In Depth Practice

Yoga is a state of deep peace and tranquility where thoughts reduce to the minimum and then stop. In this special state, one may become aware of one’s essential nature, which is nothing but pure consciousness and bliss, while at other times one feels totally one with the experiences mediated by the mind.

Few people are able to experience this deep peace today. Our minds are constantly stimulated and over-active. As a result, all we know is what the mind presents to us, we feel totally merged with this experience, and never properly Self-aware. In the absence of this Self-awareness we come to identify with our minds, bodies and egos and this leads to many problems and afflictions. Therefore, reclaiming this special state of yoga, also known as samadhi, is vital for our good health and well-being.

Some people are able to enter the state of samadhi easily, but for most people it is not possible. This is why the various practices of yoga - Sadhana - were developed. Yoga Sadhana is designed to bring about the state of samadhi, which is possible when you are in good physical and mental health, which explains why yoga practice - sadhana - is all about healing. So the motivation for practice could either be regaining good health or to enter into the state of yoga known as samadhi - but in actual fact these two are one and the same.

Today, if you say the word yoga, most people will assume you mean physical postures and perhaps some breathing exercises. In general, yoga is treated as a way to relax, get flexible or keep fit. For this reason, these practices seldom lead to the original goal of yoga. Not only are the practices deficient but teachers have lost sight of the purpose of practice. In addition, various features of practice are missing - there are eight factors that make up the yogic path.

AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO YOGA PRACTICE

You cannot understand yoga unless you practice, but you cannot properly practice unless you understand it!

Yoga depends on theory and practice, and understanding comes gradually through developing both at the same time. You need both a sense of how to practice and where practice should take you otherwise you will not get anywhere and may even end up harming yourself. Ultimately, yoga is achieved through being able to distinguish between mind and consciousness, a capacity that is dependent on both theory and practice, which merge into each other at this stage. Philosophy becomes meditation and practice becomes philosophy or the realization of theory. Beyond a certain point you cannot disentangle the two.

This program is created with this in mind. It is an immersion in all eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga and the merging of theory and practice. We start from the outside and work inwards. We start from where we are in a physical body, with a distracted mind and gradually move to eliminate the obstacles and afflictions that stand in the way of concentration, meditation and samadhi. These internal limbs depend on the application of the external stages known as yama, niyama, asana, pranayama and pratyahara.

This course is conceived as an experiential immersion in yoga, but can also serve as a theoretical foundation for teachers. Understanding the theory is important for practitioners but essential for teachers. But theory is (literally) meaningless without practice.

THREE MAIN COMPONENTS

This course has been conceived as a comprehensive integrated whole but it is understood that not all students are able to attend all parts. Therefore, each section can be taken independently. Friday classes will also be available both online and as recordings for students who have to miss a class and for those who live too far away. Having said this, it is recommended to attend all parts in order to obtain the intended in-depth experience.

THE ART of SADHANA - Fridays 10.30 -12.30 PM

This is a comprehensive 10 week course covering all the practical aspects of yoga practice. In addition to breaking down these components through lecture, textual study, practical exercises and discussion, the focus will be on developing an integrated sadhana (practice) that incorporates all 8 limbs of Ashtanga Yoga.

Topics will include mechanics, anatomy and physiology of breathing in asana, pranayama and meditation with a focus on vinyasa, bandha, the energetic system (prana and nadis), diet and lifestyle, dealing with injury, sickness and pain and more.

YOGA SUTRA STUDY - THE PATH to SAMADHI - Mondays 4 - 5.45 PM

This unit will be an in depth exploration of the Samadhi Pada of the Yoga Sutra over 10 sessions with reference to traditional commentaries, discussion and practical instruction in meditation. This chapter of the YS is a comprehensive road map of the path of meditation leading to all stages of Samadhi.

INTEGRAL MYSORE PRACTICE - INCLUDING PRANAYAMA and MEDITATION - Sundays and Wednesdays - 9.30 - 11.30 AM

Putting it into practice. Theory is great but it has no value, nor can one properly understand it without practice. Students will be guided to develop a unique integrated practice of all limbs of Ashtanga Yoga.

YOGA ALLIANCE - CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT

This course is open to all - beginners and experienced students, teachers and serious practitioners. A Yoga Alliance certificate of completion will be offered to those who complete the course.

*SCHEDULE: March 10 - June 9, 2023. There will be 10 Friday sessions. No class on: March 17, Apr 21, May 5/12