The technology of hatha yoga and certainly its Tantric roots are downplayed in the Ashtanga practice in favor of an emphasis on Patanjali´s mind focused approach to yoga. However, we all experience the effects of opening the channels of the subtle body during practice, which is what makes us such dedicated practitioners!

In the workshops and classes we will focus more closely on the subtle bodywork present in Ashtanga yoga. We will work in detail with the bandhas and their relation to the inner winds (prana.) We will also practice techniques from the Tibetan Yogic tradition that works directly with the energy of the body. * These techniques teach us to channel our vital energy in the best possible direction: towards liberation for oneself and others:

What is the true depth of the reality we attempting

to discover as practitioners?

It is an unbroken, indivisible, all-encompassing,

all-permeating field of infinite energy – of vital

force.

“Clear Light” is a solid, invisible substance

– like a pane of glass, a diamond, or clear crystal,

Whenever we merge with this energy, we are

spontaneously energized, healed, and sustained

Bob Thurman

In the philosophy classes we will look at the history circumstances that shaped Ashtanga: as the story goes, Krishnamacharya (the father of modern yoga) learnt his techniques from a Yogi in the Himalayas, whom we know little about, but there were also other influences, such as modern physical culture and Hatha Yoga.

*P.S. This course will also be a good foundation for those who are planning to take the course with Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche and Ian Baker later this summer!

About Ellen Johannesen

Your instructor on this course is Ellen Johannesen; level 2 authorized by KPJAYI and one of Norway´s most experienced Ashtanga Yoga teachers. With more than 25 years of experience, Ellen teaches yoga based on her extensive background in movement, first as contemporary dancer and later as an advanced level Ashtanga practitioner. Ellen is deeply engaged in Eastern philosophy, holding an MA degree in Buddhist studies and Himalayan languages. She is well versed in the practices of the Himalayan yogis, speaks fluent Tibetan and works as both an oral interpreter and textual translator of Buddhism. She is a practitioner of the Vajrayana path of Buddhism and also pursues an interest in the scientific research into the benefits of contemplative practices. In this context she has undergone extensive courses in Sadhana tantric rituals, positive psychology and neuroscience and sustainable compassion. Ellen is a much -loved teacher of asana as well as philosophy and meditation. She runs Mysore classes, pilgrimages and retreats in Nepal and teaches regularly throughout Norway and internationally.

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Program

Friday:

15:00 - 19:00 Check-in
17.00 - 18.30: Soft Yoga (Lunar sequence)
18:30 - 19:30 Dinner
19.30 - 20.00: Welcome and Intro to the retreat

Saturday:

07.00 – 09.00: Morning meditation and Ashtanga Yoga class
09:00 - 10:00 Breakfast
11.00 - 12.00: Introduction to Buddhist philosophy and meditation: compassion, the foundation of practice
13:00 - 14:00 Lunch
16.00 - 17.30: Technique class: Bandha and Subtle Body
18:00 - 19:00 Dinner

Sunday:

07.00 - 09.00: Morning meditation and Ashtanga yoga practice
09:00 - 10:00 Breakfast
11.00 - 12.00: Introduction to Buddhists philosophy and meditation, The body as a tool for transformation
13:00 - 14:00 Lunch
16.00 - 17.30 Technique class: Tibetan Yoga
18:00 - 19:00 Dinner

Monday:

07.00 - 09.00: Morning meditation and Ashtanga yoga practice
09:00 - 10:00 Breakfast
11.00 - 12.00: Introduction to Buddhist philosophy and meditation: Clear Light and emptiness
12.00 - 13:00 Lunch and departure