Pratyahara: Gateway to Stillness
Aims of the Morning
1. To introduce participants to Pratyahara through practice, reflection and discussion
2. To examine the role of the fifth limb within the context of the 8-fold path
3. To refine sensitivity and awareness in asana and pranayama
Objectives
1. Working with asanas mudras, bandhas and pranayama with emphasis on Pratyahara
2. Exploring Pratyahara practices in Kriya yoga and Nada yoga
3. Reflecting and refining our understanding of Pratyahara through sharing and discussion
Aims of the Afternoon
1. To look at Yoga Nidra from the view point of Pratyahara
2. To place Mindfulness in the context of Pratyahara
3. To consolidate and appreciate the importance of Pratyahara as a gateway to Meditation
Objectives
1. Exploring Yoga Nidra through discussion and practice
2. Exploring Mindfulness techniques in order to appreciate its place in Pratyahara
3. Exploring Pratyahara as a necessary pathway to Meditation practices
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 Relaxation and Introduction
10.30 – 11.30 Asana, mudras, bandhas and pranayanma with emphasis on Pratyahara
11.30 – 11.40 Short break
11.40 – 12.40 Looking at Pratyahara practices – Kriya and Nada Yoga
12.40 – 1pm Discussion and feedback
1 – 2pm Lunch break
2 – 2.10 Nishpanda bhava
2.10 – 3 Looking at Y Nidra from the viewpoint of Pratyahara
3 – 3.45 Pratyahara in other disciplines like Mindfulness
3.45 – 4 Feedback, Q&A and Evaluations
Other information
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.
The course will focus on:
• Reflecting on the meaning of Pratyahara
• Working with asanas, mudras, bandhas and pranayama with emphasis on Pratyahara
• Looking at techniques of Pratyahara from Kriya and Nada Yoga
• Exploring other disciplines, such as Mindfulness, which bring about Pratyahara
• Experiencing Pratyahara through the practice of Yoga Nidra
• Moving towards Dharana and Dhyana
• Appreciating the importance of Pratyahara in our practice