Current & Ongoing Programs | All programs are taught in ENGLISH
Mahaprana | Pranayama & The Power of Yoga | 2020
AN EXPERIENTIAL IMMERSION & CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
There is one intangible element in every human being that connects the domains of body, mind, vital energy and spirit: the breath. The power of breath and therefore of Pranayama practice can thus never be underestimated, as it works profoundly on all these levels of human existence. A correct Pranayama practice can therefore not only increase longevity and your energy levels in daily life, but it can be a profound tool in calming mental and emotional agitation, decrease imbalances on any level and ultimately help you to connect with the purusa, the spiritual anchor in the heart.
In the traditional times it was said that after you grew up the major part of your yoga practice should consist of Pranayama, as it ensures stamina and health during the trials of daily life. Yet, in our contemporary times, Pranayama is often ignored or not given the importance it deserves, and therefore is not often covered in depth in many training programs and practice classes.
This online immersion program in Pranayama is aimed at serious practitioners, as well as Yoga teachers and Trainers, who want to take their practice to the next level. The course will explore the foundations and theory of Pranayama as well as specific techniques, their applications and contraindications. This is a one year program with two modules each month.
Each module will constitute two pre-recorded sessions of approximately 50 minutes each, through which this theme will be explored in detail. Assistive handouts will be provided prior to each session. At the end of each session a Pranayama practice will be offered, which will need to be practiced by the participants until the next session. Guidelines of self-observation on the effects of such practices will also be provided. Participants may email the instructor with any clarifications or questions.
Participants can take this course towards continuing education credit.
MANTRA YOGA | Linking with Sacred Sounds | 2020
Mantra-s or sacred sounds are one of Yoga’s most subtle and profound tools. They were embraced by the Yogin-s from time immemorial as they are believed to be the way to realize our Self and link to the Divine that is hidden within our hearts. Mantra-s were also used in various meditative practices to help facilitate a deeper connection with the object of focus, and therefore integrate their special qualities. Mantra-s were also used in other Yoga practices such as Asana, Pranyama, Bhavana and Nyasa to enhance their potency.
A deep immersion in the practice of Mantra was considered a very important aspect of a Yogin’s practice and learning. The benefits the Mantra-s brought were so superior despite them being so simple to embrace and engage with. Yet, for historical reasons the practice of Mantra-s has been exclusive to a select few, and has not yet been embraced by the larger audience of Yoga. Yogacaryas like T Krishnamacharya, however, made these practices available and today their benefits can be enjoyed by all.
This online program provides a platform for serious practitioners to explore this topic in depth. The program will last for nine months with one module each month. Each module will constitute two pre-recorded sessions of approximately 50 minutes each, through which this theme will be explored in detail. Assistive handouts will be provided prior to each session. At the end of each session a practice will be offered, which will need to be practiced by the participants until the next session. Guidelines of self-observation on the effects of such practices will also be provided.
Participants may email the instructor with any clarifications or questions. A Certificate of Participation will be issued to participants who complete the entire program. Participants can take this course towards continuing education credit.
Secrets of Yoga | Teachings from the Yogarahasya of Nathamuni | 2019
Sri Nathamuni was a legendary saint who lived in the ninth century AD, and is often credited as the pioneer of the devotional movement of Yoga. Despite him being more well known for his works on the religious philosophy, he was also an extraordinary master of Yoga. Among his compositions is the well known treatise called Yoga Rahasya, literally meaning Secrets of Yoga.
There is much mystery that surrounds this text. It is believed that Nathamuni received these Yoga instructions in a state of meditative trance from Sri Nammalvar, who lived many centuries earlier. Further it is believed that the Yoga Rahasya once again vanished through mysterious circumstances and was thought to be lost forever. Strangely it was once again revived by the legendary Yogi T Krishnamacharya, in the early part of the twentieth century in a manner similar to how Nathamuni received them in the first place.
This classical text offers four chapters of precious teachings that provides invaluable practical instructions, as well as key insights into the manner in which Yoga must be understood and practiced. It also is one of the rare texts that highlights the therapeutic value of Yoga, including Yoga during Pregnancy as well as Yoga for different stages of life. It would be a precious asset to every serious teacher and practitioner of Yoga.
This online program provides a platform for serious practitioners to explore this topic in depth. The program will last for twelve months with one module each month. Each module will constitute two pre-recorded sessions of approximately 50 minutes each. In the sessions we shall explore these themes in detail, and how to utilise the diverse tools of yoga to assist in such circumstances. Detailed handouts will be provided prior to each session that will support the learning experience.
This intensive program will be most useful to serious students and practitioners of Yoga, Yoga Teachers and Trainers wanting to take their expertise to the next level. A Certificate of Participation will be issued to all participants who complete the entire program. Participants may email the instructor with any clarifications or questions.Participants can take this course towards continuing education credit.
AYURVEDA JNANAM | Principles of Classical Practice | 2020
Ayurveda, literally translated as ‘science of life’ can be described as a way of living with awareness and promoting health, wellness and longevity. Ayurveda includes aspects of philosophy, mythology, diet, exercise and other lifestyle recommendations that are a part of an overall physical, mental and metaphysical refinement process. Thus, Ayurveda is not only a science of medicine, but also a science of daily living with a spiritual awareness for the divine consciousness that is residing both within us and outside.
Yoga and Ayurveda being sister disciplines, share a common understanding of the human body, especially in a comprehensive and holistic dimension. Many texts reveal the inter-connectedness between the two systems. Both systems also being holisitic in their approach, offer practical yet profound solutions for the ultimate health and nourishment of its practitioners.
Texts such as the Hathayogapradipika, Rajayogaratnakara and others, reveal how Yoga practices must also be considered consistent with how Ayurveda understands the human body. Further, masters like Acarya T Krishnamcharya also emphasised the extraordinary value in understanding fundamental principles of Ayurveda in Yoga Therapy and also in Yoga Teaching.
This online seminar series of sessions will explore important fundamental topics of Ayurveda in detail, presenting the core principles and frameworks within which they must be understood and practiced. The immersion will present previously unknown material on these very subtle concepts and how to apply them carefully in personal practice or in the practice of students.
This is a one year program with one modules each month. Each module will constitute two pre-recorded sessions of approximately 50 minutes each, through which this theme will be explored in detail. Assistive handouts will be provided prior to each session. Participants may email the instructor with any clarifications or questions. A Certificate of Participation will be issued to participants who complete the entire program. Participants can take this course towards continuing education credit.
GRHINI | Yoga for Women | 2020
AN EXPERIENTIAL IMMERSION & CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Yoga has long supported the empowerment of women, and has in place very specific practices to support women in every stage of their lives. Women were considered to have a special right to practice Yoga as they not only were the givers of life, but were also the primary source of nourishment for mankind and the environment. Yoga also understood that a woman’s body and mind goes through various transitions throughout her life. Hence it requires very specific care that embraces these changes in a respectful manner through every stage of life.
Women experience specific circumstances such as pregnancy and menopause, and are predisposed to certain illnesses like Breast Cancer, Osteoporosis, Menstrual difficulties, Hormonal imbalances etc. Modern life also brings its own set of challenges that create imbalances in a woman’s health thus leading to various new illnesses that require attention. It is for such reasons that both Yoga and Ayurveda offer special emphasis on the nourishment and wellbeing of women. Yogacaryas like T Krishnamacharya, made integrated this knowledge and offered potent and powerful practices including Asana, Pranayama, Mantra, Mudra, Bandhas and Dhyanam to suit these circumstances. A deep immersion in the diverse practices of Yoga and its application for women is essential for every Yoga Teacher, Yoga Therapist and even a Yoga Student.
This online program provides a platform for serious practitioners to explore this topic in depth. The program will last for twelve months with one module each month. Each module will constitute two pre-recorded sessions of approximately 50 minutes each. In the sessions we shall explore these themes in detail, and how to utilise the diverse tools of yoga to assist in such circumstances. Detailed handouts will be provided prior to each session that will support the learning experience.
This intensive program will be most useful to serious students and practitioners of Yoga, Yoga Teachers and Trainers wanting to take their expertise to the next level. A Certificate of Participation will be issued to all participants who complete the entire program. Participants may email the instructor with any clarifications or questions.Participants can take this course towards continuing education credit.
YOGAMUDRA | The Subtle & POTENT Tools of Yoga | 2020
The limitless human potential is often deeply hidden within us, not just beneath our psyche, but also within the layers of conscious and unconscious patterning. Unlocking them to fully manifest into our life is a key aspect of personal growth and spiritual development. This arduous and potent process requires sustained effort and the practice of powerful tools, under careful guidance and supervision.
The role of Mudra-s and Bandha-s can serve as a vital instrument in this process of personal evolution. Mudra-s are very intricate tools of Yoga, that harness the fire within us to help nourish the inherent seeds of our capabilities. They are discussed extensively in classical texts such as Hathayogapradipika and Sivasamhita, as well as modern classics such as Yoga Makaranda of T Krishnamacharya.
The wise sages of the past relied on these subtle and sophisticated tools to nurture the latent potential lying beneath our subconscious layers of our psyche. When appropriately practiced together with a sophisticated system of breath and visualization, they touch different layers of the human system and aid in our positive transformation. Owing to the great power it can harness, the Yogi-s showed great respect to these tools and only learnt and practiced under watchful guidance. They also understood and considered all the pre-requisites these tools required, before practicing themselves or teaching them to others.
This online seminar series of sessions will explore the most important Mudra-s in detail, presenting the core principles and frameworks within which they must be understood and practiced. The immersion will present previously unknown material on these very subtle concepts of Yoga and how to apply them carefully in personal practice or in the practice of students.
This is a one year program with one modules each month. Each module will constitute two pre-recorded sessions of approximately 50 minutes each, through which this theme will be explored in detail. Assistive handouts will be provided prior to each session. At the end of each session a practice will be offered, which will need to be practiced by the participants until the next session. Guidelines of self-observation on the effects of such practices will also be provided. Participants may email the instructor with any clarifications or questions. A Certificate of Participation will be issued to participants who complete the entire program. Participants can take this course towards continuing education credit.
Paritapa | Yoga Therapy in Trauma Care | 2020
The word ‘trauma’ is used to describe experiences or situations that are emotionally painful and distressing, and that overwhelm people’s ability to cope, leaving them powerless.
Trauma when left unresolved, has severe negative effects on one’s life. Hence it needs to be addressed in a respectful and careful manner. The impact of trauma pervades all the different layers of our human structure. It also needs a heartful approach that fully understands the complexity of its origin, impact and constant presence in daily life, so that tangible solutions can be found to slowly change its influence on the care seeker.
The approach of Yoga Therapy has understood trauma (paritapa) and has explored it in great detail. Hence Yoga Therapy provides an excellent way of addressing this need, as its approach is holistic and individual centric. Yoga Therapy offers potent solutions that need to be implemented in an individualized and context sensitive manner. The approach of Yoga is sensible as it allows each individual to engage with varied tools that can slowly change the momentum of our lives.This integrative and holistic approach is becoming very popular in the modern era, and is not only being embraced by care seekers, but also it is being accepted by different health care providers
This online intensive training will explore in detail the mind-body approach of Yoga Therapy in understanding and dealing with trauma. Participating trainees will learn many topics related to this theme including - how to understand trauma, what are the kinds of trauma, how does Yoga Therapy understand it, the challenges in trauma care, the tools of Yoga that can be useful, the application of these tools in a respectful and individual manner etc. The training program will present previously unknown material on these very subtle concepts of Yoga and how to apply them carefully in practice.
The program will last for twelve months with one module each month. Each module will constitute two pre-recorded sessions of approximately 50 minutes each. In the sessions we shall explore these themes in detail, and how to utilise the diverse tools of yoga to assist in such circumstances. Detailed handouts will be provided prior to each session that will support the learning experience.
This intensive program will be most useful to serious students and practitioners of Yoga, Yoga Teachers and Trainers wanting to take their expertise to the next level. A Certificate of Participation will be issued to all participants who complete the entire program. Participants may email the instructor with any clarifications or questions.Participants can take this course towards continuing education credit.
THE 7 CAKRAS | Exploring the Energy Centres | 2020
The Yogin-s understood the human body differently from how we perceive it today. Apart from understanding it as a complex physiological structure, the Yogin-s also realized that we are made up of an intricate subtle body. An important part of this subtle entity are the major energy centers known as Cakra-s, which were linked together through subtle channels called the Nadi-s. Each of these Cakra-s were associated with vital physiological and emotional functions. Hence the Yogin-s firmly believed that any imbalance in the Cakra-s could result in physiological and emotional illness and vice versa.
Thus they had a deep and profound understanding of the Cakra-s and also developed tools and methods to influence them when they were in a state of disharmony. In fact this understanding of the subtle body was the main basis for evolving the multiple tools of Yoga. For each modern Yoga practitioner it is important to learn the way Yogin-s saw the human body through this understanding of the subtle anatomy and how Yoga’s tools can be utlized to influence the energy centers in the body. When the Cakra-s are properly understood and Yoga’s tools are appropriately administered, they become powerful allies in the path of health and expansion of hidden potential.
This online seminar series of sessions will explore the most important Cakra-s in detail, presenting the core principles and frameworks within which they must be understood and practiced. The immersion will present previously unknown material on these very subtle concepts of Yoga and how to apply them carefully in personal practice or in the practice of students.