MONTAUTO (RAPOLANO TERME), TUSCANY
1st July to 7th July 2026
EDWIN BRYANT
and
GABRIELLA GIUBILARO
Samkhya Karika & Yoga Sutra Workshop
EDWIN F. BRYANT received his Ph.D in Indic languages and Cultures from Columbia University. He taught Hinduism at Harvard University for three years, and is presently professor of Religions of India at Rutgers University. He published several books and authored a number of articles on Vedic history, yoga, and the Krishna tradition. In his research engagements, he lived several years in India where he studied Sanskrit and was trained with several Indian pundits. In addition to his academic courses, E. Bryant currently teaches workshops at yoga studios in the States and abroad. His lectures and workshop engagements include: The Bhagavad Gita, The Yoga Sutras, Indian Philosophy and Bhakti, and the Krishna Tradition.
GABRIELLA GIUBILARO started her studies of Iyengar yoga in 1973 with Dona Holeman. Since 1981 she has returned to Pune to study directly with the Iyengar family. She is well known for her simple, direct and dynamic teaching style and her humor.
LESSONS: Samkhya Karika & Yoga Sutra Workshop. This workshop will undertake a deep study of the Samkhya Karika, while casting comparative glances at the Yoga Sutras. In the earlier tradition, Yoga is in fact an expression of Samkhya rather than a distinct school, the former focusing more on meditational practice, and the latter on metaphysics, so the Samkhya Karika & Yoga Sutras are the two canonical texts of Yoga. Using the Samkhya Karika as our primary text, along with its principle commentary by Gaudapada, we will focus on where the Karikas engage material not touched upon in the Yoga Sutras, but also consider where the two text overlaps. We will read as many of the Karikas as time permits while considering the sections of the Yoga Sutras that express the same concepts albeit sometimes in different terminologies. Course Text: Mainkar’s translation of the Karikas with Gaudapada’s commentary will be provided; students are requested to bring any copy of the Yoga Sutras with the Sanskrit text. Course objectives: To engage the primary canonical text of Samkhya, which is the larger metaphysical tradition within which Yoga was originally a branch before it came to be considered as an independent school; to expose ourselves to the goals of life as articulated by these traditions, and their expositions on the big existential issues faced by all humans – the nature of the deep level self, the mind and the world; to explore their explanation of suffering, its cause, and its removal; to analyze where the two canonical texts clearly overlap, and where their focus differs; to gain a clear sense of the three gunas, accepted not only by these two schools, but fundamental to Vedanta metaphysics as well; to gain a clearer understanding of the notion of “liberation”.
THE RETREAT takes place at a farmhouse called “Centro Montauto” near Rapolano Terme. Rapolano Terme is a town located in Tuscany, Italy between Siena and Perugia. Website www.montauto.it. Facebook: Centro Montauto
THE YOGA ROOM is one of the many buildings on the property that has been restored with wooden floors and a view facing the surrounding hills. Vegetarian food will be served. If you have food restriction or allergy, please inform before coming.
PLEASE bring your own yoga mat. All other props will be provided.
ARRIVAL: Wednesday 1st of July after lunch
CLASSES: The first lesson begins Wednesday at 5.30 pm , last class Tuesday 7th of July in the morning
DEPARTURE: Tuesday 7th of July after lunch
TRANSPORTATION: A shuttle bus will be provided to and from Montauto. It will depart Wednesday 1st of July at 1.30 pm from “Istituto Iyengar Yoga Firenze”, Via San Gervasio 18, Florence and will depart from Montauto the 7th of July at 1.30 pm (it arrives in Via San Gervasio 18 around 3.00 pm). The cost is 40.00 euro each way and is non-refundable. The shuttle must be reserved at the time of registration. For those who will not be staying at Montauto, a car will be necessary to travel to and from the retreat site.
PRICE: € 1000.00 (including € 580 for the workshop, € 420 for board which includes three meals per day non-refundable if not eaten). Cost does not include lodging.
RESERVATION: The number of reservations is limited and operates as first come, first serve. Reservations are confirmed only after payment of deposit of € 300.00 and €150.00 for accomodation. To reserve your place, you can call (39) 391 7434945 or send an e-mail to: info@istitutoiyengaryogafirenze.it. Make sure to send a email with you name and the receipt, and make sure to receive the confirmation from the secretary of the school. In case of cancellation before May 30th, you will be reimbursed the amount of your deposit minus € 100.00. After May 30th, there will be no reimbursement.
Payment of deposit for this seminar must be made to the following account:
ISTITUTO IYENGAR YOGA FIRENZE
BANK: Banca Sella
Bank address: Via Carlo Botta, 22 FIRENZE 50136, Italia
Iban: IT79X0326802801052813582410
SWIFT: SELBIT2BXXX
Attention! Please write down:
– First and Last name
– Reason for the deposit “YOGA SEMINAR 1st of July to 7th of July 2026”. The remaining balance can be paid at the time of the seminar.
LODGING:
1) In the rustic farmhouse at the retreat site there are limited beds available. There are no private rooms or baths. Booking is first come, first serve. Rooms may only be reserved via email and with the deposit of € 150.00. Accommodation cost: € 280.00.
2) Camping is available near the main house with its own facilities. Space is limited. Accommodation cost: € 125.00
Different types of accommodations are available below. You are responsible for reserving your own accommodations. Some of the closest places are:
Recommended Accomodation List:
-Podere La Casina Strada della Bandita 199 – Rigomagno – Sinalunga tel: +39 347 817 8345 Michela. e-mail: info@poderelacasina.com
-Villa ai Boschi, fraz. San Gimignanello – Rapolano Terme, tel: +39 0577 704394, www.villadeiboschi.com Charming countryhouse
–Villa Buoninsegna: Rapolano Terme, tel/fax: +39 0577 724 380 – www.buoninsegna.it ; Ten minutes from the site.
