Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Meenakshi Ashram

The twelve basic postures in depth Practice of classical advanced variations Precise and detailed corrections Prolonged holding of the asanas Deeper understanding of hatha yoga

Practice of kapalabhati, Daily practice of anuloma viloma Advanced pranayamas Use of bandhas

Guide to meditation, What is meditation? Why meditate? Concentration and thought power 12-step daily practice Effects of and experiences in meditation Mantras Mantra initiation (optional)

Introduction to the eight major body systems, The effects of asanas and pranayama on the: cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive and skeletal and muscular systems Yoga and physical culture

Vegetarianism for physical, mental and spiritual health, How diet affects the mind Principles of nutrition Healing effects of fasting

The six classical purification exercises for the eyes, nose, air passages, oesophagus and stomach, abdominal organs and large intestine. Explanation and demonstration of the exercises and their effects. Individual instruction. • tratak • neti • Kapalabhati • dhauti • nauli • basti

How to teach the 12 basic postures and breathing exercises to beginners and intermediate students, Setting up of a proper environment for class General pointers on teaching a class The Basic Sivananda class Beginners’ course Advanced postures Yoga for children Yoga for older citizens Yoga for pregnancy Relaxation Detailed correction workshops In the second half of the training course, participants will teach each other under the guidance of an experienced instructor.

Ethical and moral principles, Body, prana and mind From control over the body to control over the mind and meditation

The law of cause and effect, The law of action and reaction The law of compensation The law of retribution Destiny and self-effort Samsara, the wheel of birth and death

Ashtanga: the eight limbs of yoga, Antahkarana: functions of the mind Concentration and meditatio

Kirtan: chanting of devotional songs. Chanting opens the heart and purifies the mind. In devotional chanting correct pronunciation, devotional attitude and awareness of meaning are all-important., Sanskrit mantras, Indian deities and their cosmic meaning Arati and pujas (traditional Indian devotional rituals)

Karma Yoga – selfless service: one hour daily in the Ashram community. You will be asked to do various tasks within the Ashram setting necessary for the smooth running of the community. Karma yoga helps to reduce selfishness and egoism, essential for spiritual progress.

The Absolute and its manifestation in nature, Macrocosm and microcosm The seven chakras The awakening of cosmic energy

Basic concepts of Vedanta philosophy, The seven bhoomikas or planes of consciousness Space, time, causation The three bodies The three levels of the mind Conquest of death

Yoga Vacationers are required to follow the Ashram’s Daily Schedule, which includes plenty of time for socialising, learning, and relaxing. All guests attend morning and evening satsang, the afternoon lecture and both yoga classes each day to make the most of their stay and to contribute to the community experience. Each day starts and ends with Satsang, a practice that is at the core of Ashram life. Here we meditate silently, join together to joyfully chant and listen to an inspiring talk or reading on yoga. Yoga asana classes are held twice a day at 8am and 3.30pm. We offer separate classes for beginner and intermediate students. The classes are based on the classical twelve basic asanas, along with pranayama and the sun salute. The focus is on mastering these basic asanas from which variations are then added to further strengthen the practice. Our meals, served twice a day at 10am and 6pm, are based on a healthy vegetarian diet, using as much as possible seasonal and locally-sourced food. Karma Yoga at 11am each morning gives you the opportunity to help around the Ashram but also to meet like-minded practitioners and be a part of the Ashram community. It is an important aspect of the schedule and opens you into a more subtle understanding of yourself. The first path of the Four Paths of Yoga, Karma Yoga is the foundation on which all yoga practice is based. Our daily 2pm workshop/lecture takes you into the deeper practices of yoga, explaining the theory, philosophy and psychology behind them that will serve to enhance your practice and expand the mind.

By combining the practice of yoga, meditation and fasting you experience transformation not only on the physical level but also on the mental, emotional and spiritual levels. The calm and peaceful atmosphere of the Ashram, along with the daily practices heal the body and soul. It is also lots of fun!! You will be among a hugely supportive group of like-minded people, many of whom become life-long friends. Just some of the benefits: Aids weight reduction Improves sleep patterns Strengthens cardio-vascular health, reducing high blood pressure Eases stiffness and joint pain in rheumatoid arthritis sufferers Regulates the digestive system. Improves eliminative functions. A healthy digestive system is a pre-requisite for good health Stimulates metabolic function and anti-ageing hormones. Promotes rejuvenation and longevity. Enhances brain function, possibly preventing changes associated with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Boosts the immune system, reducing free radical damage and risk of cancers