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Our Courses

Our hatha yoga courses are designed to educate the body and mind through basic movement principles while developing the vital breath in preparation for the deeper methods of yoga practice.

Emphasis is placed on the groundwork and preparation necessary before entering the practices of Asana (postures), Bandhas (locks), Mudras (seals) and Pranayama (control of the vital wind). These tools are then used as means of getting the body prepared for the even more advanced stages of Pratyahara (non-distraction of the senses), Dharana (concentration) and Dhyana (meditation) in order to achieve Laya (absorption).

All courses require pre-registration. Space is limited.
Course content is adapted to those participating.

Programs are offered in weekly course format or as workshops or intensives and are presented in a progressive manner to guide the student safely and intelligently.

Intensives are powerful methods of learning where students can immerse themselves in a daily practice for a period of time. This heightens the focus and allows the content covered to sink in on deeper levels helping to cultivate permanent impressions.

Workshops explore a variety of yogic, ayurvedic and healing subjects. To view some workshops frequently offered click here.

Abhyasa Krama is our 3 year program for practitioners.

Stages of Sadhana

Intro – The shadow yoga warm up sequence and stances introduce the student to the prelude forms.
Pre-requisite : None

Preludes – Shadow yoga’s preludes are taught as introduction or in full practice formats.
Pre-requisite for 1st and 2nd prelude : Intro or some yoga experience
Pre-requisite for 3rd prelude : Knowledge of first two preludes

Self Practice – Students practice on their own without being led. Personal assistance is offered.
Pre-requisite : Knowledge of at least one practice sequence

Nṛtta Sādhanā – Dance of Shiva, 8 Palms, Karanas and Angaharas are introduced.
Pre-requisite : Knowledge of all three preludes

Shadanga Yoga (six-limbed yoga) – Hatha Yoga of Goraknath
Pre-requisite : All of the above

Mantra Sadhana – initiation into sound
Pre-requisite : All of the above

 

Intro to Shadow Yoga

Principles of shadow style hatha yoga are introduced through dynamic preparatory movements known as ‘Dasa Charana’ (ten churnings/roamings) and Jhiva Chala, along with basic stances. This simple yet challenging practice helps free up the joints in the body, releases muscular tension and encourages the proper flow of vital energy. The work has the specific purpose of correcting imbalances in the feet, legs and hips while reducing what is in excess in the body and mind. Students will be taught how to source their power in the feet, trigger it in the legs, control it through the waist, channel it through the spine and express it out the hands.

This course acts as the introduction to and the first stage of entering shadow yoga forms (preludes). A must for all those new to this unique style of hatha yoga, regardless of prior experience, as it forms the basis for the next levels.

Shadow Yoga’s Preludes

Balakrama (stepping into strength)

Shadow Yoga’s first prelude is a demanding fixed sequence that directly works on the body’s skeletal and muscular systems. It builds internal heat, physical strength and proper bone alignment. It develops power and endurance in both body and mind while regulating the breath to develop unobstructed rhythm and form. The results are the cultivation of courage, self-confidence, lightness, strength, flexibility, and integration, all of which are prerequisite to asana practice.

Chaya Yoddha Sancalanam (churning of the shadow warrior)

Shadow Yoga’s second prelude works on coordinating the lower limbs to their core through intricate hand and footwork. It develops skills in forward bending using fluid spiralling movements to help gain power in the legs and move it through the waist and inner organs. Narrow, tight stances and deep squats help free the pelvis and access the shins and feet while developing proper balance. It brings the practitioner inward with exhalation emphasis, cooling and soothing the body and mind. It builds self-acceptance and mental stability cultivating states of trust and surrender.

Karttikeya Mandala (garland of light)

Shadow Yoga’s third prelude works on integrating the upper limbs to their core. Wide stances teach positioning and centering. Deep twists and spiral actions in the waist train the practitioner how to source their power in the feet, trigger it in the legs, control it through the waist, channel it through the spine and express it out the hands. It cultivates skills in twisting, coiling, sinking, rising, inverting and balancing. It strengthens mental stability while developing physical coordination, self-awareness, intuition and sharpness.

Nṛtta Sādhanā

Nrtta Sadhana Demo by Shadow Yoga Teachers
Watch this beautiful video by our international community of Shadow Yoga teachers demonstrating the rhythmic life currents of Nrtta Sadhana.Nrtta refers to ‘pure’ dance. It is that Sadhana by which the sadhaka rediscovers the rhythmic life currents hidden within the body through unimposed natural positioning.
The eighth sutra of the Pashupata Sutras lists Nrtta as a method of worship and this is achieved by combining a number of short movements termed karanas. 108 of these are described in the traditional scriptures but only a few of those most suitable for internal cultivation are required in this sadhana.
https://www.hathayogashala.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-07-28-21-50-38-1.mp4

Registration

Advance registration is essential. Limited space available for in person classes. Please read all the information below before applying to a course. Requests to participate in courses should be sent by email – info AT hathayogashala DOT com (spelled out to avoid spam). Check your junk mail  if a reply is not received within 24 hours. Full payment is …

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In Person Classes

Group classes in studio, advance registration necessary, limited space.   MONTREAL WORKSHOPS :   February 10, 2023 Shadow Yoga Workshop 5:00 – 7:00pm Open to All. Pricing: $55 ($45 paid by January 27, 2023) Registration Deadline February 5, 2023 Register   February 20 – 24, 2023 Nrtta Sadhana Intensive  7:00 – 8:30am Open to All. Pricing: $190 …

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Private Sessions

Yoga can be taught one on one so that the unique requirements and goals of the individual can be addressed directly. It is an effective method of teaching only if the student does the necessary work on their own between sessions. Individual instruction is offered for students with injuries or special conditions that don’t allow …

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Abhyasa Krama

3 Year Practitioner’s Program Abhyasa = uninterrupted repeated practiceKrama = method or arrangement Success towards Yoga is no mystery or something esoteric beyond one’s reach. It requires a persistent commitment to practice. Over time, transformation is inevitable and sustainable. Candidates for this program must commit to, at least, one year of continuous study. The goal …

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Online Classes

Special Restorative Video Offer Online Private Sessions are currently accepted. Online courses are offered on ZOOM. All prices are in CAD including taxes and times indicated are based on Montreal Eastern. Classes are not recorded unless otherwise stated. *No refunds or credits for any missed classes. How to Register For guidelines to a successful online session, keep reading to …

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