ONLINE CLASSES

The Gita has been interpreted in many different ways according to the framework of each perspective. In this session, we look at the message of the Gita from the viewpoint of the Yoga Sutra. That is, as it speaks to us in our yoga journey. The deeper meanings of the words used, the context in which they occur, together with relevant references to the story of the Mahabharata, provide the framework of this exploration. The class will comprise the chanting of the slokas with Sheela and the explanation given by Ravi. Participants will be given the option to record the class themselves.  

Cost :  USD 22 for the classes held on the first four Sundays of each month 

Recordings of previous classes are available for purchase

Sankhya provides the philosophical foundation for Yoga. While initially a little intimidating, once delved into, the clarity of its structure brings on a clarity in one's mind and the Yoga Sutra is seen in a new light. The karikas of the Sankhya Karika are in the Arya metre. The chanting of these Karikas is therefore a little more demanding than the chanting of the Yoga Sutras or the slokas of the Bhagavat Gita. However, like the philosophy, once engaged with, it opens up the mind to a new rhythm. The class will comprise the chanting of the karikas with Sheela and the explanation given by Ravi. Participants will be given the option to record the class themselves. 

Cost : USD 11 for the class held on the first Saturday of each month

Recordings of previous classes are available for purchase 

The Siksavalli is the first of the three sections that constitute the Taittiriya Upanisad. The following two sections are the Brahmanandavalli and the Bhrguvalli. The highest truth of the upanisads is to be found in the Brahmanandavalli - the truth of Brahman. The Siksavalli gives the very important preparatory and purificatory practices that will lay the foundation for the truth given in the Brahmanandavalli. The Taittiriya Upanisad is one of the very few upanisads for which the chanting notations are fully available. It is also the source for the six rules of vedic chanting which are known all together as Siksa. 

Cost : USD 22 for the classes held on the first four Thursdays of each month

Recordings of previous classes are available for purchase 

Exploring the Yoga Sutra - the pearls and the necklace they form.  In this class, we study the text, sutra by sutra, while at the same time understanding the thread that runs through them all. In addition,  

• chant the sutras with Sheela in a) word by word flow and b) with sandhi, 
• explore the root meaning of many of the critical words, 
• cross reference the concepts with Sankhya and the Bhagavat Gita, 
• illustrate the concepts with excerpts from the puranas and poetry, literature and life.

Cost: USD 28 for the classes held on the first four Wednesdays of each month 

Recordings of previous classes are available for purchase  

The Vedas are the source of all the six systems of Indian philosophy, including Yoga. Received from a higher source, they were first heard by evolved rishis. To retain this teaching in its original form, these rsi-s taught what they had heard, as they received it, without any change in pronunciation or manner of chanting. It has been passed down through the ages in this manner from generation to generation. To chant even a small passage from the Vedas is to establish a link with the past and to participate in a living tradition. Every person irrespective of gender, race, age or faith can practice and benefit from chanting. Ability to focus, quieten the mind,  develop spontaneity, clarity of speech, and respiratory capacity are some of the benefits of chanting. 

Cost: USD 50 per group class of not more than 4 participants. 

Minimum commitment: 8 classes    

Every person has music within them. To open up the vocal cords and culture the voice is a rewarding and liberating experience.   In this class, you will be guided  to identify the music scale and sing the notes in different combinations, to open up the voice, train the ear, and tap into the music within. The exercises will be used to prepare the participant to learn devotional bhajans.

Cost: USD 50 per group class of not more than 4 participants

Minimum commitment: 8 classes