Posture ~ Breathing ~ Sound ~ Meditation ~ Self Study

These comprise the sadhana or spiritual discipline of the yogi, one who masters him/herself by gaining control of the 5 senses of perception and of the mind and emotions.  The yogi uses these as the servants of her/his own innate wisdom and magical nature which always is loving, joyful, compassionate and in a state of balance.

Posture

There are 4 series of postures, practiced in a vinyasa (flow) style:  Foundation, DO I, DO II and DO III.  

Foundation introduces the postures, the connecting movements and the breathing that make up the structure of a vinyasa series.  DO refers to the first note of a musical scale and the emphasis on understanding and sensing ourselves through the 1st Rudra Yoga doorway of the physical body. DO I uses beginning postures with a flow of breath that opens the root center and begins to activate the navel center.  DO IIadds the next level of difficulty in the postures with transitions that increase navel strength to raise internal heat.  DO III uses intermediate postures and transitions that increase upper-body strength to raise the aerobic quality and generate more fire for internal digestion and gaining the fruit of the practice.

Breathing

The breathing exercises oxygenate all physiological systems, clear the energy channels and centers of the subtle system, and construct a container that holds and builds energy.

Sound

The sound practices pay homage to three primary deities of the Hindu spiritual lineage who embody our wisdom qualities and describe the perfected state of yoga through the teaching of Kaishmir Shaivism.

Meditation

The meditation practices train the mind first to objectively observe its activity, then to become quiet and still, to separate from the physical realm and open the extraordinary sense perceptions, to process all experiences and open the heart in love and bliss.

Self-study

Study of the yogic teachings, of our teacher who is further along on the path and of ourselves is imperative to grow in consciousness.  Every experience is a context to study and practice the yogic teachings and to examine how we are doing in our ability to live the teachings.