NAMASTE :) !Here I am, ready for a new challenge and reinforcing my interest in YOGA :) My next destination right after my NYC-Trip was the Peaceful Valley Ashram owned by Leela Mata, internationally known teacher with great wisdom. Thanks to my parents my interest in Yoga grew and I accompanied them to yoga classes in Bad-Meinberg, Europe´s biggest Yoga-Center by the way. That´s where I met Leela and learnt about the TTC. I wanted to immerse myself into Yoga and decided to take part in the TTC.
First of all I´d like to give you a short introduction into Yoga - here are some basics:
Yoga focuses on harmony between mind and body. Yoga derives its philosophy from Indian metaphysical beliefs. The word yoga comes from Sanskrit language and means union or merger. The ultimate aim of this philosophy is to strike a balance between mind and body and attain self-enlightenment. To achieve this, yoga uses movement, breath, posture, relaxation and meditation in order to establish a healthy, lively and balanced approach to life.
Though the exact origins of Yoga are unknown but Yoga is considered to be the oldest physical discipline in existence. Yoga, thus symbolizes balance in every area of life. In the earlier times, the rationale of the Yoga postures and breathing exercises was to bring stability and relaxation so practitioners could prepare for the rigors of meditation, sitting still and alert for long periods of time. In modern context also Yoga can play an important role in maintaining a fine balance between work and healthy mind.
more info on: http://yoga.iloveindia.com/
Though the exact origins of Yoga are unknown but Yoga is considered to be the oldest physical discipline in existence. Yoga, thus symbolizes balance in every area of life. In the earlier times, the rationale of the Yoga postures and breathing exercises was to bring stability and relaxation so practitioners could prepare for the rigors of meditation, sitting still and alert for long periods of time. In modern context also Yoga can play an important role in maintaining a fine balance between work and healthy mind.
more info on: http://yoga.iloveindia.com/
read info leaflet above :)
Basically and essentially it gives some brief facts about Leela Mata, the knowledgeable and loving main teacher + owner of the Ashram. This leaflet is meant to provide information on the respective scheme consisting of Ayurveda and Panchakarma. Also I thought it would nice to catch a glimpse of Leela and her ongoing projects. Anyways as mentioned on the leaflet yoga and meditation are included and it was naturally included as well in the TTC. Diet i.e. vegeterian food and lifestyle education plays also an important role. Through living the integral system of yoga, the student is provided with necessary knowledge to continue his/her practise at home.
The daily routine of the TTC has been settled beforehand.
The daily routine of the TTC has been settled beforehand.
The day started with Satsang (meditation + teacher´s lecture on yoga philosophy and wordly wisdoms) at 6:00 am. After a couple of days we changed it to 5:45 in order to get started with some breathing exercises. Honestly it was kind of hard getting up that early at the very beginning particulary after a pretty much restless trip to NYC,anyways i don´t want to complain :) i got used to the daily routine quiet quickly. right after satsang is a little break - tea time for about half an hour and it carries on with yoga exercises, usually with the guidance of leela and later on we taught each other to gain confidence/ practical experience. At 11 am is brunchime. Karma Yoga, meaning selfless service in the ashram, is subsquently for an hour. The two other participants and I mainly worked in the garden pulling weeds and things like that. Midday break was from 12:00 to 14:00 pm. After this it was time for Chanting Class, which got likewise extended to an hour since the feedback was throughout positive.
the main buildung of the Ashram property
groupphoto on the first evening
Right after Chanting Class we got down to Lecture on Yoga Philosophy for an hour. We did not learn exclusively about Yoga Philosophy, no, Leela also shared moving stories with us. The last agenda highlight were Principles and Practise of Teaching. We watched a DVD, discussed certain postures and aspects of teaching, so we gradually advanced :). In the evening, after dinner from 6:00 to 7:00 is again Satsang and Lecture. This was always the ending of the day. Bedtime was usually around 10:00 or a little later. Special notes were on Wednesday, which was stated to be Mouna - the day of Silence. On Thursday is Guru Puja in Place of Morning Satsang. Guru Puja is about worshiping the Gurus (act of graditude) who passed on their great knowledge for the sake of unversal peace and healing humanity. Leela´s knowledge is based on the Shivananda lineage.
on an excursion to nearby Clarion River
Cathie and I studying the manual
Generally the purpose of this course for you to pass the teachings on to others along with proper information. However, the main purpose is to give you an experience of the positive benefits of the approach to Sadhana. Sadhana means the concious practise of discipline that will have a amazingly profitable impact on your personality. Also, another purpose is to give you an experience of integrating spiritual values into daily life. You will see that everything you do can become Yoga.
graduation
receiving the blessings from Leela
I personally took advantage of the course and left very balanced. It was an amazing experience, in a certain way it felt like coming home. Living in close contact with Leela Mataji, a yogini of great love, compassion and wisdom was memorable. Also the "Ashram Family", everybody living there deserve a big thanks. If you are interested in learning more about Yoga and the Ashram, feel free to contact either me or the Ashram on:
www.leelamata.com
by Clarion River
last picture taken just before departure
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