The heart of a fulfilled life is the recognition that our experience of the world, even our destiny, is shaped and determined by our inner life. There may be no teaching more fundamental to the mastery of our inner universe than the wisdom of the Gunas –– the three essential attributes that rule the manifest world. Teachings on the Gunas appear as early as the writings of the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita and play a vital role in the traditions of yoga, Tantra, and Ayurveda.

Join master teacher and founder of ParaYoga, Rod Stryker for his 2010 return to Willow Street as he leads a three-day workshop based on the Gunas –– one of yoga’s most essential themes and leads a Friday master class (suitable for all dedicated students). In each class Rod will shed light on how different yogic methodologies influence the subtle forces of the Gunas. His focus will be on practice and how it can be used to systematically address our individual needs, unfold higher potentials, and, in the process, how we fulfill the potential of practice. In each session Rod will share his wisdom on the ancient teachings and lead a deepening practice.

All levels of dedicated students welcome for the entire workshop or individual classes. 

Friday 10 AM - 1 PM - Master Class - Koshas
The ancient teachings of the Koshas describe, and are the basis of, yoga as a holistic practice. First appearing in the Upanishads, the wisdom of the Koshas empowers us to flourish at every level. Through theory and practice, we explore the insight of these sacred teachings on embodying spirit and the whole person. Rod will discuss the specific practices that reach each individual Kosha and how to apply this knowledge for greater balance, wisdom, capacity, and liberation.

Friday 6:30 - 9 PM - Introduction to Gunas
Through lecture and practice Rod will introduce the principles of the Gunas and provide an overview of the classical and Tantric approaches to working with them using the tools of asana, breath, meditation, diet, and lifestyle. Class will include practice. 

Saturday 12:30 - 3:30 PM - Rajas Guna: Aspire, Empower and Expand 
We discuss the role of rajas and its relationship to evolution and expansion. Through practice we activate the qualities that help us overcome inner and outer limitations. Specific postures, sequencing, breath and Bhavana awaken the force that fuels growth and transformation.

Saturday 5 - 7:30 PM. Tamas Guna: Stability and Grounding
Steadiness in the midst of change and confidence in the midst of uncertainty are the hallmarks of self-mastery and the culmination of asana. Practice will emphasize yogic techniques that lead to being still, grounded, stable, and calm.

Sunday 9 - 11:30 AM. Sattwa Guna: Freedom and Illumination
Sattwa is the balance that leads to clarity, calm, and the recognition of spirit’s effulgent light. Our focus is on the practices that unlock awareness and the power of soul, that allow us to fully shine internally and externally.

Sunday 1 - 3 PM. ParaYoga: Spanda Vinyasa and Asana

According to Tantra, spanda is the ecstatic pulse of the unmanifest, the source of creative energy, the soul of the material world as well as the yogis’ bridge to spirit. In this class you will be led through a dynamic sequence of asanas (with an emphasis on twists), pranayama, mantra, and kriya meditation –– powerful practices that woven together will awaken your connection to eternal creative energy and the pulsation of your spirit.  Some theory gets us started.