Raj Balkaran – Yoga Stories Of Ancient India

Description Of Yoga Stories Of Ancient India

Why are so many yoga poses named after mythic scenes and mythic figures? What does, for example, Śiva’s cosmic dance of bliss, or Viṣṇu reclining on his serpent couch have to do with yoga postures? The mythological stories of ancient India encode profound philosophical and spiritual insight indispensable for the practice of yoga. What is the core content and significance of these stories? What can these stories add to your own yoga practice? Join Dr. Raj Balkaran as he transmits and decodes key mythological stories from ancient India, expounding their significance and relevance to the practice of yoga. Each class features a synergy of expert academic lecture, captivating storytelling, and profound spiritual transmissions. You will have ample opportunity for Q&A.

What You’ll Learn In Yoga Stories Of Ancient India

Module 1: Śiva, Lord of Yogīs

This class decodes the mythology of Śiva to show its significance for yoga practice. In particular we will examine stories related to Śiva’s cobra, his Vīrabhadra form, his cosmic dance of bliss, and his reclusive nature as Lord of Yogīs. Specific yoga postures covered include: -Cobra Pose (Bhujaṅgāsana) -Warrior Pose (Vīrabhadrāsana) -Lord of Dance Pose (Naṭarājāsana) -Perfection Pose (Siddhāsana) and -Mountain Pose (Parvatāsana)

Module 2: Viṣṇu and his Avatāras

This class decodes the mythology of Viṣṇu, and his human incarnations on earth (avatāras), to show its relevance for specific yoga poses. We will look at Viṣṇu’s reclining on his serpent couch on the cosmic ocean, and his incarnations as tortoise and dwarf. We will also look at his eagle mount, and his great devotee, Hanumān. Specific yoga postures covered include: -Reclining Pose (Anantāsana) -Tortoise Pose (Kūrmāsana) -Hanumān’s Pose (Hanumānāsana) -Three Strides Pose (Tri-Vikramāsana) -Eagle Pose (Garuḍāsana)

Module 3: The Powers of the Gods

This class decodes the mythology of various divine and semi-divine beings, including that of Indra (the thunderbolt-wielding king of the gods), Arjuna (Indra incarnate, and cousin to Kṛṣṇa, featured in the Bhagavad Gītā), Sūrya the Sun god, and Candra the Moon god. Specific yoga postures covered include: -Salutation Pose (Praṇāmāsana) -Half-Moon Pose (Ardhacandrāsana) -Thunderbolt Pose (Vajrāsana) -Archer Pose (Dhanurāsana) -Yogic Staff Pose (Yogadaṇḍāsana)

Module 4: The Wisdom of the Sages

This class decodes the mythologies of key sages of ancient India, including that of Vasiṣṭha, the great preceptor, Viśvāmitra, the king who became a sage, Durvāsas, the irascible curse-throwing sage, Aṣṭavakra, the sage bend out of shape, and Vāmadeva, who attained enlightenment while yet an embryo. Specific yoga postures covered include their namesakes: -Vasiṣṭha Pose (Vasiṣṭhāsana) -Viśvāmitra Pose (Viśvāmitrāsana) -Durvāsas Pose (Durvāsāsana) -Aṣṭavakra Pose (Aṣṭavakrāsana) -Vāmadeva Pose (Vāmadevāsana)

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