Block 1/Weekend 2: Philosophy

We go deeper into the philosophy of yoga with a study of some of yoga's ancient texts (Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Yoga Sutras, Raja Yoga), providing useful tools to access, understand, and use the wisdom of the ancient yogis in your daily lives. The wisdom of yoga is universal, so we will also explore the same themes through some of the other major philosophies of the world (Buddhism, Stoicism, Taoism, Science).

Part 1 Friday/Sunday: The Universal Wisdom of Yoga
Sure, yoga's roots are found in India, but yoga's wisdom can be found in the sciences, philosophies and religions of the world, and we're going to connect some dots. From Einstein's theory of relativity to the Tao Te Ching to Zen Buddhism to the ancient Greeks to the Yoga Sutras and back around to quantum physics, everything is connected. Helen puts it all together in her usual style: way out there, and yet close in: approachable, practical, useful, playful, and inspiring, with time for
​Q & A, self reflection, and meditation on the most powerful themes.

Regardless of your own spiritual beliefs and practices, you'll walk away with a much bigger picture, a long list of books on your wish list, and some thoughtful, powerful practices and intriguing questions to keep you inspired and growing for months.

Part 2: Know Your Yoga
What's the "right" way to do yoga? Is there a "real" yoga? Which one?

Tough questions to answer, with so few historical documents, and lots of debate. Consensus seems to be that Raja yoga (the 'royal' path) is the true yoga, and Hatha yoga is one of the preparations and pathways of Raja. So we will spend the first half of the day breaking down ​the original how-to manual for ​Hatha: The Hatha Yoga Pradipika. We will spend the day exploring the postures, breathing techniques, diet, rituals, mudras, bandhas, wisdom and meditations the book describes, and provide practical advice for using the book in your lives and classes. In the afternoon and evening, we will explore and discuss the next step: Raja Yoga, the royal path, with a look at The Yoga Sutras (Patanjali) and Raja Yoga (Vivekanada).
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You'll go home with lots of handouts: complete sequences to master the 16 Pradipika poses, a Pradipika diet plan, with guidelines for developing short and long term programs,  descriptions of the most practical and useful core techniques and a list of teaching ideas to enhance your personal practice and your classes with mastery of this ancient book.