays). I do not push my students and try to find a harmony between strength and relaxation.

     

    I teach a mixture of Hatha Yoga, VinyasaFlow and Yin Yoga, with influences of QiGong. Also I try to involve other forms of movement, like Fascial Training.

     

    The aim of my classes is to promote a stabile body and a clear mind.

    From whom I learned

    I´m thankful that I have met great teachers on my journey who helped me to open my heart and bring more strength into my body. I learnt from unknown teachers and well-known teachers. Both have helped me in many ways.

     

    I am acknowledged by the Yoga Alliance/ Hari Om Yoga school (RYS 500) and practice Yoga and Zen Meditation since 2007. Two times a year I visit a monastery or Zen Center to practice at a Sesshin. My teachers include Paul Haller (USA) and Shodo Harada Roshi (Japan).

     

    I constantly strive to develop by participating in workshops. Recently I attended a fascial training workshop, delivered by Dr. Schleip (GER), and a Tula massage workshop, by Luka Leppard (UK). In 2016 I attended workshops of Contact Improvisation, by Christina Klissiouini (GR), and a 5 day intensive workshop, by Martin Keogh (USA). - In 2017 I joined a silence retreat, 5 days long, with Paul Haller (USA).

     

    Since 2007 I hold a Masters degree in Philosophy and History.

     

    Still I´m learning and try to share my experiences with others. I´m happy that I brought my classes to different countries, such as Costa Rica, Germany, Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Switzerland and Croatia.

    V o i c e s

     

    Yoga-Guests:

     

    "My wife and I really enjoyed the Yogaclasses with Ben."

    (Peter Simonischek, European film price for ´Toni Erdmann`)

     

    "Wonderful!"

    (Noa / Achinoam Nini, Israelian singer)

     

    "During our fantastic week at Hotel Miramar, Opatija, we relaxed, tense and ´everything` with a smile as our fantastic yoga teacher Ben has shown. It was an incredible experience for body, mind and soul.

    (Jacqueline and Dragan Tuka, 52/ 59, Switzerland)

     

    "Ben´s voice in the Yogaclasses is very calm and pleasant. It reminds me of the voice of Jon Kabat-Zinn."

    (Nina, 35, Sweden).

     

    "The yin yoga and meditation workshop with Ben was relaxing and pleasantly well-guided. I not only learned a more relaxed form of yoga with new positions but also extended my practice to a more still and observative experience letting the body sink into these positions. Bens guidance was helpful as he invited and walked us through into this stillness yoga and meditation. Gladly again!"

    (Tabata, 26, Mexico)

     

    *

     

    Yoga-Center:

     

    "Ben taught Yoga classes for us in June and July 2017, the feedback was very good from all who attended his Yoga and Meditation classes; he has a calm & gentle presence and was easy to work with too and worked well with all our staff team." (Lucy Bremner, Sunflower Retreats (Casperia, Italy - Nominated as 1 of the 10 best Yoga Centers worldwide, by The Independent).

     

    *

     

    Hotels:

     

    «Ben Rakidzija exudes an inner calm that is contagious. Our guests were thrilled with his yoga classes! »

    (Jenny Hunkeler, General Manager, KULM HOTEL St.Moritz*****S, Switzerland).

     

    "The feedback of all our guests and the reception was excellent. We are happy to have had him in our team and welcome Mr. Ben Rakidzija again next summer for further yoga classes."

    (Urs Langenegger, General Manager, PARK HOTEL Vitznau*****, Switzerland).

     

    "Our guests and myself were very satisfied with Mr. Rakidzijas Yoga classes. We hope to see him soon again!"

    (Gisele Holleis, Director of Hotel SALZBURGER HOF *****S

    (Zell am See, Austria)

     

    "Mr. Rakidzija made the Yoga-classes in our hotel very good and the feedback of our clients was absolutely positive. We are happy having him again in 2018."

    (Martina Riedl, Director of Hotel MIRAMAR ****S

    (Adria Relax Resort in Opatija, Croatia)

     

    "Ben taught in our hotel twice a day. His classes were on English and mostly for American and Canadian tourists. Ben would be a tremendous support for your hotel or studio and has my highest recommendations.”

    (Ms. Nunez, Director of TISKITA JUNGLE LODGE (Punta Banco, Costa Rica)

  • YOGAHOLIDAYS

    on Tour

    For beginners, intermediate and the curious

    ... please click on the images ...

    Bild: ENGADIN St.Moritz / swiss-image.ch / Hotel Kulm

    St.Moritz, Switzerland

    Dec 19-21, 2020

    Three days of Yin Yoga & Silent Flow, partly in Hotel Kronenhof (Pontresina), partly in Kulm Hotel (St.Moritz). The classes are open for beginners and all those who wanna be (again).

    The Alpina Gstaad

    The Alpina Gstaad, Switzerland

    The Alpina Gstaad, Aug 16-20, 2021

    Yoga vacation in The Alpina Gstaad. Practice with us Yoga for beginners and intermediate in Gstaad, Switzerland. - More informations coming soon.

    Quinta La Bella Vista

    Sintra, Portugal

    Sintra, Quinta La Bella Vista, May 4-12, 2022

    Join us for an exclusive Yogaweek near Lisboa, in the former estate of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, in pure nature. - Download all Infos here or visit the website of Quinta here.

    Brac island

    Island Brač, Croatia

    Hotel Lemongarden, Sep 25 - Oct 7, 2022

    Join us for relaxing Yogaholidays on the beautiful island of Brač. We practice on a new Yogadeck in Hotel Lemongarden, with view to the sea, including the sound of birds and crickets. Beginners are very welcome!

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    Ittingen, Switzerland

    Oct 16-28, 2023

    I welcome you to Yoga-Classes for beginners and intermediate in Kartause Ittingen, where an award-winning hotel meets monastics values. - Click the image for more information.

    Kronenhof

    Pontresina, Switzerland

    Kronenhof Pontresina, Dec 6-10, 2023

    Beginners and Intermediate are welcome for daily 2x75 min. of Yoga and Zen Meditation, in Kronenhof Pontresina, in the heart of Engadin.

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    Vitznau, Switzerland

    Park Hotel Vitznau, Dec 25-30, 2023

    Yoga Christmas vacation in Park Hotel Vitznau. Practice with us daily Yoga, at the shores of Lake Lucerne.

    St.Moritz, Hotel Giardino Mountain

    St.Moritz, Switzerland

    Hotel Giardino Mountain, Jan 15-20, 2024

    Practice with us Yoga in Hotel Giardino Mountain, a modern 5-star design hotel and a luxurious mountain resort all in one. - All participants of the yoga week receive a 20% discount on the room price! - Click the image!

    Kartause Ittingen

    Ittingen, Switzerland

    Kartause Ittingen, Feb 5-11, 2024

    I welcome you to Yoga-Classes for beginners and intermediate in Kartause Ittingen, where an award-winning hotel meets monastics values. Each day starts with 60min Yoga and 15 min. Zen Meditation, each day ends with 60 min. Yoga.

    Park Hotel

    Park Hotel Vitznau, Switzerland

    Vitznau, Apr 1-6, 2024

    Yoga vacation at Park Hotel Vitznau. Practice with us daily Yoga, at the shores of Lake Lucerne. - For more information, please click the image.

    Hotel Post Bezau

    Hotel Post Bezau, Austria

    April 14-17, 2024

    Join us for 3 Yogadays, with 6 classes (à 75min.) of Yoga and Zen Meditation. Including Sauna, SPA, fine foods and a literary evening reading. The Hotel has 50 years of experience in Retreats and won the price for Austrias best Wellness Retreat. - What are you waiting for?

    Kartause Ittingen

    Kartause Ittingen, Switzerland

    Ittingen, Apr 22 - May 4, 2024

    I welcome you to Yoga-Classes for beginners and intermediate in Kartause Ittingen, where an award-winning hotel meets monastics values. Each day starts with 60min Yoga and 15 min. Zen Meditation, each day ends with 60 min. Yoga.

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    Crikvenica, Croatia

    Hotel Kvarner Palace, May 27 - Jun 1, 2024

    A Yogaweek with daily 2 classes (75 min.). Each day starts and ends with 15 min. of Zen Meditation.

    Hotel Hochschober

    Turracherhöhe, Austria

    Hotel Hochschober, June 16-21, 2024

    A Yogaweek with daily 2 classes (90 min.). Each day starts and ends with 30 min. of Zen Meditation. - Click the image for more information.

    Hotel Giardino

    Ascona, Switzerland

    Hotel Giardino, June 24-28, 2024

    La dolce vita! - A Yoga & Zen Meditation-week for beginners and intermediate, with daily two classes, in Hotel Giardino, a fresh 5 star Hotel that redefines recuperation on Lagio Maggiore. - All participants of the yoga week receive a 20% discount on the room price! - Click the image!

    Kartause Ittingen

    Ittingen, Switzerland

    Kartause Ittingen, July 8-13, 2024

    I welcome you to Yoga-Classes for beginners and intermediate in Kartause Ittingen, where an award-winning hotel meets monastics values. Each day starts with 60min Yoga and 15 min. Zen Meditation, each day ends with 60 min. Yoga.

    Park Hotel Vitznau

    Park Hotel Vitznau, Switzerland

    Lace Lucerne, July 15 - Aug 10, 2024

    Yoga vacation at Park Hotel Vitznau. Practice with us daily Yoga, at the shores of Lake Lucerne. - For more information, click the image.

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    Crikvenica, Croatia

    Hotel Kvarner Palace, Sep 8-13, 2024

    A Yogaweek with daily 2 classes (75 min.). Each day starts and ends with 15 min. of Zen Meditation.

    Ascona

    Ascona, Switzerland

    Hotel Giardino, SEP 16-20, 2024

    La dolce vita! - A Yoga & Zen Meditation-week for beginners and intermediate, in Hotel Giardino, a fresh 5 star Hotel that redefines recuperation on Lagio Maggiore. - All participants of the yoga week receive a 20% discount on the room price! - Click the image!

    Hotel Hochschober

    Turracherhöhe, Austria

    Hotel Hochschober, Sep 29 - Oct 4, 2024

    A Yogaweek with daily 2 classes (90 min.). Each day starts and ends with 30 min. of Zen Meditation. - Click the image for more information.

    Kartause Ittingen

    Ittingen, Switzerland

    Kartause Ittingen, Oct 7-19, 2024

    I welcome you to Yoga-Classes for beginners and intermediate in Kartause Ittingen, where an award-winning hotel meets monastics values. Each day starts with 60min Yoga and 15 min. Zen Meditation, each day ends with 60 min. Yoga.

    Kronenhof

    Pontresina, Switzerland

    Hotel Kronenhof, Oct 21-25, 2024

    Beginners and Intermediate are welcome for daily 2x75 min. of Yoga and Zen Meditation, in Kronenhof Pontresina, in the heart of Engadin.

    Villa Hammerschmiede

    Pfinztal, South-Germany

    Villa Hammerschmiede, Oct 31-Nov 3, 2024

    Yogadays in the Relais & Châteaux Hotel Villa-Hammerschmiede. - For more information click the image.

    Rudolfshütte

    Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria

    Hotel Rudolfshütte, Jan 4-11, 2025

    Yoga on in the middle of the untouched nature of the Hohe Tauern National Park, far from the noise and stress of the city, in mountain hotel Rudolfshütte, at 2,315m above sea level.

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    Past events

    Special locations to remember. Yogaholidays on Tour with ...

    Sunflower Retreats, Casperia (Italy) ... Salzburger Hof, Zell am See (Austria) ... Literaturefestival Zürich liest`19 (Switzerland) ... Tiskita Jungle Lodge, Punta Banco (Costa Rica) ... Arosa Kulm Hotel, Arosa (Switzerland) ... The Alpina Gstaad (Switzerland) ... Hotel Lemongarden (Croatia) ... Hotel Miramar, Opatija (Croatia) ...

    Diary of a traveling Yogateacher

    Diary of a traveling Yogateacher

    Europe, May - Oct 2017

    In 2017 I published articles about my Yoga-journey(s) through Europe. Please click on the figure, who guide you to articles, written on German.

  • WORKSHOPS

    For beginners, intermediate and experienced.

    Paris

    Yoga-Spring-Workshops, in Paris

    2025

     

    Infos coming soon.

    Zazenkai

    Introduction in Yin Yoga & Zazen

    Oct 26, 2024 - From 10.00 - 12.15 o`clock

    Open for beginners and intermediate, this course will guide you into the basics of Yin Yoga and Zen Meditation.

     

    Location: Shanti Yoga, Schwäbisch Hall (Germany)

    Open for max 15 participants.

    To apply please send a message to the studio.

    Read an Interview, on German

     

    Yogaholidays in Provence (France) and other places in the world ...

  • Books & Plays

    I write novels and theater plays.

    Find out more!

    -

    “Wise, concise, thought-provoking, mind-boggling, horizon-expanding - each verse a tonic for mind and soul.”
    Deva Premal (mantra singer, nominated for the Grammy 2020);
    about Das Buch der kleinen Wahrheiten

  • OR... LEAVE A MESSAGE

    If you have questions (or answers) please let me know.