As most of you know, I have spent extensive time studying Sanskrit and yoga philosophy, both in India and academically, and consider them important and integral parts of my own yoga practice.
I would love to find more ways to share these aspects with you, whether you're a new student or a seasoned practitioner. I would really appreciate it if you could fill out this brief (and anonymous) survey, to give me a sense of which classes might interest you and when.
Please share it with anyone you think might be interested, even if they don't practice ashtanga or come to the shala. All classes are open to all levels.
* 1. What classes would you be interested in taking?
Introduction to Sanskrit - An understanding of Sanskrit can help to connect you to the richer fabric of philosophy from which the yoga tradition emerged and thus deepen your practice. Sanskrit study can be a meditation in itself and helps to cultivate concentration. It is also fun! In this workshop you will learn to read and write the Sanskrit alphabet and begin to read and write familiar words and chants.
"Yogāvatāraṇam: The Translation of Yoga."
Āsana Names and Ashtanga Mantras - In this workshop we will explore the opening and closing mantras of ashtanga yoga, learning the proper pronunciation and discussing their meaning and importance in relation to the ashtanga practice. We will also go through the āsana (posture) names in primary series and intermediate series and break down and discuss their meaning and the stories and ideas they invoke.
Philosophy/Chanting (e.g. Yoga Sūtra, Bhagavad Gītā, Haṭha Pradīpikā) - The first half of the class is spent chanting from the text in Sanskrit (transliteration provided). The second half is a verse-by-verse discussion in English of the text, its context, and its relevance to contemporary practice.
Indian Texts (i.e. Mahābhārata, Rāmāyaṇa, Upaniṣads) - Reading and discussion in English. The epics and Upaniṣads teach through stories. These stories provide a background and way of understanding yoga philosophy within a broader context and a way of looking and thinking about ideas fundamental to yoga practice.
Yoga Philosophy/History (e.g. Yoga and Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism)) - A study of the origins and development of Yoga, exploring its ideas within the broader framework of Indian philosophy and looking at how its teachings have developed over time.
Chanting/Meditation - Chanting of various important mantras (transliteration provided) and meditation practice.
Topics within Texts - A specific subject is discussed highlighting relevant verses from key texts (e.g., dharma (duty) and ahiṃsā (non-violence) as taught in the Bhagavad Gītā and Yoga Sūtra).
Conference - As Guruji used to do in Mysore and Sharath does now, a brief talk on yoga philosophy and an opportunity to ask questions.
* 3. What time of day do you prefer?
* 4. Would you prefer individual classes or a series that allow you to explore a topic deeper?
* 5. Would you be willing to commit to doing homework to support and deepen your learning between classes?
* 6. Would you be interested in a weekend workshop?
* 7. Would you be interested in a week long Sanskrit Summer Camp?
If yes, please indicate preferable dates from July 4th through the end of August.
* 8. What is the maximum you would be willing to spend for workshops and classes?
* 9. Are you within close proximity to New York City?