Traditional Yoga Intensive 2010 – Philosophy and Practice

“Through perfection in study and yoga, The Supreme Self becomes manifest.“ -  Vishnu-Purana

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, 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 10 months, with much reading, practice 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 – 5.30    - Philosophy (including short tea break and chanting to close)

Afternoon sessions to include:

• Philosophy of asana practice
• The mind/body continuum
• The branches of yoga:  Raja, Jnana, Karma, Bhakti, etc.
• Integrating the spiritual journey with daily living
• An historical overview of yoga: from prehistoric shamanic roots to present day
• Yoga of the Vedas and Upanishads/ Solar Yoga and Vedanta
• 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 for the Kali yuga
• Traditional Hatha Yoga: history, theory and practical technology of the energy body

As part of the course, you will need three books. The first you should buy before the course begins.  It is: The Yoga Tradition: Its History, Literature, Philosophy and Practice, by Georg Feuerstein, Phd., foremost western yoga scholar as well as lifetime practitioner of yoga. This brilliant book presents with clarity and insight a comprehensive study of the vast yoga tradition. It will serve as the primary text for the course. The other two books you can get later on. They are the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras of Pajanjali, both of which we will study in depth. You will also receive a book list of recommended reading. Yoga literature is vast. It is expected that you will read widely and deeply throughout the course, according to your own interest. You will also need an A-4 hard cover notebook to use as a personal journal.

The afternoon sessions are experiential and interactive. In past years, the group has bonded deeply, learning from the personal experience and understanding that everyone has to contribute.  It is my hope that again this year the group will grow together.  

Eligibility: This course is suitable for teachers and serious yoga students who are committed to deepening in their practice of yoga. An established ashtanga practice is definitely desirable, as then you 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. Study (svadhyaya) is a part of yoga practice. Please contact me if you have any questions about your suitability.

Dates for 2010:  7 February, 21 February, 14 March, 28 March, 18 April, 2 May, 9 May, 13 June, 27 June, 18 July, 19 September, 3 October, 24 October, 7 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 Alliance) Yoga Teacher in Dublin for 10 years, trained in Ashtanga, Iyengar and Sivananda (advanced cert) methods. Direct student of Sri K Pattabhi Jois and many senior teachers. Meditation practice for 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