Yantra Yoga or the Yoga of Movement, is one of the oldest recorded systems of Yoga that exists in the world. It is a system of Yoga that has come to us through Tibet, a land full of a vast and rich traditional Buddhist knowledge and wisdom.
This uninterrupted lineage of Yantra Yoga is a fundamental method to integrate the profound essence of the Dzogchen Teaching in the three doors (body, voice and mind) of the practitioner. Through positions and movements combined with breathing, one's energy is coordinated and harmonized so as to let the mind relax and find its authentic balance, which is the basis for contemplation.
In Yantra Yoga there are many positions similar to Hatha Yoga, but the way to assume them differs. In Yantra Yoga a sequence of seven phases of movements connected to seven breathings is used. In particular, in the central phase of the movement the position helps create specific retentions of the breath that work at a subtler and deeper level. For this reason it is not only the main position but the entire movement that is important.
Tsegylagar East offers an extensive program of beginning and more experienced courses in Yantra Yoga throughout 2012 taught by our local certified Yantra Yoga teachers, Paula Barry and Naomi Zeitz. Click on the links below for detailed descriptions, cost, times and location for each course. Weekly practice sessions are held in Northampton, MA and the Tsegyalgar East gonpa. Visit our events and weekly schedules for further information.
February 8 : Yantra Yoga Demonstration at Amherst College with Fabio Andrico (Free and Open to the Public)
February 10-12 : Yantra Yoga: Perfect Rhythm of Life with Fabio Andrico (Public) at Kripalu
February 25 & 26 : Yantra Yoga: Tsadul and Deepening of the Eight Movements with Paula Barry (Public)
March 24 & 25 : Yantra Yoga: Breathing and Kumbhaka with Naomi Zeitz (Transmission required)
April 14 & 15 : Yantra Yoga: 2nd Series and the Pranayama of the Four Profound Applications (Rhythmic Breathing) with Naomi Zeitz
May 4, 5, & 6 : Beginners Yantra Course taught by Paula Barry & Naomi Zeitz (Public) at Amherst College
May 19 & 20 : Yantra Yoga Third Series and Pranayama with Naomi Zeitz (Transmission and a basic knowledge of the prelimaries of Yantra Yoga)
July 11-12 : Kumbakha and Breathing with Fabio Andrico (Transmission required).
To register and reserve your place contact the secretary, Harold Graves at secretary@tsegyalgar.org or 413-369-4153. To reserve a room in the dorm, contact the geko at geko@tsegyalgar.org
Chögyal Namkhai Norbu has written an extensive commentary on the root teachings by Vairocana from the 8th century, Nyida Khajor, the Union of Sun and Moon Yantra, based on his personal training and knowledge of Yantra Yoga received from his uncle and various teachers in Tibet. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu began teaching Yantra Yoga in the beginning of the 70's in Italy.
For the first time in the West, this marvelous and complete text called A Stainless Mirror of Jewels is being published by Snow Lion Publications and will be available at your local bookstore and on the SSI online bookstore: www.shangshung.org/store
