Yoga and Hinduism are not the same, yet there is crossover between yogic deities and many Hindu deities. The Oxford Companion to World Mythology reminds us that, "Religious stories are “holy scripture” to believers—narratives used to support, explain, or justify a particular system’s rituals, theology, and ethics—and are myths to people of other cultures or belief systems." As American yoga practitioners, most of us are not followers of Hinduism, so how do we understand, respect and appreciate the myths of the yogic deities in a real & authentic way, without engaging in cultural appropriation?
Would you like to know why the warrior poses are named after a “very bad dude” named Vīrabhadra? Or who the ONLY female character is to have a yoga pose named after her? Or why the "splits" is named after a monkey? Learning the stories behind the poses brings a new dimension our practice. In this session, we will explore the rich mythological and storytelling tradition behind your favorite yoga poses. Class will include lecture, discussion and asana practice every day.
In this course:
We will explore the deity's connection to yoga, such as why the practice of yoga falls under the auspices of Śiva - "the destroyer," and the connection between Vāmana, one of the avatars of Viṣṇu, to a variation of utthita hasta pādāṅguṣṭhāsana (extended hand-to-big toe pose) called trivikramāsana (three step pose.)
We will enjoy some beautiful stories and fables about the deity, such as why Gaṇeśa has the head of an elephant, and learn why short-term memory loss was a blessing to Hanumān.
We will consider the qualities embodied and symbolized by the deity we may wish to incorporate in our own lives, via yogic practices including āsana, prāṇāyāma, mantra, yantra, and meditation.
Facilitated by: Cheryl Oliver
Dates & Times
October 2- 3
Saturday 8am - 6pm
Sunday 8am - 4pm
Cost: $365 / included in 300-hr teacher training
* This module is eligible for Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Credits (for Registered Teachers who are not taking the complete 300 Hour program.)