Everyone is an expression of Source. According to Śaivism, Saṁkhyā philosophy, and subtle body theory, you are the expansion of the vibrations of Paramaśiva. This expansion of Śiva is an exploration of the saṁskṛt alphabet and the interconnected vortexes that create wheels of energy, commonly known as a cakra.

This workshop is an exploration of the basic subtle body concepts of nadī, kośa, prānavāyu, etc. We will expand our knowledge and explore the alphabet from its initial vibration of ‘a’ to the last letter of ‘h.’ In our study of the letters, we will examine selected pulsing dynamics of the letters, such as:

• an expression of Spirit, in saṁskṛt, the tattva,
• a vibrational fluctuation also known as a vṛtti, which effects the mental body,
• and, an entry point on the physical body, the bahya matrika and/or a marma point, which creates the alphabet of the body.

Each vibration and its intrinsic nature is represented by a petal surrounding a cakra. After discussing the essence of each letter, we will group them according to the order they are placed on their cakra. Our end goal is to understand how the pulsing vibrations define the inner soul of a cakra, adding information to understanding of external qualities most of us already know. We will explore how we use this information to support our yoga therapy practice or yoga classes.

The first part is a 15 hour overview and introduction to Saṁkhyā and Kashmir Śaivism. We will review the basic expansion of Spirit into nature through vibration of Spirit. A goal is to explore the body expression of Spirit through venues such as the nadī, cakra, prānavāyu, doṣa, bindu, kośa, kṣetra and more. To make the information applicable, we will integrate subtle body awareness in āsana, prānāyāma and meditation practices.

The 10-hour second part is a deeper exploration into the power of the vibration of each petal of the cakra and its impact on the internal essence. After an introduction in the first part, here we will review each cakra region and discuss the tattva (spiritual essence), vṛtti (mind fluctuation), bahya matṛka and marma (external body points) and their impact on “returning home.” The ultimate goal is to realize we often learn the “external” expression of the cakra vibration and miss the internal essence that is essential to transform on our journey to uncovering and living a Spirit filled life. 

3-punch handouts provided. Bring your own notebook or folder.

Textbooks:

Required, choice of:

Johari, Harish, Chakras, 1987, Destiny Books, Rochester, VT.

or

Radha, Swami Sivananda, Kundalini Yoga for the West,  1985, Shambala, Boston, Massachusettes.

Required, choice of:

Frawley, David, Ranade, Dr, Subhash, and Lele, Dr. Avishash, Ayurveda and Marma Therapy, 2003, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.

or

Lad, Dr. Vasant and Durve, Anisha, Marma Points of Ayurveda, 2008, The Ayurvedic Press. Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Suggested reading: Frawley, David, Mantra Yoga and Primal Sound: Secret of Seed (Bija) Mantras, 2010, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, WI.