MAHAJYOTI - Find Your Own Light
FEBRUARY 2012
A 14 Week Journey of Self-Transformation
through the Practice and Philosophy of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga
There are many definitions and explanations of yoga. Perhaps you’ve heard that the Sanskrit word “yoga” means “to yoke together, to unite”. Or perhaps you’ve heard that yoga is a series of poses that can make you stronger and more flexible. Or maybe you’ve heard that yoga is about finding a zen state of mind. Yoga is all that and much, much more.
At its heart, yoga is a powerful system of self-directed self-transformation. It is a system that can be followed by any person at any time regardless of background.
There are no prerequisites to beginning a study of yoga. You don’t have to begin with a fit body because yoga can make you physically fit, strong, and flexible. You don’t have to begin with a clear mind because yoga can clear your mind allowing you experience the bliss of stillness. You don’t have to be in touch with your spirit because yoga will help you firmly establish that connection.
You don’t have to have a goal in mind before you explore yoga. You can study yoga because you are simply curious. You can study so that you become firmly established in your own personal practice. Or you can study so that you can teach others the practice of yoga. Goals or not, through regular yoga practice you will transform your life. You will cleanse and harmonize your body, mind, and spirit allowing you to find your own unique inner light.
Mahajyoti is a 14 week course of self-transformation through the philosophy and practice of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. During the course you will:
- Explore the 6 darshana of Indian philosophy including the basic tenets of yoga darshana.
- Read and analyze the fundamental texts of yoga philosophy including The Bhagavad Gita, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, The Upanishads, and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika.
- Study in-depth and practice the eight limbed system of yoga contained in the Yoga Sutras: yamas, niyamas, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, samadhi.
- Explore the history of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga from Ramamohan Bramachari to Tirulamai Krishnamacharya to Shri K. Pattabhi Jois to current living practitioners and teachers.
- Learn and analyze the Ashtanga Vinyasa system with an intense focus on The Primary Series. The Primary Series will be deconstructed, analyzed, and taught in terms of breath and movement synchronization, posture sequencing, counter-poses, traditional Sanskrit counting, rhythm and cadence, health benefits of postures, and sequence as meditation. Significant time will be spent learning ujjayi breathing, how to access and utilize bandhas (core muscle locks), and how to maintain the appropriate dristhi (gazing point).
- Learn to create your own intelligent vinyasa sequence that follows established principles of sequencing.
- Learn how to create and maintain your own personal yoga practice that can be practiced for the rest of your life.
- Learn about human anatomy and how to move the body safely and efficiently. Learn how knowledge of anatomy can help deepen your understanding of yoga postures and prevent injuries.
- Learn how to teach yoga to others including how to observe movement, how to demonstrate postures safely, and how to safely and appropriately adjust and assist others in postures.
- Learn about energy anatomy and the chakra system and how to cultivate and use energy for healing.
- Learn about the mind-body connection and how to create and maintain healthy mind states to support a healthy body.
- Learn the basics of Sanskrit including proper pronunciation of postures in Sanskrit and counting in Sanskrit.
- Learn the basics of chanting and kirtan including techniques, benefits and how chanting fits into your asana practice.
- Learn about meditation including techniques, benefits and how meditation fits into your asana practice.
- Learn about how diet and nutrition can purify your body and support your asana practice.
- Learn about yoga as a lifestyle and as a business.
Other Details:
- Surya Yoga is registered with Yoga Alliance as a RYS – Registered Yoga School.
- Mahajyoti is a course that meets or exceeds the national standards of Yoga Alliance for a 200 hour teacher training program and is registered with Yoga Alliance as a 200 hour yoga teacher training course. Upon completion of course requirements, students will receive a Yoga Alliance approved certificate and will be eligible to be registered with Yoga Alliance as a RYT-200 (Registered Yoga Teacher at 200 hour level).
- Mahajyoti Course Hours: 233 hours total. 201 contact hours and 32 non-contact hours.
- Teachers: Lisa McClellan, Stuart Waugh, John Pellicci (philosophy), Pete Whitridge (anatomy) and one or more guest speakers.
- Tuition: $2,250. Ask about our discount for full payment. Tuition includes unlimited yoga during duration of program.
- Books are not included in tuition but will be available at a discounted price for students registered for the Mahajyoti program. Book list is available.
- The Mahajyoti program is limited in class size to ensure individual attention. To apply for the Mahajyoti program, please fill out the application form and call Surya Yoga to schedule an interview. Bring your application with you to the interview. (Click here to download application form.)
- Items to bring with you to every Saturday class: enthusiasm, open mind, open heart, compassion, peace, curiosity, questions, concerns, yoga mat, towel for showering (if you want to shower after the asana practice), change of clothes, book or books being discussed that session, notebook and pen, water bottle.
