The System of Yoga

An overview of the theory, philosophy and practice of yoga

with Kim Schwartz

Friday-Sunday, April 1-3, 2011

For all levels

$230 for all five sessions

$55 per session

This fifteen hour workshop will offer a concise and practical overview into the philosophy and practice

of yoga. The structure offered here will be based on a classical text written by the sage Patanjali.

Each class will begin with a lecture on some aspect of yoga philosophy that will be followed with

asana practice. As the classes will be sequential, it is recommended that the entire workshop is attended.

1^st session - Friday 6:30 -9:00

How and why of yoga: This lecture will address the connection of mind and body along with

the rational behind yoga methodology.

Tadasana Tadasana/ mountain pose will be given special attention as it will serve as the

foundation of all of the rest of the asana practice.

Breath We will explore the fundamentals of the breath and how to begin to remove the obstacles

to, and optimize its function of the breath. We will also begin to gain awareness of the reciprocal

nature of how the breath effects and is effected by the mind.

2^nd session - Saturday 9:00-12:00

Yama: This lecture will offer an overview of the life actions that have the greatest causal

repercussions and offer thoughts on how to develop a harmonious relationship with them.

Standing asanas: This class will explore the standing asanas as they will create the foundation

for the rest of the asana practice.

3^rd session - Saturday 1:30- 5:00

Niyama: This lecture will offer an overview of the actions that will create the most benefits and

insights in life.

Forward bends and twists: Forward bends build upon the stability created in the standing asanas so that

we can mobilize the back body.

4th session - Sunday 9:00-12:00

Vrttis These could be thought of as the various methods of perception available to the mind.

By gaining a knowledge of the vrttis we can better understand how we are organizing our view

of the world and our life in it.

Backbends: This class will again expand from the foundations offered in the standing asanas

and apply them to backbends.

5^th session - Sunday 1:30 -4:30

Kleshas: Kleshas are described as the obstacles to organizing the vrttis. Through a knowledge

of the vrttis and kleshas we can begin to learn more how these predispositions of the mind motivate our

behavior in the world.

Inversions: All of the previous work with asanas offer the foundations that make inverted asanas

accessible and beneficial