Inspired learning
Delve into philosophy
Discover the depth of one of yoga’s most fascinating texts: the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Although less well-known than Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, this text is the most influential and relevant to modern yoga. This workshop will explore the many recommendations including posture, breathing, and cleansing practices, and will consider the remarkable parallel with our current understanding of yoga. A 75-minute yoga class is also included, imaginatively recreating some of the practices, and a detailed exploration of the philosophy, beliefs and symbolism behind these practices. Expect a truly eye-opening experience!
Who is this for?
What happens in a yoga class? We do postures, and probably a bit of breathing. But, is any of this actually rooted in history? This training is your opportunity to find out.
Whether you are new to yoga history, or if you want to deepen your existing knowledge, this training will be an inspiring journey into the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, a fascinating 15th-century manual on yoga.
We will discuss what this historical text says about posture, breathing, and where to practise – in those days, it wasn’t on polished wooden floors in your local studio!
We will also explore what the author felt about women (“not very complimentary, I’m afraid” says Shamita) and his ideas about philosophy and meditation. Open to teachers, trainee teachers, curious yoga practitioners.
When + Where?
Saturday 25th January 2025
10am – 4pm
Yogarise Peckham
What will I learn?
By the end of the course, you will be able to introduce some of the postures and breathing techniques from the Hatha Yoga Pradipika into your yoga classes.
You will deepen your awareness of the history and principles behind these ancient practices and will understand how modern yoga has maintained some of these principles while embracing new ideas.
Prices
Early bird
Available until 31st December 2024
Full price
Payment plan available
Meet the teacher
Shamita Ray
Shamita started life as a dancer and choreographer, specialising in contemporary dance and bharatanatyam (Indian classical dance). She began to practise Iyengar yoga as a means to increase flexibility and complement dance training. But it was when she wandered, by chance, into an Ashtanga class that she was hooked and yoga became a lifelong passion, to rival her love of dance.
In addition to her 200 & 500-hr teacher trainings, she has completed further studies in Yin, Ashtanga, meditation, Forrest Yoga, and Gong Master Training. Most recently she completed an MA in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation.
Shamita teaches regular classes and workshops at Yogarise Queen’s Park and Streatham studios in addition to leading the Sanskrit module on the Yogarise 200hr Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training.
Got questions?
Is there a payment plan?
Yes. You can settle £50 at the time of booking and the balance in 1 instalment 30 days later
Is there a manual included?
You will receive a pdf of the full English translation of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and a pdf of the PowerPoint slides used which will include a comprehensive reading list and suggested website links.
Why should I book?
By digging into the past, we will discover gems of wisdom that allow us to understand our present. We will develop an intellectual and experiential understanding of the evolution of Hatha yoga. Expect lectures, discussion, postures, pranayama, and meditation… all made accessible, inspirational, and with plenty of good humour!
Help! I have more questions?
You can email Clare@yogarise.london for more information or any questions about the course.
What to expect
We will start the day discussing the major themes of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and the influence the text has on modern yoga.
Chapter 1 will then be explored in detail, where the author introduces posture – considered the ‘first step’ of hatha yoga – as well as recommendations on diet, how to achieve ‘success’ in yoga, and what he thinks about women practitioners.
In Chapter 2, we come across breathing and cleansing practices, some of which you will get to try. We will then enjoy a 75-minute yoga class, which will include an imaginative recreation of the postures and breathing techniques.
After a break for lunch, the afternoon will be spent on Chapter 3 (chakras, kundalini, and the practices recommended to reduce wrinkles and grey hair!) And, Chapter 4 which introduces meditation, the breath-body-mind connection, and illustrates how all these practices can achieve liberation.
The day will finish with group discussion and questions.