Bhakti Yoga - Through Love to the Self
Aims of the Morning
1. To reflect on Bhakti as an aspect of love.
2. Explore the emotion of love through the gunas
3. To appreciate the body as the temple of the Self
Objectives
1. Asana work with emphasis on love and care of the body
2. Sensitising the Heart Chakra through reflection on its symbolism, and bija mantra
3. Working with mantra as a means to awaken bhakti.
4. Reflect on the wisdom of the heart through a group discussion
Aims of the Afternoon
1. To deepen our understanding of bhakti through the study of sacred text.
2. To inspire interest in, and a wish to further explore, Bhakti Yoga
Objectives
1. Studying and reflecting on chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gita. Learn to recite the verses
2. Consolidating the days work through a meditation
Teaching Material Used On The Day
Hand-outs, flip chart, harmonium and electronic tanpura. These will be used throughout the day.
Methods of presenting the subject
Short lecture, demonstration, discussion, group work, experiential, self-discovery
About the Tutor
Rajesh David trained at The Yoga Institute, Mumbai, India. He is also a composer and singer, with a background in Indian classical music. As a professional singer he was an A- grade artist for All India Radio & Television.
Whilst living as a resident of Mandala Yoga Ashram in Wales for four years, he conducted kirtan and chanting sessions, gave concerts and taught regular Nada Yoga courses. His three courses on the subject of Nada, Nada Yoga the Yoga of Subtle Sound, From Sound to Silence and The Music of Om - chanting and reflecting on the Mandukya Upanishad, together with two others, Bhakti Yoga Through Love to the Self and An Introduction to Adi Shankaracharyas Bhaja Govindam are all recognized as IST by the BWY.
He has been teaching these courses in the UK and abroad for several years.
He has also taught with Swami Nishchalananda on a one year course of Kriya Yoga at the Mandala Yoga Ashram.
His many CDs include collections of devotional music, such as Mantram Music for Relaxation and Meditation, The Music of AUM - The Mandukya Upanishad and Kabir - mystic poems, and practice CDs, such as Nadopasana, for practitioners of Nada Yoga.
Rajesh has trained as a coach with HeartMath UK, which focuses on heart intelligence as a means of building resiliance and managing stress.
Outline plan for the day
10 -10.30 Introduction to Bhakti Yoga Love, Devotion, Surrender, Equivalence of wisdom & love
10.30 - 11.15 Hatha Yoga Body as a temple of the Self
11.15 - 12.30 Exploring the Heart Chakra, through reflecting on its symbolism and bija
mantra
12.30 - 1pm Group Discussion Heart intelligence and our intellect.
1 - 2pm Lunch
2 - 3.10 - Studying relevant verses from the Bhagavad Gita chapter 12
3.10 - 3.35 Yoga Nidra
3.35 - 3.50 - Meditation
3.50 - 4 Q&A
Every session will begin with a chant (kirtan)
Other information
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.