Traditional Yoga Intensive 2009
Philosophy – History – Practice

Yoga is spiritual discipline, a journey, a way of life. Sri Aurobindo says, ‘In the right view of life and of Yoga, all life is either consciously or subconsciously a Yoga.’ Through both practice and theory, this course involves an exploration of that reality. It will immerse you into the deeper dimension of yoga, providing you with knowledge and tools you can use to follow your own unique path. Swami Rama says,  ‘You are the architect of your spiritual  life. You should learn to build it.’  With an eye always on yoga’s ultimate spiritual purpose, we will develop and refine the practical disciplines of asana, pranayama and meditation.  At the same time and according to an historical framework, we will study in depth the yogic theories and philosophies which these practices embody. Yoga is intensely experiential, yet the full potential of that experience unfolds more completely with an understanding of the vast tradition to which that experience belongs.

Format:  14 full days (Sundays) over 8 months, with much reading, practice, journal work and self-study in between sessions.

Typical Day:  10.30 am – 5.30 pm

10.30 – 1.00  - Asana: Mysore style Ashtanga self-practice
1.00 – 1.45    - Meditation and Pranayama
1.45 – 2.30    - Lunch
2.30 – 5.15    - Philosophy (including short tea break)
5.15 -  5.30   - Chanting/Closure

Afternoon sessions to include:

• Philosophy of asana practice
• The mind/body continuum
• The branches of yoga:  Raja, Jnana, Karma, Bhakti, Hatha, etc.
• Stages of spiritual growth
• An historical overview of yoga: from prehistoric shamanic roots to present day.
• Yoga of the Vedas and Upanishads
• The Bhagavad-Gita and its perennial wisdom
• The Classical Yoga of Patanjali:  its systematic theory of the mind and liberation teaching, including  Kriya yoga and Ashtanga yoga.
• Tantra Yoga: a new revelation
• Traditional Hatha Yoga: history, theory and practical technology of the energy body

Upon enrolment in the course, you will receive a study manual written by Georg Feuerstein, Phd., foremost western yoga scholar. This manual will serve as the primary text of the course. You will also receive a book list of recommended reading. You will need to buy two of those books, and as many of the others as you would like to read. Yoga literature is vast. It is expected that you will read widely and deeply throughout the course, according to your own interest and inclination.  You will also need to buy an A-4 hard cover notebook, which you will use as a personal journal during the course.

The afternoon sessions will be experiential and interactive. It is my hope that the group will grow together, learning from the personal experience and understanding that everyone has to contribute.

Eligibility: This course is suitable for yoga students and teachers who are committed to deepening in their practice and study of yoga. An established ashtanga practice is definitely desirable, as then you will already understand the benefits of regular spiritual discipline. Yet the course is open to all who desire to learn and make yoga practice a part of their daily life. Please contact me if you have any questions about your suitability.

Dates for 2009: 22 March, 5 April, 19 April, 10 May, 31 May,
14 June, 26 July, 23 August, 13 September, 27 September, 11 October, 25 October, 8 November, 22 November

Fees and Terms:  €1050 for the course.  €350 non-refundable booking deposit payable immediately.  €700 due one week before course begins.

• Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable, unless course has to be cancelled.
• Course fee is non-refundable, even if you don’t complete the course.
• Maximum 10 students, minimum 6.

Venue: Seven Winds Yoga, Longford House, 21 Lanesville, Monkstown

Instructor: Marianne Jacuzzi, MA, E-RYT 500. Yoga Teacher in Dublin for 8 years, trained in Ashtanga, Iyengar and Sivananda (advanced cert) methods. Direct student of Sri K Pattabhi Jois and numerous senior teachers. Meditation practice for nearly 40 years. Over 1000 hours of yoga philosophy study with Georg Feuerstein Phd., eminent yoga scholar and practitioner (two certs). Disciple of Ramesh S. Balsekar, enlightened sage and teacher of Advaita Vedanta. Advanced certificate in Buddhist Psychology.  Experienced Buddhist and shamanic counsellor. MA in English literature and language.

For an application form, please contact:

sevenwinds@indigo.ie  or 087-920-3600