Join AYS Raleigh in welcoming Ross Stambaugh back for another weekend of practice and study in the Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga tradition.

AYS Raleigh is excited to welcome Ross Stambaugh back for another great weekend workshop!

Ross is an Authorized Level 2 Ashtanga Yoga Teacher who learned ashtanga yoga directly under the teachings of Saraswati Jois in Mysore, India. He makes annual trips to India to continue his studies and has assisted Saraswati on multiple occasions. Ross seeks to preserve the traditional Ashtanga method by maintaining a daily practice and teaching his students with the same integrity and patience that was taught to him by his teachers.  Ross teaches Ashtanga Yoga Workshops internationally, and welcomes a chance to work with you and your yoga practice. 

Ross is a 20+ year veteran of the Ashtanga lineage.  He is the author of “Ashtanga Svādhyāya: Student Study Guide” and “The Yoga Sutra Flipbook “, “Ashtanga Yoga: Counted Primary Series” and Ātman Magazine.  Apart from having a daily Ashtanga yoga practice, Ross has been a collegiate swimmer, judoka, and mountain climber. He is a retired public school teacher and holds a post-master’s degree in education. He enjoys walking his dogs, Kali and Brie and is an avid motorcyclist.

To learn more about his teaching style ~ Give him a Follow on Instagram @ashtanga.yoga.ross

Weekend Schedule:

Friday November 1st

5:30-7pm: “What’s the point of Pranayama?“ Theory and Practice  Duration 1.5 hours $35.00

Saturday November 2nd

8:30-10:30am Mysore Duration 2 hours $35.00

11-12:30pm “Know your Toes” Understanding the subtle use of footwork in Sun Salutations, Asanas and Transitions . Duration 1.5 hours $50.00

1:30-3:00pm: “1.5 hours into to the standing series for beginners with focus on straps blocks and modifications. Durations 1.5 hours $50.00

Sunday November 3

8:30-10:30am Mysore Duration 2 hours $35.00

11:30-1:30pm:“Yogis Helping Yogis”. Focusing on hands on assists and pragmatic solutions to common issues in ashtanga yoga. Duration 2 hours $50.00

This a sure to be a great weekend of practice and knowledge.

Total Investment: $220 for Full Weekend / Individual Sessions as listed above.

*Note: Cancellations made up to 14 days prior to the start of the Workshop will receive a refund minus any credit card fees already accrued. No refunds will be given for cancellations made within 14 days of the start of the Workshop.

Join AYSR in welcoming Carroll Ann Friedmann, co-owner of Ashtanga Yoga Charlottesville and author of Practicing the Yoga Sutras - A Personal Study Guide and Journal.

Carroll Ann has put together a wonderful program for AYSR over the course of the weekend and will also be teaching our Led Primary Saturday Morning.

Led Primary will be included in the weekend workshop passes (full weekend and individual day), it wil also be available as an individual pass.:

Saturday, September 14th

8:00am - 4:00pm

Full Vinyasa Led Primary Series 8:00-9:30am with Carroll Ann.

Starting at about 10:00am chanting and discussing the first 16 sutras of Samadhi Pada , Book One & the Kleshas along with the 8 Limbs of Yoga in Sadhana Pada, Book Two.

Sunday, September 15th

8:30am-2:30pm

Chanting and discussing Vibhuti Pada and Kaivalya Pada, Book Three and Four.

The Sutras provide depth and practical wisdom to help practitioners explore the central meaning of yoga along with helping us to better understand the history and traditions. This workshop is appropriate for all levels - those just starting out to those who are more seasoned.

Total Invenstment: $175 / Individual Days: $100

Note:

*This workshop can be attended in person as well as online.

*12 Continuing Education Credits are available for registered YA teachers that complete the full weekend .

*The cost of the weekend will include a copy of Carroll Ann’s book: Practicing the Yoga Sutras and Led Primary.

*There will be breaks throughout each of the days.

About Carroll Ann:

Aside from co-owning AYC and the Ivy Yoga School, she directs the Mysore Program and Apprentiship. She has practiced yoga since 2001 and has over 10,000 hours of teaching experience and over 1400 hours of teacher training in the Integral Yoga School.

Carroll Ann is deeply committed to the Mysore method of yoga teaching and practice. studying intensively with R. Saraswathi Jois in Mysore and assisting her at KPJAYI. She studied with Dr. M.A.Jayashree in Mysore, learning Sanskrit chanting and yoga philosophy.

She has been a yoga student for 25 years, a yoga teacher for over 20 years, and was introduced to the Yoga Sutras during her first teacher training in 2007, where she thought that they were obscure, confusing, and disconnected from her own experience of life and practice. In 2013, I met Dr. M.A. Jayashree in her living room in Mysore, Karnataka, India. She slowly and patiently, with much love and focus, started to teach Carroll Ann and other students to chant these short aphorisms. It was so difficult! Chanting the Sutras was like an asana practice for the brain. However, after years of working under her excellent tutelage, she grew from hearing to chanting to knowing by heart. With the sounds of the Sutras resonant in her, she was ready to return to their study.

Carroll Ann practiced under Jennifer Elliot until 2020, and currently studies with Richard Freeman, Mary Taylor and Ty Landrum. She is a EYRT 500, holds a MA in Religious Studies UVA; MDiv Princeton Seminary; BA in Anthropology and Religion from Vanderbilt.

Click below for some reviews of Practicing The Yoga Sutras as well as an interview where she shares the story behind her book.

https://www.practicingtheyogasutras.com/

https://youtu.be/BUFAVxQd9aA?si=RwykmyHeqxlLmIqi

Exploring Ashtanga Yoga & Buddhism - Where the Mat Meets the Cushion

With Cory Bryant of Yoga Shala Nashville & The Spiritual Pilgrim

For well over twenty years Cory has been exploring yoga and Buddhism. At times feeling more drawn to yoga and at other times more to Buddhism, until one day he realized it doesn’t have to be one or the other. 

These two rich philosophies/histories/practices — sadhanas — share incredibly rich and sacred roots. Over the past ten years it has been his great pleasure to embrace their integration. In this weekend workshop he’d like to share that experience with you!

Join Cory for this special weekend of lecture, discussion, and practice focused on the common ground of yoga and Buddhism. We will draw from the teachings of Patanjali and the Buddha along with contemporary teachers like Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, Joseph Goldstein, Richard Freeman and Lama Willa Blythe Baker. Our time together will be interspersed with guided meditations ranging from 3 to 30 minutes with plenty of time for group discussion and support.

SCHEDULE:

Saturday

8-9am Session 1:  Introduction to Yoga, Buddhism & Meditation – An overview of the practices and how they may be integrated, regardless of one’s personal belief system, to enhance our experience of yoga. Cory will introduce the śamatha (calm abiding) method of meditation and lead a short sitting practice.

9-9:30am Break

10am-12pm Session 2:  Yoga & Buddhism:  Common Ground – A deeper dive into theteachings of the Buddha and Patanjali with an emphasis on the areas of commonality, which it turns out there are many! We will continue to explore śamatha meditation as a means to develop greater ease with sitting practice.

12-1pm Break

1-3pm Session 3:  Tibetan/Vajrayana Buddhist Approach: Good Fit for Ashtanga –  A distinguishing feature of both Tibetan Buddhism and Ashtanga Yoga is their shared tantric roots. In this session Cory will introduce the theory behind tantra – and don’t worry, it’s not the erotic mumbo jumbo that’s often associated with tantra – and how we can benefit from this aspect of practice. We’ll wrap up the day with a 30 minute guided meditation that invites you to explore open awareness.

Sunday

8-10am Session 1:  From the Mat to the Cushion – Here we’ll explore the transition from the mat to the cushion. It’s quite common to consider these as separate, even unrelated, practices — asana and meditation, but they don’t have to be. There can be so much meditative value gleaned from movement-based practice. We’ll use this time to look at how to approach this integration and elevate the impact of our time on the mat. This session will include some asana practice – nothing major, just simple sun salutation and standing postures. Please bring your mat.

10-10:30am Break

10:30-12pm Session 2:  Focusing on the Cushion – This last session will focus on bringing it all together with a series of 3 meditations interspersed with inspirational teachings from great masters including the Buddha and Patanjali. We’ll explore ways to make meditation something you look forward to!

Meditations (mainly seated with possible inclusion of walking practice within the room) will be included throughout the sessions and range from 5 to max 30 minutes each. 

Investment: $150 for whole weekend; $35 per session A La Carte (if price is an issue, please reach out for scholarship and/or sliding scale options)

Bio

Cory Bryant is the Founder of Yoga Shala Nashville – Ashtanga Yoga in East Nashville, TN and The Spiritual Pilgrim – yoga & meditation pilgrimages in Nepal, India and soon, Bhutan. His yoga journey took root at Jivamukti Yoga School in New York City just after 9/11 in 2001 and hasn’t stopped since. A practitioner of Ashtanga for over ten years, he’s been teaching yoga for 16 years and has studied intensively with David Life, Sharon Gannon, David Garrigues and Tim Miller and more recently Tim Feldmann. A PhD scientist and a student of Tibetan Buddhism, he draws from his understanding of the scientific method to explore the intersections between Buddhism and yoga to provide an integrative approach to practice and life. Cory has made 12 trips to Nepal since 2010 where he has taken up extensive study and practice. After a successful career in international food policy he and his husband relocated from DC to Nashville in 2019 where they live with their three dogs, Buddy, Bella & Puja.  IG: @yogashalanashville @the_spiritual_pilgrim @coryyoga

Canellation Policy:

Cancellations made up to 14 days prior to the start of the Workshop will receive a refund minus any credit card fees already accrued. No refunds will be given for cancellations made within 14 days of the start of the Workshop.

The Primary Series of Ashtanga yoga refers to the seated postures from Paschimottanasana through Setu Bandasana. But that’s not the end of the story! A full practice includes a backbending section as well as a closing sequence to ensure a balanced energy and a calm nervous system. In this weekend workshop, we’ll look closely at those sections, as well as explore a bit of Second Series, and a few alternate sequences to support a balanced daily diet of yoga.

NOTE This weekend workshop is part of the AYSR Student Development Course. It can also be taken on its own. For more information on the Student Development Course, CLICK HERE

Saturday June 1st

7:30-9:30am: Led Half Primary & Half Second Series & Discussion -- Some say that a balanced diet of Ashtanga yoga includes Primary Series and Second Series. The first section of Second Series in particular provides a nice balance to the dominance of forward folds in Primary Series. So let’s talk a peek! We’ll Practice Primary Series up to Navasana, then the first several postures of Second Series, as appropriate for those in attendance. Practice will be followed by a discussion & Q&A

10am-12pm: Alternate Practices — There are days built in to the Ashtanga tradition for rest, allowing for a robust practice most other days. But let’s be real…sometimes you need to explore the practice from a slightly different angle. In this workshop we’ll discuss options for those days you don’t have enough time and energy, as well as those days you have some extra juice!

1-3pm: Closing Sequence: Shoulderstand, Headstand and all the rest — The Closing Sequence of Ashtanga consists of two inversions - Headstand and Shoulderstand, along with some variations and counterposes. Considered the King and Queen of asana, Headstand and Shoulderstand both build strength in the upper body, as well as calming the nervous system in preparation for Savasana. In this workshop we’ll explore these postures using props, modifications, and enhancements to help us get more out of these amazing postures.

Sunday June 2nd

8:30-10:30am: Mysore Class (optional)

11am-12pm: Sutras & Philosophy — A discussion of yoga philosophy based on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (chapter1) and other texts.

1-3pm: Backbends — Positioned at the end of practice, Backbends provide a welcome balance to the forward folds of Primary Series. However, Urdvha Dhanurasana is not considered a beginner backbend, and many people have difficulty with this posture. In this workshop, we’ll begin with some foundational backbends from the Second Series, moving through these postures in an “easiest to hardest” progression, so ALL LEVELS are welcome. You are sure to gain some insights no matter where you are in your practice.

Investment:

$120 for the Full Weekend; $35 per session

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations made up to 14 days prior to the start of the Workshop will receive a refund minus any credit card fees already accrued and a $15 handling fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations made within 14 days of the start of the Workshop.

The second half of the seated postures in Primary Series offer an opportunity to bring awareness deeper into the body and mind. Proper support through breath and bandhas are key, and we’ll investigate those elements in depth, bringing them into play for some of the more challenging transitions in the practice as well.

NOTE This weekend workshop is part of the AYSR Student Development Course. It can also be taken on its own. For more information on the Student Development Course, CLICK HERE

Saturday April 20th

7:30-9:30am: Led Full Vinyasa Primary Series & Discussion -- Ashtanga Primary Series is most commonly practiced in the "Half Vinyasa" form, meaning that between seated poses, students flow through to Downward Dog and then back to seated. In "Full Vinyasa Form", students flow through all the way to standing (Samastitih) between poses and then back to seated again for the next pose. The result is energetically quite different, stimulating and relaxing at the same time. It is recommended that students have experience practicing Primary Series of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga consistently before attending this class. Practice will be followed by a discussion & Q&A

10am-12pm: Pranayama — “The decision to consistently and loyally attend to your breathing is the most important single decision that you will ever make to ensure success in yoga.” ~David Garrigues. This workshop will explore some foundational breathing exercises, as well as the 5 pranayama practices associated with Ashtanga vinyasa yoga.

1-3pm: 2nd Half Seated Postures: Breath, Bandhas & Balance — The last part of the Ashtanga Primary series brings a slight change of tone and energy, bringing more attention to the breath and bandhas, and settling the nervous system in preparation for closing the practice. We’ll look at the poses from Baddha Konasana through Setu Bandhasana, exploring key actions, and modifications.

Sunday April 21st

8:30-10:30am: Mysore Class (optional)

11am-12pm: Yoga Sutras & Philosophy — A discussion of yoga philosophy based on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (chapter1) and other texts.

1-3pm: Ashtanga Transitions —While most of the time, we think of transitions in Ashtanga as being jump backs and throughs, in actuality, transitions include any time we are moving from one position to another throughout the practice. In this workshop we’ll be looking at the unusual and challenging transitions in Primary series, including jumping back to chaturanga and forward to seated, chakrasana (backward roll), and others.

Investment:

$120 for the Full Weekend; $35 per session

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations made up to 14 days prior to the start of the Workshop will receive a refund minus any credit card fees already accrued and a $15 handling fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations made within 14 days of the start of the Workshop.

Let’s escape the NC Summer heat and head for the hills! September 26-29, 2024

Join Stacy Ingham for a 3 day retreat at Bend of Ivy Retreat Center near Marshall, NC, about 30 minutes north of Asheville. Bend of Ivy is located on 63 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains with great hiking nearby. We’ll wake up each morning surrounded by nature, and start our day with Mysore practice followed by instructed Pranayama practice to prepare for a day of hiking nearby and/or exploring the amenities Bend of Ivy has to offer onsite. Meals will be catered, with vegetarian and omnivore options. Late afternoons we’ll gather for a clinic or discussion of yogic texts, followed by a delicious dinner, and an evening to gather and relax together, or find a quiet space on the grounds to reflect on your day.

This will be a perfect time to step away from your daily responsibilities and reconnect with your deeper self through time spent in nature and surrounded by like minded people.

Payment Details and Cancelation Policy

To secure your space on the retreat a non-refundable US $250 deposit is required. A payment schedule will be provided upon registration, however, you may pay in full at any time prior to July 25th, 2024.

Anyone registering after July 25th, 2024 will be expected to pay in full upon registration. 

Should you need to cancel your reservation at least 60 days prior to the start of the retreat, you will receive a refund for payment made less the $250 deposit. Should you need to cancel less than 60 days prior to the retreat, for whatever reason, we will not be able to provide a refund or credit. No refund or credit will be given for arriving late or departing early. Payments must be made in accordance with the payment schedule in order to hold your space. In the unlikely event AYS Raleigh needs to cancel the retreat, a full refund will be given.

In this weekend workshop, we begin picking apart what makes the Primary Series of Ashtanga what it is: Yoga Chikitsa (Yoga Therapy). A deeper understanding of the structure of the practice, along with the vinyasa counting method and the intentions of the postures in the Primary Series seated postures will help lead students deeper into their practice, offering a way to a more sustainable long-term practice.

NOTE This weekend workshop is part of the AYSR Student Development Course. It can also be taken on its own. For more information on the Student Development Course, CLICK HERE

Saturday march 9th

7:30-9:30am: Led Primary Series & Discussion -- Students will be led through a traditionally counted Primary Series practice, followed by a discussion/Q&A. Students who have not completed the Primary Series may stay and observe, or close out on their own and take rest.

10am-12pm: Sanskrit & Vinyasa Counting — The Vinyasa count of the Ashtanga practice is like the official road map. Each breath and movement is accounted for from the first "ekam" to savasana. Learning this count in sanskrit and the names of of the postures helps students develop a deeper understanding of the practice and how it flows. This in turn allows for a more meditative practice.

1-3pm: Primary Series Part I — The first section of the Primary Series seated postures (Dandasana - Maricyasana) is designed to open the hips and hamstrings and build strength and endurance in the body. In this session we will explore the most basic intentions of the postures using hatha yoga techniques, including props, and more.

Sunday March 10th

8:30-10:30am: Mysore Class (optional)

11am-12pm: Yoga Sutras & Philosophy — A discussion of yoga philosophy based on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (chapter1) and other texts.

1-3pm: The Train Wreck — The postures of the Primary Series from Marichyasana D through Garba Pindasana can be particularly challenging for many students. As we gain the strength, flexibility, and endurance built in the first half of the practice, these postures test those aspects in a variety of ways. For this workshop, we’ll look at the intentions of each of these postures, preparatory postures, modifications, , and self adjustments using props and other techniques.

Investment:

$120 for the Full Weekend; $35 per session

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations made up to 14 days prior to the start of the Workshop will receive a refund minus any credit card fees already accrued and a $15 handling fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations made within 14 days of the start of the Workshop.

This weekend workshop is dedicated to the core elements of any Ashtanga yoga practice, beginner to advanced. The 5 key aspects of practice will be introduced on Friday evening, and woven through the weekend’s workshops, setting the stage for a fruitful, sustainable practice for life

NOTE This weekend workshop is part of the AYSR Student Development Course. It can also be taken on its own. For more information on the Student Development Course, CLICK HERE

saturday Jan 27th

7:30-9:30am: Led 1/2 Primary & Discussion -- Students will be led through a traditionally counted Primary Series practice up to Navasana, finishing with backbends and closing sequence. A discussion will follow, picking up themes from the Yoga Sutras.

10am-12pm: 5 Key Elements in Practice — Breath, Bandha, Drishti, Asana and Vinyasa will be defined and discussed, followed by a short led practice, allowing students to experience the magic that happens when all these elements come together.

1-3pm: Saluting the Sun — This workshop will focus on the Foundation of the Ashanga practice - Surya Namaskara. We’ll begin with a short talk, and then explore a variety of hatha yoga techniques to extract the essence of this essential part of the practice.

Sunday Jan 28th

8:30-10:30am: Mysore Class (optional)

11am-12pm: Sutras and Philosophy — A discussion of yoga philosophy based on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (chapter1) and other texts.

1-3pm: Finding Foundation in the Standing Sequence —  Along with the Sun Salutations, the Standing Sequence remains consistent no matter what seated series of Ashtanga a student is practicing. We will break down the postures in this powerful sequence to help us find foundation in our legs, and build from there.

Investment:

$120 for the Full Weekend; $35 per session

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations made up to 14 days prior to the start of the Workshop will receive a refund minus any credit card fees already accrued and a $15 handling fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations made within 14 days of the start of the Workshop.

Join me in welcoming my teacher, David Garrigues for a weekend devoted to the study and practice of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. This weekend will focus on the subtle aspects of the vinyasa format of the Ashtanga practice.

*** ALL LEVELS WELCOME ***

This workshop is suitable for anyone intersted in Ashtanga with a motivation to learn. David is skillful in providing explanations of elusive, often unspoken aspects of the practice. In weekend workshop’s, he offers clinic style led classes that investigate specific aspects of the practice that help students come to new perspectives on how to practice more intelligently, safely and joyfully.

*** ABOUT DAVID ***

David Garrigues is one of a few teachers in the US certified to teach Ashtanga Yoga by Sri K Pattabhi Jois. David met Pattabhi Jois in 1993 and over the next 16 years he traveled to Mysore India to study with the great yoga master. In 1996 Pattabhi Jois granted David a teaching certificate. As an Ashtanga Ambassador he bases his teachings on the idea that ‘ANYONE CAN TAKE PRACTICE’, a core idea in the teachings of Sri K Pattabhi Jois. David’s mission is to help others flourish within the living, contemporary lineage of Ashtanga Yoga.

In his workshops David offers a combination both traditional counted vinyasa led classes and clinic style led classes that investigate specific aspects of the practice in varying levels of detail. These important classes feature more verbal instruction; they give students a chance to slow things down, see new ways to orient during practice, get explanations of elusive, often unspoken aspects of the practice, and understand the Ashtanga method in greater, more subtle detail. Mysore, chanting and kirtan classes are also frequently included in a workshop. During the weekend David weaves together studies of asana, pranayama, bandhas, vinyasa, chanting, bhakti yoga, yoga sutra’s and other elements to help develop Ashtanga Vidya (knowledge).

*** WORKSHOP SCHEDULE***

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 3RD

6-7:30pm INTRODUCTION TO THE VINYASA POSITIONS OF THE PRIMARY SERIES A fast-paced class that will teach you the vinyasa positions and breaths that make up the foundational postures of the Primary Series. At the end of the class, you’ll understand the purpose and benefit of each vinyasa position.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 4TH

8-10:30am MYSORE AND PRANAYAMA Mysore class provides the student with a concentrated and heightened learning experience that will help he/she develop practical and technical yoga skills and be immersed in the inspirational magic and poetic soul of the practice. Each student will receive valuable one to one guidance from David on developing his/her personal practice. The student will develop skill in applying the practice techniques in ways that are logical, challenging, intelligent and fun. David focuses on learning how to follow the Ashtanga system and at the same time creating a practice that honors individuality, versatility and creativity.

12:30-2pm ASHTANGA’S DYNAMIC VINYASA DIMENSION This asana class will focus on how proper vinyasa knowledge extends beyond memorizing the number of positions of the asana; you are also meant to know the vinyasa positions dynamically within your body. There is a great art to understanding the subtle progressions of movement that bring you into and out of each asana, exploring this refinement is what brings you into readiness, poise, beauty and alignment in your postures. We'll look at how such vinyasa knowledge helps you understand how to refine your awareness and to learn to see the practice as chiefly dhyana, meditation

6-8pm BOOK LAUNCH PARTY - ASHTANGA YOGA VINYASA by David Garrigues (Location TBD)

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 5TH

8-9:45am MYSORE CLASS Mysore class provides the student with a concentrated and heightened learning experience that will help he/she develop practical and technical yoga skills and be immersed in the inspirational magic and poetic soul of the practice. Each student will receive valuable one to one guidance from David on developing his/her personal practice. The student will develop skill in applying the practice techniques in ways that are logical, challenging, intelligent and fun. David focuses on learning how to follow the Ashtanga system and at the same time creating a practice that honors individuality, versatility and creativity.

10:30am-12pm YOGA SUTRAS TALK ON BOOK 1, SUTRA 20 Study of the Yoga Sutras offers key insights on how to better work with your mind in your daily asana practice. David will give a talk on book 1, sutra 20; this is one of the most famous sutras in Patanjali’s, Yoga Sutras, and talks about the 5 qualities to cultivate for progress in practice:

Sraddha—FAITH; Virya——ENERGY/STRENGTH; Smrti——MEMORY; Samadhi—MEDITATION; Prajna—AWAKENING OF WISDOM OR INSIGHT

Found in Yoga Sutra 1-20, this unique combination of qualities are meant to be cultivated and are the gifts of your practice. They can be thought of as 5 jars that you want to fill and keep filling. David will discuss each one of these powerhouse words in this 1 hour long talk. There will be a short 10 minute chanting portion in the beginning. This is an excellent introductory way to experience the sound vibration of the sanskrit language as a means to meditation.

Cancellations made up to 14 days prior to the start of the Workshop will receive a refund minus any credit card fees already accrued. No refunds will be given for cancellations made within 14 days of the start of the Workshop.

Join Stacy Ingham and the AYS Raleigh Community for a discussion and exploration of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, a manual for Hatha yoga written by Swatmarama in Sanskrit in the 15th century. The title translates as “Light on Hatha Yoga” and connects the teaching’s lineage to Matsyendranath of the Nathas. It is among the most influential surviving texts on hatha yoga, being one of three class texts alongside the Gheranda Samhita and the Shiva Samhita.

• Chapter 1 deals with setting the proper environment for yoga, the ethical duties of a yogi, and the asanas.

• Chapter 2 deals with pranayama and the satkarmas.

• Chapter 3 discusses the mudras and their benefits.

• Chapter 4 deals with meditation and samadhi as a journey of personal spiritual growth.

As students of Ashtanga yoga, a form of Hatha yoga, a study of this text offers a way to connect our practice to the yogis of the past, and gain understanding through that connection.

The format for this study group will be informal, with students encouraged to bring their insights and questions. Participants should purchase and bring with them any translation/commentary of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. There may be some chanting and meditation, but no asana practice. All Levels Welcome

We’ll meet on Wednesdays from 4:30-5:30pm for 6 weeks, beginning September 6th, and ending October 11th.

This course will be offered In House and Online via Zoom, with recordings offered to those who cannot attend live.

$100 for the 6-week Session

Join us at AYS Raleigh for the 4th Annual Weekend Workshop with Taylor Hunt! If you missed him here before, you won’t want to miss out on this weekend of inspiration, support and sharing the Ashtanga tradition from Taylor’s unique perspective. Taylor is knowledgeable and personable and so generous with his teaching, inspiring students to keep going and mine their practice for all it has to offer.

Taylor Hunt is a devoted practitioner and teacher of Ashtanga yoga. He makes yearly trips to Mysore, India to further his studies at the K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute (KPJAYI) under the guidance of his teacher, R. Sharath Jois. In 2013, Taylor was granted Level 2 Authorization to teach and has had the honor of assisting at KPJAYI on several occasions. Taylor is dedicated to sharing the healing practice with others and providing a community where practitioners can find support in their practice and daily lives. Seeking to preserve the traditional method, Taylor teaches daily Mysore classes at Ashtanga Yoga Columbus and offers workshops around the world. He is also the author of A Way From Darkness and director of the Trini Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to sharing the life-changing practice of Ashtanga with those suffering from addiction. He continues to inspire others through his story of personal transformation and accessible approach to the practice.

To learn more about Taylor’s story and life’s work, please visit www.awayfromdarkness.com and www.trinifoundation.org

SCHEDULE

Saturday June 24th

7:30-9:30am: Led Primary + Intro to Pranayama -- Full led Primary Series class using the traditional Sanskrit count followed by a brief introduction to pranayama. The control of prana or energy is known as pranayama, which helps the practitioner to better understand the breath and aids in the regulation of mind and body. 2 hour class, $50

10am-12pm: Philosophy of Ashtanga Yoga and Mysore Style — Why do we commit to a consistent practice? How do we apply the lessons that are learned on our mat? Join Taylor to dive deeper into the philosophy behind the Ashtanga method. Learn about the therapeutic benefits and how the practice translates into our daily lives. 2 hour talk, $50

2-4pm: Transitions - Lifting Up and Jumping Back — In the Ashtanga system, the vinyasa is the thread that links each posture like the beads of a mala. While lifting up, jumping back, and jumping through may seem daunting at first, this course lays the groundwork to begin building the core strength and bandha awareness that allows you to float through the transitions. Learn how to begin moving through these transitions with ease to bring grace and fluidity to your practice.  We will also spend time looking at the vinyasa count to further cultivate the meditative aspect of the practice. This is a fun and challenging workshop for all levels of practitioners. 2 hour workshop, $80

Sunday June 25th

7:30-9:30am: Mysore Style Class -- Join Taylor for a unique opportunity to receive individual attention and deepen your practice in a Mysore-Style setting. 2-hour class, $40

10am-12pm: Chanting — 2-hour workshop, $80

Investment:

$250 for the Full Weekend; Individual Sessions as listed above

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations made up to 14 days prior to the start of the Workshop will receive a refund minus any credit card fees already accrued and a $15 handling fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations made within 14 days of the start of the Workshop.

Join AYS Raleigh in welcoming Ross Stambaugh back for another weekend of practice and study in the Ashtanga Vnyasa yoga tradition.

Ross is a 20+ year veteran of Ashtanga Yoga, and is an authorized teacher who learned directly under the teachings of Saraswati Jois in Mysore, India. When he is not traveling internationally for workshops, he welcomes the opportunity to help all levels of dedicated yoga practitioners. He makes annual trips to India to continue his studies and has assisted Saraswati on multiple occasions. Ross seeks to preserve the traditional Ashtanga method by maintaining a daily practice, and has extensive knowledge in the areas of pranayama, philosophy (yoga sutras), and certainly asana. His teaching style is grounded with the same integrity and patience that was taught to him by his teachers, and you’ll always find him smiling. When is he not on his mat, he is a public school art teacher and holds a post-master’s degree in Education. Ross has been a collegiate swimmer, judoka, and climber. Nowadays, you’ll find him walking his dogs or enjoying a motorcycle ride.

Follow Ross on Instagram @ashtanga.yoga.ross to learn more about his teaching style.

Schedule:

Saturday May 20th

7:30-9:30am Mysore Style — Students will be taught the Ashtanga Yoga method as it is still taught in Mysore, India today. Students will practice their asanas and receive 1-on-1 instruction, assists, and/or modifications in a group setting. Students should be familiar with the Ashtanga Yoga Sequence with a regular weekly practice. Duration 2 hrs; $35

10am-12pm Myths and Metaphors of Hindu Gods and Goddesses — Join Ross as he explains the power of Hindu Mythology and storytelling as it relates to asana (yoga postures) an yoga at large. The lecture will cover the well known Gods and Goddesses of Peri-Vedic mythology and use stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita. Duration 2 hrs; $35

2-4pm Bettering Your Backbends — This workshop will look at backbends fro the Ashtanga Primary and Secondary series. Theory will be discussed, followed by practice of the asanas and ways to modify, change and assist. *Students should be comfortable pressing into ”wheel pose” is required. Duration 90 min-2 hrs; $70

Sunday May 21st

7:30-9:30am Mysore Style — Students will be taught the Ashtanga Yoga method as it is still taught in Mysore, India today. Students will practice their asanas and receive 1-on-1 instruction, assists, and/or modifications in a group setting. Students should be familiar with the Ashtanga Yoga Sequence with a regular weekly practice. Duration 2 hrs; $35

10:00-11:30am Breath of Yoga — This workshop is for students ready to bridge the gap between asana (postures) and starting an independent pranayama (yogic breathing) practice. Theory will be discussed, followed by a traditional pranayama sequence involving 6 specific techniques. Duration 90 min; $70

1:30-3:30pm Third Series Open Workshop **Add On Session — Have you dipped your toes into the Third Series of Ashtanga and have some questions? Join Ross for this Special Session aimed at helping you unlock that struggle pose. Bring your questions and deepen your understanding of this series of challenging Leg Behind Head, Arm Balance, and Backbending postures. Aptly named Sthira Bhaga - meaning Strength and Grace, or Divine Stability, Third Series is a wonderful, deeply devotional practice, but it is no joke, and is best approached after some time practicing Primary and Second series. So if you’re on the fence about attending, reach out with any questions you may have :-) Duration 2 hrs; $70 **This session is not included in the “Full Weekend”

Investment: $220 for Full Weekend; Individual Sessions as listed above

Cancellations made up to 14 days prior to the start of the Workshop will receive a refund minus any credit card fees already accrued. No refunds will be given for cancellations made within 14 days of the start of the Workshop.