Yoga Beyond
the Mat
A 3-day retreat on the philosophy of yoga.
An introduction to the Bhagavad Gita for everyday life, exploring what yoga means beyond postures, through guided sessions, mantra meditation and reflective practice.
With Jagannātha Dās & Tina Parmar · OmLife
Limited spaces, enquire to secure your place
About the Retreat
Yoga is more than
what happens on the mat.
Most of us come to yoga through the body: postures, breathing, movement. And that is a beautiful entry point. But yoga, as a tradition, is far wider than the physical practice.
This retreat explores the Bhagavad Gita as a central text within that tradition, introducing its key ideas in a clear and accessible way, with a focus on how they relate to everyday life: decision-making, inner direction and how we act when things feel uncertain.
No prior knowledge is needed. Sessions are conversational and structured, designed to create space to engage with the ideas, ask questions and reflect, rather than simply listen. You will leave with practical tools you can carry with you beyond the retreat.
Beyond Postures
Explore what yoga means as a philosophy, a way of seeing and a guide for how we live, not just how we move.
The Bhagavad Gita, Made Accessible
Introduced in a grounded, practical way. We focus on how its ideas apply to real decisions and everyday challenges.
Practice and Reflection
Daily yoga, mantra meditation, kirtan and reflective workshops create a rhythm of depth, rest and ease.
Your Guides
Led by Jagannātha Dās & Tina Parmar
Jagannātha Dās
Kirtan & Mantra Meditation
Jagannātha Dās brings many years of experience as a spiritual practitioner, sharing timeless wisdom in a way that feels practical, relatable, and relevant to modern life. Throughout the retreat, he will guide kirtan and mantra meditation sessions, creating a welcoming space for reflection, connection, and joyful participation, regardless of experience level.
Drawing on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the bhakti tradition, Jagannātha will also contribute to workshops and discussions throughout the weekend, helping to bring depth, clarity, and insight to the retreat experience. Known for his warm and approachable nature, he has a unique ability to make profound spiritual concepts accessible while fostering a genuine sense of community and connection.
Tina Parmar
OmLife · Yoga & Bhagavad Gita Workshops
Tina Parmar is the founder of OmLife and brings years of dedicated practice and teaching to every retreat she leads. Warm, grounding, and deeply committed to making yoga accessible, she creates spaces where people feel genuinely seen and supported from the moment they arrive.
Throughout the retreat, Tina leads the daily yoga sessions and guides the Bhagavad Gita workshops, offering an accessible introduction to the Gita's key teachings, characters and philosophy, exploring how its wisdom applies not just on the mat, but in the choices and moments of everyday life. Her ability to hold a nurturing yet enquiring space is what OmLife retreats are known for.
Is this retreat for you?
This retreat is for you if…
You practise yoga and want to understand the philosophy behind it
You move, breathe and flow, and somewhere along the way, you have started to wonder what the tradition behind it all actually means.
You are curious about the Bhagavad Gita but don't know where to begin
You have heard of it, perhaps been intrigued, but it has always felt out of reach. This retreat is a gentle, grounded introduction.
You want a retreat that leaves you with something practical
Not just rest, but a clearer understanding of the Gita's key themes and a real sense of how they can be brought into daily life.
You want meditation, mantra, reflection and community
You are drawn to kirtan, contemplative practice and the kind of connection that comes from exploring meaningful questions together.
Sessions are conversational and structured, designed to create space to engage with the ideas, ask questions and reflect, not just listen. These are practices and insights you can carry with you into daily life.
“Step away from the noise.
Step into your spiritual reset.”
The Experience
What you'll explore
Three days of practice, wisdom and community, woven into a rhythm that is both nourishing and quietly transformative.
01
Yoga as a way of living
What yoga actually means beyond postures, its roots, its scope, and how it applies to daily life.
02
The Bhagavad Gita in practice
How this text's teachings on action, clarity and inner guidance apply to real decisions and challenges.
03
Mantra meditation & kirtan
Daily practice of mantra chanting and kirtan, opening the heart through sound and devotion.
04
Reflective workshops
Guided sessions to sit with what is arising, contemplation, journalling and open discussion.
05
Gentle yoga & morning practice
Each day begins with movement, breath and stillness, grounding you before the sessions unfold.
06
Nature, rest and community
Space to walk the grounds, sit in quiet, share meals and simply be, with others asking the same questions.
Reserve Your Place
Yoga Beyond the Mat
is this June.
If you have been looking for a retreat that offers real depth, one that gives you genuine insight alongside rest, practice and community. This is it. Spaces are limited to keep the experience intimate.
Waterperry House
Oxford, UK · June 22–24
A few things worth knowing
Spaces are limited to around 20 participants, kept small by intention
This is OmLife's first retreat focused entirely on yoga philosophy
Enquiring takes one minute and carries no commitment
If you feel called to explore yoga more deeply, that curiosity is enough
“Come as you are. Curiosity is enough.”
Sample Day
A day at Yoga Beyond the Mat
Times are approximate. Each day follows a gentle rhythm, morning practice, workshops, rest and shared meals.
Morning yoga & breathwork
Gentle movement and pranayama to begin the day
Nourishing breakfast
Shared meals, time to settle and connect
Session: Yoga philosophy workshop
Exploring the Bhagavad Gita, its context and meaning
Lunch & free time
Rest, walk the grounds of Waterperry House, reflect
Reflective workshop
Sitting with the teachings, discussion and contemplation
Free time & rest
Space to journal, walk or simply be
Dinner
Nourishing meals prepared with care
Mantra meditation & kirtan
Closing the day with sound, devotion and stillness
Waterperry House, Oxford
A setting as nourishing as the practice
The Details
What's included
Retreat-only option available
Prefer to arrange your own accommodation nearby? A day-rate option is available, allowing you to join all sessions and meals without staying on-site. Mention this when you enquire.
Accommodation options include single, twin and triple ensuite rooms. Travel to and from the venue is not included.
From Past Retreats
What people say
“This retreat helped me let go and begin again. For the first time in a long time, I'm learning to like myself. And that's a miracle.”
Claudine
“It was a space to pause, reflect, and just be. The calm, the kindness, the food, the views. Everything felt like home.”
Hayley
“It was such a welcome break from the busyness of life. I left feeling recharged, grounded, and full of joy.”
Aarti
Upcoming Retreats
All Retreats
Yoga Beyond the Mat
OmLife · Waterperry House, Oxford
22nd – 24th June 2026
Three days exploring yoga philosophy through the Bhagavad Gita, mantra meditation, kirtan and reflective workshops. For those who want to understand yoga at its depth.
The Soul Path Retreat
30th July – 2nd August 2026
The Vedanta, Lincoln, UK
A reflective weekend to reconnect with your spiritual purpose, yoga, breathwork, sound healing, Kirtan and timeless wisdom.
Sold OutAyurveda: Principles for Daily Living
17th – 20th September 2026
The ASHA Centre, Gloucester, UK
An introductory retreat exploring Ayurvedic principles, routine, nutrition and seasonal living, in a grounded and practical way.
Enquire NowQuestions
Frequently Asked
How do I book onto the retreat?+
Do I need prior knowledge of yoga philosophy or the Bhagavad Gita?+
Can I pay in instalments?+
How many people will be on the retreat?+
What is the cancellation policy?+
Can you cater for dietary requirements?+
What accommodation options are available?+
What should I wear and bring?+
One step further
Feel called to explore
yoga more deeply?
If something in you is ready, curious, unsure, seeking. That is enough. Enquiring takes a minute and carries no commitment. Just a conversation.