Module 2. The Power of Freedom: Yoga that transforms

Prana is the force that brings about change - physically, mentally and spiritually. How we manage this energy is key to our achievement of success and happiness. Our aim is to maximize our life-force (prana) and activate shakti (desires) to be all that we want to be. This is the gift of yoga.

The path of yoga is one of progression. For thousands of years yoga has been positively affecting the lives of practitioners. Traditionally, yoga was taught to the individual, but more recently in the West group classes have become the norm. Group classes often do not include the more subtle teachings of the yogic tradition. Asana (poses), while tremendously important, can be considered the first step on the yoga ladder. Often we get stuck thinking this IS yoga. The Power of Freedom: Yoga that transforms will take you up a few more steps by (re)introducing various yoga techniques that facilitate being in the state of yoga, not just doing yoga.

In The Power of Freedom we learn to intelligently and intentionally move prana (life force) in specific ways through asana, pranayama, bandhas, mudras, kriyas, mantra, etc., to master the mind and achieve union (yoga). This tantric approach is considered an accelerated path to personal freedom. As awareness deepens the transformative qualities of yoga are experienced. Our aim is to maximize our life-force (prana) and activate shakti (desires) to become all that we are meant to be. This is the gift of yoga: auspiciousness!

The curriculum to support this module includes discussion on:

- Adhikara – progession of one’s practice; becoming more sensitive to the whole and the subtle aspects of life
- Application of advanced methodologies – bandhas, mudras, kriyas, pranayama, mantra
- Tantra – exploring this philosophy and its science
- Understanding prana
- Shakti-kundalini – the power of personal evolution
- Ayurveda – practices and principles for balance and wholeness
- Prana, tejas, ojas
- Understanding the subtle body – vayus, koshas, chakras and gunas
- Meditations

Required reading: The Heart of Yoga by T.K.V. Desikachar