Hatha Yoga. Anusara Immersion

Anusara Immersion

Anusara Yoga was founded by John Friend in 1997. Anusara means 'flowing with grace'.

It is a Hatha Yoga system that combines concise bio-mechanical principals of alignment (called the universal principals of alignment) and a non dual heart-orientated Tantric philosophy. Anusara philosophy begins with the recognition that one Universal Spirit pulsates as the essence of everything.

This in-depth study course is designed to provide a practical understanding of Anusara Yoga for all serious students or teacher trainees and is a pre-requisite for the Anusara Inspired and further training towards Certification. During each module you will dive deeply into the essence of the Anusara method. You will learn the universal principals of alignment explore the teachings of Tantric philosophy and practise the subtle art of Pranayama & Meditation.

The entire course is run in two parts - Parts 1 and 2, of 3 weekends each. This offers a comprehensive understanding of alignment + philosophy with each weekend building on the previous.

Each weekend will consist of 12 hours of class, with 60% spent on asana practice and the alignment principles along with teaching techniques. The remainding 40% of the time will be split between Anusara philosophy, anatomy study, principles of breath and pranayama, and meditation/contemplation.

Part 1: Step into the currents of grace
18th + 19th September 2010
23rd + 24th October 2010
20th + 21st November 2010
Saturday 9.30am – 6.00pm
Sunday 9.30am – 5.00pm

Overview of Anusara’s entire technical system including the 3 A’s - attitude, alignment + action, muscular and organic energy, focal points, spirals, and loops that is the essence of Anusara:

• Application of the alignment system to hips/legs and of shoulders/arms
• Introduction to the Anusara Level 1 syllabus, including the Foundation and Rough Form of the poses
• Introduction to the general principles of alignment for the major classes of poses
• Introduction to modifications and variations of the poses of the level syllabus, including props
• Basic principles of the breath, focusing on the natural breath
• General information on the anatomy of movement, the skeleton and the spine and the anatomy of breathing
• Anusara philosophy + vision:
• Broad overview of the history of yoga
• Introduction to Tantra/Kashmir Shaivism
• 36 Tattvas with the 5 Elements
• Subtle body anatomy – kundalini, prana, chakras, nadis
• Introduction to the 3 main types of meditation techniques: focus, open, + integrated

Part 2: Awaken the heart of transformation
15th + 16th January 2011
19th + 20th February 2011
19th + 20th March 2011
Saturday 9.30am – 6.00pm
Sunday 9.30am – 5.00pm

Review and refinement of all the principles:

• Beginning to apply the alignment principles to more advanced (level 2) poses
• Introduction to some of the auxiliary principles used in Anusara
• Continue exploration of modifications and variations of the level 1 + 2 poses, including use of props
• Continuation of level 1 + 2 syllabi
• Overview of the art of sequencing and class structure
• Introduction to assisting and observation
• Kinesiology of main muscle groups with an emphasis on their application to the Anusara Universal Principles of Alignment
• More principles of the breath:
• Anuloma Viloma and Nadi Shodhan
• Ujjayi Pranayama
• Chandra Bedha
• Surya Bedha
• Continued exploration of the 3 main types of meditation: focus, open and integrated
• Anusara Philosophy + Vision
• Overview of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali with emphasis on some of the key verses, the Classical perspective, the Tantric view of the Yoga Sutras
• Overview of Ashtanga Yoga with the Yamas and Niyamas
• The Bhaghavad Gita and the integration of the paths of Karma, Jnana, and Bhakti

Who would benefit from an Immersion in Anusara Yoga?

• Students who have or are participating the triyoga teacher training programme.
• Seriously playful hatha yoga students who want a dynamic, fun asana practice based on the scientific art of Anusara Yoga
• Yoga students who want to understand the context for our hatha yoga practice by studying yoga philosophy, especially by reading some of the classic scriptures and exploring the pinnacle of Indian thought, the philosophy of Tantra or Kashmir Shaivism
• Current teachers of yoga who want to learn the new style of yoga that is grounded in tradition and at the same time, in tune with the modern world
• Those who want to become hatha yoga teachers and are looking for a training program that is comprehensive and based on the finest principles of teaching available today