The BODYLIFE SCHOOL of YOGA
SADHANA COURSE OF STUDY AND PRACTICE :
General information
This
course is designed to give the aspirant an introduction to yoga in its widest sense – physical, mental, and spiritual.
Personal
practice and study using the information published in this course, from other teachers, by direct experience and experimentation,
and through other published works both ancient and modern will be required.
At
the end of this course it would be expected that the aspirant would be equipped and prepared to consider going on –
to
become a `serious` student of yoga theory and practise,
to
take yoga teacher training,
or
to
consider the traditional sadhana of spiritual seeking as a shisya or chela (disciple) of a true guru and through initiation,
adoption of the rules of renunciation etc appropriate to their position in life.
Although
the course topics are designed to cover a two year study period, (approx the equivalent of
120 hours classroom contact), this is very flexible and open ended. Ultimately
it will be up to the individual to set their own agenda and timetable. The course
is NOT designed to be a quick pre-teaching course allowing entry to teacher training through another organisation. For those considering yoga teaching in connection with this course it would be advisable to consider a
vocational teaching qualification which would provide the necessary qualification for insurance and private or local authority
employment. Professional advice is advised.
Alternatives include City and Guild 7302 and 7407 in conjunction with a college of Further
Education, or organisational courses such as the Diploma
course of the British Wheel of Yoga, Sivananda Yoga Centre or the Bihar School of Yoga etc..
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QUALIFICATION?
Yoga was never designed to be a set body of knowledge needed to become a teacher etc.
Traditionally the guru assessed the level of progress of the shishya and advised him/her accordingly. In this modern age of western obsession with paper qualifications, as an alternative, a student of this
course who has been judged to have reached a satisfactory level of competence and understanding of the principles of yoga
will be awarded a recognition of study appropriate to the needs of the student. This
would not normally be considered for at least one year from the time of commencement of study.
The recognition of spiritual aspirants will be considered according to their chosen sadhana.
METHODS OF STUDY
Students
will be expected to:
fulfill
regular home practice of asana and other techniques listed in Patanjalis astanga yoga (eight limbs). This may
be with the guidance of a regular class teacher of yoga, by 1-1 tuition, or by attendance at workshops, residential courses
etc.
maintain
a regular yoga diary of aspects of life beyond the mundane.
create
a folder or other body of notes, cuttings etc expanding on the various topics listed in the syllabus. Foundation notes for this can be seen on the website www.yoga-sadhana.org
reading,
viewing or listening to spiritual scripts such as the Gitas, Upanishads etc (see reading
list) and recording their own reactions
adoption
of tapas (austerities) for prescribed periods of time/place
undertake
pilgrimage at least once
practice
meditation techniques and to comment on their effects
adopt
a `yoga` life style to as great a degree as possible and to live by the ethics of yoga.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
An
open mind and an open heart
A
sacred space for practise (this does not have to be large or even the same space
every day, but simply the realisation that by establishing the concept of sacred space you are making the first step to withdrawal)
Mat,
rug or cloth which NOONE else is allowed to use. This really is your sacred space.
Access
to a computer (Sorry but for distance learning which some may be considering this is a necessity nowadays).
Time,
and this will determine the length of the course.
Paper
and writing materials. These are the personal tools of your study.
Some
books. The Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads are essential. Before buying a particular translation look at several in bookshops and libraries; some may be more attractive/understandable
to you than others, For other books etc keep an eye open in 2nd hand
book shops, sales and remainder shops. In my opinion if you get just one good
idea from a book it has been a good investment. Personal advice will be given
to students when appropriate.
FEES AND OTHER COSTS
FEES
Yoga should never be sold. Those were the words of my guru. I am happy to charge you to teach you exercises and point you towards factual study using books etc. But for true help with your sadhana I would be breaking my undertaking at my initiation
if I were to put a value on what I can offer you. You have two alternatives:
Give me a donation according to the value you place on my help (which is just as likely to go in the same direction
as choice number 2.
Or send me a donation for a tree planting / forest conservation organisation.
After
my initiation I had a dream where through my efforts in this life I was able to bring about the reforestation of a complete
mountain side somewhere in the world. I can`t do it alone – with your help
we could.
OTHER COSTS
Class
enrolments.
Very
limited equipment.
Some
books.
Recording
materials etc
CONTACT
ME FOR MORE DETAILS
