Curious about bhakti? The philosophy of yoga? The history of Kirtan? The meaning of mantras? The teachings of Krishna? The Vedic gods and goddesses? Gain a deep and systematic understanding of these topics and everything Bhakti yoga, through this 6 week foundations of bhakti course.
Session 1: Epistemology: Sacred Knowledge, Lineage and Ancient texts
Session 2: Ontology: Nature, Soul and God
Session 3: Existence: Karma, Samsara, and Gunas
Session 4: Telos: Human Purpose and Divine Love
Session 5: Praxis: Kirtan, Sanga, and the 9 limbs of devotion
Session 6: Immersion: Temple visit, Sacred Images, Blessed food and A life of bhakti
All participants will receive a copy of the Bhagavad Gita as well as Tulasi meditation beads and a bead bag.
Instructors: This series will be co-led by Prema and Ananda Manjari who each have 200 hours of yoga teacher training and over two decades of bhakti practice and study between them. Both have spent many years studying yoga philosophy from traditional ancient texts and Vaishnava teachers in ashrams in India and the US.
In this series, learn and practice pranayama, or breath work techniques, that will build a bridge of awareness from body to mind and beyond. Learn simple breath techniques that are calming and soothing, some for clarity, and some, invigorating. Practice breathing in such a way as to bring your mind into clear presence, and body into harmony with mind and energy. No experience necessary, we can all breathe!
Throughout the hour we will move through an arc of warming up our awareness, more vigorous breathing and finish with relaxing breath. We will practice both seated and reclining breathwork and finish with a relaxation/yoga nidra.