Read a recent article by Ramaswami: http://www.namarupa.org/
Yoga Retreat with Srivatsa Ramaswami
YOGA AS PER SRI KRISHNAMACHARYA’S TEACHINGS
Sri Krishnamacharya taught Yoga in a way that will enable us to use it all through life. During the period of growth in our lives, it will be learning and practicing a number of asanas with a variety of Vinyasas, Pranayama and some chanting and this was called Vriddhi Krama or yoga practice suitable for ‘the growing period. During the mid part of the life, when there is neither growth nor decay it will be Stithi Krama or maintaining good physical and mental health. This is the most important segment of everyone’s life-- having a career, maintaining a family and endeavoring to accomplish one’s goals. It is essential to maintain good physical and mental health and the appropriate Yoga for that is known as Stihiti Krama / Chikitsa Krama or Yoga as a therapy, physical and mental. Here in this krama, appropriate asana/vinyasas, pranayama, meditation, adaptation to individual requirements and understanding the human body and mind become essential. As one gets older, the yoga that is appropriate will be to take care of old age. Maintaining sufficient health to maintain oneself, keeping the mind on spiritual/ devotional thoughts becomes necessary. One has to prepare for old age, both physically and mentally. Here the methodology would be Laya Krama, or yoga for the last stage of life. Here contemplation on ultimate reality, keeping the mind calm, remaining ambulatory are the keys. In this retreat, all the three aspects will be covered. It will include study of several asanas and vinyasas, important pranayama methods and mantra chants, study of the body, the subtle anatomy and physiology as understood by yogis. This will present a wholesome approach to health and the spiritual thought process contained in the Yoga sutras.
I. Vinyasakrama Yoga Practicum (Vriddhi Krama). In this 20 hour slot, several important asanas and Vinyasas in about 10 sequences (about 200 core Vinyasas) with appropriate breathing will be taught. Step by step learning of pranayama will also be taught .
II. Yoga for Health/Chikitsa Krama: In this 20 hor program, subtle anatomy and physiology--the chakras, dhatus, kosas will be gone into and the specific yofic procedures of asanas, pranayama, madras, chanting and meditation will be gone inot in detail. Adapting yoga to changing individual requirements will be discussed and practiced.
III. Yoga as a Philosophy (Asana Krama): In this 20 hour the teachings of Patanjali as applicable to different stages of spiritual evolution will be dealt with in details. A brief comparison with other sibling philosophies as Samkhya and Vedanta also will be presented..