Yoga Philosophy of
Silver
Lotus Training Institute
Be at Ease. Be in deep peace. Keep It with you.
 The style of yoga studied and practiced at
Silver Lotus Yoga Institute is referred to as Svadhyaya Yoga™ and
is based on the belief that the study and practice of yoga is
a profound human response
to our innermost, non-religious longing for deep connection with
Higher Consciousness. Svadhyaya Yoga™ evolved out of a deep
concern for the social, interpersonal, intrapsychic and stress-related
health problems facing contemporary society. Elements of contemporary
Body/Mind psychology, as well as the Chakra system, developed in
Tantrism (about 1000 c.e.) are integrated into this style to fully
address the diverse needs of people living in our complex, modern
world.
There are many styles of yoga practiced and studied
in our country today. Regardless of the style she or he studies,
a serious
student
(sadhaka) must harness enough self-discipline to face the daunting
challenge of self-discovery. Through diligent and careful study
and practice, she or he will inevitably encounter the experience
of discovering the inner self (atman) and the simultaneous unfolding
to the presence of Higher Consciousness. This process is highly
individualized because each body resonates with Higher Consciousness
or with the Divine Source in its own unique way.
 Each person will
experience this harmony and union with Higher Consciousness in
a distinct way. (The terms "Higher Consciousness", "Divine
Source", and "True Nature" are used interchangeably.)
No two people will experience the study or practice of Yoga in
the same way. Nor will any two individuals attain the same benefits
or ultimate results from study and practice. No two individuals
need to achieve the same results because each of us in on a unique
karmic path and, therefore, requires our own unique lessons.
This recognition of the interface between the unique qualities
of the
individual, the innate ability to connect with Higher Consciousness,
and the birth right of each individual to unfold in her or his
own unique way sets Svadhyaya Yoga™apart from other systems.
Svadhyaya
Yoga™ is unique because its intention is to cultivate
and validate the individualization of the yoga experience through
careful guidance and query. The teaching of this style
of yoga, therefore, is highly individualized, with small classes
and an
emphasis on the importance of the trusting relationship between
teacher and student. At Silver Lotus Training Institute there
is no right or wrong way to conceptualize the body, the postures,
or
the breathing (effectiveness and safety are essential to the
practice). Instead, teachers carefully guide students to explore
their own
experiences of yama, niyama, asana, pranayama,
pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi. The teachers' intentions
are to support the students' development of witness consciousness,
acceptance, non-attachment and ultimately, resonance. Resonance
is defined as the phenomenon occurring during the practice of
asana or meditation when the inner attention (pratyahara and
dharana),
the breath (prana maya kosha), and the intuitive body (vignana
maya kosha) align and create the unfolding of the bliss body
(ananda maya kosha) which then facilitates the powerful opening
to Higher
Consciousness, Our True Nature. It is through resonance
and connectedness with the Higher Consciousness that each of
us discovers our own
true nature (atman).
At Silver Lotus Training Institute the manner
in which we study and practice yoga evolves from "within " and
involves structural, physiological, emotional and intellectual
aspects of human functioning.
When a student executes an asana in the ideal manner for that
student's body with effective breath control, these aspects re-align
and
come into energetic harmony. From this place of harmony pranic
channels (nadis) begin to resonate and open increasing the capacity
and flow of prana. Thus, the student experiences a feeling of
well being or happiness or peace. This increased flow of prana
and the
subsequent feelings of well-being set the student on the path
of self-discovery and enlightenment about her or his true nature
which
is the realization of the presence of Higher Consciousness or
Divinity that resides within each of us.
Each class in Svadhyaya
Yoga™ begins with a practice of pratyahara.
We turn the awareness inward and focus on the state of inner
being. We observe the anna maya kosha (the physical), the pranya
maya
kosha, (the pranic body), the mano-maya kosha (the emotional
and intellectual bodies), the jnana maya kosha (the intuitive
body).
We unfold into the ananda maya kosha or the bliss body with each
aspect of our practice.
In class, we then move into the practice
of asana with attention to the quality of resonance within each
individual body.
The practice of pranayama is done throughout
each asana and specific pranayama techniques are learned as students
develop in self
awareness.
Yoga meditation techniques are also practiced in each class.
It is when we can drop into the inner silence that we experience
union
of the Individual Self (Atman) and the Supreme Self (Brahman)
Except
for the point, the still point
there would be no dance and there is
only the dance"
T.S. Elliott
Through the development of physical strength and
flexibility and the subsequent resonance, the individual becomes
adept in
the mastery
of knowledge of the Self (atman) or the Higher Consciousness
that resides within each of us. We encourage the practice of "witness
consciousness," "non-attachment," "non-judgment," "acceptance
and acceptance of perfection as imperfection."
The classic
texts are studied by the teachers, are an integral part of the
teacher training and are offered to students who
are interested in deepening their knowledge of the Self and Yoga.
The
fundamental principles of Svadhyaya Yoga™encourage each
student to learn the tools to discover your own inner "knowing," your
innate wisdom. We are committed to help you discover your true
yoga master!
Our class size is intentionally small. While we
do not judge other commercialized schools with large classes,
we
believe in
the individuality
of the yoga experience and the importance of the relationship
between teacher and student. Therefore, our average class is
between 5
and 12 students. Small class size ensures that student and teacher
alike have an opportunity to really work together on the student's
learning. Each person comes to the center with a learning style
and a learning personality. At Silver Lotus Yoga Institute part
of the enjoyment we experience as teachers is working with the
unique learning style of each student.
Above all, we want you
to enjoy yoga. You will never be criticized for making a mistake
or doing yoga the "wrong" way. We
use verbal coaching to help you experience the benefit and joy
of each posture rather than using "hands on " manipulations.
We will always ask your permission before touching you. This
minimizes risk of injury or fear.
Our philosophy is Best reflected in this poem
"When I am on my mat,
I am in Sacred Space,
My Body a Temple in the Holy Land.
If you enter that space, ask my permission
Tell me where you want to touch and......
What is your intention
Perhaps I will grant you the right to give guidance,
or Perhaps I need to pray in solitude...
Since each body "wears" its life in a
unique way, we discourage the idea that your body "should" fit
into a particular posture. We teach so that the posture fits
and supports
you.
The Institute is committed to offering in-depth
study of yoga philosophy, anatomy and chakra system, meditation
and teacher
training. The
Institute offers a number of weekend intensive training sessions
on a variety of yoga subjects.
Please join us for a unique learning
adventure. Receive Individualized Instruction in these times
when Yoga is becoming, Industrialized.
We celebrate diversity
and embrace all people of color, ethnic background, religion,
and sexual preference. We welcome bodies
of all sizes, shapes and levels of fitness.
Namasté |
