RajYoga

Love and compassion are innate; they only need to be given the opportunity for expression. Song of the Heart focuses on the Heart Centre as a way of deepening our meditation practice. The course explores the symbolism and meaning of Anahata Chakra. Through visualization, mantra chanting, drawing, colouring, and meditation practice, we will deepen our understanding and open our heart to intuition and insight. Practices will be suggested for awakening the joy and wisdom of the heart, and exploring our emotional landscapes, including feelings such as appreciation, kindness and forgiveness. Such practices have the potential to heal the heart and transform negative emotions such as fear and resentment into friendliness and compassion.

A practice of meditation will be developed based on the concepts and techniques covered during the day, opening the heart and focusing on the Inner Witness.

Working on heart-centred practices has the potential to lead one to a state of deep relaxation, expanded awareness and inner stability.

Pratyahara is the fifth limb of the 8-fold path of Yoga and is considered to be the bridge between the external (bahiranga) and the internal (antaranga). This important stage could be perceived as a portal to inner realms, preparing the yogi for Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi.

Pratyahara is defined in the Yoga Sutras as the withdrawal of the senses from external objects back to the mind-field from which those senses originally arose, thus enabling the mind to focus on its true nature.

 Pratyahara practices lead to a state of deep relaxation, expanded awareness and inner stability.

Nada Yoga is the Yoga of Subtle Sound. A part of Tantra, it consists of a series of techniques leading to an increasingly refined tuning of our perception, energised body and mind, and a heightened awareness of our chakras. Exploring levels of sound from gross to subtle gradually draws us closer to our highest potential.

The seminar will cover the following:

• Philosophical background of the concept of Nada

• Introduction to Indian Classical Music, including raga and tala

• Chakra sensitisation using Indian music scales

• Work with body and breath incorporating concepts of Nada

• Developing a practice of meditation with sound

• Contemplation on the mantra Om

• Relating the practice of Nada Yoga to daily life

October 11, 2019

Pratyahara is the fifth limb of the 8-fold path of Yoga and is considered to be the bridge between the external (bahiranga) and the internal (antaranga). This important stage could be perceived as a portal to inner realms, preparing the yogi for Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi.

Pratyahara is defined in the Yoga Sutras as the withdrawal of the senses from external objects back to the mind-field from which those senses originally arose, thus enabling the mind to focus on its true nature.

 Pratyahara practices lead to a state of deep relaxation, expanded awareness and inner stability.

October 25, 2019

Pratyahara is the fifth limb of the 8-fold path of Yoga and is considered to be the bridge between the external (bahiranga) and the internal (antaranga). This important stage could be perceived as a portal to inner realms, preparing the yogi for Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi.

Pratyahara is defined in the Yoga Sutras as the withdrawal of the senses from external objects back to the mind-field from which those senses originally arose, thus enabling the mind to focus on its true nature.

 Pratyahara practices lead to a state of deep relaxation, expanded awareness and inner stability.

Bhakti Yoga is a search for the Self, through Love. It awakens the heart centre, refining our perceptions and unveiling the true nature of reality. This is the Wisdom of the Heart which transcends the limited egocentric intellect, opening up the possibility of Yoga union with the Absolute, Brahman. The path and process of opening up the heart centre is called Bhakti Yoga.
During the day we will be working with techniques from different forms of yoga ie. Mantra Yoga, Nada Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Chanting, Kirtana, Satsang, visualisations and meditations as means to sensitise the heart and awaken Bhakti. We will also reflect on the 12th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, which examines Bhakti Yoga.

Nada Yoga is the Yoga of Subtle Sound. A part of Tantra, it consists of a series of techniques leading to an increasingly refined tuning of our perception, energised body and mind, and a heightened awareness of our chakras. Exploring levels of sound from gross to subtle gradually draws us closer to our highest potential.

The seminar will cover the following:

• Philosophical background of the concept of Nada

• Introduction to Indian Classical Music, including raga and tala

• Chakra sensitisation using Indian music scales

• Work with body and breath incorporating concepts of Nada

• Developing a practice of meditation with sound

• Contemplation on the mantra Om

• Relating the practice of Nada Yoga to daily life

This day will review the concept of Nada and prepare us for a deeper understanding of sound.  We will explore sound as harmony and balance in the body and work with music and mantra yoga.  We will during the day be moving from sound to silence and examining the meaning and nature of silence.  There will be a yoga nidra practice, reflection on the mantra Om, with reference to Upanishadic texts and a meditation practice.  There will be a Hatha yoga practice in the morning.