The flower of Yoga first came to life in the soil of Tantra. At least 5,000 years ago Tantric visionaries, inspired by the deepest reverence and passion for unveiling the sacred beauty and mysteries of life, developed what we know as the practice of Hatha Yoga. Clearly spelled out in the texts that would come later Hatha Yoga consisted of: Asana, Pranayama, Bandha, Kriya, Mudra, Mantra, meditation, practices pertaining to Kundalini awakening, and seemingly endless array of other techniques and knowledge. According to Tantra these practices lay a direct pathway to reaching life's ultimate goals. Holding that “the sacred and the worldly are one”, Tantra's core principle asserts that any one can reach a state of fearlessness, and bask in the light of both worldly and spiritual prosperity. Over the centuries Tantra evolved non-Yogic paths and practices to suit different temperaments and capacities, however Tantra continues to serve as the most complete and sublime approach to Yoga. Tantra offers infinite ways to expand the reach and power of Yoga practice by integrating it with the wisdom of Ayurveda and the whole of Brahma Vidya (“supreme science”) or knowledge of the underlying reality. This practice intensive/Training is dedicated to enrich practitioners and teachers of all levels, by deepening your experience and knowledge of the power and exquisite beauty of the Yogic teachings called Tantra.
This five-day practice and Teacher Training Intensive* is open to all interested students. Using the traditional tools of Hatha as our foundation we explore, through practice and theory, Tantra as the full flowering of Yoga.
The training consists of two parts: open morning practices and afternoon theory sessions. Morning practices are open to all dedicated practitioners (participation in the training is not required). These 2 1/2 hour practice sessions, led by Rod, weave together dynamic Vinyasa flow, Asana, Bandhas, and Mudra (techniques to transform the energetic body), in combination with breath work, meditation, and visualization techniques. The intention of these sessions is to lead you to greater and greater heights of freedom, joy and self mastery, as well as to transform how you see practice, yourself, and your capacity in the world.
The final aim of the intensive is to guide you to what the ancient Tantra Yoga practitioners discovered - through reverence (love) and skill the body can deliver you to the gateway of the Infinite. For those doing the Training (open to all interested students – teachers and non-teachers alike), afternoon sessions deepen our exploration through theory, additional practices, lectures, meditations, and Q & A sessions.
The focus of these sessions is to systematically explore the principles and stages of practice in the Tantric tradition, with particular emphasis on the principles and techniques that make Asana, Pranayama, and Meditation more profound – whether it be for your own practice and/or that of your students.
Some of the topics we cover include:
• The Prana of Asana
• Yoga and the Meridian System
• Spirituality and the Subtle Body
• Pranayama – The Bridge to Clear Perception
• Awakening the Spirit (Shakti) of Practice
• Ayurveda and Yoga
• Kundalini – the Power of Evolution
• Meditation in the Tantric tradition
• The Science and Application of Mantra
• The Meaning and Purpose of Life according to Tantra
“The ultimate aim of Yoga is to empower you to see, feel, and live life fearlessly. The greatest accomplishment of practice is to fully be the luminous being you were meant to be.”
Recommended Reading:
KUNDALINI TANTRA by Swami Satyananda Saraswati (first 193 pages).
Please note: At the close of the training all participants are eligible to receive a certificate of completion. However, it is not rewarded on the basis of enrollment. Attendance at all sessions and completion of all contact hours is required. Certificates can only be issued on the basis of hours completed by the close of the training.
KUNDALINI TANTRA by Swami Satyananda Saraswati (first 193 pages).
Please note: At the close of the training all participants are eligible to receive a certificate of completion. However, it is not rewarded on the basis of enrollment. Attendance at all sessions and completion of all contact hours is required. Certificates can only be issued on the basis of hours completed by the close of the training.