At a glance:
Module II - November 2015: Wednesdays 2:00 to 4:30 pm (dates: 4/11, 11/11, 18/11, 25/11)
Module III - February – March 2016: Wednesdays 2:00 to 4:30 pm (dates: 17/2, 24/2, 2/3, 9/3, 16/3, 23/3)
* Note: the three modules are progressive, each module is a pre-requisite for the next.
Each Wednesday session will include a two-hour presentation and a half hour pranayama practice.
What to expect:
The fourth part or “limb” in Patanjali’s classical yoga system, pranayama is a vast discipline that enable yoga practitioners to access the deep layer of energy within the self. Ancient yogis described a number of techniques, but not all of them should be practiced by everyone at all times.
This course will give you an understanding of the following:
– What is pranayama?
– What is prana?
– What is the yogic breath and what are its benefits?
– Why is pranayama regarded as “the most important practice”?
– What are its purposes?
You will also learn:
– How to practice 11 techniques of pranayama
– About ratios, kramas and bandhas in pranayama
– How to assess a student’s breath
– The use of mantras in pranayama
– How to evolve in the practice of pranayama
There will be three modules, for a total of 35 hours:
Module I: the basics: 10 hours, 4 weeks
– Concept of prana
– Definitions of pranayama in classical texts
– Anatomy of breathing (from the modern perspective)
– Preparation and pre-requisites
– General purposes and effects of pranayama
– Presentation of the yogic breath
– The components of pranayama
Module II: the techniques (part 1): 10 hours, 4 weeks
– More about the yogic breath
– “Normal” techniques and “special” techniques (overview)
– Mrgi-mudra and the nostril control technique
– Study of 8 pranayama techniques (benefits, effects, contra-indications, etc.)
Module III: the techniques (part 2): 15 hours, 6 weeks
– Three more pranayama techniques
– Two types of ratios in pranayama
– How to assess a student’s breath
– Samantraka-pranayama: mantras in pranayama
– The three bandhas… and a fourth
– Progression in pranayama practice