June 2022 Newsletter from Srivatsa Ramaswami--Programs
Srivatsa Ramaswami
I am giving details about two programs scheduled
In June I am planning to teach a brief online program, titiled "catussutri" on 18th and 19th for two hrs each. The program is hosted by Yogavahini in Chennai. Here is the description.
Catussutri
The first four sutras of both Yoga Sutra and Brahma Sutra are said to contain the quintessence of the entire Yoga and Vedanta philosophies respectively, Both these Vaidic Darsanas or philosophies have much in common and yet are different. Being the siblings from Mother Veda, they proclaim a common goal which is complete cessation of samsara or detachment and avoidance of rebirth. Yoga talks about avoiding pain yet to come in future births (heyam duhkham anagatam); vedanta sutra ends with the declaration ‘na ca punaravartate, na ca punaravartate’ (One is not born again; one is not born again) and also with regard to the the nature of the individual subject or purusha. They differ on the origin of the universe, the unitary or multitude of atmans or individual self-s. The advaita vedanta interpretation of vedanta subscribe to the view that the universe is a created illusion whereas the yogis call the creation real (satkarya). Many people who study the Vedanta alone but without the foundation of other nivritti darsanas like Yoga and Samkhya find it difficult to comprehend the essence of Vedanta. And many yoga students study Yoga Sutra as a standalone text without Samkhya and Vedanta and find it incomplete. Sri Krishnamacharya taught all the three nivritti sastras, Samkhya, Yoga and Vedanta to his students
This is an attempt to help yoga students get introduced to Vedanta philosophy and a brief comparison between yoga and vedanta philosophies through the 4 sutras each of Yoga Sutra and Brahma (Vedanta) Sutra.
Here is the link. Hope it is activated
I am planning to teach a 100 Hr Vinyasakram yoga program organized by Atmayogashala in Chenni in August 2022. It can be attended in person or on line. Here is a brief desciption and the link to register
100 Hr Advanced Teacher Training Program in Vinyasakrama Yoga,
A. 60 hrs Complete Vinyasakrama asana and vinyasas.
In 10 major sequences more than 120 asana subroutines consisting of 700 + Vinyasas will be covered. Each movement with the appropriate synchronized breathing will be taught. Those who undergo this program will have learnt a wide variety of asanas and vinyasas with appropriate breathing to be able to adapt to individual requirements.
B. 20 hrs Pranayama, mudras, dharan meditation and Yoga for Internal organs
Pranayama is emphasized in both Hatayoga and Rajayoga. Hatayoga means pranayama. It is said it removes systemic tamas. The mudras help to reach various internal parts of the body. Yoga is a sarvanga sadhana or a system that is beneficial for all parts of the body including the vital internal organs. In this program the various powerful yogic procedures like pranayama and mudras and their effects on the internal organs like the heart and the circulatory system, lungs and the respiratory system, stomach and the digestive system, bladder/kidney and the urinary system, uterus and the reproductive system, the intestines, brain and the nervous system will be discussed in depth. Practice of different pranayamas and important mudras also will be taught. Dharana meditation also will be introduced.
C. 20 hrs Yoga Sutras
Pandit Krishnamacharya would tell his students to eschew all yoga practices that are inconsistent with the teachings of Yoga Sutra of Patanjali. Svatmarama the author of the famous Hatha Yoga Treatise, Hata Yoga Pradipika, says at the outset that his work on Hata Yoga is intended to help prepare yoga aspirants to be able to practice Raja Yoga (Yoga of enlightenment propounded by Patanjali). So it is useful and necessary for Hata Yogis and other serious yoga students to make an in-depth study of the Yoga Sutras. In this program an overview of the goal (Kaivalya or spiritual freedom) and the means of attaining the goal will be explained as in the sutras. Will cover all the four chapters, word by word.
1. Yoga Beneath the Surface (with David Hurwitz, June 2006, Marlowe)
2. The Complete Book of Vinyasa Yoga (2005, Marlowe)
3. Yoga for the Three Stages of Life (2000, Inner Traditions)
4. Basic Tenets of Patanjala Yoga (1982, Cambridge Yoga Publications)