The complete flowering of Hatha Yoga has its roots in the soil of Tantra. The singular vision of the Tantric tradition is that the physical body is sacred––potentially an altar that mirrors the larger universe. The various schools of Tantra Yoga evolved the techniques that we know today as asana, pranayama, bandha, meditation, kundalini-based practices, kriya and many other techniques. Tantra is the source where you find them all, woven into a sublime tapestry. The goal of its diverse techniques: master the subtle forces in the body so you can master yourself and be most masterful in your life – and thus, experience the Sacred within and without.
Drawing from more than 40 years of practice, study and teaching, Rod will share key principles and practices of tantra so students and teachers can expand the reach and reward of their yoga practice. Over the course of this four-session, weekend workshop, he guides a tradition-based, systematic approach into tantra yoga and decodes essential teachings to help you understand, practice and potentially teach Tantra Yoga. Each session integrates lecture and practice, emphasizing the gift that is the alchemy of asana, pranayama, and meditation. PM sessions also include yoga nidra.
All experienced students are welcome.
Focus of the teachings:
One of the meanings of the word Tantra is system. According to tantric wisdom, yoga practice involves four stages thus, “what” and “how” we practice is ideally informed by which of these four we wish to emphasize. Each stage utilizes unique approaches and yogic methods:
Stage 1. Body: Purification and vitality
Stage 2. Moon (mind): calm and steady
Stage 3. Sun (life-force): awakened and expansive
Stage 4. Fire (spirit): absorption and freedom
One can use this knowledge to address one’s changing needs or move through the various stages progressively, from the ground to the pinnacle of practice.
SCHEDULE:
SATURDAY 2/8 9:30am-12:30pm Sun Practice: the Force of Transformation We focus on the approach to practice that links us to and allows us to master prana, or life force. Sun practices increase vitality, subtle awareness, passion, and power. They unlock the subtle forces that lead to the final stages and highest goals of practice. “Solar” energy leads to shining, both internally and externally and is the foundation for the final and most powerful stage of practice.
SATURDAY 2/8 2pm-5pm Moon Practice: Centering and Balancing Activation of the lunar force creates healing, peace and wisdom. These practices stimulate the nurturing energy that allows us to remain calm in the midst of turbulence, steady in the midst of change. They also lead to mastery of mind and are key to awakening hidden intelligence and intuition.
SUNDAY 2/9 10am-1pm Fire Practice: Awakening the Final Aim of Practice The ultimate aim of Yoga practice is to awaken our inner fire––the force of Spirit or kundalini shakti. Activation of the subtle force of fire leads to extraordinary perception and living. Practice focuses on generating the energy that dissolves inertia and the final obstacles to the highest state of Yoga.
SUNDAY 2/9 2:30pm-5pm Yoga, Tantra and the Heart Lotus: According to the traditions of yoga and tantra the heart holds the keys to the "highest fortune." The heart lotus, and the soul secrets it holds, are closed until we begin to nurture the heart through the practice of inner worship. Class will weave a journey into the heart lotus through different methodologies––including asana, bandha, mudra, pranayama and meditation––that unveil the qualities of the awakened heart: unsurpassed joy, complete stability and the light of discernment.