Its that time of year again! Gianna is running her yearly 84 asana practice intensive.
The Classical 84 Asana Advanced practice was shared with us by Bikram Choudhury and Emmy Cleaves. Bikram was trained by Shree Bishnu Charan Ghosh, founder of the Ghosh's College of Physical Education in Calcutta, India. Bishni Ghosh trained at the Ranchi School for Boys, founded by his older brother, Pramahansa Yogananda, who you may know from the Self Realization Fellowship and/or as the writer of Autobiography of a Yogi. It is said that Yogananda practiced physical practice with his colleague Swami Sivananda Saraswati whose philosophies infuse the asana and meditation practices you may practice with us at the Siddhi School of Yoga. Sivananda's teachings originate from Yogi Matsyendranath who is said to be the first human teacher of Hatha Yoga. His chief disciple, Gorakhnath, was said to be the guru to Yogi Swatmarama (even though they lived in different centuries), who was the author of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika says that the main objective of Hath Yoga is to create balance in activity, physical processes, mind, and energy to bring awakening which is responsible for the evolution of human consciousness.
The classical 84 asana series has been an elusive practice to many. We would flock to Bikram and Emmy for years to nerd out on this series at headquarter or advanced seminars. Since the fall of headquarters and the divide of the community, the wisdom of this practice has been scattered, changed, and molded to be marketable. Some schools continue to teach this series once a week and some have lost momentum altogether. This is why I believe a week straight of this practice is in order. Together, we will dive back into the ins and outs of this asana, ways to prepare for them, and keep a sense of humor and gratitude for our efforts.
Over the course of five days, we will break down main asana groupings to understand the overall alignment and best ways to work toward getting into the position healthfully.
The advanced practice will be held at Yoga Oasis Central. This room is not heated but it will be warm. The goal is that we are using our bodies to build heat and understanding in our practice.
Full exchange: $750.
Included:
All 10 classes
Course materials
Family dinner at my house
One hike including transportation (there will most likely be water to swim in)
Single-day drop-ins are available for $155
Just advanced class drop in is $108
Not included:
Mat and towel rental
Additional classes
Room and board
Travel expenses
Food/drink
When:
February 18-22
Where:
Yoga Oasis
2631 N Campbell Ave Tucson AZ 85719
Schedule:
8:30 am - 9:30 am posture breakdown and prep series
10 am - 12:15 pm 84 Advanced Asana
*if you are looking for airbnb’s in this area please look in the 85719 area. There are plenty of restaurants, grocery stores, and places to stay within walking distance of the studio.
Email info@giannayoga.com with questions. Limited space available!