People in a resting pose in a Restorative Yoga Asana Class at Mount Madonna, a yoga retreat center in Northern California.

Restorative Yoga Asana with Live Chanting

Rest Nurtured by Sacred Sound

Join Bhavani Siegel and Jen Rand for restorative yoga asana (postures) accompanied by live mantras (sacred chanting) for peace. In this gentle and deeply relaxing environment, you will be guided to hold poses with the support of yoga props for extended periods, inviting profound physical and mental relaxation. Paired with chanting rooted in ancient Vedic tradition, this class promises to deepen a meditative state — ideal for all levels of yoga practitioners seeking relaxation and mindful presence.

The day’s program will also include:

  • A guided campus tour to Sunset Ridge (weather permitting)
  • Brunch & dinner in the shared community dining hall
  • Personal time
  • Option to stay for arati (ritual of light) after dinner at the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
  • Option to book a wellness treatment at Kaya Kalpa Wellness Center (fees additional, advance reservations recommended)

To participate in this special class, please register for a Mountain Experience day visit or an overnight Personal Retreat.

Sample Schedule

Saturday, November 28
10:00am Arrival & Check-in
10:00 - 11:00am Brunch in the shared community dining hall
11:30am - 12:30pm Guided campus tour to Sunset Ridge
12:30 - 3:30pm Personal time
3:30 - 5:00pm Restorative Yoga with Live Chanting
5:15 - 6:15pm Dinner
6:00pm Arati
7:00pm Program Concludes

Schedule subject to change. Registrants will be notified.

People in a resting pose in a Restorative Yoga Asana Class at Mount Madonna, a yoga retreat center in Northern California.

Restorative Yoga Asana with Live Chanting

Mountain Experience
Date
Saturday, Nov 28, 2026
Time
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Location
In-Person
445 Summit Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076

Presenters

  • Bhavani Siegel
    Bhavani Siegel
    ECE

    Bhavani was introduced to yoga in childhood, practicing asana and yogic breathing with her family. She met Baba Hari Dass in 1974; after becoming his disciple, she began formal study and sadhana practice. She then went on to begin teaching yoga in 1975.

    A senior Yoga faculty member and a founding member of Mount Madonna, where she lives, Bhavani teaches many aspects of Yoga, including meditation, pranayama and yoga philosophy.

    Among these, her specialties are:
    – Foundational values in Yoga philosophy: Yama & Niyama
    – Mantra Yoga: Sanskrit as Sacred Sound
    – Ritual and Symbolism in the Path of Yoga

    Bhavani also leads Yogic rituals (Puja & Yajna) at Mount Madonna’s Sankaṭ Mochan Hanuman Temple. She also incorporated yoga for children as a school teacher for 20 years.

    Considering the teachings of conscious communication an important aspect of the Yogic principle of non-harming, Bhavani integrated this study as facilitator/coordinator of Mount Madonna’s Yoga, Service and Community residential programs for over 20 years.

    In Yoga teacher trainings, Yoga retreats, community programs, and seminars, Bhavani has continued her journey, guided by her revered teacher’s injunction to “teach to learn,” at Mount Madonna and at our sister community, Salt Spring Centre of Yoga.

    Bhavani loves chanting and ritual, mystic poetry, and the solace of nature.

  • Jen Rand
    Jen Rand
    MA, AYT, RYT 500

    Jen completed her 200-, 300-, and 500-hour trainings in Classical Ashtanga Yoga (eight-limbed path) at Mount Madonna. She is experienced in teaching students of all ages both in-person and online and works with students in Ayurveda and Yoga trainings at Mount Madonna. Her yoga practice is deeply influenced by her studies of Ayurveda, which allow her to offer options and modifications to help students tailor their practice to what they need. As a lifelong learner she also pursued an MA in Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy certification at Mount Madonna.

    In addition to practicing yoga, she enjoys gardening, cooking, hiking and hanging out with her pets.

  • Tuition & Fees

    Mountain Experience:

    • Adults: $105
    • Children ages 13 and older: $105
    • Children 5 - 12 years old: $50
    • Children 4 years and under: FREE

    Personal Retreat:

    • Rates based on choice of accommodations and number of nights.
  • Registration Details

    This special class is available to Mountain Experience day visitors, Personal Retreat overnight and other registered guests. Use the "Mountain Experience" button above or the "Personal Retreat" button below to book.

    Personal Retreat


    Useful Information:

    • Included in the Mountain Experience: Two vegetarian meals, a scheduled yoga class, a guided campus tour, and access to the Temple and 380 acres of hiking trails, walking paths, and indoor amenities. Wellness treatments and Ayurvedic consultations are not included but may be booked in advance.
    • Reservations must be made at least 48 hours prior to the day of your visit.
    • Arrival & Departure (day visit): Check in between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.; and depart by 7:00 p.m.