Embodying the Scriptures:
An Exploration of Classical Yogic Texts in Hatha Yoga Practice
Workshop Series with Devidas Karina Ayn Mirsky
More and more, yoga students in the West are looking to deepen their understanding of yoga. Teachers often invite seekers to read classical texts like the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Bhagavad Gita or the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. These texts are loaded with Sanskrit terms and have and numerous translations and commentaries which can be intimidating to new readers. Even after years of study, one may begin to grasp what a book is about but still have little understating of how to put the teachings into practice on the mat. This ParaYoga Weekend is an opportunity to explore the true potential of yoga as a fully embodied spiritual practice.
BHAGAVAD GITA: The Path of the Heart
In the Bhagavad Gita, Sri Krishna taught Arjuna the wisdom of: Jnana Yoga, the eternal nature of the True Self, Karma Yoga, the righteous path of fulfilling ones purpose and duties, and Bhakti Yoga, the yoga of love, devotion and surrender. If we combined the lessons of these three Yogas into one path, we might say that Sri Krishna taught Arjuna about the path of the Heart. There is a common misconception that the “heart” is the emotional center of the body; when in fact, the spiritual heart is actually the opposite of reactionary emotions. It is the balanced point of wisdom, divine love and inner guidance, said to be the dwelling place of the Soul. The goal of this class is to drop into the heart and begin to follow it’s path which can lead us from the unreal to the real, from darkness to light, and from death to immortality. - (Brhadaranyaka Upanishad)
YOGA SUTRA: From Asana to Ananda
In the larger scope of yoga, asana is the foundation of a deepening journey – a merging with spirit. Explore how to create a more meaningful and profound experience in each pose through integrating concepts of the Yoga Sutra into practice on the mat. This workshop begins with a discussion on a few key Sutras and their application to practice. The asana routine combines pelvic floor work, classical postures and long holds, coupled with the original intention of Patanjali. All movement practice leads to the meditation seat where we’ll venture into the last five limbs of the “eight fold path”. Bring a meditation cushion.
HATHA YOGA PRADIPIKA: Awakening the True Potential
In the opening lecture of this workshop we’ll discuss the concepts and practices outlined in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. This text explains how to gradually establish the inner conditions of purification and balance needed to arouse kundalini shakti into the spine. When this divine potential is awakened, we experience vibrant health and live with both passion and purpose. - The asana practice in this workshop will include bandhas, agni sara, breathwork, mudra and visualization. We’ll also explore a complimentary practice from the Netra Tantra as taught by Yogarupa, Rod Stryker. We’ll conclude with a meditation as taught by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait. Some prior yoga experience and a fairly empty belly are recommended.
Registration
- These worskhops do not require preregistration. - Just pay at the door.
- Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time
- See Event Schedule for specific workshop dates & times.
Price: $25
(Photo of Karina at Sri Yoga in Dayton is courtacy of Brooke Medlin, 2011)
