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21-day Yoga Immersion, Jan 7-27, 2019

warrior2
Virabhadrasana (Warrior2)

I am pleased to announce the next 21-day Yoga Immersion program. The past programs have been very well received by all the participants. For most of them, it has been truly a life-transforming experience. I invite you to join me on this exciting and deeply rewarding 21-day yoga journey. Here are the particulars:

  • What: 21-day yoga immersion
  • When: Monday, January 7 – Sunday, January 27, 2019
  • Time: 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM
  • Where: Integral Yoga Studio, 4000 Bear Cat Way, Suite 102, Morrisville, NC 27560
  • Fee: $140 (cash, check, Zelle or paypal)
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Bhastrika Pranayama (bellows breath)

If you recall, in the Kapalabhati pranayama, the emphasis is only on exhalation which is forced, short and brisk. The inhalation is passive and natural. During exhalation we also force the belly in toward the spine in a quick movement. In contrast, in the Bhastrika pranayama, both inhalation and exhalation are brisk, forced, short bursts of breath. Moreover, movement of the belly along with each breath is an optional variation.

‘Bhastrika’ (भस्त्रिका) is a Sanskrit word for the bellows – a device for producing a strong current of air that was used to fan fire in the old days. In this pranayama, the lungs are moved with movements that resemble the bellows.

Bhastrika is a very energetic breathing technique and must be practiced with a touch of caution. If at any time during the practice you feel light-headed, or uncomfortable in any manner, you should discontinue the routine and relax.

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Surya Namaskara with Trikonasana (triangle) and Parivritta Trikonasana (revolving triangle)

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Parivritta Trikona (revolving triangle)

In a recent post, I presented the sequence of three rounds of Sun Salutation with the Trikonasana (Triangle pose) integrated into the second round.

In today’s post, in addition to the Triangle pose, we will also integrate the Parshvottanasana (standing side stretch) and the Parivritta Trikonasana (revolving triangle pose) as a part of the sequence.

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Setu-bandhasana (Bridge Pose) with video

Bridge

The Setu-bandhasana -सेतुबन्धासन – (Bridge Pose) is a beginner-to-intermediate level pose and is highly beneficial for the health of the shoulders, spine, hips and thighs. At a deeper level, it helps calm the mind and can help relieve stress, mental fatigue, anxiety and depression.

In addition to the basic bridge pose, we will also be doing a few variations that are commonly practiced. 

Step-by-step

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Surya Namaskar with Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)

trikonasana
Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)

If you’ve attended a yoga class with me, you would have noted that Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) is an integral part of the routine that we practice. Typically, we practice three rounds of Surya Namaskar. In the first round, we go through the basic sequence which has the classic 12 movements. In the second and third round, we add some variations to many of the movements. For example, in the second round some of the common poses that we practice include warrior 1, warrior 2, triangle pose, pigeon pose etc. In the third round, we usually practice the upward facing dog and also occasionally some twisting variations from the lunge position.

In today’s post, I am presenting the sequence of three rounds of Sun Salutation with the Trikonasana (Triangle pose) integrated into the second round.

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Struggling with weight loss? Yoga may help

standing-hamstring
Standing hamstring stretch

One of the common reasons why people join a yoga class is for weight loss. Of course, many students have doubts as to how yoga, which is relatively a gentler form of exercise, can help you lose weight. Most people tend to identify weight loss with vigorous physical activities in a gym or a fitness center – treadmill, pumping iron etc. So, the natural question is whether and how yoga can help in weight management.

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14-day Meditation Intensive, Sept 17-30, 2018

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Padmasana (Lotus Pose)

I am pleased to announce the next Meditation Intensive. In this program, I will discuss the basic concepts of meditation and practice several of the concentration (dharana) and meditation (dhyana) techniques. Most of the information that I will be sharing is based on the concepts discussed in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and related classical yoga texts.

No prior asana, pranayama or meditation experience is required.

Here are the particulars:

  • What: 14-day Meditation Intensive
  • When: Monday, September 17 – Sunday, September 30, 2018
  • Time: 6:00 – 7:30 AM
  • Location: Integral Yoga Studio, 4000 Bear Cat Way, Suite 102, Morrisville, NC 27560
  • Daily Routine: Light stretching (10-15 minutes), Pranayama (15 min), Relaxation (10-15 min), Meditation – discussion and practice (45 min)
  • Commitment: A firm commitment to follow this schedule and attend every day
  • Fee: $100 (cash, check, Zelle or paypal)
  • To register: fill out the registration form, providing information in all the fields, and submit it online

Strongly recommended

  • Light,’sattvic’, nutritious, VEGETARIAN food
  • No alcohol, drugs, tobacco or any other item of similar nature
  • A personal commitment to continue the practice after the program is over

Please visit here for more details…

Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. I look forward to your participation.

14-day Pranayama Intensive – New Dates – Aug 13-26, 2018

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Vishnu Mudra

Please note the change of dates from the ones previously announced!

I am pleased to announce the next Pranayama intensive. In this program, we will be practicing some of the main pranayama techniques given in our ancient yoga texts. I will also discuss the underlying concepts in the practice of pranayama and all the wonderful benefits that the practice can bring us.

No prior asana, pranayama or meditation experience is required.

Here are the particulars:

  • What: 14-day pranayama intensive
  • When: Monday, August 13 – Sunday, August 26, 2018
  • Time: 6:00 – 7:30 AM
  • Location: Integral Yoga Studio, 4000 Bearcat Way, Suite 102, Morrisville, NC 27560
  • Daily Routine: Light stretching (10-15 minutes), Pranayama (45 min), Relaxation (15 min), Yoga philosophy/meditation (15 min)
  • Commitment: A firm commitment to follow this schedule and attend every day
  • Fee: $100 (cash, check, zelle or paypal)
  • To register: fill out the registration form, providing information in all the fields, and submit it online

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Ego vs. the Intellect

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Functions of mind-field

In his Yoga Sutras, Patanjali has defined yoga as “control of the fluctuations of the mind-field” (योगश्चित्त-वृत्ति-निरोधः) – sutra 1.2. In order to learn how to control the mind-field, it will be helpful to understand what this mind-field is and how the mind functions. In our ancient literature, especially the Vedantic texts, this mind-field is given the name “Antahakarana” (the inner instrument). For ease of understanding, this ‘antahakarana’ is considered to be a composite of these four functions:

  1. Cognitive mind (manas – मनस्): this is the thinking aspect of the mind; it carries out perception and cognition through the five senses as well as activate motor control; it does the willing, wishing, desiring; it has the emotions etc. The manas interacts with the intellect and the outside world through the five senses.
  2. Continue reading »

14-day Pranayama intensive, Aug 20 – Sep 2, 2018

nadi-shuddhi1-small.jpg
Vishnu Mudra

I am pleased to announce the next Pranayama intensive. In this program, we will be practicing some of the main pranayama techniques given in our ancient yoga texts. I will also discuss the underlying concepts in the practice of pranayama and all the wonderful benefits that the practice can bring us.

No prior asana, pranayama or meditation experience is required.

Here are the particulars:

  • What: 14-day pranayama intensive
  • When: Monday, August 20 – Sunday, September 2, 2018
  • Time: 6:00 – 7:30 AM
  • Location: Integral Yoga Studio, 4000 Bearcat Way, Suite 102, Morrisville, NC 27560
  • Daily Routine: Light stretching (10-15 minutes), Pranayama (45 min), Relaxation (15 min), Yoga philosophy/meditation (15 min)
  • Commitment: A firm commitment to follow this schedule and attend every day
  • Fee: $100 (cash, check, zelle or paypal)
  • To register: fill out the registration form, providing information in all the fields, and submit it online

Continue reading »