Humanities Arts Cultural Stu 0173 - Yoga: Philosophy and Practice

This class intertwines the philosophy and practice of yoga, and takes the form of a traditional yoga class that consists of opening chanting, asana, conscious breathing, and meditation, with an opening Dharma talk focusing on yogic history and philosophy. We will learn a style of yoga based on the vinyasa krama teachings of Tirumalai Krishnamarycharya, the so-called father of modern yoga who is credited with the revival of hatha yoga and with being the architect of vinyasa yoga, conjoining breath an movement. Students will be introduced to the universal connection of the flow of prana (life-force) and to a holistic, energetic approach to vinyasa as more than a technique or style of yoga but a way of guiding the flow of our body, practice, and life. Major texts will include: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (translated by Sri Swami Satchidananda); The Secret Power of Yoga, by Nischala Joy Devi; Bhagavad Gita (translated by Stephen Mitchell); and The Heart of Yoga, T.K. V. Desikachar.

Arts, Design, and Media Writing and Research Multiple Cultural Perspectives Independent Work Students are expected to spend an additional 6-8 hours in work and preparation outside of class time.