The Atlanta delegation will join teachers and musicians from four other states and Washington, D.C., as well as Art of Living’s senior teachers in yoga, meditation and Ayurveda.

The spark for this first gathering came from the kirtan singer Wah!, who led a course at the center last year. Upon arriving at the mountaintop facility, Wah! commented upon its heart-centered energy and immediately suggested a yoga retreat.

The conference, put together by the center’s staff, will include 16 master classes over four sessions, and two evenings of music and socializing. Bob McCandlish, senior workshop programmer, says that “intimacy to teachers and one another” will distinguish the conference.

The fee is $215 plus accommodations, which range from $114 to $221 per night. All meals are included. The Center, which is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is also home to the Shankara Ayurveda Spa, which offers separately-priced services.

The Joyful Yoga Conference, Aug. 10-12, The Art of Living Retreat Center, 639 Whispering Hills Rd, Boone, NC 28607, ArtofLivingRetreatCenter.org, 800-392-6870.

Image: Perry Julien