Yoga & Zen Meditation, with Ben on Strikingly

Yoga & Meditation
To Share
Hi, I`m Ben. I would like to share with you Yoga, Meditation and Literature.

YOGA
Today, there are many forms of yoga. I aim to offer a blend of Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Yin Yoga, as well as QiGong and fascial training. The goal of my classes is to promote a stable body and a clear mind.
MEDITATION
I practice the Meditation form of Zen Buddhism, also called Zazen. It has a tradition of around 1500 years. Recently, Harvard University has conducted studies on its positive effects
LITERATURE
I hold a Master of Arts degree in Philosophy/ History and have been writing fiction since my early youth. You can find my german written books and plays 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.

My new book Defending the nap will be published in 2025 (Verlag Königshausen & Neumann).
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, France, Portugal, 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 & Oscar nominated 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 ...

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!
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.
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!
Ittingen, Switzerland
Kartause Ittingen, July 8-21, 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. Enjoy beautiful nature, wonderful dishes and a relaxing time in silence.
Crikvenica, Croatia
Hotel Kvarner Palace, Aug 19 - Sep 13, 2024
Yogaweeks with daily 2 classes (75 min.). Each day starts and ends with 15 min. of Zen Meditation. Including a relaxing SPA, wonderful dishes and an evening reading in a library.
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. Including a relaxing SPA, wonderful dishes and an evening reading in a garden.- All participants of the yoga week receive a 20% discount on the room price! - Click the image!
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 and 60 min. of Yoga. Including a relaxing SPA, wonderful dishes and an evening reading in a well sorted library. - Click the image for more information.
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. Enjoy beautiful nature, wonderful dishes and a relaxing time in silence.
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. Including a relaxing SPA, wonderful dishes and an evening reading in a library.
Pfinztal, South-Germany
Villa Hammerschmiede, Oct 31-Nov 3, 2024
Yogadays in the Relais & Châteaux Hotel Villa-Hammerschmiede. Including wonderful dishes, a relaxing SPA, with Sauna and Pool. For more information click the image.
Pontresina, Switzerland
Kronenhof Pontresina, Dec 4-8, 2024
Beginners and Intermediate are welcome for daily 2x75 min. of Yoga and Zen Meditation, in Kronenhof Pontresina, in the heart of Engadin. Including a relaxing SPA, wonderful dishes and an evening reading in a library.
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.
Ittingen, Switzerland
Kartause Ittingen, Feb 3-9, 2025
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. Enjoy beautiful nature, wonderful dishes and a relaxing time in silence.
Pfinztal, South-Germany
Villa Hammerschmiede, March 6-9, 2025
Yogadays in the Relais & Châteaux Hotel Villa-Hammerschmiede, at the international women`s day. Including wonderful dishes, a relaxing SPA, with Sauna and Pool. For more information click the image. - For more information click the image.
Turracherhöhe, Austria
Hotel Hochschober, March 16-21, 2025
A Yogaweek with daily 2 classes (90 min.). Each day starts and ends with 30 min. of Zen Meditation and 60 min. of Yoga. Including a relaxing 5-Star-SPA, wonderful dishes and an evening reading in a well sorted library. - Click the image for more information.
Ittingen, Switzerland
Apr 14-27, 2025
I welcome you to Yoga-Classes for beginners and intermediate in Kartause Ittingen, where an award-winning hotel meets monastics values. Enjoy beautiful nature, wonderful dishes and a relaxing time in silence. - Click the image for more information.
Bezau, Austria
Hotel Post Bezau, April 27- May 2, 2025
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?
Turracherhöhe, Austria
Hotel Hochschober, Jun 15-20, 2025
A Yogaweek with daily 2 classes (90 min.). Each day starts and ends with 30 min. of Zen Meditation and 60 min. of Yoga. Including a relaxing SPA, wonderful dishes and an evening reading in a well sorted library. - Click the image for more information.
Crikvenica, Croatia
Hotel Kvarner Palace, May 26-30 + Jun 2-6 + Jun 8-14, 2025
Choose a relaxing or intensive yoga week: From May 26-30 and June 2-6, we’ll have one morning class each day. From June 8-14, we’ll offer both a morning and an afternoon class daily. All three weeks include access to a relaxing spa, delicious meals, and an evening reading with Ben Rakidzija in the library.
Kartause Ittingen, Switzerland
Ittingen, July 7-19, 2025
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. Enjoy beautiful nature, wonderful dishes and a relaxing time in silence.
Aix en Provence, France
May 12-17, 2025
Yogaweeks in the heart of Provence. Save the date! - More information coming soon.
Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria
Hotel Rudolfshütte (AU), Jul 26 - Aug 1, 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.
Crikvenica, Croatia
Hotel Kvarner Palace, AUG 25 - SEP 14, 2025
Fell welcome in Croatia! We’ll offer both a morning and an afternoon class daily (each 60min., open for beginners and intermediate). All three weeks include access to a relaxing spa, delicious meals, and an evening reading with Ben Rakidzija in the library.
Turracherhöhe, Austria
Hochschober, Sep 28-Oct 3, 2025

A Yogaweek with daily 2 classes (90 min.). Each day starts and ends with 30 min. of Zen Meditation and 60 min. of Yoga. Including a relaxing SPA, wonderful dishes and an evening reading in a well sorted library. - Click the image for more information.
Kartause Ittingen, Switzerland
Oct 10-23, 2025
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. Enjoy beautiful nature, wonderful dishes and a relaxing time in silence.
Bezau, Austria
Hotel Post Bezau, Oct 5-9, 2025

Join us for 3,5 Yogadays, with 7 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?
Pfinztal, South-Germany
Villa Hammerschmiede, Nov 20-23, 2025
Yogadays in the Relais & Châteaux Hotel Villa-Hammerschmiede, at the international women`s day. Including wonderful dishes, a relaxing SPA, with Sauna and Pool. For more information click the image. - For more information click the image.
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) ... Park Hotel Vitznau (Switzerland) ...
A flourishing life
English/ German
An inspiring note on a flourishing life. - Read > here.
WORKSHOPS
For beginners, intermediate and experienced.

Introduction in Yin Yoga & Zazen
JUL 27, 2024 - From 10.00-12.15
Open for beginners and intermediate, this course will guide you into the basics of Yin Yoga and Zen Meditation.

Location: P9, Karl Schurz Strasse 9, Stuttgart (Germany)
Open for max 15 participants.
To apply, please send a message to the studio.
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.
Yoga-Brunch
JAN 18, 2025, 9.30-12.30
A morning of Yoga and Zen Meditation followed by a Yoga-Brunch with organic food. You are with us? - Offer for 69 EUR.

Send a message to: Hofladen Ehrenfeld, Kochersteinsfeld (GER)

Yogaholidays in Provence (France) and other places in the world ...
Books & Plays
I write novels and plays (in German).
Find out more on > rakidzija.com!
-
“Anything but tiring, but wide awake and extremely well-rested
Ben Rakidzija reflects on the siesta in this book.”
Denis Scheck (literatary critic);
about Defending the nap (2025: Verlag Königshausen & Neumann).
-
“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 The book of Little truths (2020: Karl Rauch).
Lit.EU
Interview
Writer at work
Wake me up!
PHOTOS & SHORTS
A few impressions of beautiful moments …
I´m thankful for all the students I´ve met.
GET A NEWsLETTER
Sign up and get once a month a newsletter.
Name

Email

By continuing, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions
and
Privacy Policy

Comment
OR... LEAVE A MESSAGE
If you have questions (or answers) please let me know.
Name

Email

Message

By continuing, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions
and
Privacy Policy

Comment

Time for silence

Yoga & Meditation

To Share

Hi, I`m Ben. I would like to share with you Yoga, Meditation and Literature.

YOGA

Today, there are many forms of yoga. I aim to offer a blend of Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Yin Yoga, as well as QiGong and fascial training. The goal of my classes is to promote a stable body and a clear mind.

MEDITATION

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

LITERATURE

I hold a Master of Arts degree in Philosophy/ History and have been writing fiction since my early youth. You can find my german written books and plays here. In 2019, I founded the European Literature Festival Lit.EU.

About

What I offer

How I teach

From whom I learned

V o i c e s

YOGAHOLIDAYSon Tour

For beginners, intermediate and the curious... please click on the images ...

St.Moritz, Switzerland

Hotel Giardino Mountain, Jan 15-20, 2024

Park Hotel Vitznau, Switzerland

Vitznau, Apr 1-6, 2024

Ascona, Switzerland

Hotel Giardino, June 24-28, 2024

Ittingen, Switzerland

Kartause Ittingen, July 8-21, 2024

Crikvenica, Croatia

Hotel Kvarner Palace, Aug 19 - Sep 13, 2024

Ascona, Switzerland

Hotel Giardino, Sep 16-20, 2024

Turracherhöhe, Austria

Hotel Hochschober, Sep 29 - Oct 4, 2024

Ittingen, Switzerland

Kartause Ittingen, Oct 7-19, 2024

Pontresina, Switzerland

Hotel Kronenhof, Oct 21-25, 2024

Pfinztal, South-Germany

Villa Hammerschmiede, Oct 31-Nov 3, 2024

Pontresina, Switzerland

Kronenhof Pontresina, Dec 4-8, 2024

Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria

Hotel Rudolfshütte, Jan 4-11, 2025

Ittingen, Switzerland

Kartause Ittingen, Feb 3-9, 2025

Pfinztal, South-Germany

Villa Hammerschmiede, March 6-9, 2025

Turracherhöhe, Austria

Hotel Hochschober, March 16-21, 2025

Ittingen, Switzerland

Apr 14-27, 2025

Bezau, Austria

Hotel Post Bezau, April 27- May 2, 2025

Turracherhöhe, Austria

Hotel Hochschober, Jun 15-20, 2025

Crikvenica, Croatia

Hotel Kvarner Palace, May 26-30 + Jun 2-6 + Jun 8-14, 2025

Kartause Ittingen, Switzerland

Ittingen, July 7-19, 2025

Aix en Provence, France

May 12-17, 2025

Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria

Hotel Rudolfshütte (AU), Jul 26 - Aug 1, 2025

Crikvenica, Croatia

Hotel Kvarner Palace, AUG 25 - SEP 14, 2025

Turracherhöhe, Austria

Hochschober, Sep 28-Oct 3, 2025

Kartause Ittingen, Switzerland

Oct 10-23, 2025

Bezau, Austria

Hotel Post Bezau, Oct 5-9, 2025

Pfinztal, South-Germany

Villa Hammerschmiede, Nov 20-23, 2025

Past events

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

A flourishing life

English/ German

WORKSHOPS

For beginners, intermediate and experienced.

Introduction in Yin Yoga & Zazen

JUL 27, 2024 - From 10.00-12.15

Introduction in Yin Yoga & Zazen

YOGAHOLIDAYS
on Tour

For beginners, intermediate and the curious
... please click on the images ...