Foundations of Iyengar Yoga – General Class – Womens Health Basics – Intermediate – How to use Yoga – Mid-section – Śīrṣāsana & Sarvāṅgasana – Jardinage philosophique
Foundations of Iyengar Yoga
Yoga Sutra 1.1
अथ योगानुशासनम्॥१॥
atha yogānuśāsanam||1||
“With prayers for divine blessings, now begins an exposition of the sacred art of yoga.”
In this class we will establish (or re-establish) the basics of asana practice, which is supposed to give direction and structure. This course is open to both regular practitioners and beginners.
Minimum props: 1 chair, 2 to 4 firm yoga blankets or bath towels, 1 to 2 cork or wooden blocks (foam is too unstable) and a standard yoga belt or a similar substitute (karate belt, scarf)
General Class
Yoga Sutra 2.28
योगाङ्गानुष्ठानादशुद्धिक्षये ज्ञानदीप्तिराविवेकख्यातेः॥२८॥
Yogāṅgānuṣṭhānādaśuddhikṣaye jñānadīptirāvivekakhyāteḥ||28||
“By dedicated practice of the various aspects of yoga, impurities are destroyed; the light of discernment and wisdom radiates.”
This is a general level class open to everyone.
Please do not worry if you don’t have a lot of props at home. We will adjust the asanas for the props that you have. It is recommended to set up the environment in your home with an open space and, please sign in 10 mins before class. A free wall space is required. If you do not have a free wall, you can use a locked door.
Women’s Health Basics (Men also welcome)
Yoga Sutra 1.3
तदा द्रष्टुः स्वरूपेऽवस्थानम्॥३॥
Tadā draṣṭuḥ svarūpe’vasthānam||3||
“When you find yoga, you come back to your true self.”
In this class we will practice with special attention to the different hormonal phases of a woman’s life (We will also address menstruation, pregnancy, post partum, menopause)
Minimum prop requirement: 1 chair, 3 blankets, 1 bolster, 2 cork or wooden blocks (foam is too unstable) and a belt
It would be very helpful to also have: a second chair (it does not have to be a yoga chair), a second bolster
Intermediate
Yoga Sutra 1.14
स तु दीर्घकालनैरन्तर्यसत्कारासेवितो दृढभूमिः॥१४॥
Sa tu dīrghakālanairantaryasatkārāsevito dṛḍhabhūmiḥ||14||
“Long, uninterrupted, alert practice is the firm foundation for stabilising the fluctuating mind.”
Minimum of 2 years of consistent Iyengar Yoga practice required. You must be ready to practice Sarvangasana and Sirsasana (or know their substitutes). You also must know how to take care of yourself.
Minimum prop requirement: 1 chair, 1 bolster, 3 blankets, 2 cork or wooden blocks (foam is too unstable) and a belt
It would be very helpful to also have: a second chair (it does not have to be a yoga chair), a second bolster, 3 extra blankets and 1 extra belt
How to use Yoga
Yoga Sutra 2.1
तपःस्वाध्यायेश्वरप्रणिधानानि क्रियायोगः॥१॥
Tapaḥsvādhyāyeśvarapraṇidhānāni kriyāyogaḥ||1||
“Burning zeal in practice, self-study, and surrender are the acts of yoga.”
In this class we are following the 10 week program from Mira Mehta’s book “How to use Yoga”. All levels welcome. Minimum Props: 1 chair, 3 blankets, 2 blocks and a belt
It would be very helpful to also have: a bolster, 2 extra blankets and an extra belt.
Mid-section
Yoga Sutra 2.16
हेयं दुःखमनागतम्॥१६॥
Heyaṁ duḥkhamanāgatam||16||
“The suffering from pain that has not yet arisen is avoidable.”
Awakening and bettering the communication with the midsection.
This area is between the top thighs and lower ribs, the bridge between the lower and upper body.
All levels welcome (if you’re a beginner, this should not be the only class that you attend during the week). Minimum Props: 1 chair, 3 blankets, 2 blocks and a belt
It would be very helpful to also have: a bolster, 2 extra blankets and an extra belt.
Śīrṣāsana – Sarvāṅgasana
Yoga Sutra 2.26
विवेकख्यातिरविप्लवा हानोपायः॥२६॥
Vivekakhyātiraviplavā hānopāyaḥ||26||
“The ceaseless flow of discerning wisdom in action (that is thought, speech and deed) is the means to end suffering.”
Śīrṣāsana (head-stand) and Sarvāṅgasana (shoulder-stand) are like parents who strive for the good health of their children.These inverted poses help one recover from the strains and stresses of the demands of everyday life and help prevent as well as cure many mental, physiological and physical diseases. But they are difficult to perform. It is crucial to take the time to learn them correctly to avoid collateral pains and injuries; regular practice of these poses must follow to not lose what has been learnt. Therefore a class has been set up for building the foundations of these two poses.
Requirement: This is not a drop in class, it requires regularity and follow-up on the part of the student. (minimum 6 month of Beginner/General classes).