In San Diego – Page 5

Sanskrit Quiz!

July 24, 2008August 8, 2017Anne Nowell

In the fifth weekend of our Teacher Training Intensive the students were given a quiz on the Sanskrit terms necessary to understand in identifying the asanas (postures). Sanskrit is a beautiful language, like Latin, in that it is the origin of other languages. In India, Sanskrit is known as “the language of the Gods”.

There are several major schools of Yoga coming from India. Most of the schools have similar postures but call them by different names. This makes for some confusion when discussing asanas. As well, in different regions in India they tend to shorten part of the pronunciation, asana becomes asan. This shifts the accent of the word; “Ut ta NA sa na” becomes “Ut TAN a san”.

Since our Training emphasizes the work of Krishnamacharya, the names of the postures tend to be the same however the pronunciations can be different. As students and practitioners of yoga it is important to stay flexible in the mind. ears, and tongue, as well as cultivating flexibility in the body!

Energy Anatomy Workshop

July 11, 2008August 8, 2017Anne Nowell

Energy Anatomy Workshop

In June, as part of our Teacher Training Intensive, we explored the topic, Energy Anatomy. The information was compiled from various sources mostly with origins in the Vedas (the ancient source texts of Indian philosophy). The Pranic Chakra and Nadi system of Yoga is similar to the Oriental Medicine depiction of Chi and Energy Meridians.

Koshas are a classification of the multi-dimensional attributes of the human being involving body, energy, mind, and spirit. A beautiful representation of the Kosha subdivisions can be seen in the artwork of Alex Grey, in his Sacred Mirrors exhibit. www.alexgrey.com

The Vayus are the categories of Prana as it relates to certain bodily functions and activities. During pranayama (yogic breath work) a primary goal is to enhance the body`s energy reserves by breathing exercises.

These subjects which have been understood for hundreds of years by Yoga practitioners are slowly being acknowledged by Western thinkers. Gradually we are transitioning into an understanding of “metaphysics” and the potential of this wisdom to enhance our well-being and spiritual evolution.

Yoganic Teacher Training 2008

June 13, 2008January 13, 2019Anne Nowell

In early June we began the journey of a 200 hour Teacher Training Intensive which will be continuing through December. There are eight very talented candidates, and since the group is intimate, it will be a wonderful opportunity to train and mentor each of them closely. The understanding of Ashtanga Yoga as an Eight Limb path developed by the ancient Rishi Patanjali will be an integral aspect of this training. In the photos below, we begin the practice of teaching with the voice. Stay tuned for the highlights of the course.