Hariharalaya
Holistic Learning Center
Beyond space and time there exists a secret oasis. A magical healing garden grows in the shade of the ancient pyramids of Angkor, maintained and passed down through the ages by the keepers of Wisdom.
Here you will find an authentic community of teachers, artists and healers committed to living joyfully in the present moment.
Here you will find the medicine to awaken your body, heart and mind and reconnect with your creativity and joy.
The Birth of Hariharalaya
While on a silent retreat in 2010 in Cambodia, Founder Lokta Joēl was struck by an unexpected and unmistakable vision to set up a center for awakening by the Angkor temples. With less than $500 to his name and a dream, Hari Hara was born.
Over the last 15 years Hari Hara has reached more than 13,000 people from all over the world with our simple and transformational program of yoga, meditation, breath, silence, creativity, community and nature.
To date, we have hosted more than 500 of our own retreat programs and we continue to evolve and grow in our path of dharma as a center for awakening.
Lokta Joēl
Educator – Poet – Mystic – Linguist
Healer – Musician – Chef – Dancer
Joēl was introduced to the teachings of the sages and mystics from a young age and always felt a strong pull towards the inner path.
For the last 24 years he has dedicated his life to the path of awakening (Sanatana Dharma). For the last 13 years Lokta Joēl has been sharing his joy and wisdom on retreat at Hariharalaya.
A Calling to the Path:
Lokta Joēl's
Journey of Awakening
Joel was born in the suburbs of the Northeast United States in 1980. As a young boy Joel played sports and studied classical music, which gave him the opportunity to travel the world and see beyond.
In 1998 Joel moved to Quebec to pursue his passion for language and translation. The following year he was initiated in a traditional path of Kriya Yoga and introduced to the teachings of sages and enlightened masters.
Within a few weeks of practice, Joel’s breath would become very slow and subtle and then disappear. He would enter into mystical states of superconsciousness beyond the mind.
This sparked a 10 year journey of intense purification through the different paths and modalities of yoga.
Joel was born in the suburbs of the Northeast United States in 1980. As a young boy Joel played sports and studied classical music, which gave him the opportunity travel the world and see beyond.
In 1998 Joel moved to Quebec to pursue his passion for language and translation. The following year he was initiated in a traditional path of Kriya Yoga and introduced to the teachings of sages and enlightened masters.
Within a few weeks of practice, Joel’s breath would become very slow and subtle and then disappear. He would enter into mystical states of super consciousness beyond mind.
This sparked a 10 year journey of intense purification through the different paths and modalities of yoga.
In 2002 Joel moved in Brazil where he apprenticed as a jeweler and started to explore the healing arts of Reiki, acupuncture, fasting, massage & plant medicine.
Back in United States he spent 3 years studying and working at Pendle Hill, a contemplative Quaker community. First as a gardener and then as a community chef, Joel spent endless days diving deep into living the teachings of yoga, simplicity, deep listening and nature.
His time at Pendle Hill strongly influenced his approach towards experiential education, community and present moment awareness.
After leaving Pendle Hill, Joel spent 6 winter months in silence at the Babaji Kriya Yoga Ashram in Quebec, translating works on yoga philosophy and practicing intensive meditation and purification.
From there he set out on the open road in search of enlightenment. Joel travelled through the United States and India to spend time at the feet of many great living sages, absorbing the wisdom, guidance and the essence of yoga. To this day Joel regularly travels to India to continue his immersion in the living path of yoga.
Joel’s teachings are simple yet profound. He is passionate about transmitting the experience of peace and awareness in practical language, providing simple tools to grow a beautiful garden.
Joel pours his heart and soul into maintaining this sacred healing garden and offering an authentic approach to yoga as a way of life. His mission is to provide the tools, experience and understanding to live a happy, healthy and creative life.
Lokta Joēl, founder of Hariharalaya Yoga & Meditation Retreat, has traveled the world on a deep spiritual journey, seeking wisdom from ancient traditions and practices.
His travels have brought him to India, where he has connected with revered sages and teachers. This profound experience has shaped the heart of Hariharalaya, a sanctuary for those seeking stillness and transformation.
Lokta Joēl’s time in India has deepened his commitment to sharing the practices of yoga, meditation, and holistic wellness with others, inspired by the wisdom passed down by the sages.
