The Gifts of Yoga with James Boag
Friday 31 May 2013
6.30 - 9pm What’s this thing called Yoga?
Ever wondered what 'yoga' really means in the context of our lives today? How it can help you in your life? This talk will begin to answer these questions in an in-depth introduction to yoga as the practical school of Indian philosophy which works with the reality of human nature and experience. Drawing on traditional teachings but always relating them to our everyday lives, James will offer rich insights around the question of what yoga is and how it is relevant and useful to us all. He’ll also explain how and where the physical practice of yogasana (postures) fit into the broader picture of yoga.
Saturday 1 June 2013
9am - 10.30am Asana “Any Style” Self Practice with live Sanskrit recitation from James
In these sessions, come and practice asana in any way or style you choose, from energetic Ashtanga to restful Hatha and everything in between. Regardless of how you choose to practice there’s a magic in practicing as part of a group sharing effort and focus. James’ accompanying recitation of classic Sanskrit yoga verses promises to add a truly special dimension. A great way to start the day!
11am - 1pm The Yoga Sutra-s and You
Patanjali's Yoga Sutra-s provide a timeless manual to guide us as we navigate the challenges of a human life. A work of staggering genius, Patanjali's distilled presentation of the method of yoga is as vital and valuable now as it has ever been. Come and find out how and why with James who’s intimately familiar with the original Sanskrit text and unlocks its treasure so it relates to you and your practice today. He’ll provide an in-depth overview of the first chapter, on yoga and samadhi, focusing on some of its most essential, practical teachings, bringing them into the realm of our personal experience.
1 – 2.30pm Karma Yoga/ Yajna Vegetarian Lunch
Focus on skillful action: one of the key teachings of Yoga, emphasised in the Bhagavad Gita and Yoga Sutra-s, is that practice is really everything we do. Here, we will consider eating as a joyful yoga practice that can develop our sensual intelligence and support all other aspects of our life. James will briefly explain the concept of practicing Karma yoga before we experience it through the act of eating, transforming lunch into a nourishing exercise in mindfulness.
2.30 - 5pm It all begins with Ganesa
One of the beautiful things in the Indian tradition is the breadth of the ways that practical truths, key principles and ideas, are taught and communicated. This afternoon James will draw on the 'Puranic' storytelling tradition, unlocking the rich symbolism of some of the wonderfully instructive stories of the deity Ganesa, a wonderful symbol of the whole course and state of yoga.
Sunday 2 June 2013
9am - 10.30am Asana “Any Style” Self Practice with live Sanskrit recitation from James
Experience the magic of practicing accompanied by live recitation of some of some of the classic yoga texts, You choose what you practice but we all share the experience of James’ rhythmic recitation.
11am - 1pm The Yoga Sutra-s and You: The Foundations of Practice
In this talk James will focus on key teachings from the second chapter of Patanjali's masterwork. This chapter lays down wonderfully practical and inclusive foundations for practice, including the 'astanga' or eight limbs. Gain a deeper understanding of the principles that can keep your practice firmly rooted as it continues to evolve.
1 – 2.30pm Karma Yoga/ Yajna Vegetarian Lunch
Focus on nourishing the centre: using another delicious meal as our support, we will experience the meal as a means of holistic nourishment, transforming it into a practice to cultivate gratitude and heightened sensual awareness.
2.30 - 5pm The Goddess and her Wisdom for Today
This afternoon’s discussion will cast new light on representations of the Goddess in the Indian tradition and how the teachings of these ancient wisdom traditions can inform, inspire and guide the lives and practices of men and women today. James will include telling and exposition of the glorious and wonderfully instructive story of Chamundesvari, patron goddess of Mysore where he’s done the majority of his Sanskrit study. As we’ll see, this story is not just full of rich flavour, but is of practical relevance to our lives today!
James Boag: A Biography
James is renowned for bringing the traditional, scriptural teachings of yoga to vivid life in ways which make clear their relevance and practical application in our lives today. James' practice and teaching grow from their roots in the Shankaracaraya Vedic tradition and the school of Kashmir Shaivism.
He has been teaching yoga and leading kirtan regularly since 2003 and teaching since 1993. Since 2008, James has spent over half his time in Mysore, where he is now working towards an MA in Sanskrit, while also leading kirtan and courses on the Bhagavad Gita and Yoga Sutras attended by international students of many of Mysore's renowned yogasana teachers.
Workshop costs
Full Weekend £140 inclusive of lunch both days
Individual Day (Saturday/Sunday) £70 inclusive of lunch
Morning Session £50 (inclusive of lunch) / Afternoon session £30 / Friday Night £30
To book contact info@merchantcityyoga.com