Teaching Yoga's topics - tribe.net

Your Experience of the Eightfold Path

Aron — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:37:06 GMT

Hello.

What have your experiences with the eightfold path been?
What do they mean to you?

The Right View,
The Right Intentions,
The Right Speech,
The Right Action,
The Right Livelihood,
The Right Effort,
The Right Mindfulness,
The Right Concentration.

You are experiencing. What is that?

posted in Teaching Yoga - 1 reply

has anyone gotten certified by Yogafit?

waveyoga — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:33:25 GMT

How did it go?
Would you reccommend it?

posted in Teaching Yoga - 2 replies

how muscles respond to sitting in front of a computer

Lynn — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 02:53:50 GMT

I'm looking for some clarification on how my muscles respond to sitting in front of a computer all day and how to best correct this.

I already am able to take a solid break every couple-few hours to walk or exercise or relax. And usually when I do yoga what feels good is to stretch my psoas and strengthen my core and hamstring. But what I continue to have problems with are super tight posterior pelvis muscles and sometimes back, and I asked my massage therapist why they're tight when those are the ones that are stretched on the chair, and she replied that my body is always wanting to return me to natural "correct" alignment, so when I sit forward and cross-legged, those muscles that are stretching while I sit are tightening, in fact, as they try to return me to center.

???

What suggestions does anyone have on how to muscularly counter-act computer work? Can anyone clarify what happens muscularly from sitting? It seems counter intutive (as my book on the subject says) to do more forward bend streches. Particularly when my body asks to open up the front.

????

Thank you!
Lynn

posted in Teaching Yoga - 7 replies

yoga certification course in Los Angeles

niki — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 02:04:30 GMT

hey fellow SoCal yogi's

any suggestions [yay or nay] for the certification programs based out of Los Angeles county yoga studios?
specific teachers, studios, practices etc. would be really helpful.
I'm interested in a 200 course for now - to expand my knowledge and delve deeper into personal practice, could use this to teach others as they come to me but will not be seeking out jobs anytime soon to teach in a formal setting.

thank you with kindness.
((namaste))
niki

posted in Teaching Yoga - 5 replies

Is yoga a religion?

andreafreel — Sat, 12 Nov 2005 05:11:51 GMT

I have had some really interesting and heated conversations with my boyfriend (a non yogini) regarding yoga. The issue that continues to come up is defining yoga as a religion. I am not talking about asana practice but more about the the spiritual practice of the vedic scriptures and using mantra and other aspects for self realization and union with god. I have been taught that Hinduism and the yoga teachings were traditions of spiritual practice but not really defined as religion in the western sense of organized religion. I would love to get other peoples input and thoughts on this.

Namaste,
Drea

posted in Teaching Yoga - 106 replies

new teacher, business cards?

Lori — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 09:12:56 GMT

I am just finishing up my 200 hour RYT and was considering some business card possibilities.

I also recently became an LMT and wondered if I should just have one card with both on there, or if I should have separate cards made for each. Any suggestions?

posted in Teaching Yoga - 3 replies

Drunken yoga....

eweissbuch — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 01:47:06 GMT

Kinda silly.......some serious corrections needed to some of those asanas.....

http://eatliver.com/i.php?n=4573

posted in Teaching Yoga - 3 replies

When the teacher is ready, the students are where?

Huckfinn49 — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 22:26:55 GMT

Just getting started. New town, new studio, and no students. OK, I know, i shouldn't panic, it's only been 6 weeks. Last week the coupins went out. Maybe 300 of them. I printed 1000. I'll keep handing them out. Self doubt is a bully. The more you get, the more you get.

Do I spring for the add in the paper? Do I relax until the college kids come back? I knew it would be hard in the beginning, new town and all, but this is a bit much.

Advice from some teachers WITH students would be nice....

Huck

posted in Teaching Yoga - 7 replies

I got inspired! shamanic heerleaders!

waveyoga — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:17:53 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVz3hTzWxqk&feature=related

I am going to be a Yoga Health Cheerleader!

I have my cheers written.. ok 2 so far, but that;'s good! Inspiration ocurred last night! ( I will haveanother type them!!)

I sent this link to friend s who own a yog ainstitute and they wan tme to work with them in bringing this group or to do our own thing.. I am goign to do my own workshop.

Lov eto all my yoga friends.

posted in Teaching Yoga - 0 replies

Yoga @ )'(

Ms. Leah — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:16:47 GMT

Hi everybody......We, at the Mile High Club....have a couple spots available if anybody is interested in teaching. Classes grow up to 100+. We are looking for somebody that is very experienced & teaches in the default that would like to teach at burning man. People come that have never done yoga to yoga masters. It's totally wild. Let me know. If you would like to assist in any classes with adjustments & personal attention to students....please let me know.

Ms. Leah

posted in Teaching Yoga - 1 reply

Wrist problems?

Indigo — Sat, 02 May 2009 00:42:56 GMT

I have recently begun teaching a Beginning / Gentle Yoga Class..... I have a student w/ poor wrists she has had surgery and is having problems doing downward dog. I was wondering if there are good alternatives for her.... She can do Cat/ Cow and be on all fours. We have done some simple wrist circles..... So we have done a few things to gently work her wrist. But I was wondering if anyone knew of any good alternatives...
Thank you

posted in Teaching Yoga - 3 replies

New moderator needed for tribe Kundalini Shaktipat ( forward from David )

Sun, 03 May 2009 23:15:04 GMT

Namaste. Om svasti.

I received the following personal email from David, a tribe friend, late this past week:

" Hello K-
My name is David & I began the Kundalini Shaktipat tribe a few years ago. Life & my work take me away from my duties as being online much. I am looking for a new moderator to help here. Wondering if you may be interested? Please let me know. Peace "

Technically, in terms of yoga practice and yoga therapy, I can take over responsibilities for moderating tribe Kundalini Shaktipat tribe.

As a practical matter of time management, I cannot begin to do justice to this tribe, to provide even minimal quality of service. My work on the tribes is primarily meta-contextual and based on broad engagement across different tribes to build coherent frameworks of communication and mutual understanding and shared practice.

I am already way over-booked in terms of tribe overhead.

This is however a very important topic and a significant public service, if responsibly supported.

I therefore place this request where it belongs, on tribe Teaching Yoga.

Best to all,

Ven. Acarya K Taylor

posted in Teaching Yoga - 0 replies

Here comes the Sun. Sanskrit mantras for Sun ( Surya ) and Moon ( Chandra )

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 20:52:30 GMT

Here comes the Sun.

Sanskrit mantras for Sun ( Surya ) and Moon ( Chandra ) from the Vedic traditions of Sanatana Dharma ( Hindu culture ), and a related mantra from Vedacarya David Frawley. Plus some George Harrison.

Sun and moon worship are very ancient and universal pagan practices. I personally have really missed the sun for many months due to a winter that extended through early April.

We all share the same sun over the same earth. Let's celebrate the healing strength of the natural elements. All Our Relations.

May the Circle Be Open And Unbroken!

Acarya KT, inner medical tantrika and dharmapala-guru

http://www.mailerindia.com/slokas/mantras/index.php SakamGayatri

9. Surya Gayatri: Worship with this mantra is very beneficial for curing grievous diseases.

Om Bhaskaraya Vidmahe
Divakaraya Dhimahi
Tanno Suryah Prachodayat

10. Chandra Gayatri: For the removal of suffering and to get peace from dejection and worries, this mantra has been used for the worship of this Divine Shakti.

Om Shirputraya Vidmahe
Amrit Tatvaya Dhimahi
Tanno Chandrah Prachodayat

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surya

Surya Namaskara, or the "Sun salutation"

A well-known Hindu mode of worship of the devotional movements of Surya is done at the rising of the Sun, known as Surya namaskara (Sun Salutation). Ten yogic postures are assumed in successive flowing movements to complete one namaskar. Twelve sacred Hindu mantras uttered and for each mantra one complete namaskar is done. Ancient practice is to do 108 namaskaras a day. It is considered most auspicious by Hindus to do this.

The 12 mantras for surya namaskara:

1. aum mitraya namah
2. aum ravayé namah
3. aum suryaya namah
4. aum bhanavé namah
5. aum khagaya namah
6. aum pushné namah
7. aum hiranyagarbhaya namah
8. aum marichayé namah
9. aum adityaya namah
10. aum savitré namah
11. aum arkaya namah
12. aum bhaskaraya namah

http://www.yoga-training-you.com/surya-mantra.html
A great astrologer said:
"To transcend the stars we must become the stars."

The Planetary Mantras

I've given several examples of powerful mantras for each planet. Choose one or more mantras from each planet and put it to practice.

Surya Mantra -- Sun Mantras

Om suryaya namaha

Om savitri namah

Om adityaya namaha

Om ravaye namaha

These four separate mantras can be repeated at least 108 times a week. Best on Sunday, the day of The Sun, during the day.

Chandra Mantra -- Moon Mantras

Om somaya namaha

Om chandraya namaha

Should be repeated on a Monday, the day of The Moon, or in the evening, particularly around the Full Moon.

also . . .

The Mantra to the Supreme Light
By David Frawley
From American Institute of Vedic Studies
http://www.vedanet.com/

Above is the Mantra to the Supreme Light, Param Jyoti Mantra, which is a famous Vedic, Vedantic and Tantric Mantra. We could also spell it phonetically as OM HREEM HAMSA SO HAM SWAHA! This mantra brings us into the Divine or inner light and causes it to resonate in our body, breath, speech and mind.

The Mantra for the Supreme Light is the main mantra for the American Institute of Vedic Studies. We recommend all our friends and students to chant it regularly. We initiate individuals into this mantra and its many variants. It is the core form of an entire set of mantras of which there are several dozen versions that can be used for many different purposes. We also use this mantra along with other important mantras like the famous Tantric Panchadashi Mantra to Tripura Sundari.

This Mantra to the Supreme Light is first a Vedantic mantra. Om is the Supreme Brahman. Hrim is the mantra of the spiritual heart. Hamsah is the mantra of the liberated soul. So'ham means "I am He", meaning the Supreme Being. Swaha indicates consecration into the light. The mantra can be used along with meditation to realize the Self within.

The Mantra to the Supreme Light is a Tantric mantra. Om is the Supreme Shiva. Hrim is the the Supreme Shakti. Hamsa So'ham is the unification of Shiva and Shakti in our breath and consciousness. Swaha indicates consecration into the light. This mantra can be used along with the worship of the Goddess to bring her presence into our hearts.

The Mantra to the Supreme Light is a Yoga mantra. Om is the supreme guru. Hrim is the light of the awakened Kundalini. Hamsa So'ham is the balancing of the Sun and Moon, or solar and lunar forces, the Ida and Pingala Nadis. Swaha indicates consecration into the light. The mantra can be used along with pranayama to empower the breath and open the chakras.

The Mantra to the Supreme Light is an Ayurvedic mantra. Om is the cosmic prana. Hrim is the health giving power of the spirit heart. Hamsa So'ham is the power of the breath to give vitality and promote rejuvenation. Swaha indicates consecration into the light. The mantra can be used to bring the cosmic prana into us for healing purposes.

The Mantra to the Supreme Light is an astrological mantra. Om is the mantra of the cosmic light. Hrim is a mantra for the Sun. Hamsa So'ham is the energy of the Sun as the power of life and consciousness. Swaha indicates consecration into the light. The mantra can be used to propitiate weak planets in the Vedic birth chart, starting with the Sun.

The Mantra to the Supreme Light is an important mantra for usage at the winter solstice, the equinoxes and summer solstices for the worship of the Sun. With the mantra Shrim (Shreem) instead of Hrim, it can be used at the new, half and full Moons, for the worship of the Moon and the Goddess.

[ end article ]

And here is a Buddhist Sun Goddess mantra, from the oral ( lineage holder ) tradition, which I received in 1983:

OM MARICIYE SVAHA

From George Harrison
( copyright retained )

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
and I say it's all right

Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it's all right

Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it's all right

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...

Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been clear
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
and I say it's all right
It's all right

posted in Teaching Yoga - 0 replies

Do you notify students when you have a Substitute Teacher?

ohmyogi — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 03:43:16 GMT

Hi

I teach at a local community center one evening a week.

I usually only need a sub once every six months.

In the past when I would announce that I would be away and Mary would be teaching, hardly anyone would show up. Mary has a different teaching style however I would still like the students to attend to experience another teacher.

So, next week I am unable to teach my class and have a sub lined up. I didn't announce it last week, as I would like everyone to show up and experience the substitute teacher.

Ideas?

posted in Teaching Yoga - 6 replies

Deva Premal & Miten - first time in Boston!

Anna — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 23:05:53 GMT

Om Namah Shivaya

We are ecstatic that Deva Premal & Miten with Manose are coming for the first time to Boston!

The concert will be at the Regent Theatre in Arlington, MA on Sep 10th, 7:30 PM.

Their beautiful music will truly speak to your heart and move your soul.

Tickets are now on sale at www.shunyamproductions.com. The concert is selling out fast, so don't wait!

We hope to see you at this unforgettable event! Please tell all your friends about it.

Om Shanti

Veena & Shunyam

posted in Teaching Yoga - 0 replies

Find out how to use your voice to save your life

KailashBruder — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 02:04:54 GMT

What if you had a device that would reliably produce peace of mind, elevate your mood, and support your growth into who you most wish to be?
Good news: you have just such a device. It's your voice!
The ancients understood that our voice is the steering wheel of our thoughts and feelings. When you focus your attention on the sound of your own voice while repeating time-tested mantras ("mind-protectors"), you lead your mind and heart in an Ultimately True, Beautiful, and Healthful direction. And because we all live in the atmosphere of our thoughts, your quality of life will be dramatically improved.
Kailash (Kurt Bruder, Ph.D., M.Ed.) provides you with the tools you need to take up or deepen a life-saving practice of devotional chanting in his groundbreaking book & CD set, Following Sound into Silence: Chanting Your Way Beyond Ego into Bliss (Hay House).
To discover what several leading figures in sacred sound and spirituality have to say about this extraordinary resource, please use this URL link:

http://OmKailash.com/fsis_testimonials.html

posted in Teaching Yoga - 0 replies

First class

bugwitch — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 04:18:58 GMT

I'm teaching my first class on Friday morning. I am quite nervous. Any tips?

posted in Teaching Yoga - 5 replies

Suggestions for quick breathing exercises/stretches

Max — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:34:40 GMT

Hi,
I have the opportunity to give a short presentation about the importance of breathing. Instead of going into the details I think it's better to show some breathing exercises and let the audience experience the benefits themselves. Does anybody have suggestions for breathing exercises that are quick, can be done standing or sitting and give the audience a good experience that motivates them investigate the topic further?

posted in Teaching Yoga - 1 reply

Yoga instructors needed at retreat center.

bosquevillage — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:36:04 GMT

Hello!

We are a budding ecovillage in the highlands of Mexico.

We are looking for some longer term volunteers to live here in exchange for the work they do.
We need: Kitchen manager, yoga instructor, massage therapist, domestic help, and teachers of Spanish and English.
Our regular volunteers pay a fee to work here, but for these positions we can make other arrangements.

After years of work, this forest serves as a retreat space for artists, performers, writers, and other creative and friendly people. It is called the "Bosque Village". Bosque means forest in Spanish.

This place is becoming an ongoing small festival as well as a growing community.

We have a constant stream of volunteers and amazing visitors! Some people come through when they are between jobs, traveling, or to live here for a time and telecommute. Some of our visitors are visiting many communities looking for one to live in.

WEB PAGE: http://bosquevillage.com
NEXT LITTLE FESTIVAL: http://jobutsu.com/cumbreyah/

You can also add the Bosque as friends on social networking sites:
* http://www.facebook.com/people/Bosque-Forrest/1326703744
* MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/bosquevillage
* Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/thebosque/

See you in Mexico!

~La gente en el bosque

posted in Teaching Yoga - 0 replies

baby yogi breathing

Indigo — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:17:39 GMT

I am curious to know if anyone has heard anything about this.... I've practiced yoga thruout my entire pregnancy she's due in just a few weeks. I am wondering if she is going to come out breathing in the yogi fashion of filling her belly as she inhales and deflating her belly as she exhales..... Is this something babies pick up from the womb? Or do they learn this as they are young lying next to yogi parents.... I have breathed in this manner since middle school so she has never really experienced me breathing in a shallow or more Western like manner... Just a thought that popped into my head and wondering if anyone had any ideas..... Thanx!

posted in Teaching Yoga - 7 replies

Anyone ever donated a private session at an auction fundraiser?

Wendy — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 07:44:38 GMT

Hi. I'm trying to put myself out there to get some experience teaching yoga to private clients (either one on one or in small groups.) A friend suggested I offer my services at a local auction fundraiser. I feel rather clumsy when it comes to marketing myself but I know my name (and as yet tbd business blurb) will be go out to over 1000+ people in the auction mailer. Also, I think there will be some space at a table for business materials during the actual auction. I'm thinking business cards but not sure what else. Tips, anecdotes or advice would be most welcome. Thanks.

posted in Teaching Yoga - 2 replies

Teaching Yoga to the Little Ones

HotKafi — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:27:07 GMT

I work as the program coordinator at a child development center. I'm expected to develop a yoga program for children 6 weeks to 5 years in the next year. I'm looking for resources to make this possible. The center owns a yoga kids dvd, the yoga pretzels cards, the story time yoga book and yoga for the special child. I love yoga for the special child and am constantly inspired by it. The only problem that I can see with the methods that are proposed in that book is that some children don't like their body to be manipulated for them. My daughter is a prime example. I started working with her at 6 months and a year later she still won't let the process happen.

I want to understand teaching yoga to young children. If you have any experience, ideas, book titles or anything to share with me, it would be greatly appreciated.

posted in Teaching Yoga - 3 replies

I am considering teaching a Pre-Natal Movement class

Indigo — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:10:55 GMT

I am considering teaching a Pre-Natal Specific BellyDance / Yoga Movement Class. I have studied quite of bit of Pre-Natal Movement and yoga these last 8 months and fully believe there is a need for a class such as this to get pregnant women moving at a appropriate pace and movement ability of women whom are pregnant. I am not Yoga certified however I am hoping to enroll into a year long program this fall. I have BellyDanced for many years performing and teaching and feel fully fine with the BellyDance portion. As well I feel fully fine helping pregnant women and understanding movements that are beneficial for pregnancy, their child, breathing, bonding, back pain, swollen ankles, balance and movements that can help with labor.
I guess I am wondering is there anything specific you would like to see in a course such as this? Any special consideration or concern? Any input or ideas you have would be helpful. Thank you, Indigo

posted in Teaching Yoga - 5 replies

THE ENERGY BEHIND ENLIGHTENMENT

Tom Zatar — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 04:32:38 GMT

Most people use ten percent or less of the Brain. Through the awakening of Kundalina energy the brain can organically evolve to a higher performance. No time has been spent investigating perhaps the most powerful energy of nature. Religious experience and its root.

Kundalini is the evolutionary potency in all humans. A fundamental bioenergy. It comes from an Indian word meaning “to join the soul with the cosmic soul,” In the ancient Indian language Sanskrit it is a term referring to a coiled force or energy originating at the base of the spine, and seated near the sex organs a coiled up sleeping snake. Implies latent energy or potential to expand. Serpent Power when activated travels up the seven chakras which are the nerve centers along the spinal cord and enlightens the mind. Expanding consciousness the nirvana of Buddha. It is responsible for human evolution and all-psychic abilities genius and spiritual illumination. Kundalini is the biological way to expand the mind.

Kundalini is the “secret” behind yoga and all other esoteric psychology’s and genuine occult mysteries. A scientifically measurable biochemical essence Kundalini is the substance that is the nourishment of consciousness. It penetrates the nervous system and influences the nerves to become the instrument of higher consciousness. This subtle substance is a snake-like force that fuels the mind in order to sustain a more active state, producing an awakened Kundalini individual, Note: snakes have two hemi penises and the power to hypnotize.

Such inner power is represented by the two snakes on King Tut’s headdress and the feathered serpent of Mexico and South America, The serpent in the Garden of Eden. The upward flow of Kundalini nectar (prana force, bioplasmic stream) is concentrated in the reproductive fluids of both men and women. When Kundalini is activated a reverse action takes place, feeding the center of the brain. “cavity of Brahma” in the brain’s ventricular cavity. Kundalini is the power that controls it. All great saints’’ mystics’ poets and people of genius, as well as the insane were influenced in this way.

If an experiment were performed it would prove the existence of the Kundalini force and show its physiological effects on the body. It could bridge the gap between science and mysticism and show the essential truth of religious experience and tradition. Religion has always been a companion of humanity. Religion came to guide humanity. No scientist could doubt the reality of this phenomenon once it has been observed and measured.. Such an experiment would uncover the vale of darkness and delusion under which humanity has been living. This evolutionary force needs publicity and actual proof would provide it. The results will speak for themselves. It will be a discovery more important than anything that has preceded it.

It is only from an awakened perspective that such observation can be made and this potential lies within everyone. As humanity evolved from cave men to the United Nations it becomes inevitable that this discovery will come to light and that there is indeed a purpose. A planned creation to our being. God protects our blue-green planet earth from the inferno of intergalactic space. Why? Because humanity has to attain to other states of consciousness for which all these recourses are needed to do this. We have been granted an intelligence to make the best use of it.

Life’s purpose and evolution’s power lead to cosmic laws, which must be obeyed for nature’s divine grace within us all to come to light. These laws as spoken of in all religions occult and mystical beliefs describe a path to enlightenment. As great empires have come and gone, so too must humanity’s faiths change.

My teacher, the late Pundit Gopi Krishna, an Indian Yogi-scientist and world renowned expert of Kundalini who has written over twenty books on the subject states, “We all know what happened whenever a political system became despotic and oppressive, a social system exacting and corrupt, and a religious system excessively authoritarian and dogmatic. There arose a demand for revision and reform. Political revolutionaries, reformers and prophets appeared on the scene, The old system was overthrown often with dreadful bloodshed, suffering and pain and a new one installed in its place. We have to cooperate with inner evolution.”

What is needed for a more positive harmonic peaceful and prosperous existence is a fuller understanding of humanity’s need for god. As society accelerates the brain must work increasingly beyond the point of balance. We are giants of intellect and dwarfs of the spiritual. We give no time to the spirit. Bringing on grave consequences. Gopi Krishna says. “ We have given too much emphasis to the material side of life at the cost of the spiritual side.” Time must be set aside for prayer, meditation, yoga or some other spiritual act in order to keep life’s evolutionary needs in balance and maintain inner sanity. Yoga meditation provides a channel for the opening of a powerful energy (inspiration) which can enable anyone to blossom into a genius, an artist, a poet, a mystic.

If this force awakens in an impure or out of balance form it can result in evil genius fanaticism delusions of grandeur, or mental illness (like manic depression and schizophrenia). There is a lot that is not understood that kundalini research will explain.

The brain is subject to the influence of countless factors connected with the life environment and the family history of an individual. When even slightly tainted or stained do to the pressure of reality or various causes such as wrong mode of life, unhealthy environment, faulty heredity, shock, frustration, repression, tension and numerous other factors. If the mind is abnormal the brain too must be a shareholder in the abnormality. There are subtle changes in some neuronic structures in the cranium. The real root of the abnormality is an impure or toxic condition of the prana. If you do not live a disciplined life then the awakening of this center can be unhealthy. A distorted vision of the same power. It means that the system is not pure and that the energy is not working in a healthy way.

There is a positive spiritual energy force within us all. Which has a physical counterpart in the human body that feeds a certain portion of the brain cavity of Brahma. This is a living electricity or intelligent energy that is needed to open the brain. The macrobiological changes and its effect can be observable and scientifically verified. Elevations of consciousness can only occur through the transformation brought by kundalini and by no other agency.

Nature shows compassion to humanity in order to help guide us safely through transgressions. God to me is a universal god that is not tied to any one organized religion. It gives us chance after chance. But when we digress off the path unhealthy results occur. We can not blame nature but ourselves. We have intelligence, we have reason, and we have learning. But if by having everything we ignore it then of course nature has no alternative except to teach us by suffering. Heaven is always merciful and all compassionate.

Great prophets, mystics, inventors, sages and people of genius have come to guide our race towards evolution’s goal. The study of the past will show the common thread within these great men and woman. Study is needed in order to educate us about how life should be led to be more in harmony with the forces of nature, which govern our life. A life of humility – love – purity - truth - moderation and compassion.

But how can we prove kundalini’s effect on the body? We can perform an experiment in a controlled environment. This experiment would take on hundred individuals with a healthy average intellect - normal typical people all with a great urge to awaken with a deep passion for spiritual matters and who are prepared to mold their lives in consort with the spiritual laws. Men and women aged twenty to thirty five. They would be put in a peaceful environment and subjected to various tests over a period of five years or more.

Scientists can observe them as the subjects try to awaken their kundalini. They will awaken to differing degrees. Tests will document the physiological changes that occur and will provide the empirical proof of what happens to the body as the kundalini force is awakened. I hypothesis that there are definitive biological differences in the blood, the cerebrospinal fluid and the composition of the brain matter in its subtle layers. Research on brain mapping. EEG ceg ces and the electricity in the body may show the kundalini force. The brain activity will be increased and its effect will be found all over the body. There will be metabolic processes, which can be measured. There will be physiological changes, which can be measured. This will convince the biologist that this change of the mind of the brain has physiological counter part. The result will start humanity towards a greater understanding of this evolutionary mechanism.

Once it is proved that the potential to awaken lies within everyone and is the most valuable asset we have, people will strive for it. The result on humanity will be comparable to the splitting of the spiritual atom. Instead of releasing a nuclear holocaust it will unleash the beginning of a utopian age, our cosmic destiny that can transform a mortal into an immortal and eternal source of happiness.

The awakening of these energies produces genius in mortal man or woman. Creativity, love and compassion emerge and pathways are opened to a future, awakened humanity. We will become the trailblazers of our own inevitable destiny. A utopian age of peace and harmony will follow. All political and spiritual processes will be developed for the highest good. Individuals will develop their “inner Sun” to the fullest during their lifetime. Kundalini research is part of an evolutionary force that compels us to look for enlightenment as an experience accessible to all. To awaken is the goal nature has set for us.

The time is right for we can use state of the art technology to study the phenomenon. We can study the common thread that lies at the root of all religion mysticism which is to guide humankind’s understanding of evolutionary change The understanding of kundalini is now becoming provable for the first time.

Sigmund Freud in fact understood that the libido is directly responsible for mental imbalances. At some point in time we will discover that all we know can be reduced to the bio-chemical. This center of the brain cavity of Brahma is still undiscovered but could be called the “third eye” or the “philosopher’s stone”. Kundalini will for the first time reveal how energy is supplied to the brain and that it is superintelligent. Freud’s concept about libido is of a psychic energy drawn from the libidinous tendencies in human beings. Which is to say the reproductive energy but only from a psychic point of view. He does not say that it has organic roots. This is what famed psychologist Wilhelm Reich emphasizes that this libido must have roots deep in the biochemical structure of the body.

The sex organs in a state of awakened kundalini produces a vast amount of fluid to feed the newly activated part of the brain. Sexual energy may well be directly connected to a mechanism that is affected by evolutionary advancement. Kundalini is the fundamental bioenergy stored primarily in the sex organs. This basic life force is normally associated with the genitals for simple continuance of the species by providing a sex drive. The tie in to the human sex drive and higher consciousness must be explored. Why do men have ejaculation while asleep or wake up with erect penises. There is a force of nature that needs physical release to be sane.

It is called the “goddess Kundalini” or “Mother Nature” because a mother’s love is similar to the bliss of higher consciousness. Woman have more feelings! Life is part of them - menstruation each month reminds them of that. Soulmates, man-woman have intercourse to prolong the race (children). Plus experience the love, kundalini evolutionary force of completion, happiness and bliss that keeps growing.

Sexual or relaxation exercises may release inner pressure of an over-taxed libido. An evolutionary super-nectar, extraordinary life force feeds the mind, a kissing food of unlimited bliss. The sublimation raising up of sex energy is the basic lever of all spiritual disciplines. But the all-inclusive nature of sex energy is a misnomer. Reproduction is but one of the aspects of the life energy of which the other theater of activity is the brain.

Humanity’s basic needs are for sex, god and a need for prayer to control our environment i.e.. hope within everyone lies the ability to awaken. Humanity needs love to balance our own unbalanced state and give us time to meditate, to control our over-taxed brain. Humanity’s sex drive may well be the only time some people relax from their hectic lifestyles. There is a need to just kick back and enjoy. Sex could be a form of deep meditation and experience between two soul mates. Loves deep blissful passion, kundalini’s purest expression an active prayer one of the most powerful forces in the universe. A positive experience that ends in an explosion of uncontrollable bliss. However for the average person, sex is not a deep meditation but is merely a physical release, a small slice of love’s true potential.

What is needed is that deep magnetism of love - a yin/yang of a universal constant. First came the big bang theory for the creation of the universe, now the love theory of creation states that the universe is a constant - always was here. That pure love magnetism, that yin/yang. Example. Trees love earth. Earth love the sky the sky loves the stars space… Love is consciousness … The universe is male and female and in love with both forces.

Suppression of sexuality out of contempt or hatred of our lower nature is an act of ignorance leading only to atrophy of the sexual system. Celibacy is contrary to nature. Since enlightenment is an evolutionary process with heredity playing an important role stamping the genera of the enlightened so that their biological gains through spiritual disciplines can be passed to their progeny. DNA research will eventually discover the consciousness gene.

Sexual energy has been represented in ancient art and statues by an erect organ. Showing the upward streaming of the reproductive essence that effects the transformation of consciousness.

In order to discover the factual evidence behind consciousness, one must first study kundalini energy and its effects. Scientific proof will free humanity to accept the fact that within everyone lies the temple of god leading to a clear realization of our own divine nature. Man’s incomprehensible inner bliss and oneness with divinity and a way of life that overpowers doing wrong or any other action that goes against this cosmic evolutionary force. The misunderstanding of kundalini has led to environmental decline that seems rooted to ultimate destruction of Planet Earth i.e. ozone layer, burning of rain forests, religious wars and terrorism, rape and murder….

It is one relationship not just to their own kundalini but also towards each other. It is the combination of the two that will lead not only to harmony but also to sharing and ultimately to progress. The appeal especially in these times is kundalini which offers hope promise. There is negative energy (i.e. ours) that can be transformed into positive communal conscience which will try to eradicate feelings of helplessness, negativity, pain and the burden of feeling isolated.

Why are people so selfish? Due to not having an understanding of kundalini. Just desperation, helplessness and power struggles which lead to hurting others and ourselves or apathy both of which have a profound effect on our history and the mood of the energy.

Our goal and objective is to create a paradise on earth. A peaceful co-existence, long lives, greater achievements and more freedom. A utopian society living by the laws uncovered by the experiment. A union with the divine is a sum total of the physical laws of the universe. We are in the process of taking the next evolutionary leap. The new century is here.

The study of what lifestyle would be best to advance ones inner potential is a task that may take eons to complete. With the help of divine grace may we free the veil that covers the eyes of the blind masses. We who have been chosen for this colossal task are the humble instruments of this evolutionary force. We will do our part to understand this unfathomable awareness of our eternal souls. The universe is ruled by an intelligent power! Consciousness does not change in birth or death it is bigger than our individual soul. Consciousness is an eternal om...

posted in Teaching Yoga - 1 reply

Yoga Certification Should I ??

Cole Done — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 19:16:00 GMT

Hello all. I have been doing yoga for about three years now, and I find people that know me ask me all the time questions about yoga and it benefits. I have read numerous books/magazines about yoga and its benefits, but because i have been only three years I am not sure if I am the person they should come too. I was wondering if taking a yoga certification course to become more knowledgable is the correct path to take since I always get these questions. All comments are welome. GOd Bless

posted in Teaching Yoga - 49 replies

Crying student

Liz — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:49:40 GMT

I definitely feel like I handled it okay, but I wanted to share w/ other yoga teachers and get some insight....

Last night I was teaching my restorative yoga series and one of my students (who has been coming to my classes for 3 years and has done privates w/ me) was definitely not in a good place. I could sense it when she first came in. We were all getting into chair supported shoulderstand and something happened. She's been dealing a lot with more physical ailments--bunions, back and shoulder issues/pain--these days. So, of course, I had my back turned to her as I was assisting someone else and then I found her on the floor, sitting and crying holding her foot. all I did was go over to her and put my hand on her back and asked what's coming up. I was very discrete b/c I didn't want to draw attention on her. She said it was the bunions in her foot. I then said there must be a lot going on. But she kept directing it to her foot. I suggested she do viparita karani (legs up the wall). she stayed for about 2 min and then kindly told me she wanted to go home. I didn't argue, of course, since it was right in the middle of the class and I shouldn't ignore my other students and it was what she wanted to do.

My heart goes out to people when things like that happen in yoga class (or anywhere or that matter) because I've been there. things get so overwhelming at times, it's totally okay to cry, but I know it's hard for some and they may get embarrassed or scared. Emotions are our body's alarm system. They tell us that something's going on within ourselves. We get triggered by things all the time and may or may not be consciously aware of it. When you're not, you feel like shit.

I'm going to call my student later today and just check in with her.

Thanks for letting me share,
-Liz

posted in Teaching Yoga - 7 replies

Source for inexpensive Mexican Yoga Blankets in Arizona or New Mexico?

ohmyogi — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 05:34:54 GMT

A year or two ago I came across a website of a place in New Mexico or Arizona that sold inexpensive Mexican Yoga blankets, the shipping was very reasonable too.

I did some searching and cannot find the site.

Does anyone know the place I am thinking of? Name? Link?

Namaste

posted in Teaching Yoga - 1 reply

Mass Invitation for Kundalini Awakening through Shaktiapt/Mystic Initiation

madan_gautam — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:30:26 GMT

Namaste to All
I am here inviting All of you sincere seekers to join mass Kundalini Awakening session with me.
I am going to start it from 21 Jan to 26 Jan 2009 at 10.00 IST(Indian Standard Time) which is +5.30 GMT.
The session will be for one and half hrs daily and hope all of you sincere seekers will spare your time to sit at the same time according to your Country Time Jone and get the benefit of this mass Kundalini Awakening session through Shaktipat/Mystic Initiation in Siddha Maha Yoga.
Any question on this invited.
I am authorizing charlyne pich, who has recieved Shaktipat for Kundalini Awakening recently to guide and reply the questions of all seekers.
Pl.see my blog for more information.
OM

posted in Teaching Yoga - 0 replies

oohh Bikrams Yoga

waveyoga — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 08:11:55 GMT

I went to a class. I attended one a year ago in another city and went to this studio 9 years ago. I love the benefits of sweating and feeling really good and alive. I hate the dogma. "Only we know what is right. If you say you can't do something then: 1.) you are repeating a self-limiting crippling no good pattern which your body has encapsulized from poor habits o fthinking and acting .. "and 2.) if you argue or discuss this with us YOU are EGO-dependent which is often the case with Bikrams students because we know everything and you know nothing." I heard this then from instructors who had been Bikram trained in a couple months with only high school for formal education. I have a Bachelors of Science in Physical Education and Pre-physical Therapy. They know more than I do.

What a crock!

Here is a very funny story of my taking Bikrams at that very studio in Seattle about 9 years ago and after about 20 classes ( I did like it) .. one day I left a class as I felt very strongly that a particilar instructor was screaming at us .. in the 'go harder, tighter, harder moremoremore" just too much over the top. I left a phjone message for the manager. FOUR people from that studio called me backk and told me how wrong I was. One even called me at work! Ok I never went back to their studio.. and they had the only Bikram studio in Seattle. Harrassment is simply that.. harrassment. I got the message, " We are right . You are wrong. Bikram says that we are preparing you for life. If you can stand this then you can stand anything."

I honor and appreciate the health benefits which come from a hot studio doing yoga.

I went to that studio yesterday needing a good sweat and loving yoga. I registered with the owner. He and I agreed that many years ago was just that.. many years ago. He speaks more nicely in class. He is, as before stuck on "you must do it exactly this way" about things and picked on me when I had my head turned the wrong way when I had a cramp and also something else.

I left to cough, getting over a cold, and made the MAJOR mistake of asking the front desk staff how much time was left. I had forgotten how many poses were left. She told me and asked how I liked class. I said I thought it was good and that it was toned down from the yelling from before when I went. She recalled my departure and my phone message about it and she needed to argue that I was wrong then. I finally gave up and put my mouth CLOSED. I wanted to stand up for myself ( silly me). We talked about age and my need for modification and of course, I got " if I can t do something and i use it as an excuse i am stupid and egotistical.. blah blah blah" .. I then countered her with a very quiet voice saying," I am probably 20 years older than anyone else in the room and I am doing well. ( I am likley 20 years older than she.. she may even be one of those high school graduates Bikram-trained wonders.) I came here for a good workout and the benefits which can happen." i walked away from her. I missed a couple poses I wish I had done with them.

Later I happened to look at my receipt.I was charged 20.00 for the class. The website says 18.00 for a drop-in.

posted in Teaching Yoga - 4 replies

The Ego

ProjectProphet — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:55:29 GMT

<<< SAM: "this only happened within my own mind.' " >>>

<<< CYNTHIA: "are you sure about that? just curious..." >>>

Sure he / she is.... everything comes from thought, the world around you is nothing more than your thought forms at work...

So what about thoughts?

Thought comes from mind/ego.

What is mind/ego?

The ego is not a solid entity; there is no tangible element known as "the ego."

The ego is the continuous process of constantly re-creating yourself each moment of your life, from birth all the way to death.

The ego is transcended by keeping the vital force (prana) centered in the heart region and resting in the gaps between your breathing cycles.

eventually, you just automatically stop breathing, and go into higher planes of being/non-being.

Likewise, there is no such entity as "mind." We may liken the mind to a rubber-band ball, and each thought = a rubber band.

after removing each and every thought, every rubber band, what are we left with?

NOTHING.

Where did the "mind" go then?

bliss,

ProjecTpropheT

posted in Teaching Yoga - 1 reply

YOGA

ProjectProphet — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 22:16:30 GMT

a small list of well-known (to many ) facts about Yoga:

1.) Yoga means Union, it is the spiritual science of the soul, it has nothing to do with massages, theories, reiki, witchcraft, or philosophy.
2.) Yoga originated in Ancient INDIA.
3.) Gautam Buddha, formerly known as Prince Gautam Siddharth, like Yoga, is also INDIAN in origin. He fully-realized Total Enlightenment through the Immortal science of Yoga.
4.) The Shaolin Temple of Ancient southern China, where Kung-fu, and therefore ALL East-Asian martial arts, originated, was founded by an Indian Brahmin from south India named Bodhidharma. Bodhidharma taught the Chinese monks meditation, martial arts, and many other Spiritual Sciences. All these martial arts have Raja Yoga as their foundation. Bodhidharma is also a direct disciple of Gautam Buddha.
5.) Bodhidharma spread the spirituality, lifestyle, and Enlightenment of Ancient India throughout most of Asia.
6.) Martial Arts also originated in India, one such commonly known one is called "Kalaripayattu."
It is all based on the eternal science of Yoga.
7.) From India, the science of Yoga took over the world, yet very few actually know what true Yoga is.
8.)Yoga's aim is to unite ("Yoga" = "Union") the person's individual, localized (in space and time) consciousness with the Supreme Non-dual Consciousness that animates and permeates all Existence yet is simultaneously Beyond ALL.

bliss,

p

posted in Teaching Yoga - 0 replies

Help! I started teaching at a new studio and I just found out I need insurance.

Annecl — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 20:57:32 GMT

Does anyone know of a place to get inexpensive teaching insurance? I don't own a home so I can't attach it to my home owners insurance. Or a place I can make monthly payments so I don't have to fork over a couple hunderd up front? I've been teaching for 6 years and I've always been insured through the studio.

Thanks!

posted in Teaching Yoga - 3 replies

Scented Oil at the end of a yoga class

Iveta — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:01:20 GMT

Hi,

Whenever I take a yoga class I noticed that at the end of the class the yoga teacher goes around and touches everybody with a scented oil. It usually is the same oil everywhere, it is a lemony/orange scented oil. What is it exactly? I would like to buy it.
Thank you,
I.

posted in Teaching Yoga - 27 replies

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

waveyoga — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 15:21:32 GMT

I am goin g into the sunrise

then to a park or wilderness area to pick up evergreen and cedar and then make a couple center pieces. Then to a yoga or dance class.

Then to a party or to my sis.

I have to get rid of a cold ( the last part - the coughing) so I am laying low a bit.

What is everyone else doing?

posted in Teaching Yoga - 1 reply

insurance

Taaj — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 21:03:34 GMT

1) I don't recommend that anyone get dance insurance through their home owner's policy. The reason for insurance is to protect you against a problem where you have to pay out large sums of money. If you conduct your business as a sole proprietor, you put your personal assets (your home) at risk of being taken in the event of a law suit. You should NEVER co-mingle personal and business assets, both for asset protection and for tax reasons.

2) I recommend Merkel insurance or http://www.myfitnessinsurance.com

Good luck,

Taaj
http://www.taaj.org

posted in Teaching Yoga - 0 replies

Sadhaka Guru

Amanda — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:39:51 GMT

Can a self-proclaimed guru who did not attain to Nirvikalpa give mantra initiations?

http://www.yogacentar.hr/linkovi.html

posted in Teaching Yoga - 4 replies

Savasana

kps — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 21:50:13 GMT

During both of my classes this week, a student seemed deep/lost in thought (like still meditating) when coming out of savasana. I wasn't sure as to how to approach them, or even if I should.

My instinct was to sit there for a few more minutes to allow them the time needed to gather their thoughts, but it made the others uncomfortable. So I went ahead and started to clean up, so they didn't feel the need to sit there.

Not sure how to handle this situation. What do you do?

posted in Teaching Yoga - 6 replies

Job interview/audition at a gym

Liz — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:01:19 GMT

I have an interview and audition for a teaching position at a gym. Does anyone teach at a gym and did you have to do a little audition? What did it involve?

thanks,
-Liz

posted in Teaching Yoga - 16 replies

Sivananda TTC

Margot — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:22:20 GMT

Has anyone here done the Sivananda teacher training course? I am interested in doing it, not to become a professional teacher, but to deepen my practice and to be able to teach one-on-one ocassionaly, facilitate with friends and family and maybe volunteer as need arises (really just to spread yoga to people who might not be able to afford courses).

IAny experiences?

posted in Teaching Yoga - 0 replies

Does anyone here teach yoga full time for a living

Jed — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 06:07:41 GMT

Would just like to know what that sort of life style is like

posted in Teaching Yoga - 10 replies

question: your techniques and style versus the status quo

scottie — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 01:28:04 GMT

namaste everyone!

I am curious to hear what you believe sets you apart from other yoga teachers who follow the standard western one hour session.
what do you think is a standard approach, what is it that a teacher does that makes you think they have gone above and beyond the norm. I particularly liked an intermediate class taught by a male instructor whose energy was particularly calm and inviting. His foundation was more traditional vs the westernized form of exercise. he used proper names of poses did his best to educate the class while teaching with the little time he did have. what is it that separates you from the status quo and makes your style special?

I am traveling to india and took the opportunity to take a teacher training course for 600 US dollars (150 hour certificate) or 950 US dollars (200 hour certificate) in Rishikesh from http//:www.rishikeshyogpeeth.com. this is certified through the Indian Government but I am not entirely sure if it is certified with the YA as this is entirely new to me =)

if anyone would like to take a look at the website, which sadly is not as informative as it could be (i have had to gather most information via email) and tell me what you think. it is not quite as intensive as i would like but the next best and cheapest option was in madurai for 1700 and i simply can not afford that.

bless you all, much love to you.
scottie

posted in Teaching Yoga - 0 replies

Ganesh ( Ganapati ) the Hindu Buddhist Deity : practices references and transmission

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 18:51:02 GMT

Ganesh ( Ganapati ) the Hindu Buddhist Deity : practices references and transmission

Keywords : Ganapati / Ganesh the Elephant Headed God of Classical India, Mantra and Praise of Ganapati, Deity yoga, Tantric empowerment, Overlapping Hindu / Buddhist mantra culture, Vedacarya Thomas Ashley-Farrand, Sakya Lineage and Sakya Monastery, Seattle Washington.

“To those for whom these village fires still have meaning:
Oh, may your own most beautiful Animal of Light come safely to you!”
from the Last Whole Earth Catalog

On 13 July in Seattle Washington a Ganapati empowerment will be offered at Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism. The guru bestowing this empowerment is the tantric master of Sakya Monastery, His Holiness Jigdal Dagchen Sakya Rinbochay. See www.sakya.org for more information.

For this reason it is timely and appropriate to provide some basic teaching and perspective on Ganapati, and in particular an esoteric Hindu Ganapati mantra and also a Sanskrit Buddhist praise of Ganapati. Many diverse teachings on this deity in Hindu form are available on the internet ( under both Ganapati and Ganesh ).

An excellent introductory summary for Ganapati / Ganesh is available online at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganesha

The Buddhist Ganapati is also referenced in the Tibetan Buddhist traditions of the Nyingma ( e.g. Longchen Nyingtik ) and Gelugpa lineages ( see practice texts for www.fpmt.org ). There is also Buddhist practice of Ganapati in the esoteric Buddhist Japanese tradition known as Shingon, which came East via China and not Tibet.

Briefly, Ganapati means Lord of the Troop, and Ganesh basically means Elephant Headed One. Ganapati is known by the title “Remover of Obstacles” or “Lord of Obstacles”. He carries or represents the enormous power of the Elephant. He is often accompanied by two female consorts Riddhi and Siddhi ( Magical Accomplishment and Spiritual Accomplishment ).

Ganapati is very prominent and even central in Hindu practice and is often evoked at the beginning of important engagements or projects, such as making a journey or starting employment, or beginning a meditation practice session. I have seen dance evocation of Ganapati at the beginning of a Hindu temple dance concert. Ganapati is one of the main practices of Hindu business people for success in their commercial ventures.

Ganapati is strongly associated with the “national spirit” or Mother India as well as her earliest roots. In the distant past elephants were used throughout India to clear land for agriculture, and also as war elephants. More recently, public Hindu celebrations were banned by the occupying British and the outlawed Ganapati ceremonies were brought forth, successfully, to rally India against foreign rule.

It is said that the long “History of India” was transcribed by the deity Ganapati as given by Rishi Visvamitra. Many of the key texts of Sanatana Dharma ( Hinduism ) were written down by Ganapati. So, this practice is a primary connection to Vedic Culture. Due to this, Ganapati is also practiced by students to help with their secular school exams.

Ganapati has a very ambivalent status in Buddhist tantra, the esoteric form of Buddhist meditation which relies on yoga, deity recitations and mystic practices in general. On the one hand, Ganapati is often considered unfriendly towards Buddhist practitioners in general, and propitiated or banished or subjugated so as to not cause problems. Thus, a subjugated Ganapati serves as the throne for the deity Mahakala in his Six Armed form. This reflects the fact that some but not all Hindu practice / culture affirms Buddhist teachings.

On the other hand, there are specifically Buddhist practices for Ganapati, as for other Hindu deities such as Shiva, Sarasvati and so forth. The Sakya lineage carries Buddhist deity yogas for the Hindu deities Uma Devi / Parvati and Garuda, as well as Ganapati. ( In Southern Buddhism, such as in Sri Lanka Theravada monasteries, it is common to propitiate the Hindu deity Visnu for outer or worldly benefits. )

More broadly, many Buddhist schools share with the Sanatana Dharma ( i.e. Hindu practice and culture ) a significant focus on Ayurveda, or spiritual medicine. The Buddhist deity Bhaisajyaguru, or Medicine Buddha, is a deity of Buddhist spiritual medicine and Ayurveda in both Hindu and Buddhist forms is more or less identical in practice, not just similar.

In the classical Sakya tradition, this Twelve Arm Ganapati is actually an emanation of Avalokitesvara, the beloved and universal Buddhist deity of liberating compassion. Thus, it is reasonable to view this empowerment as being a definite connection to Avalokitesvara and the general practices of Avalokitesvara.

It is also very important to note that with this ( or any ) tantric Buddhist empowerment comes the general set of universal Buddhist vows, such as the Ten Precepts ( rejection of harmfulness, theft, dishonesty, ill-will and so forth ), and the Bodhisattva vows. The Bodhisattva vows focus on active humanitarian service in the most broad and deep and long term ways, starting with rejection of limiting ideas such as racism, sexism, tribalism, and all cultural divisiveness.

For some basic teachings on Buddhist theory and practice, see the following at Asian Classics:
http://www.asianclassics.org/research_site/webdata/education.html

The Principal Teachings of Buddhism
Buddhist Refuge
The Vows of the Bodhisattva

For an excellent general introduction to Buddhist practice, with a focus on Buddhist tantra, see the following book by Kalu Rinpoche:
The Dharma: That Illuminates All Beings Like the Light of the Sun and the Moon, State University of New York Press, 1986, ISBN 0-88706-157-5

http://www.amazon.com/Dharma-Illuminates-Beings-Impartially-Light/dp/0887061575

This book is short, direct, accessible, classical and effective. It should be. It was transcribed as spoken directly to westerners by one of the greatest Buddhist masters of the last century.

To take the tantric Buddhist empowerment of Ganapati or any other is to take Mahayana Buddhist vows, as well as to become authorized to do magical kinds of practice, such as mantra recitation to develop the power of the deity. The point is that in this case, the Hindu/ Buddhist deity Ganapati is practiced within a classical Buddhist context, not otherwise. Thus the above mentioned Buddhist references are of central importance in this transmission and practice.

As a brilliant red deity aspect, Twelve Armed Ganapati is not only a remover of obstacles and disharmonious circumstances, but also a magnetizing deity, i.e. a deity that “warms up” social situations, and develops strongly positive interpersonal engagement.

On a yogic level, this deity ( in Buddhist deity yoga ) develops strength and power at the level of the navel point of the psychic energy body ( svadhisthana cakra ), although I cannot say more without transgressing tantric vows of secrecy. Note that the Hindu Ganapati is girded by snakes, representing kundalini energy, and is similarly associated with the energy at the base of the spinal column. All tantric transmissions are private, and their contents not to be discussed following initiation.

This is one of many specifically obstacle-removing diety yogas in Buddhist tantra. There are many others, but this one is definitely recommended for those who have a more Hindu-oriented background in culture and/ or personal karma. And as noted earlier, it is a connection to Avalokitesvara practice specifically, and to the outer Mahayana practices in general.

This can also be viewed ( speaking very unofficially ) as a connection to Hindu transmissions. ) For this reason I will now provide a specifically Hindu mantra for Ganapati, which has been confirmed. It is quite reasonable to say that on obtaining a Twelve Arm Ganapati empowerment, one may practice the following Hindu mantra as well.

Maha Ganapati Mantra
"Aum shrim hrim klim glaum gam
ganapataye vara varada sarva
janamme vashamanaya svaha"

Vedacarya Thomas Ashley-Farrand, from whom I have Laxmi transmission, has many introductory and also detailed teachings on Hindu mantra practice. See his website at
http://www.sanskritmantra.com/

The following is not an official representation, but I do have the Sakya lineage Ganapati transmission some twenty years back from HE Luding Khen Rinbochay. This Sakya initiation is for a Twelve Arm Red Ganapati, equivalent in many respects to the Hindu deity Ganesh or Ganapati. Many diverse teachings on this deity in Hindu form are available on the internet ( under both Ganapati and Ganesh ). The Buddhist Ganapati is also referenced in the Tibetan Buddhist traditions of the Nyingma and Gelugpa lineages.

From www.sakya.org :

07/13/2008
GANAPATI INITIATION
Offered by H. H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya
Sunday, July 13
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Shrine Room
Suggested Donation: $30 Public, $25 Members
Translator: Dr. Jeff Schoening
Ganapati made the commitment to help all beings to uphold the 3 trainings—moral behavior, meditation, wisdom— and, in particular, to provide the necessary materials and provisions for practitioners.
He protects one from obstacles at the beginning of any enterprise and also helps to increase wealth and power for the benefit of the Dharma.
His Holiness Jigdal Dagchen Sakya, head lama of Sakya Monastery, was born in Tibet in 1929. He continues the great Sakya lineage which began with Khon Konchok Gyalpo (1034—1102). He received teachings of the unbroken Khon lineage, the Sakya Vajrakilaya, the Hevajra and the complete Lamdre Tsogshe, from his father, H.H. Trichen Ngawang Thutop Wangchul, the last Sakya throne holder in Tibet. He also studied with many other great Buddhist teachers, including Dzongsar Khyentse Chökyi and Dingo Khyentse Robsal Dawa.
In 1960, H.H. J.D. Sakya was invited to work on a University of Washington research project on Tibetan civilization which was sponsored by the Rockefeller Foundation. At the request of students, he co-founded with H.E. Dezhung Rinpoche Sakya Tegchen Choling, a center for the study of Tibetan Buddhism and culture. In 1984, the center became the Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism.

The following is copyrighted material from The Digital Sanskrit Buddhist Canon, at
http://www.uwest.edu/sanskritcanon/index.html
specifically
http://www.uwest.edu/sanskritcanon/Stotra/Roman/stotra30.html

The source text is “ Source: Pandey, Janardan Shastri ed. Bauddha strotra Samgrah. Varanasi : Motilal Banarsidass, 1994”.

This is provided as a necessary and specific demonstration that classical Indian Buddhist culture incorporated Ganapati deity yoga as a tantric practice, and not for other purposes.
Ganesastotram

kharvam sthulataram gajendravadanam lambodaram sundaram
vidhnesam madhugandhalubdhamadhupavyalolagandasthalam|
dantodghatavidaritahitajanam sindurasobhakaram
vande sailasutasutam ganapatim siddhipradam kamadam|| 1||

herambah paramo devah karyasiddhividhayakah|
saibhagyarupasampannam dehi me sukhasampadam|| 2||

ekadantam mahakayam lambodaram gajananam|
sarvasiddhipradataram gangaputram namamyaham|| 3||

vande tam gananathamaryamanagham daridrayadavanalam
sundaadandavidhuyamanasamalam samsarasindhostarim|
yam natva surakoyayah prabhuvaram siddhim labhante param
sindurarunavigraham paripataddanambudharahrtam|| 4||

uccairbrahmandakhandadvitayasahacaram kumbhayugmam dadhanah
presannagaripaksapratibhatavikatasrotratalabhiramah |
devah sambhorapatyam bhujagapatitanusparddhivardhisnuhasta-
strailokyascaryamurtirjayati trijagatamisvarah kuñjarasyah|| 5||

ganapatisca herambo vidhnarajo vinayakah |
deviputro mahateja mahabalaparakramah || 6||

mahodaro mahakayascaikadanto gajananah|
svetavastro mahadiptastrinetro gananayakah || 7||

aksamalam ca dantam ca grhnan vai daksine kare|
parasum modakapatram ca vamahaste vidharayan|| 8||

nanapusparato devo nanagandhanulepanah |
nagayajñopavitango nanavidhnavinasanah || 9||

devasuramanusyanam siddhagandharvavanditam|
trailokyavidhnahartaramakhvarudham namamyaham|| 10||

sumukhascaikadantasca kapilo gajakarnakah |
lambodarasca vikato vidhnarajo vinayakah || 11||

dhumraketurganadhyakso bhalacandro gajananah |
vakratundah surpakarno herambah skandapurvajah || 12||

sodasaitani namani yah pathecchunuyadapi|
vidyarambhe vivahe ca pravese nirgame tatha|| 13||

samgrame samkate caiva vidhnastasya na jayate|
vidhnavallikutharaya ganadhipataye namah || 14||

sriganesastotram samaptam|

Sarva mangalam! Siddhi rastu!

In partial fulfillment of vajrayana teaching responsibilities,

KT

posted in Teaching Yoga - 2 replies

Need info re Samarya Yoga Studio Teacher Training Program

waveyoga — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:20:17 GMT

They have anintensive which I am considering.
Has anyone tried it?

Thank you

posted in Teaching Yoga - 0 replies

workshops - favorites to teach, favorites to take

ellenclaire — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:20:10 GMT

I'm planning to put together a few workshops to market to local studios. What are some of your favorite workshop topics to teach? (Backbending, hip opening, yoga for a certain age group or gender, etc.) What about favorite workshops you've taken? What made them great? And what have you not liked?

posted in Teaching Yoga - 1 reply

basic breath practice and basic mantra practice : nadi shodhana pranayam and White Tara mantra

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:55:01 GMT

Re: what to engage in yoga - breath practices and mantra

Re Jennifer on tribe tantra
"What is a good form of yoga to get into for beginners? "

Hi Jennifer.
A simple and profound practice is "pranayama", or breath modulation.
It is used by yoga practitioners at all levels.
It requires no specific religious philosophy.

It is used for many purposes, such as psychological balance, energy balancing, mind-body co-ordination, physical workout warm-ups and warm-downs, kundalini yoga, and as a key practice in Buddhist yogas of primordial pure awareness, such as Great Perfection and Great Seal.

There are also Buddhist kung fu breath modulation practices for martial arts which are sophisticated and powerful.

There are many excellent books available on pranayama.
A basic and most useful pranayama practice is alternate nostril breathing, which is taught in many variations, among the Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists. In Sanskrit this is known as nadi shodhana pranayam.

As with most yoga practices, be careful regarding sensitive times such as pregnancy or illness and do not practice when the stomach is full.

A major source of teaching on pranayama is the 3H0 Sikhs and Yogi Bhajan, who brought a tremendous amount of this material to the West. Do a google search for "kundalini yoga" + pranayam + "yogi bhajan". You can get 3H0 books on kundalini yoga from Ravi Singh and Guru Rattan Khaur Khalsa.

I have and use many texts on tantra and yoga as practitioner and as guru, and pranayama is always of enormous importance in the different lineages, and in my own practice. I began doing pranayam in 1980, and on at least one occasion it has saved my life.

Another major and most useful kind of practice is Sanskrit recitation, or mantrayana.
You can find a basic description of the Vajrasattva mantra at my tribe home, under the picture for "Hundred Syllable Mantra".

The primary source for transmissions of this kind of yoga is the esoteric Buddhist tantra, known to the public under the name "Tibetan Buddhism."

I have completed ten thousand hours of mantra.

A most basic and openly available mantra for healing and developing inner spiritual connections is the Buddhist goddess mantra for Tara:

OM TARE TUTTARE TURE MA ME AYU PUNYA JNANA PUSTIM KURU SVAHA

This is for wisdom ( jnana ), long life ( ayu ), noble qualities ( punya ), and spiritual energy ( pustim ). This is a good mantra for protection, for removing obstacles, and cleansing the magnetic field.

A basic practice would be to recite this 100,000 times, and it works better with visualization, pure intention and so forth.

There are many Buddhist books and practice texts for Tara, for example from Snow Lion Publications, at
http://www.snowlionpub.com/

See the book
"Skillful Grace: Tara Practice for Our Time"

at Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Skillful-Grace-Tara-Practice-Time/dp/9627341614

If you can do some effective pranayama and some effective mantra then you are a functional yoga practitioner.
If you lack both pranayama and mantra, your practice will remain very very very limited.

Best,

Acarya KT

posted in Teaching Yoga - 0 replies

HH Phakchok Rinpoche and the Chokling Tersar Lineage of the Great Perfection : An Introduction and 2008 Tour Notes

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:46:07 GMT

HH Phakchok Rinpoche and the Chokling Tersar Lineage of the Great Perfection : An Introduction and 2008 Tour Notes

Keywords: Esoteric Buddhist yoga ( buddhatantra ), Great Perfection / AtiYoga / dzogchen i.e. primordial awareness yoga, tantric Buddhist empowerment, non-sectarian tantric Buddhist practice ( Rimay ), HH Phakchok Rinpoche Tendzin Jigmey Drakpa, Orgyen Dorje Den Center ( San Francisco ), Chokling Tersar lineage ( Nyingma / Ancient School transmission of Indo-Tibetan vajrayana ).

NAMO GURU SRI PADMAKARAYE
Homage to Guru Padmasambhava.

This summer ( 2008 ) His Holiness Phakchok Rinpoche, a primary tantric Buddhist lineage holder, is on a major tour ( see below for events ), giving tantric Buddhist transmissions and teachings in the USA, Canada, and Europe. He is a younger major teacher in the Chokling Tersar tradition of Nyingma and Dzogchen ( see below ).

This lineage derives directly from Guru Padmasambhava, a most extraordinary Indian guru and a principal cofounder of the Buddhist tradition in Tibet. Today six million or more people practice teaching deriving from from Guru Padmasambhava, in for example the Tibetan traditions such as Sakya, Kagyu and Nyingma, including some millions of East Asians ( Chinese Buddhists of esoteric Buddhist lineage ).

This is a very magical, very powerful, and very yogic style of transmission, especially in terms of the inner practices. It is well supported by many independent practice lineages, of which the Chokling Tersar Foundation is an important example both in the USA and Europe. It is well established in California and Denmark, and several major teachers of this tradition give teaching tours.

This sangha ( spiritual fellowship ) is of major importance because Chokling Tersar Foundation has a translation / publishing organization called Rangjung Yeshe. This is one of the main sources worldwide for core Nyingma and dzogchen publications. I have and use quite a few Rangjung Yeshe practice and teaching texts. They are highest quality and indispensible for all Nyingma and dzogchen practitioners in particular, and broadly useful.

One of the most important books ever published for tantric Buddhists is
"Dakini Teachings", by Padmasambhava, and this is from Rangjung Yeshe.
Another key example, from the same source, is
"Light of Wisdom", by Padmasambhava and Jamgon Kongtrul.

For a general background on dzogchen, or "primordial awareness yoga", it is well worthwhile to obtain the book
"The Crystal and the Way of Light: Sutra, Tantra and Dzogchen", written by another important master of a parallel Nyingma lineage, Chogyal Namkhai Norbu. This is about the best place to start for a book introduction to the inner teachings, but is descriptive only, and not practice or sadhana per se.

Esoteric Buddhist yoga ( buddhatantra ) and Great Perfection ( dzogchen awareness yoga ) depend fundamentally on transmission, and so it is necessary to see a real teacher. Without a major transmission from an authentic guru, much or most of the teaching - and all of the yoga sadhana - does not work. Therefore I take this opportunity to make an important introduction.

( Please note that I DO NOT have any authority to represent Chokling Tersar Foundation, HH Phakchok Rinpoche, or any activity associated with this line of transmission. I am simple conveying what I know in a clear and definite way, to support this lineage and those who may benefit from it. I cannot make any promises that any of what is said here, or this kind of transmission, will solve any particular problem or give any particular result. The results are very personal and individualized. )

HH Phakchok Rinpoche Tendzin Jigmey Drakpa is not yet well known to the public, but is already having a great influence in transmitting key innermost teachings of tantra and dzogchen. Therefore it is auspicious and appropriate to make known this teacher and the availability of these teachings.

The qualifications of HH Phakchok Rinpoche are vast and profound ( see below for his autobiography ). He has highest-level authorization to give primary transmissions in both the Nyingma and Kagyu lineages, and is one of the few people who has a complete cycle of Sakya School tantric empowerments.

Two years ago I received a major dzogchen empowerment from this teacher, from within the Chokling Tersar, and personally confirm that his transmission is powerful and effective, not only as a tantric blessing / psychic cleansing, but also as a functional teaching / practice transmission. He is very direct and engaging and extraordinarily generous in his teaching. He is here to teach core precepts, not just bestow blessings. That means actual, whole person practice.

HH Phakchok Rinpoche gave me his card at the one time I was able to attend his transmission, so he is willing to personally engage students in a longer term sense. At that time he did lay on those present the general but significant requirement to Do A Daily Tantric Buddhist Practice, which is in fact the requirement of Guru Padmasambhava.

A daily practice typically means mantra recitation, as well as upholding ethical precepts of the Mahayana and Tantra. ( See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhisattva_vows or better yet, the above book "Dakini Teachings" for teaching on outer and inner Buddhist ethics. ) A primary example of mantra discipline is Vajrasattva deity yoga, for which a short teaching is given at my tribe.net home under the Sanskrit picture for Hundred Syllable mantra.

A specific event listing for the Yangdak Heruka transmission and teaching to be given August 16, 17 & 18 follows. Orgyen Dorje Den can host at least 200 participants. This is a remarkably important group, and a "home fellowship" for me, though I have not seen them in many years. Their center teacher, Ven. Gyaltrul Rinpoche, is a great gift to the West. I have and use and recommend his books.

Basically, it is from the Eight Herukas Cycle which is associated with the Guhyagarbha Tantra, which was propagated as one of the primary practices of Guru Padmasambhava. This fully confers Vajrasattva, a key basic and continung practice, and *may* fully confer Great Perfection / Breakthrough as well ( no guarantee ).

Significant mantra teaching on the Eight Herukas is given in the remarkable book
"The Tibetan Book of the Dead: First Complete Translation (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) (Paperback)", Publisher: Penguin Classics; Deluxe edition (January 30, 2007 ),# ISBN-10: 0143104942.

This is written in partial fulfillment of mahayana and tantric Buddhist teaching responsibilities, in support of His Holiness Phakchok Rinpoche, Orgyen Dorje Den and Ven. Gyaltrul Rinpoche, the Chokling Tersar lineage, and the benefit of as many people as possible.

Sarva mangalam! Siddhi rastu!

Acarya KT

http://www.phakchokrinpoche.org/events.htm
Events
H.H. Phakchok Rinpoche's 2008 Teaching Calendar
For more information on any of the below programs, please e-mail us at office@phakchokrinpoche.org.

San Francisco, California: Aug 15-19
Empowerments: Yangdak Heruka & Sangtik Korsum (Teaching and Advice)
Teachings: Advice and teaching on general Development Stage
Meditation Training - at Orgyen Dorje Den, Directions to Orgyen Dorje Den
Public Talks: The Great “I” (Berkeley Shambhala Center)
Great Longchenpa
E-mail: office@phakchokrinpoche.org

Toronto: August 27-Sept 1 – with H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
Empowerment: Sangye Won
Teachings: Jewel Ornament of Liberation
Taklung Thangpa
Public Talk: The Great “I”

H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
Empowerments: Vajrakilaya & Tara
Prosperity Vase Blessing & Tsok
Visit: Riwoche Society, riwoche.com
E-mail: pema@riwoche.com

Vancouver: September 5-7
Teaching: VajraYogini Program [ this is restricted to those who have the empowerment ]
Public Talks: The Great “I”
Meditation and Happiness
E-mail: Mara Shnay, mshnay@telus.net

Salt Springs Island: September 7-9
Empowerment: Medicine Buddha
Meditation Retreat
E-mail: Matthew, matthewphyllis@telus.net

Europe: Poland & Germany

Hamburg, Germany: Sept 20-21
Lamrim Yeshe Nyingpo (Light of Wisdom)
E-mail: Arne Schelling, arne.schellingatgmx.de

Menz, Germany: Sept 22
Public Talk on The Great “I”
E-mail: Arne Schelling, arne.schellingatgmx.de

Berlin, Germany: Sept 23-24
Life Stories of Yeshe Tsogyal and Machig Labdron
The Aspiration Prayer of Samantabhadra
E-mail: Anne Siml, annesiml@yahoo.de

Greifswald, Germany: Sept 25-27
Public Talk on Compassion
Mind Training
E-mail: Anne Siml, annesiml@yahoo.de

Rangjung Yeshe Gomde – Denmark: Sept 29-30
Lotus Essence Tantra
Heart Sutra
Questions and Answers for Meditators
Website: www.gomde.dk
E-mail: Erik Pema Kunsang, erik@gomde.dk

Warsaw, Poland: October 2-5
Kunzang Thuktig Preliminary Practice
Mind Training
E-mail: Julia E. Wahl, karmayeshetsomo@gmail.com
Mobile: +48 608 079 909

The following events will be at:
Orgyen Dorje Den
2244 Santa Clara Ave
Alameda, CA 94501
http://www.orgyendorjeden.org/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coming this weekend, August 16, 17 & 18:
H.H. Phakchok Rinpoche, head of the Taklung Kagyu lineage and son of H.E. Chokling Rinpoche, nephew of H.E. Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and grandson of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, is coming to the San Francisco Bay Area from August 15-19 to give teachings and empowerments. Please plan to attend and spread the word regarding these precious teachings.
See phakchokrinpoche.org.
And for biographical info: http://phakchokrinpoche.org/lineage.htm
http://phakchokrinpoche.org/historyofpresentPK.htm

HH Phakchok Rinpoche will be giving the following empowerments and teachings at ODD.
Yangdak Heruka empowerment and teachings.
August 16 from 10 am to 12 pm and 2 to 4 pm.
When asked for some brief info about Yangdak Heruka, Rinpoche, translating from a text, replied the following in a phone call:
"Yangdak Heruka is the secret heart essence practice of Mahapandita Vimalamitra & Guru Padmasambhava. As a method to repair mistakes, purify broken samaya and reverse bad karma it is greater than even Vajrasattva. According to Ratna Lingpa, it is a supreme method for yogis to fulfill the root & branch samaya of vinaya, mahayana & vajrayana precepts & it will enable the practitioner to receive the 2 siddhis and have a long life. It requires accumulated merit from past lives to meet with these teachings and through practice you will see how fast the siddhis will be received. This terma is a revelation of Chogyur Lingpa--it is a short lineage--he revealed it on Guru Rinpoche Day from a Big Boulder. It is part of the Sangtik Korsum, which is a cycle of practice which also includes Vajrasattva & Vajrakilaya." This is the first time Rinpoche is giving the Yangdak Heruka empowerment in the USA.

Teachings on Sangtik Korsum cycle of empowerments, instruction on general development stage, and meditation training:
August 17 from 10 am to 12 pm and 2 to 4 pm
August 18 from 10 am to 12 pm and 2 to 4 pm
These teachings will relate to the specific cycle, Sangtik Korsum, but will also be applicable to whatever sadhana practice one is engaging.

The suggested donation is $100 for the three days, $35/ day & $20 per session.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Orgyen Dorje Den
2244 Santa Clara Ave
Alameda, CA 94501
www.orgyendorjeden.org

From
http://www.riwoche.com/phakchok_rinpoche.html

Phakchok Rinpoche's emanation-basis is the Lord of Secrets Dharmevajra, the compiler of the teachings of the Great Secrets (Vajrayana) of all buddhas; the arhat Ananda, the foremost disciple of our teacher (Buddha Shakyamuni); Lhalung Palgyi Dorje, the direct disciple of the Second Buddha of Uddiyana (Padmasambhava); (Rechung) Dorje Drakpa, the lord of siddhas; and many others.
. . .
The reincarnation of this sublime master was the seventh Phakchok Rinpoche, Tendzin Jigmey Drakpa, born in the Year of the Iron Bird, 1981, of the seventeenth year cycle. The family he was born into is, among the six original clans, the Nangchen Tsangsar of the Khepaga line which were chiefly holders of the Barom Kagyü Dharma lineage, a family line who maintained an unbroken tradition of combining Kagyü and Nyingma.
. . .

Due to his outstanding brightness and inherent qualities from former training, he comprehended reading and writing, and when he later studied the topics of knowledge with Kungo Kalzang, Karma Urgyen Rinpoche's younger brother, he gained effortless understanding by simply hearing what was said.

Here is a description of the ripening empowerments and liberating instructions Phakchok Rinpoche has received from masters of the Sarma and Nyingma schools of all traditions:

From Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche he has received longevity empowerments, the Six Volumes of Jatsön Nyingpo, Gyachen Kadzö (of Jamgön Kongtrül).

From Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche he has received the empowerments of longevity.

From Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche he has received the empowerments for the Rinchen Terdzö, the complete empowerments and reading trans-missions for the Chokling Tersar, the Dzogchen Desum, the empowerments, reading transmissions and instructions for the Kunzang Tuktig, the empowerment of awareness-display and mind-instruction for Dzogchen, the complete empowerments and reading transmissions for the Root Volumes of Nyingtig, the Hundred Chö Empowerments, and the Namkha Gojey.

From Kyabje Taklung Shabdrung Rinpoche he has received the complete empowerments and reading transmissions of the Taklung Kagyü, and the complete empowerments and reading transmissions for the collected works and terma teachings of Jedrung Rinpoche.

From Kyabje Chobgye Trichen Rinpoche he has received the empowerments and reading transmissions for the Gyüdey Kündü.

From Sakya Dagtri Drölma Podrang he has received the complete Drubtab Kündü.

From his father, Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, he has received the complete empowerments and reading transmissions for the Chokling Tersar.

From Dzongsar Khenchen Kunga Wangchuk he has received the reading transmission for the collected works of the Five Sakya Forefathers, the Prajñamula, Madhyamikavatara, and the 400 Verses, Sakya Pandita's Tsema Rigter, Tsema Namdrel, the Higher and Lower Abhidharma and other works.

From Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche he has received the reading transmission for the Tenngyur, the Great Collection of the Translated Treatises.

From Kyabje Penor Rinpoche he has received the complete empowerments for the Rinchen Terdzö.

From Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche he has received the complete reading transmissions for the Rinchen Terdzö.

From Arik Khenchen Petse Rinpoche he has received explanation to the Guhyagarbha Tantra and the Manjushri Nama Sangirti, as well as mind-instruction.

From Kyabje Trülshik Rinpoche he has received the complete empowerments for the Collected Works of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.

From Kyabje Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche he has received the Tögal Cycle of Khenpo Ngakchung's Hearing Lineage, as well as mind-instruction.

. . .

This was translated by Erik Pema Kunsang, at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery, February, 2000.

www.choklingtersar.org

http://www.rangjung.com/gl/Chokling_Tersar.htm
Chokling Tersar, the New Treasures of Chokgyur Lingpa ( copyrighted )
During the ninth century, Buddhism was introduced from India into Tibet and its literature and culture has since been preserved in a way that has been unique in accuracy and truthfulness to tradition. Four decades ago, the occupation of Tibet by Communist China began an era of repression and systematic destruction of this thousand year old Buddhist culture. Shreds of this tradition reached the countries on the southern slopes of the Himalaya ranges - India, Nepal and Bhutan - in the hands of the few refugees who managed to escape alive. During the following years these areas have been the meeting-point and a forum of exchange between a large number of people from all countries of the world.

In response to the heart-wish of Kyabje Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, the Chokling Tersar Foundation was established. It is in the spirit of wishing to protect and preserve one of the important contributions to the world's cultural heritage, as well as responding to a growing demand within North America, that the members of Chokling Tersar Foundation support the foundation through donations of effort, money and prayers.

Chokling Tersar literally means the 'new treasures of Chokgyur Lingpa' and owes it name to the great Tibetan Buddhist master of the 19th century. Chokgyur Lingpa lived from (1829-1870) and was regarded by the most reputable living masters of his time as one of the major tertons (revealer of hidden treasures) in Tibetan history. His teachings are widely practiced by both the Kagyu and Nyingma schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

The collection of treasures revealed by Chokgyur Lingpa together with its connected teachings are contained in the Chokling Tersar, a body of literature filling more than forty large volumes. In English translation each of these volumes would be between seven and eight hundred pages and the total would amount to approximately 30,000 pages. The connected teachings included in these forty volumes were written over the last 150 years, chiefly by his contemporaries Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo and Jamgon Kongtrul, as well as by the subsequent upholders of the lineage down until today.

Kangyur - the TripitakaThe Chokling Tersar literature is meant to be studied and practiced as an addition to the traditional canonical scriptures of Tibetan Buddhism. These traditional scriptures are found in the Kangyur and Tengyur, the written words of Buddha Shakyamuni and their commentaries by learned Indian Masters. These two collections occupy respectively 104 and 273 large volumes.

In these scriptures are found detailed instructions on how to take full advantage of and imbue human life with its fullest meaning. These revealed scriptures were concealed by the 9th century Buddhist saint Padmasambhava with the expressed wish to be uncovered at specific times in the future. Many of them contain predictions for those times and which particular spiritual practices would be most beneficial for the people of those times.

Centers practicing the New Treasures of Chokgyur Lingpa:

Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling monastery, Boudha, Nepal.
Lamas: Tsikey Chokling, Gyurme Dewey Dorje; Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche; Phakchok Rinpoche

Pema Ewam Chogar in Bir, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Lamas: Neten Chokling and Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche.

Tsikey Gompa in East Tibet.
Lamas: Chokling of Tsikey, Tsang-Yang Gyamtso; Tersey Tulku

Chokling Tersar Foundation, USA.

posted in Teaching Yoga - 0 replies

Photo Contest: Yoga in Unusual Places

juniperberry — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 16:00:53 GMT

Send us your best yoga/meditation poses for the chance to be featured in an upcoming slideshow at www.soulscode.com and be eligible for our grand prize of $50 giftcard to www.soundstrue.com !

This contest ends September 1st! So you have time to create some amazing fun pictures.

The idea behind the slideshow will be that practicing yoga and meditation does not have to be confined to a yoga studio or monastery.

With each photo the caption will read your first name, location of the shot and one line from you about that experience.

Email us or upload directly to the facebook event, tag yourself and put in a tagline of the location!

email us me at: emma@soulscode.com

Our facebook group to find the event is: Soul's Code.com

posted in Teaching Yoga - 0 replies

advice for newbs

niki — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 06:35:33 GMT

Ello loves,

I have been practicing yoga on and off for about 5 years but have become much more disciplined in the last year, practicing somewhere between 3 and 6 times a week. I would like to lead some basic yoga groups this summer to some co's who are in good physical health and anywhere from 18-27 years old. (mostly for relaxation after very active 16 hour days)

Any advice for postures, or miscellaneous knowledge you've aquired, having led groups already?

I'm thinking: warm up stretches for ankles and wrists, neck, shoulders, thighs, back, belly and lots of breath awareness...sun salutation and warrior poses, some spinal twists and balancing postures, sadhana and ujari breath. What say you?

Thank you!!
((jai guru de va))
niki

posted in Teaching Yoga - 8 replies

Looking for yoga instructor in my area

Indigo — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 14:41:24 GMT

Does anyone know of anywhere I can look... I run a small dance studio in Arlington WA and I am looking for a yoga instructor to teach classes..... i have been looking but no leads at this moment.... any ideas you may have are greatly appreciated... Thank you! Indigo

posted in Teaching Yoga - 4 replies

full figure yoga class

Vajrana — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 05:32:23 GMT

Hi all:

I'm going to be offering a series in the fall: "full figure yoga" or something to that effect. Do you have any ideas of good names for such a class? Any experiences with taking or offering these classes. I'd love to hear your cumulative wisdom.

I'm not a naturally skinny person, so I have my own experiences with doing yoga at larger sizes. After practicing for years, my size is comfortable and stable. I'm hoping to use my personal experiences in the class. But I'd love to hear your ideas and comments.

thanks,

posted in Teaching Yoga - 9 replies

voice strain

Vajrana — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:43:59 GMT

I've been noticing lately that my voice is very strained by the of my days. I teach 4 hours/day, 4 days per week. I don't know yoga for the vocal chords. Any suggestions?

posted in Teaching Yoga - 1 reply

Yoga Training in India and YA

Kenni — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:48:01 GMT

Has anyone here graduated from a Yoga Teacher Training Course in India?? Were you able to become certified under Yoga Alliance? I'm currently taking a 45 day intensive Yoga Teacher Training Course in Dharamsala, India, and I would like to become certified in the States after I'm done. I've looked into the requirements to become a RYT if you haven't graduated from a RYS or were taught by a RYT. My philosophy and asana teachers have both been practicing for over 20 years with an immense wealth of knowledge and teaching experience, the only issue is to state that case to Yoga Alliance.

The irony of learning yoga in the Motherland and not being "certified" to teach in the States.

Any info or advice would help, thank you!!

posted in Teaching Yoga - 0 replies

what to do about yoga studio problem

waveyoga — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:37:54 GMT

I paid 99.00 for unlimited yoga at a studio where I know the director and head teacher. Her name is on the schedule teaching sometimes 2 classes per day.

Things began with a substitute in her place 3 of the first 5 classes.. and in this class ( the fifth).. the teacher said something rather derogatory about larger students and tried to get me to do something which I couldnt anatomically do. I am a size 14/16 right now and most in class are 6 or 8 size. it is good yoga but has a large contortionist component. So some wrps are easier if a person is thinner.

I had tried with the answering service to get info re the director and when she woudl be back.. and was only given vague answers.

I didtn want to take fromt his teacher again and got only more vague answers about substitutes and their schedules.

Then the assistant director responded to me via email when I had asked for a call.. at that time I had only 1 hour of internet use per day at the library.. so I wrote her anyway when I needed my tiem for professional work.. she had promised to email back in 10 minutes.. it took her 2 1/2 days.

No one calls back the registration desk is always busy when I went in.. now I dotn even knwo when my 2 months is up.. I was very sick for 10 days and didnt go in.

I left an email and a phone call for the director adn no response.

I had been offered a refund early on and I wish I had gotten it.

i am shocked at this chain of events. I KNOW this person.. when I moved here on walking the neighborhood I walked in to her new studio and we talked even about her teaching a yoga teacher training course and me registering in it.

I knwo sheis sick somehow .. but I can not get any info from anyone I have spent tiem with an answering service which preteneds they are the studio.. and I now knwo the service owner..

I am sad and mad

posted in Teaching Yoga - 7 replies

Teacher Training in the OC ?

luluhoop — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:23:17 GMT

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone knew of some good yoga training programs in Orange County, California. I just moved here from Maine and I've been searching online for programs, but haven't found one yet that fits my schedule, money availablity and interest program-wise. Any suggestions would be great!

Thank you! :)

posted in Teaching Yoga - 0 replies

Kripalu

amita — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 22:31:12 GMT

hey yoga community,

i've been considering a stay at kripalu in lenox, massachusetts. what's the word about this place? have you stayed there, gotten certified to teach yoga there? i understand kripalu has worked through a few scandals, i was wondering what the current vibe is about the community, its yoga certification program, etc.

thanks!

posted in Teaching Yoga - 3 replies

Aligning Crystals in the Head?

Annecl — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:43:53 GMT

One of my students asked me if I knew anyone that could align the 3 crystals in her head. I really don't know much about this. Is there an on-line resourse someone trusts.? A resourse where one could find a practitioner of this. Or I live in Northeast Ohio, is there anyone here that can help?

posted in Teaching Yoga - 4 replies

Refunds for class

kps — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 13:13:04 GMT

Do you refund?

1. One person paid and attended only one class. I have tried to contact her without any results? Even if I could contact, should I refund?

2. One lady put together a class at her workplace. I amended my prices for them, meaning I charged my normal amount as if at the center I use. I explained the cost, and let her know that I needed at least 3 people to make it worthwhile. She promised at least 3, and stated 6 would attend. Only 3 prepaid and attended class, and only one has shown up since. Since they prepaid I saw no problem.

The coordinator of the sessions called, and has quit her job. She will not be attending class. She has asked for a refund after attending only one session.

a. Since I told her needed at least three, since she is aware of this, how would you handle it? Refund or not?
This only leaves me with two in the class. If not, how would you word the conversation?

b. What if others start asking for refunds b/c their work schedules would not allow it? They picked the time for the class, not me.

3. What are your policies?

I am starting out, by myself, and trying to prove to my husband that giving up my day job (praciticing medicine) to do what I love is worth it....

posted in Teaching Yoga - 9 replies

Yoga Studio Software?

Renee — Fri, 30 May 2008 19:24:15 GMT

If you use software to track registration and such at your studio, what program so you use? We (or rather, I) currently hand record all registration information which is extremely tedious and complicated. My boss doesn't like Mind Body/OmSoft, and I'm currently playing with a trial version of OmBase which, frankly, is driving me batshit insane in a most unyogic sort of way.

We don't do retail and our teachers are responsible for their own payroll stuff, so mostly what I need is something that can handle registration for 20 classes a week in six week sessions with a dizzying array of payment options and provide a contact database.

All suggestions appreciated!

posted in Teaching Yoga - 2 replies

What not to wear

Liz — Fri, 30 May 2008 18:53:52 GMT

Hello,

I had read an article from yoga journal about how you dress for teaching a class makes a big impact on yourself and your students. I think it definitely says a lot in some ways. I wanted to know other teachers and students views or comments on this. It's something I don't always think about it, but find it interesting. I've also included a link to the article:
http://www.yogajournal.com/for_teachers/2609

thanks,
-Liz

posted in Teaching Yoga - 5 replies

Sprained Ankle

DaddyBill — Mon, 12 May 2008 18:56:41 GMT

I sprained my ankle a week ago and have been off the mat since then.
The Midwest Yoga Conference is at the end of this month
I'm eager to restart my practice so that I don't burn out during this three day intensive.
Is it a bad idea to test my ankle in standing poses, rather giving it the maximum amount of rest over the next two weeks?
One part of me says look into getting a refund, the other part says don't miss this opportunity to learn from a variety of teachers.
I know no one can give medical advice, but this event was going to jump start my home practice, grrr.
p.s. I have been lurking for months in the many yoga tribes and thank you all for your inspiration.
Namaste

posted in Teaching Yoga - 5 replies

Teacher Training Schools - Your Help

q-b — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:15:50 GMT

Hi,

After looking at many options and links.

What is your opinion and links on Teacher Training Schools :

In US, Canada, Latin America, India, other.

Anything to share about best prices, facilities etc... ?

posted in Teaching Yoga - 20 replies

How do you nurture your sore body?

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 02:24:40 GMT

I am currently immersed in a week-long advanced yoga intensive.
The days are inspiring and amazing but my body is quite sore!
Any suggestions (other than hot baths) for managing sore muscles and supporting my body thru this week?

Cheers!

posted in Teaching Yoga - 73 replies

Need partner/encouragement/collaborators re yoga intensive

waveyoga — Tue, 20 May 2008 19:31:04 GMT

Hello!
I just signed up for all the yog ayou can take in 2 months for 99.00 from Yogiway in Seattle.. its a great studio.

I want to talk with people in Seattle hopefully who also are doing a personal intensive.

Ok or anywhere else.
Its a challenge to go to class sometimes.
I chose nto to go for a few days because an instructor decided to point out flaws in the 3 of us who are size 214/16 rather than the 'sticks' who were the other class members.
So who cares that I can't right now do a headstand? Really? I can do everything else in a 2 hour intensive class except the crow poses. And I didn't tire and quit. That's pretty darn good. If you just do beginning yoga then that's all you do.
I am hoping for encouragement and mayeb someone to join me in this.It has super potential.

Namaste
Cathy

posted in Teaching Yoga - 3 replies

A.M. Yoga Practice...

YogiB — Thu, 08 May 2008 14:51:21 GMT

I am trying to put together a warm up yoga sequence for the mornings.
I am NOT a morning person, so i"m trying to formulate something that can
wake my bum up and energize me to the fullest for the day ahead. Any ideas,
comments, sequences etc... would all be appreciated.

Namaste~
-Brian

posted in Teaching Yoga - 16 replies

Free Yoga Charlotte

kps — Tue, 13 May 2008 04:43:41 GMT

Monday, May 19 8-9pm .

Wedgewood North subdivision Pool

Londonshire Drive

www.yogaformyheart.com

posted in Teaching Yoga - 0 replies

Yoga Blankets (Natural Fibers)

Ezekiel — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:22:48 GMT

Does anyone know a good source for cotton or other natural fiber yoga blankets? Mexican style, especially!
Thanks

posted in Teaching Yoga - 0 replies

Nerves hurting in feet while on balls of feet

Indigo — Sat, 03 May 2008 06:43:26 GMT

I'm a BellyDance Instructor this came up yesterday and wondering if anyone has any insight
Yesterday in class.... My class and I were working on a move on the balls of our feet..... This is in my advanced class and I do warm peeps up and part of warm ups usually include either yoga balancing or a little ballet ..... I like to dance on the balls of my feet and want my students to be comfortable....
Anyhoo One of my students mentioned the nerves in her feet hurt when she is on the balls..... And I am wondering if anyone may have any advice at all....
She is very overweight and does have some health issues tho not too bad but just wanted to give that in....
All I could think was to recommend to her simply practicing becoming used to being on the balls of her feet and really work to engage her core / posture...... However she did mention the nerves in her feet hurt.... Any ideas out there

posted in Teaching Yoga - 4 replies

KUNDALINI--MOTHER OF ALL YOGA

madan_gautam — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:17:20 GMT

What is kundalini?

``Kundalini'' literally means coiling, like a snake. In the classical literature of hatha yoga kundalini is described as a coiled serpent at the base of the spine. The image of coiling, like a spring, conveys the sense of untapped potential energy. Perhaps more meaningfully kundalini can be described as a great reservoir of creative energy at the base of the spine.
It's not useful to sit with our consciousness fixed in our head and think of kundalini as a foreign force running up and down our spine. Unfortunately the serpent image may serve to accentuate this alien nature of the image. It's more useful to think of kundalini energy as the very foundation of our consciousness so that when kundalini moves through our bodies our consciousness necessarily changes with it.

The concept of kundalini can also be examined from a strictly psychological perspective. From this perspective kundalini can be thought of as a rich source of psychic or libidinous energy in our unconscious.

In the classical literature of Kashmir Shaivism kundalini is described in three different manifestions. The first of these is as the universal energy or para-kundalini. The second of these is as the energizing function of the body-mind complex or prana-kundalini. The third of these is as consciousness or shakti-kundalini which simultaneously subsumes and intermediates between these two. Ultimately these three forms are the same but understanding these three different forms will help to understand the differerent manifestations of kundalini.

What is the difference between prana and kundalini? What is the difference between qi (or chi) and kundalini?

First let us try to relate to concepts from the same tradition - prana and kundalini. Prana has been translated as the ``vital breath'' and ``bio-energetic motility''; it is associated with maintaining the functioning of the mind and body. Kundalini, in its form as prana-kundalini, is identical to prana ; however, Kundalini also has a manifestations as consciousness and a as a unifying cosmic energy. One could ascribe these same aspects to prana as well so past a certain point these become distinctions without differences.

From the subjective standpoint of an individual actually experiencing the awakening of kundalini I have found three completely different opinions:

The first opinion is that a pranic awakening is only a prelude to a full kundalini awakening. Tibetan yogins that I have encountered consider the activation of prana (Tibetan: rlung) as merely a prerequisite for the activation of kundalini (Tibetan: gTummo). What's attractive about this viewpoint is that it explains the difference between the experience of simply having pleasant sensations in the spine and the much more powerful experience of having a ``freight-train''-like full kundalini experience.

The second opinion, espoused by Swami Shivom Tirth for example, is that prana and kundalini are absolutely equivalent and that it is not meaningful in any way to describe a difference between kundalini rising and prana rising. When posed with question as to how to distinguish between pleasant sensations that show some pranic-activity in the spine and the much more powerful experience Swami Shivom Tirth said that the difference is not in the nature of the activity but in the consciousness that observes it. If the consciousness that experiences the pranic activity is seated within the spine (or more correctly, the central channel, known as the sushumna), then the experience is felt much more powerfully.

The third opinion, espoused by the modern hatha yogin, Desikaran, is that pranic awakening is the true experience to be aimed for and kundalini is actually an obstruction. Desikaran sees the kundalini as a block in the central channel and thus the kundalini must be ``killed'' to make way for the prana. This is the most unusual view of the three.

The Chinese concept of qi (or chi) can be safely identified with the Indian concept of prana.

If all this seems confusing - don't worry, you're in good company. My conclusion is that these are all different terminologies for dealing with a common set of experiences. Any one of these viewpoints is adequate for describing the full range of experiences. What is probably more relevant is to distinguish two different experiences which are often confused. In one an individual experiences some pleasant energizing electric energy running along the spine. This experience itself brings about a wide range of experiences and results in vitality and sensitivity.

Another very distinct experience is the experience of kundalini entering the sushumna and rising up the spine. As soon as kundalini enters the sushumna this experience will completely overwhelm ordinary waking consciousness. From the moment that kundalini enters the sushumna there will no longer be a distrinction between the subjective consciousness which experiences and the object of experience. This experience much more profoundly transfigures consciousness.

If kundalini is universal, why do some kundalini yogins seem to have more kundalini-energy than others?

It's an intriguing question. If an individual's kundalini is viewed as simply a personal reservoir of a cosmic energy then why would one person appear to have more of a reservoir of kundalini energy than another? Nevertheless, this does appear to be the case. This is probably another advantage of the viewpoint that prana (or qi) is the same as kundalini.
Some Chinese texts distinguish between ``innate qi'' or ``pre-natal qi'' that one is born with and ``cultivated qi'' that can be developed. Clearly some people simply have more ``innate qi.'' This manifests as a stronger more resilient body and greater general vitality.

Through training those that have relatively weak ``innate qi'' may surpass those who have strong ``innate qi'' but do not train. There are many stories in the Chinese literature of Qi Gong about people who took up Qi Gong in order to improve their poor health became powerful martial artists or great qi gong masters. Of course those that have strong ``innate qi'' and also train their qi may develop the strongest qi of all.

What does kundalini have to do with spiritual enlightenment? What is the goal of kundalini yoga?

First we need a few concepts: In yogic anatomy the sushumna is the central channel and conduit for the kundalini energy that runs along our spine and up to the crown of our head. Along this channel are placed additional channel networks called cakras. These cakras are associated with major aspects of our anatomy - for example our throat, heart, solar plexus, and in turn these aspects of our anatomy are related to aspects of our human nature.
According to the literature of kundalini yoga our experience of these centers is limited due to knots which restrict the flow of energy into these centers. Three knots are particuarly important. The knot of Brahma which restricts the center at the base of the spine. The knot of Vishnu which restricts the heart center and the knot of Rudra which restricts the center between the eyebrows. These knots form an important framework in yogic thinking and the stages toward enlightenment are articulated in terms of breaking through these knots in the yogic classic the Hatha Yoga Pradipika as well as in some of the yoga upanishads. Specifically, four stages of progress are described:

arambha

ghata

parichaya

nishpatti

Arambha is associated with breaking the knot of Brahma and the awakening of kundalini.

Ghata is associated with breaking the knot of Vishnu and and with internal absorption.

Parichaya the absorption deepens and in

nishpatti the knot of Rudra is pierced and the kundalini may ascend to the center at the crown of the head. In this state transcendence is integrated and, according to the yogic liteature, the yogi has nothing more to attain.

Putting these elaborate physiological decriptions aside, the goal of kundalini yoga is the same as the goal of any legimitate spiritual practice: To be liberated from the limited bounds of the self-centered and alienated ego. In kundalini yoga this is associated with internal manifestations of the kundalini but the external manifestations should be similar to any other legitiimate spiritual practice.

So does everyone agree that kundalini awakening is necessary for enlightenment?

The view that kundalini awakening is necessary for enlightenment is held in the diverse literature of Kashmir Shaivism and in other Hindu Tantric literature. It is found in the literature of the Hatha Yogis and the Nath Sampradaya. You will find similar views in many Buddhist Tantric works. In addition this view is held by recent spiritual figures such as Shri Ramakrishna, Swami Sivananda, Paramahamsa Yogananda and Swami Vivekananda and of course by contemporary kundalini yogins themselves.

Nevertheless there are some dissenters from this view. These include Sri Chinmoy, Da Free John and Gurdjieff. Dissent can take a number of different forms. For Gurjieff kundalini is associated only with a binding force that leads us to be more attached to the world. Such a view of kundalini is not entirely inaccurate but only reflects the functioning of kundalini in the lower energy centers. For Sri Chinmoy kundalini is an amplifying function that may make an individual more powerful but not more enlightened. From my perspective this also only addresses the impact of kundalini while it operates in the lower energy centers.

Da Free John (born Franklin Jones, a. k. a. Da Love Ananda) has a much more fundamental criticism of kundalini. As far as I understand his position, for him enlightenment cannot be the result of an experience; it is a cognitive transformation. Kundalini may evoke a wide variety of experiences but these are not in and of themselves enlightening. This is an interesting perspective but it seems to assume that the raising of kundalini is an experience in which an ego-consciousness experiences a separate object known as kundalini. Again, this view is consistent with the experience of kundalini in the lower energy centers in which the ego is detached from the movement of kundalini and kundalini experiences are precieved as separate from oneself. However, I would argue that as kundalini rises the ego-consciousness becomes infused in a more fundamental consciousness of cit-shakti-kundalini and this experience does in fact produce a fundamental cognitive change.

Finally, there are many other spiritual practices, such as Zen, Vipassana meditation that consider kundalini irrelevant. Some practitioners or even teachers of these paths, such as Jiyu Kennet, may have kundalini experiences but generally kundalini is not a pivotal part of these paths.

Can I use kundalini yoga simply to improve my health?

Yoga exercises which were traditionally used to purify the body in preparation for awakening the kundalini can also be used simply to improve the health. To practice techniques aimed at actively awakening kundalini with the goal of simply improving your health seems to be a misuse of these powerful techniques.

There are those that teach kundalini yoga principally emphasizing its benefits on health without much discussion of the spiritual benefits. This is how hatha yoga has been taught in the west for some time. The affect of this approach depends on the attitude of the student. There is certainly nothing wrong with trying to improve your health but there is a tension between awakening an energy that will ultimately burn up the ego and trying to shape that energy to simply fulfill an ego-oriented motive.

Is there any scientific basis for kundalini and the cakras? Do I really have to believe that all these cakras physically exist?

Research on kundalini is especially spotty. There is no compelling work to show that the system represents insights into actual human anatomy. But it's important to understand that kundalini and its network of channels and cakras is simply how yogins have chosen to explain their experience and that yogins from many cultures have arrived at similar, though not identical, concepts. The true physical mechanisms underlying these experiences may be very different from those described. Izaak Benthov has proposed a model to explain kundalini in terms of micro- motion in the brain. In this model experiences are associated with parts of the body, such as the heart, because the part of the brain associated with that part of the body is stimulated by micro-vibrations. His model is treated in ``The Kundalini Experience'' by Sannella referenced below. From a practical perspective the key thing is our subjective experience and that the roadmap of these subjective experiences has been mapped out.

Is Chinese qi gong a kind of kundalini yoga?

If there is any contemporary teaching that is even more diverse in approach than kundalini yoga it must be qi gong. As a result it is hard to compare kundalini yoga to qi gong. From my limited exposure to qi gong it is clear there are many qi gong practices that are identical to kundalini yoga practices. What is also clear is that may qi gong practitioners have reported experiences that are identical to those of kundalini yogins. In so far as each of these practices aims at eliminating blocks to the qi/prana energy then they share a common ground.

What about Tibetan Buddhism - has kundalini been known in Tibet?

Kundalini yoga in the Natha Sampradaya and Vajrayana in Tibetan Buddhism both take their origin from the Mahasiddhas who were active in India from the 8th century to the 12th century. Kundalini yoga practices formed the core of the teachings of a number of these Mahasiddhas and are strongly represented in both Tibetan Buddhist practices and contemporary kundalini yoga practices. Kundalini yoga was spoken of as ``Candali yoga'' by these Mahasiddhas and became known as gTummo rnal 'byor in Tibet. Candali yoga was a key practice of the famous Tibetan yogin Milarepa. The role of kundalini yoga in Tibetan Buddhism is discussed in more detail in the Kundalini Yogas FAQ.

Are there any other traditions that show awareness of kundalini?

If you believe that kundalini is at the basis of spiritual progress then every valid spiritual tradition must have some awareness of kundalini. Christianity (especially Quakerism and Pentecostalism), Sufism, Qabalistic mysticism, alchemy and magick all have literature which demonstrates some awareness of the kundalini process but these traditions are not, to this author's awareness, so open in their exposition of the techniques and so it is hard to judge the depth of understanding latent in these traditions. Nevertheless, the imagery is so unmistakable in these traditions that each must have, at least at one time, been conversant with the movement of kundalini.

So how do I awaken kundalini?

Indirectly kundalini can be awakened by devotion, by selfless service, or by intellectual enquiry. In these paths the blocks to the awakening of kundalini are slowly removed. Occasionally, individuals on these paths will experience a sudden awakening of kundalini but generally because the blocks are slowly and gently removed kundalini-like experiences evolve slowly in these paths.

Broadly speaking there are two radically different direct approaches to awakening kundalini. One approach requires initiation by a guru and relies upon a technique called shaktipat, or ``descent of shakti.'' It is variously called: Siddha Mahayoga, Kundalini Mahayoga or Sahaja Yoga (Spontaneous Yoga). These approaches are treated in the Siddha Mahayoga FAQ. The other approach uses intentional yogic techniques . The styles using intentional techniques include Mantra Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Laya Yoga or Kriya Yoga. These approaches are treated in the Kundalini Yogas FAQ .

Fundamentally the approach of Siddha Mahayoga and the Kundalini Yogas are different. In Siddha Mahayoga the guru awakens the kundalini and after that the core of the practice is the inactive and non-willful surrender to kundalini. In Kundalini Yogas the will is used to awaken the kundalini and to guide its progress. Clearly these are different approaches.
Nevertheless, elements of the each approach occur in the practices of the other. Siddha Mahayogins may use asanas, pranayamas and other hatha yoga practices. On the other hand gurus in Kundalini Yoga may give infusions of shakti to their students to help them at particular points in their practice.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using effort, in kundalini yogas, as opposed to the grace of the guru, in siddha mahayoga, to awaken kundalini?

Since every practitioner brings his own unique inclinations and obstacles to the practice of yoga it is very hard to generalize on this point. In terms of actually awakening kundalini gurus of Siddha Mahayoga claim that the kundalini is more easily and reliably awakened by the grace of the guru than by individual effort. In my limited experience I would agree. with this assertion. While not every long-term student of either practice necessarily shows signs of kundalini awakening it is amazing how many people have had instant awakenings of kundalini through initiation from siddha gurus.

In terms of encountering difficulties along the path the siddha gurus would also claim that fewer problems due to kundalini awakening, such as mental imbalance, are encountered by students of Siddha Mahayoga. Here I think the results are mixed. It seems to me that the guidance of the teacher in either Siddha Mahayoga or Kundalini Yoga is more a determining factor than which style of kundalini practice is employed.

Generally speaking each style of practice has its strengths and weakness. The strength of Siddha Mahayoga is the ease with which it awakens the kundalini. The weakness is that because the kundalini is so easily awakened by the guru students of Siddha Mahayoga often have completely undisciplined personal meditation practices. Time is spent instead to trying to recreate some of their initial experiences by following the guru around hoping for his or her grace Some people spend 20 or more years in this manner without ever developing an inner core of practice or experience.

The strength of the family of Kundalini Yogas is that the progress is at least apparently more under the control of the student of the yoga. These students seem more likely to have disciplined personal practices and more of an understanding of how the practice relates to their own experience.
Unfortunately for some students this leads to a fairly egotistical approach to their practice and ultimately the kundalini energy is used to bolster the ego rather than to merge the ego in bliss.

What are the signs of an awakened kundalini?

Briefly, according to classical literature the signs of an awakened kundalini can be grouped into: mental signs, vocal signs and physical signs. Mental signs can include visions that range from ecstatically blissful to terrifyingly frightful. Vocal signs can include spontaneous vocal expressions that range from singing or reciting mantras to make various animals sounds such as growling or chirping. Physical signs include trembling, shaking and spontaneously performing hatha yoga postures and pranayamas.

From a more subjective perspective the more pleasant experiences associated with a kundalini awakening may include: waves of bliss, periods of elation, glimpses of transcendental consciousness. The less pleasant experiences associated with a kundalini awakening may include: trembling, sharp aches in areas associated with the cakras, periods of irrational anxiety, sudden flashes of heat.

Are these methods of awakening kundalini dangerous? What about Gopi Krishna's books?

If we take the psychological perspective and view kundalini as the power latent in our unconscious then it is easy to understand that awakening this force is going to bring a greater amount of unconscious material into our consciousness. Even in the best of circumstances this is likely to be uncomfortable and if an individual is barely coping with his unconscious even under normal circumstances then awakening kundalini may push the individual over into psychosis. This phenomenon has been documented many times.

Forceful methods of awakening kundalini pose additional dangers. Because quite forceful methods can be used to awaken kundalini these techniques themselves are potentially physically and mentally disruptive. An individual named Gopi Krishna awakened his kundalini by doing unguided meditation on his crown cakra. His life after awakening was both blessed by ecstatic bliss and tormented by physical and mental discomfort. Eventually his experience stabilized. He wrote down his experiences in a recently re-released autbiography entitled ``Living with Kundalini.'' Gopi Krishna's autobiography appears to be an honest representation of his experiences but it is only one extreme datapoint in the panorama of experience on kundalini yoga. It represents dangers in forceful unguided practice but it is not representative of a typical practicioner's experience.

But even if kundalini is dangerous, isn't it a faster way to enlighenment?

First of all it may be useful to observe that there is no technique currently known on earth that appears to be rapidly catapulting large number of individuals toward enlightenment. Because kundalini yogas deal so directly with a powerful enlightening force it seems natural that they would be ``faster'', but there appears to be alot of tortoise and hare phenomena at work with newbie kundalini yogins. Many people begin kundalini yogas, have strong initial experiences and then become frightened. Many who perservere through this initial phase become distracted by the energy and focus on temporal and phenomenal applications of the energy.

There have been many scandals among kundalini yoga teachers - particularly sexual scandals. Is there a correlation between sexual scandals and kundalini yoga practice?

There have been scandals regarding the teachers of many paths, both spiritual and non-spiritual ; however, it is probably fair to say that kundalini yogins have had more than their share. Since the first publication of these frequently-asked-questions in 1994 more than one well-known kundalini yoga teacher has been implicated in having clandestine affairs with students and has been asked to step down from his position as spiritual leader as a result.

An advanced kundalini yogin is typically a powerful charismatic individual who has the ability to directly influence the minds of others. Westerners often mistake this power as a sign of enlightenment and allow such teachers liberties as a result.

In addition it is quite common for kundalini yoga to temporarily accentuate the sex drive. This period requires extra discipline. Finally, kundalini yoga is closely associated with tantrism and sex is often used in conjunction with tantric practice. Where sex is used there is of course the opportunity for misuse or abuse.

If my kundalini is awakened will I need to change my lifestyle?

It's hard to have your cake and eat it too. If you awaken kundalini in order to change and enrich your life it's reasonable to expect you may need to change your lifestyle as a result. The recommendations of both classical literature and experience is that sleep and diet will need to be moderated otherwise severe discomfort may arise. Furthermore without moderating sexual activity and physical work it will be hard to experience much success with kundalini. The extent that these elements of your life need to change depends on the nature of the individual. While genuine mental imbalances arising from kundalini are rare nearly every kundalini yogin will find periods when one needs to be especially sensitive to needs for sleep, quiet and diet

posted in Teaching Yoga - 4 replies

Teaching Kids

Renee — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 02:08:31 GMT

I've just started co-teaching a twice-weekly class to middle school girls and would love to hear what sort of teaching and crowd-control techniques others use with kids, both in this age range and outside of it. I find that there are beautiful moments of stillness in class, like when I have them close their eyes and practice their "darth vader" (ujayyi) breathing, and there are also moments where there's giggling and chatting and I have to figure out how much to let that ride and when/how to reign it in. They love tricky balance poses, but if I say the words "sun salutation" the room erupts in a chorus of groans (answer--I no longer say it, i just call the poses in sequence.) And they freak out if they see an ant on their mat. I really enjoy their energy, though, and would love to know how to more effectively guide it in class. Thanks!

posted in Teaching Yoga - 6 replies

My new Yoga Blog

Vajrana — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 01:26:48 GMT

Shameless self promotion here -- check out:
asktheyogini.blogspot.com

and send me questions!

xoxo
Vaj

posted in Teaching Yoga - 0 replies

Considering becoming Anusara-Inspired: anyone has experience with that?

Me — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:30:58 GMT

Dear all,
right now I teach Vinyasa Flow yoga. But I have been taking a lot of Anusara classes myself, and I really like the attention to detail and the heart opening theme. So I am considering taking the Anusara-Inspired path. I am curious to find out if any one of you has done that. It is a strictly regulated method, so I wonder if that gets in the way of a teacher's creative expression or helps him/her.

It is a big investment to take all the required classes, immersion, etc., so I want to make sure the organization works well for the teachers.

thank you in advance for your advice,
warmly,
me

posted in Teaching Yoga - 2 replies

Vote for Yoga!

Erica — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:12:38 GMT

If you're a yoga practitioner, you might like to know that the premier yoga website is up for a Webby Award for the first time ever! If you ever use YogaJournal.com as a resource, receive its newsletters, or just appreciate what the magazine and the site has done for the yoga community, please rally the troops and vote!
Here's the link: http://pv.webbyawards.com
Right now we're in third place behind National Geographic and Make... let's show everybody what a big, active yoga community there is online!!

posted in Teaching Yoga - 0 replies

why do you teach yoga?

Lynn — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 00:08:11 GMT

Perhaps this has already been discussed on here, but I realized today how ... it seems good to ask this question often.

While preparing for a lecture on yoga, to help clarify it, I asked myself what I wanted the attendees to learn (a bunch of senior citizens). As I kind of waffled back and forth on this, I found myself asking 'why do I teach this period?' What I realized is that I was teaching from a place of cultural fear - teach to prevent pain, or avoid death, but when I look at people I teach them also from a place of love. On the opposite side of this was the real reason I teach, and I didn't even know it - to help people (and myself) enjoy life and see it's beauty. To keep our surface blinders at bay so we can have JOY.

I'm not sure how this will change HOW I teach, but it will definitely change how I LOOK at it, or approach it - which will, hopefully, give it an entirely different energy and rub off on me, too :) Instead of responding to this fear in myself and my students and society I can actually practice yoga's philosophies of surrender and gratitude.

Why do YOU teach, how as that evolved for you? Ah journeys....

Namaste

posted in Teaching Yoga - 9 replies

What is an Asana?

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:13:45 GMT

Here's a question that lies close to the heart of what we are doing as yoga instructors. How do we define asana? Patanjali defines it as sthirasukhamasanam, often translated as 'alert and relaxed' or 'steady and comfortable.' How do you define it personally so that the significance of asana resonates strongly with you. Here's mine...

---
Asana is an embodied state of vibrant calm in which we experience a sublime sense of interconnectivity within all of our motions and our stillness.

The most basic expressions of asana are standing, lying down, walking and breathing. Chopping vegetables, turning the pages of a book, and reaching for a cup of tea can all be sublimed into beautiful expressions of asana.

(Visit my tribe blog for a more in depth exploration)

posted in Teaching Yoga - 0 replies

Hip-Flexor Pain in Forward Bends

Josh — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:32:44 GMT

I have a reasonably strong and flexible student whose hip-flexors cause her pain on one side in forward bends only. I have tried using a belt to help them soften and track into the fold a bit but it doesn't really seem to work.

Any suggestions??

posted in Teaching Yoga - 4 replies

i have a dream of opening a yoga and dance studio

Me — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 22:38:31 GMT

dear all,
i have a dream of opening a yoga and dance studio in the bay area, ca. i am a new yoga teacher, but i would also love to try running my own business. i would mainly manage, and maybe teach a few beginner classes.
i am wondering if any of you have tried being a small business owner. i want to combine yoga with tribal, free style sort of dance. also, what do you think of going into it alone versus having a partner?
there is a studio in my city already, but if offers mainly ashtanga. i want to offer more anusara, and allignment oriented vinyasa classes.
i will very much appreciate any ideas you might have!
thank you in advance,

warmly,
me

posted in Teaching Yoga - 5 replies

Dolphin Yoga

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 22:39:35 GMT

Integrated motion involves the dynamic interplay of Yin and Yang, which I think of as an intimate pair of dolphins at play. You can feel this dynamic interplay in the gentle undulations of the spinal column as our breath moves openly. When we apply our will and artistic thought to this rhythmic undulation, we can channel it into various patterns and forms and it becomes very very interesting. Understood in it's elegant simplicity, this principle applies to every movement we do - whether walking, writing, typing, juggling, dancing, singing, kissing, laughing, reaching, turning, twisting, sipping tea, you name it! It's all connected. Everything is unified in Yoga.

As an experiment, take any two activities that you enjoy and contemplate their interconnections using this framework.

Asana is not yoga, but yoga unifies all the diverse motions and patterns of asana.
Juggling is not yoga, but yoga unifies all the diverse motions and patterns of juggling.
Furthermore, yoga unifies asana and juggling in the dynamic interplay of yin and yang.

Try it for yourself.

_______ is not yoga, but yoga unifies _______.
_______ is not yoga, but yoga unifies ________.
Furthermore, yoga unifies _______ and _______ in the dynamic interplay of yin and yang.

Namaste,
Paul

www.theintimateweave.com

posted in Teaching Yoga - 0 replies

Detox Sequencing

Katrina — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 20:25:42 GMT

What's you're favorite way to sequence for Detox specifically? Doesn't matter it it's passive or not.

After I'm warmed and have done some hip / leg openers, I like moving into

-Parvritta Trikonasana
-Half Fold with upper body weight on tops of thighs - neck released towards ground
-Parvritta Ardha Chandrasana w/ optional lifted leg's foot into a wall, hip height.
-Prasarita Padottanasa (sp?)
-Bridge (what's the sanskrit name for this pose? Ardha Urdva Danurasana : )?)
-Urdva Danurasana
-Halasana
-Salamba Sirsasana
-Savanasana

K

posted in Teaching Yoga - 6 replies

Free Month of Yoga to All Boston Area Yoga Teachers...

Gabriel — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:32:31 GMT

I wanted to pass this along... If you have any questions, please feel free to email me...
Peace,
Gabriel

Dear Friends,
South Boston Yoga is entering it's third month
since our opening and things are going incredibly
well. Our studio offers an open morning practice from
6am-8:30am M-F and weekends 7am-9am where teachers and
students alike are welcome to come in to study, play
and work together. To give you all a chance to check
it out Todd and I would like to extend a free month of
morning practice to any yoga teacher in Boston. You
name it Iyengar, Ashtanga, Kundalini, Pranavayu,
Jivamukti, Forrest, Baptiste, Sivananda, Restorative,
Bikram, Acro-Yoga, Meditation, etc. All styles are
warmly welcome and the studio is equipped with
bolsters, balls, a rope wall, inversion swings,
sandbags, straps, blindfolds, chairs, meditation
cushions and back bending benches. We really wanted to
give people a place to study and develop what they
love regardless of tradition or style and already the
inspiration we have seen people giving each other is
amazing. Come in any morning in April or May and we
will check you in for a free month to celebrate your
yoga studies and jump start your spring.
All the
Best,

-David and Todd

http://www.SouthBostonYoga.net
ps
Please feel free to pass this message on to anyone who
teaches and may be interested in joining in.

posted in Teaching Yoga - 0 replies

connections for teaching while in peru

christina — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 02:52:10 GMT

hello all you lovelies
im heading to peru beginning of May. I was wondering if anyone knows of any retreats or anywhere, any suggestions of spaces to teach while in this beautiful part of the world

peace to all my sisters and brothers

posted in Teaching Yoga - 0 replies

Mats!

Renee — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:43:39 GMT

Hi!

The mats at our studio are in need of replacing and so I am searching out reviews of the various eco-friendly yoga mats out there. Anyone have a favorite? Ones to avoid? We hold 25 classes a week so durability is just as important as sustainability.

Thanks!

posted in Teaching Yoga - 1 reply

scoliosis

billkeys — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:00:44 GMT

qand body have any ideas of how to help folks with this problem

posted in Teaching Yoga - 12 replies

What can I do?

herecomesthesun — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 17:03:56 GMT

I've recently been diagnosed with tendinitis in my left knee, and even more recently, an "oedème" on the right knee (I think it might be "water on the knee", basically, it hurts like there's a big bruise, but there is no big bruise).
I know that my daily bike riding is definitely the main culprit, but seeing as it's my only mode of transportation, there's not much I can do about that...
I also practice yoga on a daily basis (not long sessions, around 2-3 10 minute sessions through out the day), and since the diagnosis have stopped standing postures and have decreased my daily Sun Salutations to a few times per week.

I'm just wondering if there's anything else I can do: which postures to absolutely avoid, which ones could be beneficial...

Okie dokie, thanks in advance!

posted in Teaching Yoga - 12 replies

teaching people with health problems...

Lynn — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 21:18:54 GMT

Do you (any, all) get a lot of students with health issues? (the usual - high blood pressure, cholesterol... anything that technically limits what they can do yogically) And, then, do you feel like you have enough of an understanding of these things to work with them? or do you trust them, and what their doctor says? or do you send them to someone else?

I feel like I need a medical degree to teach yoga! I'm giving a talk next month at our local hospital (they wouldn't let me teach there, but this is a great way in to my community), and it is mostly senior citizens that attend. Now I know what I've been told as to what is generally safe for people, but I don't think I feel totally comfortable giving them suggestions when I don't know medically how the senior body works or how to handle their common complaints.

I've mostly taught young vibrant folks, but have had a lot of senior citizens coming my way... my brief experience has been that they know their bodies and abilities better than any other age group, however, I've taught more people, in general, that simply follow the instructor assuming they know what is best.

... not totally sure what I'm asking... ah, okay, how about: how much health education do you think you need to teach yoga to people with health problems or the senior population? it's making me want to stop teaching until I have an MD after my name (slight joke)

thanks, lynn

posted in Teaching Yoga - 5 replies

Yoga & Money

Katrina — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 03:52:26 GMT

So, I know all of you want to rush right into this topic considering current conversation, but I want people's honest opinions.

"Making money from Yoga (or anything for that matter) is wonderful as long as your giving more than you're taking"

Agree or no, and why?

posted in Teaching Yoga - 33 replies

Ogden-In the teachers training program....The inappropriate Yoga guy......

aquamarinedreamqueen — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 22:21:31 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtWcb0bcA-A&feature=related

posted in Teaching Yoga - 1 reply

eV I woudl appreciate knowing more about your retreat

waveyoga — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 13:00:43 GMT

who taught
how was food
accomodations?
how is your life changed?
thank you

posted in Teaching Yoga - 1 reply

chakra yoga and working with the whole system

Lynn — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 01:49:34 GMT

Hey all! My regular routine with working with my chakras is, other than attempting to understand them, I clear and balance them with a crystal pendulum daily.

But I also practice yoga, and when I work with the chakras via yoga it is soooo much more powerful, BUT I'm not clear AT ALL what the heck this does for myself. I never like to work with just one at a time, I like working with the whole system - because I know they work together. But I am not sure what I am doing for my system by doing things like color meditation, working with the currents, and yoga poses. Does anyone do chakra yoga regularly, what do you experience? What is one doing with their system? What is to be expected results? Is it good to leave them open? I disagree with opening up the liberating current w/o grounding back down.

I guess (chuckle) I'm used to caring and maintaining the chakras - letting them do the work (like I eat and let my body do the work) rather than WORKING WITH THEM. I somehow feel this, manipulating and guiding the chakras, is potent stuff not to be left to the average person.

(I have strengths and weaknesses in each chakra, so I don't need to strenghten a particular chakra as much as particular characteristics...)

Any guidance?

Thanks lovelies!
Lynn

posted in Teaching Yoga - 5 replies

Imperfect yoga teachers

Jed — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 13:44:09 GMT

Any imperfect yoga teachers out there..Say you were born with a muscular skeletal imbalnce or something... Or anyone out there had an accident or injury, taken up yoga as part of a recovery plan, then found they loved it so much they decided to teach?

posted in Teaching Yoga - 51 replies

Finger Cramps

Liz — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 19:14:05 GMT

I was teaching on Monday night and I had my students doing downward dog at the wall (thumb and index finger pressed into the wall and palms flat on the floor). One of my students came out of it because she said her fingers were cramping up. she told me she types a lot at work. When she does dog pose in the middle of the room, it's not as bad, so I had her do that or hands at the wall (right angle pose) so there was no weight onto her hands.

it sounded like repetitive stress injury. any thoughts?

posted in Teaching Yoga - 10 replies

Yin and Yang yoga

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:27:41 GMT

Hi, we just joined this group. I wanted to introduce you to Taoist yoga master Paulie Zink. Taoist yoga is an earth honoring tradition born out of the indigenous health practices and spiritual philosophies of ancient China. Taoist principles follow the way of simplicity and living in harmony with nature. Taoist yoga is based on the theory of the five transforming alchemical elements used in Chinese medicine.

Paulie was privately trained for ten years as the sole protege of Chinese martial arts and yoga master Cho Chat Ling. He transmitted to Paulie the arts of Chi Kung, Taoist yoga, and three styles of kung fu. Paulie is a three time international martial arts grand-champion. He is renowned for his fluidity, flexibility and artistry of motion. Paulie is the founder of “Yin” yoga, popularized by Paul Grilley. Paulie has been teaching for 30 years. www.pauliezink.com
In Tao,
Maria Z

posted in Teaching Yoga - 0 replies

book on yoga ethics by Donna Farhi

Lynn — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 18:06:57 GMT

I'm reading Donna's book Teaching Yoga: Exploring the Teacher-Student Relationship on my own, and find it extremely stimulating and important. I would really like to experience it with someone else. Is anyone else reading this, or wants to, or has read it and would like to participate in a tribe discussion of it? I'm currently only on page 27.

posted in Teaching Yoga - 6 replies

yoga in LA

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 23:59:32 GMT

hello,

i'm stuck in LA (southbay) and was wondering if anyone can recommend any studios, because my yoga experience in this town has been less than ideal. i guess what i am looking for is hatha yoga that is NOT set to rap or any other top-40 style of music . in san francisco i like anusara, iyengar and some vinasysa classes(it really varies on the teacher). i am in the manhattan beach area.

thanks,

amanda

posted in Teaching Yoga - 0 replies

Business licenses

yogi_scott — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 06:20:59 GMT

Something to watch out for: I have been teaching at a yoga studio for three years. None of the teachers at the studio are "employees". We are all "independent contractor" status (1099s and the such).

Out of the blue with no warning, the city we teach in (South Pasadena) contacted the studio and said that none of the teachers at the studio have business licenses with the city. We now have to get yearly business licenses (~$140) and pay for back years plus late fees (~$40). The studio owner had no clue when she hired us.

I am looking at paying about ~$540 immediately or receiving a citation. This is at a studio where I only teach one class per week...
(Fortunately, I also have a full time day job.)

Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

Blessings,
Scott

posted in Teaching Yoga - 2 replies

Student Knee Issues

Katrina — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 17:25:58 GMT

How would you instruct students with knee issues warm their bodies before moving deeper into practice?
These are students with serious knee problems, a few have had surgery so padding the knee area won't
work. Some cannot put any weight on their knees in a kneeling position. They're ok standing and slightly
flexed while standing, just not kneeling.

These are some Asanas I've steered clear from
- Cat/Cow
- Spinal Balances
- Balasana
- More than 30 seconds in any Virabhadrasana
- Ustrasana
- Utkatasana

I have been warming them in Sunflowers and Moonflowers, cueing not to bend too far in the knees.
A small amount of time in Adho Mukha Svanasana, Uttanasana, Monkey, Utthita Hasta w/ a slight
back bend and standing extended arm lateral lifts. We'll practice just about anything that stems from
a Vira 1 & 2.. Trikonasana, Parsvokonasana, Parsvottanasana (sp?), Salamba Vira 3... so long as it's
not a very advanced posture and easy on the knees.

From there we've been working on leg balances w/ wall option as needed, various twists and most all
seated and supine stretching given it's passive and has options to modify easily.

I'm having a non creative moment trying to figure out how to warm the body properly without stressing
the knees. Maybe some of you could share some ideas that you've used in therapeutic circumstances.
All of the ladies in the class are 45-65. They like gentle yoga because it's easy on the knee joints however...
Too gentle and the body doesn't generate enough heat to move into deep tissue stretching in the course
of an hour's class.

I appreciate any thoughts on the matter :)

Katrina

posted in Teaching Yoga - 12 replies

nausea and trikonasana question

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:28:05 GMT

Hello all -

Wondering if anyone has a thought/experience with a student having nausea related to asanas - specifically utthita trikonasana...

I have a "larger" bodied beginner student who has felt sick to her stomach (sometimes also dizzy) at times during class - noticeable last night during triangle pose. There are three things I can think of:
1) Shift of fluid in the inner ear causing dizziness in turn causing a sick feeling
2) Shift of internal organs creating nausea
3) Release of toxins making her feel ill

Any thoughts in response would be appreciated.

In Peace,

~ E.

posted in Teaching Yoga - 12 replies

Bragging about my new book: Yoga with a Friend

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:38:09 GMT

I know many people have listings turned off, but I would like to brag about my new book for a moment. Thanks

http://montana.tribe.net/listing/Yoga-with-a-Friend-Develop-trust-communication-strength-and-compassion-when-you-practice-yoga-with-a-partner/montana-us/07fb818f-1981-46a6-ad72-f275b8d73d94

posted in Teaching Yoga - 4 replies

Yoga Teacher's Training in LA

HeatherBug — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 06:48:36 GMT

Know of any good ones? I am thinking about doing it.. what are the basics I need to know before starting?
Thanks!
heather

posted in Teaching Yoga - 3 replies

Experience An India Yoga Odyssey

Dennis — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 01:00:44 GMT

Experience a Transforming India YOGA Odyssey
(February 21 to March 6, 2008)

Just imagine your airplane touching down at the India airport of your choice – Mumbai or Ahmadabad – on Thursday, February 21, 2008. Awaiting you at the airport is your guide, who will escort you by rail or taxi to your hotel accommodations in Surat City, Gujarat State. You will have arrived just in time to take in the World Yoga Championships, either as a participant or as a spectator. If anyone wishes to participate in the Championships the necessary registration forms can be downloaded at www.lifemission.org. The Championships run from February 22 though February 24. (The Championships were primarily founded as a means for encouraging youth worldwide to engage themselves in the ageless science of yoga for the betterment of body, mind and spiritual development in similar fashion that society worldwide encourages youth to participate in common sporting events.)

Following the Championships, you will be escorted to Malav Ashram for a five night stay, which includes three days of “hands on” yogic training under the expert guidance of Acharya Yogendradev, who has taught in North America, Taiwan, and India

And now – the Tours – you will tour the historic spiritual pilgrimage site of Kayavarohan and visit the Brahmeshwar Temple of Lord Lakulish (the 28th incarnation of Lord Shiva). You will spend 5 nights at a beautiful oceanside resort near the city of Div, overlooking the Indian Ocean with its miles of sandy beaches, and visit surrounding points of interest including the renowned Somnath Temple; a lion wildlife reserve, an ayurvedic clinic of a renowned ayurvedic physician where you will be able to observe the natural preparation of ayurvedic medicines and receive a free medical check-up. You will also have the opportunity to visit the temple complex at Rajrajeshwardham, where Lord Lakulish materialized in his divine body on January 29, 2007. Then – another great grace awaits you – you will have the rare opportunity of having darshan with the highly advanced yogi, Swami Rajarshi Muni.*

Now your yoga trip is reaching its end – on March 6, you will be escorted by your guide to your departure airport for your trip home – to reflect on and absorb your many yoga experiences of the past 2 weeks; the multitudes of wondrous Indian sites you've seen; the unmatched hospitality of its people and the many lasting new friendships you've made.

The cost per participant is $ 695.00 USD. This price does not include your transportation costs to and from India, which is entirely your responsibility, as are any required passports, visas etc. This price does include designated tour accommodations and meals in India, and all ground transportation to the Championships and touring sites in India, as well as ground transportation to and from airports at Mumbai or Ahmedabad. Any profits after all costs have been met will be directed to projects for the poor, including schools and hospitals. For further information, go to www.lifemission.org, or email: Acharya Yogendradev, ggvaghela@yahoo.com; or Dennis Konchak, lifema@telus.net; or Hans Splinter, Hsplinter@cogeco.ca.

* Swami Rajarshi Muni is the author of a vast library of nearly 100 titles in four different languages, including ten books in English. Some of the English titles are: Classical Hatha Yoga, Divine Body Through Yoga; Tenets for the Spiritual Life; Infinite Grace (The Story of My Spiritual Lineage), Awakening the Life Force, and Light from Guru to Disciple. For more information, check the Life Mission website www.lifemission.org and www.amazon.com under Rajarshi Muni

posted in Teaching Yoga - 0 replies

Special offer on upcoming Teacher Training in Santa Rosa

anandaseva — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:06:10 GMT

Ananda Seva Yoga Center presents
200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training

Experience the richness of an authentic yogic lifestyle
Deepen your practice and understanding of yoga
Learn how to bring the healing of yoga to others

February 1-10th & April 18-27th, 2008
in Santa Rosa, California

We are pleased to announce that for the next two weeks - until January 21st - anyone who signs up for our yoga teacher certification will receive a $100 discount off the normal price. If you have ever been interested in deepening your Yoga practice or wished to bring this ancient healing art to others, now is the perfect opportunity! Work trade is also available.

The Ananda Seva Yoga Teacher Training Certification Program is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the breadth and depth of Yogic philosophy and practices as well as an in-depth study of Asanas (yoga postures). The program covers all aspects of yogic practices, including asanas, meditation practices, kundalini, chakras, subtle body, Ayurveda, pranayama, mantra, chanting, yogic philosophy and the history of yoga, anatomy, physiology, teaching methodology, and business practices and ethics. In addition to offering Yoga Teacher certification to all graduates, this training emphasizes the integration of development on all levels – physical, mental and spiritual – through Asanas, meditation, kiirtan, and chanting. After the 10-day sessions of living life as a yogi, students consistently feel a difference in their life.

After graduating from this 200 hour program you will be eligible to become a
Nationally Certified Yoga Teacher registered with Yoga Alliance

Call for More Information (707) 575-0886 or (707) 703-2553
Web brochure: www.anandaseva.org
Email: asm@anandaseva.org

posted in Teaching Yoga - 0 replies