Banyen Blog

Baba Hari Dass
March 26, 1923 – Sept 25, 2018

Baba Hari Dass was a yoga master, a silent monk, and a commentator in the Indian scriptural tradition. Upon his arrival in the US in the early 1971, he and his teachings inspired the creation of several yoga centers and retreat programs in California and in Canada, including Dharma Sara Satsang Society on Salt Spring Island.

There is nothing better than to soak in a hot tub and pamper your skin after a hot dry summer. Banyen now carries Kis.met, a local, fresh and pure body care line. They believe in self-care products that contain only the essentials. "We like to keep things pretty simple around here, so you won’t find any harmful fragrances or toxins in any of our products.

Archariya Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat, co-founders of the Clear Sky Retreat Center and authors of Wasteland to Pureland, speak about spiritual awakening as the only sustainable mindset in a universe that appears chaotic and for a planet that is in crisis. Offering practical tips gained from their experience in setting up a Retreat Center, Doug Sensei and Catherine offer insights from the path of karma yoga and the wisdom that comes from integrating spiritual life with the realities of modern-day living. This is a delightful inteview about shedding limitations of the spiritual life and continuously cultivating wholesome mindstates that contribute to harmony and happiness for all beings on this planet.

Watch the video here:

Padmashri Massage Oils are a line of traditional Ayurvedic massage oils made by Sewanti, locally in Vancouver. Its founder, Neelam’s faith in Ayurvedic medicine is deeply rooted in personal experience. Sewanti Ayurvedic Series is the fulfillment of her desire to share what she has learned on her healing journey. The word Sewa means service and Sewanti is service with devotion. Through her company, Neelam is committed to provide the highest-quality, authentic Ayurvedic products available. It is her desire to bring Ayurveda to the western world as well as to contribute towards the movement of Ayurveda in North America.

Lotus Wraps are an easy, secure, and comfortable tool in which to sit and stretch while being deeply supported. They are locally designed out of a strongly woven natural linen. Earth to Ethers lovingly makes the wraps in small batches, and all of their packaging is either recyclable or compostable.

The Lotus Wrap was born during its founder Kara’s sitting meditation practice. She felt that to be able to focus more on her inner state, she first had to address the distraction of her uncomfortable outer state. Now, the supportive Lotus Wraps are being used, both for sitting and yoga practices. They can also be used as a chair around the home or in the park. Enclosed with every Lotus Wrap, there is an easy-to-use guide. In August, we welcome these wraps into our store. Come in and try them out!