The Music of AUM - chanting and reflecting on the Mandukya Upanishad
Aims of the Morning
1. To introduce participants to the Mandukya Upanishad through chanting, discussion
and reflection, with a view to undertaking a deeper study of the text
2. Refining sensitivity and awareness in asana work
Objectives
1. To learn to chant the text with attention to scansion and pronunciation
2. To reflect on the verses covered.
3. To make asana work into a meditative practice.
Aims of the Afternoon
1. To continue our study with awareness of the text's place within the larger
body of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy.
2. To have more clarity on the meaning of AUM and it's relevance to our lives
Objectives
1. To reflect on the nature of AUM through Yoga Nidra
2. To develop a practice of meditation with AUM
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.
ABOUT THE COURSE: The Mandukya Upanishad is the most elegant and concise of the Upanishads. It consists of 12 verses expounding the meaning of the mantra OM. The study of the text leads to the deeper understanding of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy. The course includes:
Study and reflecting on the meaning of the verses
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Learning to chant the verses with emphasis on the Sanskrit pronunciation and
metre
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Asana, pranayama and yoga nidra to bring about a more holistic approach and
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leading to a deepening of our yoga practice.
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Developing a meditation with OM
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Discussion and Q&A
OUTLINE PLAN FOR THE DAY
MORNING SESSION:
10.00-11.00 Introduction, study and chanting of the text
11.00-11.45 Hatha Yoga - deepening awareness
11.45-12.45 Study and chanting of the text
12.45-13.00 Q & A on topics covered so far
13.00-14.00 Lunch
AFTERNOON SESSION:
14.00-14.20 Yoga Nidra- reflecting on the text
14.20-15.20 Study and chanting of the text
15.20-15.50 Meditating on OM
15.50-16.00 Q & A and discussion
16.00 End of Course
Other information
This introduction to the Mandukya Upanishad is for those interested in exploring Advaita Vedanta philosophy and who enjoy chanting. For anyone who has already attended the Nada Yoga IST day, this course is an ideal way to deepen their understanding of Nada Yoga