Hatha-Raja Yoga 2 – The Practice:
Advanced Variations and Modifications
What is Hatha-Raja Yoga?
Hatha Yoga is a general category that includes most physical yoga styles. It is one of the classical yogic system that includes the practice of asanas (yoga postures or seat) and pranayama (yoga breathing exercises), which help bring peace to the mind and body, preparing the body for deeper spiritual practices such as meditation. Raja Yoga is generally termed the Ashtanga Yoga or the Yoga of Eight Limbs, through the practice of which freedom is achieved. These eight limbs are: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. We will slowly introduce all aspects of Hatha Raja Yoga in this workshop. Raja Yoga (mental practice) picks up where Hatha Yoga (physical practice) leaves off. Raja Yoga is so-called because it is primarily concerned with the mind. Because of the relationship between the mind and the body, the body must first be “tamed” through self-discipline and purified by various means (Hatha Yoga).
What are Variations and Modifications?
After working on a particular posture for a certain amount of time, the natural progression is to move toward achieving advanced variations of that same posture. This offers challenge to the physical body and to the mental body. An example would be taking Pigeon Pose into King Pigeon.
In order to achieve different stages of variations, modification techniques can be used to move in that direction. We will explore these kinds of modifications. An example would be working on Lotus Headstand, but first, one must work on Half-Lotus Headstand in order to achieve Full-Lotus Headstand.
What you can expect in this workshop:
- A strong warm-up using a Dharma Yoga Level 3 sequence, which will prepare you to open, stretch, and synchronize body and mind required for inversions, arm balances, and advanced practices.
- You will learn different advanced variations and modifications, as taught to Mike by Sri Dharma Mittra.
- Pranayama (breathing exercises), Asana (postures), and Dhyana (Meditation), along with getting familiar with Ashtanga Yoga (8 Limbs of Yoga) will all be included.
- The focus will be on advanced posture variations.
- We will bring together what you have learned from all your teachers past and present.
Appropriate for: Intermediate-advanced practitioners who want to advance their practice, yoga teachers
This workshop is 1 of 4 classes that Mike will be offering. Sign up for all 4 and save $20.
