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Mind Medicine - Crete - July 22 - 28, 2012
Click here for location info Workshop Theme: Ashtanga Yoga is a complete spiritual path founded on a strong and healthy asana practice but without a clear understanding of the appropriate method and purpose of yoga practice, we will not be able to gain the results we desire. Without the right diet, supportive lifestyle, understanding of yoga philosophy or clear intention, many obstacles will be encountered in practice which may also cause further disturbances in the mind, life and health of the practitioner.
Asana practice is therapy and should bring good health and strength to the body and mind. This process is then continued through pranayama which purifies and quietens the mind still further, thus becoming a gateway to the internal states of pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi.
Guruji loved the poetical teachings of the advaita saint Sri Shankaracharya who was also an enthusiastic advocate of yoga practice. While yoga deals mainly with the five external limbs of yoga (yama, niyama, asana, pranayama and pratyahara) the entry to the internal limbs (dharana, dhyana and samadhi) may be found through the advaita philosophy.
In this workshop we will attempt to understand and taste the complete Ashtanga Yoga system based on a clear understanding of the principles and purpose of asana practice, an exploration of pranayama and the yoga philosophy of Patanjali and Sri Shankaracharya.
On the first day we will explore the fundamental building blocks of practice: breathing, bandhas, vinyasa and alignment as well as question what it is we desire from practice, what may realistically be obtained and what we need to change in order to achieve the results we desire. Through the rest of the week the classes will be Mysore style and the questions about the purpose of practice will be addressed through three afternoon talks which will be followed by questions and pranayama.
Mysore style practice allows you to breathe and move at your own speed. The verbal instruction is minimized to allow you to sink deeper into the internal aspects of the practice. Much of the teaching comes through the application of hands-on adjustments, which is a form of body work that enables the student to understand how to move beyond apparent limitations. The adjustments show the body how to move with selective effort using the appropriate muscles and allows the parts of the body which need to release to do so.
The workshop is suitable for experienced practitioners as well as complete beginners.
Guy Donahaye has been practicing and teaching ashtanga yoga for over 20 years. He first met Guruji in 1991 and studied with him until his death in 2009, becoming one of only a few students to earn a teaching certification from him.
While researching the roots and benefits of Ashtanga Yoga, Guy conducted a series of over forty interviews with Guruji's senior students and close family which resulted in the publication of the book: "Guruji - A Portrait of Sri K Pattabhi Jois through the Eyes of His Students". The book is not just a portrait of Guruji but a research into the deeper aspects of the practice - the yoga philosophy, spiritual practice and the ultimate goal of yoga.
Guy is the director of the Ashtanga Yoga Shala in NYC and is known for his traditional approach to teaching, his adjustments and his interest in yoga therapy, philosophy and spirituality.
For more information visit http://aysnyc.org
Sunday - Fundamentals of Practice
Bandhas and breathing in asana and Pranayama practice.
This introductory session will explore the fundamental building blocks of asana practice, focusing mainly on bandhas, breathing, alignment and vinyasa. Through learning uddiyana, agni sara and eventually nauli, a deeper awareness of the bandhas arises. Through this awareness we will explore the expansion of breath, correct alignment and find balance, "sweetness" and strength in the asanas and pranayamas.
Followed by
Talk I - The Purpose of Asana and Pranayama Practice
Q&A
Talk II - Ashtanga Yoga is Patanjali Yoga
How asana practice integrates into and teaches us about the rest of Patanjalai Yoga. Where did this practice come from? What is the relationship between asana practice and Self Realization?
Q&A
Pranayama
Talk III - Cultivating a Lifestyle to Support Yoga Practice
Expanding the Yama and Niyama. The Bhagvad Gita, Hatha Yoga Pradipika and the Yoga Yajnavalkya Samhita list 10 yamas and 10 niyamas. Expanding an understanding of the meaning and application of non-violence, truthfulness and so on is essential for establishing a healthy and well directed yoga practice. The practical teachings contained in the yama and niyama have a profound impact both on yoga practice and on daily life.
Q&A
Pranayama
Talk IV - Mind Medicine - The Ashtanga Yoga of Sri K Pattabhi Jois.
Yoga as spiritual practice. What is Self Realization and Samadhi?
Q&A
Pranayama
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