cYs Introductory Haṭha Study Course Overview and Bookings

Initiated for 2011 the IHS Programme introduces the student to a weekend on the primary principles and teachings from the major Haṭha Yoga texts, including early formative texts such as the:

• Gorakṣa Śataka
• Yoga Tārāvali
• Yoga Yājñavalkhya
• Yoga Upaniṣad

Which formed the base, and in some cases the actual text, for the more well known medieval Haṭha triad of the:

• Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā
• Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā
• Śiva Saṃhitā

We will explore how they inspire and guide our personal Yoga practice
 and study, as well as our Yoga teaching. The weekend course is complete in itself and offers a sound overview of the core principles of Haṭha Yoga. It is an opportunity for a Yoga student from any Yoga background or style to experience an in-depth introduction to the concepts and practices which underpin Haṭha Yoga.

View or Download a PDF eBrochure with the Introductory Haṭha Study Course details

These fundamental aspects can also be further developed through the four Foundation Haṭha Study Weekend Workshops. Here the focus will be primarily on the four chapters of the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā.

Aims

To present a view of the core Haṭha concepts in Yoga through which students can support and develop their own practice and deepen their appreciation of the possibilities for why a view such as Haṭha can support our lives. Its role is not to train students as Yoga teachers.

They are offered with respect for the vital source from which these teachings originated and their place in our age and culture.

Framework

The Introductory Haṭha Study Course reflects the teachings of TKV Desikachar and his father and teacher T Krishnamacharya as taught to Paul Harvey over 25 years through:

• Guidance in integrating the primary Haṭha concepts to support your everyday life.
• Understanding the principles which inspire and shape Haṭha Yoga.
• An overview of important Haṭha teachings around body and mind.
• Familiarisation with basic Haṭha terms and practice techniques.
• Appreciating how your body can work more effectively utilizing Haṭha techniques.
• Deepening our work with and importance of Haṭha concepts such as Prāṇa-Apāna, Mūla-Mala, Candra-Avidyā, Sūrya-Agni and Ṣat Cakra in Yoga practice.

The Introductory Haṭha Study Course topics total over 10 hours through:

Yoga Practice – 2.25 hours

• Practical learning skills from Haṭha Yoga to refine your practice.
• Linking to the concepts of Haṭha to help develop and deepen your practice.

Haṭha Concepts – 7.5 hours

• Why we need a view such as Haṭha.
• Exploring some key themes that underpin the major Haṭha Yoga texts.
• Unpacking Key Haṭha concepts such as:
  • Prāṇa
  • Apāna
  • Amṛtam
  • Candra
  • Sūrya
  • Agni
  • Mūla
  • Mala
  • Tridoṣa
  • Dvadasa Nādī
  • Kuṇḍalinī
  • Avidyā
  • Ṣat Cakra.
• Which concepts are most important.
• How the key concepts are linked.
• Learning to look through Haṭha at our relationship with others.
• Linking the concepts of Haṭha to the ebb and flow of daily life.

Course Review – 0.45 hour

• Informal guidelines of a practical nature through review, reading, questions for reflection and personal practice.

The Introductory Haṭha Workshop Weekend Schedule

Saturday

• 9.30 – Onwards for refreshments
• 10.00 – Prompt Start introducing the days theme
• 10.15 – Haṭha Study
• 11.15 – Break
• 11.30 – Haṭha Study
• 12.30 – Yoga Practice
• 1.00 – Lunch
• 2.00 – Haṭha Study
• 3.00 – Break
• 3.15 – Haṭha Study
• 4.15 – Break
• 4.45 – Yoga Practice
• 5.30 – Departures

Sunday

• 9.00 – Onwards for refreshments
• 9.30 – Prompt Start introducing the days theme
• 9.45 – Haṭha Study
• 10.45 – Break
• 11.00 – Haṭha Study
• 12.00 – Yoga Practice
• 12.30 – Lunch
• 1.30 – Haṭha Study
• 2.15 – Break
• 2.30 – Haṭha Study
• 3.15 – Closing and Review
• 3.30 – Yoga Practice
• 4.00 – Departures

Prerequisites