The Yoga tradition utilizes a vast array of tools to help us reach more tranquil and elevated states of mind. Among these, the most exalted and revered tool is Mantra-japa (repetition of Sacred Syllables). Consistent with Sāṁkhya philosophy, Patañjali embodies these teachings and strongly recommends that Mantra-s are utilized as the most potent tool of Yoga. This is the main reason why most of the traditional Yoga practices were always inclusive of Mantra, a practice that was called Samantraka-abhyāsa.
Among the most popular Mantra-s are a set of Mantra-s called the Gāyatrī-mantra-s. They are called so because they are composed in the metric called the Gāyatrī, that usually constitute eight syllables in each part of the Mantra. The most important of all Gāyatrī-mantra-s is the one that was taught to Lord Rāma by his guru Viśvāmitra, and this Mantra honours the Sun.
However, many other Gāyatrī-manta-s exist, that are dedicated to different deities, and are called the Śākhā-gāyatrī-mantra-s. Some of these honour natural forces like the Sun, the Moon, etc., while others are devoted to various celestial beings of the Vedic tradition. Each of these is composed in the same metric, the Gāyatrī-chandas. They hold immense power within them and reciting them in the form of Mantra-japa not only bestows the positive attributes of these deities but also brings illumination in our hearts, and leads us in the path of our spiritual evolution.
The purpose of this seminar is to explore some of these powerful Gāyatrī-mantra-s, their meanings and how to practice them through meditation.
Each session will offer the classical description of one of the Gāyatrī-mantra-s, the word-to-word meaning, and the appropriate recitation of the same. We will choose the most common Gāyatrī-mantra-s that are especially focused on natural deities (Sun, Moon, Fire etc.) and feminine deities from the Vedic Tradition to honour and focus on the divine feminine strengths.
Allied theoretical concepts on how to engage them in classical Yogic meditation will also be explored systematically. A short and potent meditation practice based on this Mantra will also be taught and guided so that participants can experience Gāyatrī-dhyānam.
Śrī Gāyatrī-devī and the Śrī Gāyatrī-mantra
The following classical Gāyatrī-mantra and Śākhā-gāyatrī-mantra-s will be taught during this online course:
Gāyatrī-mantra Sūrya-gāyatrī-mantra Soma-gāyatrī-mantra Agni-gāyatrī-mantra
Lakṣmī-gāyatrī-mantra Sarasvatī-gāyatrī-mantra Durgā-gāyatrī-mantra Bhūdevi-gāyatrī-mantra
Who must join this seminar?
It will be essential for serious teachers and students, who wish to deepen their understanding of the subtle practices of Yoga and represent it authentically.
It will be most useful to:
those wanting to lighten the burden in their hearts.
those wanting to understand Yoga beyond just Āsana practice.
serious Yoga Teachers who want to explore subtle practices of Yoga.
Yoga Teacher Trainers who want to represent Yoga in an authentic manner.
those who are fascinated by Mantra-s and their potent effects on our subconscious.
those who have not found all the answers, despite long-term practice of their tradition.
the intelligent student of Yoga, who believes that all practice must be grounded in Philosophy.
the discerning seeker, who wants his/her heart to be filled with pearls of wisdom from the rich Vedic tradition.
those who are wondering if they are on the right path in Yoga or reflecting on what kind of Yoga practitioner they want to be!
The seminar was originally conducted in September 2020, and is now open once again for participants who missed it at this time. You can purchase access to this course and gain insights into this wonderful text.
Through a series of eight Audio Recordings, participants will learn the essential concepts from this text, and discuss its practical application either for themselves or for their students. Each module consists of two sessions of 50 minutes each. The seminar is conducted by Dr. Kausthub Desikachar in English.
All participants will be provided access to the Resource Centre, where they can download the handouts and the pre-recorded sessions, and listen to them at their own leisurely pace.
To know what students of Dr. Kausthub Desikachar say about him and his teaching visit here - Heart to Heart Testimonial | Whats students say about Dr. Kausthub Desikachar
To know more about the Gāyatrī-mantra, kindly watch this Youtube video —>
To sign up for the very special event, email us here info@viniyoga.com.sg
Investment
€240 for all eight sessions.
Cost includes payment for all sessions including audio recordings of each session. Payments can be made through Bank Transfer using IBAN or Paypal or Credit Card.
All Paypal and Credit Card payments will be charged only in Singapore Dollars (S$410 including Processing Fee). Interested participants can kindly send your Full name, Mailing Address and Email to info@viniyoga.com.sg
Payments can also be made in the following other currencies through Bank Transfer - British £ (£220) | Australian $ (A$400) | New Zealand $ (NZ$440)
On receiving your email, an invoice will be sent to you, and on receiving payment, your registration will be confirmed and access to the resource centre provided.
Please note that owing to the COVID-19 Crisis, this special price is offered. We are well aware of the financial stress this Coronavirus Crisis is causing to all around the world and we want to be of support. We hope all of you will take the chance to benefit from this special offer and invite you to join this very special course.