Special Continuing Education Training: Philosophy and Pranayama

Pranayama and the Upanishad Shvetashvatara

October 1 - 14, 2011

with Sri O. P. Tiwari and Paul Dallaghan

Sri O. P. Tiwari is one of the most recognized and accomplished masters of yoga, its practice, and its meaning. He comes to us humbly, not trying to prove anything but only to pass on the thought and practice as it has been done by adepts over the centuries, and done so with integrity, where the practice bears fruit. He is a part of this living tradition and carries this energy with him as he lives and practices it.

* This course is a 100-hour continuing education credit towards Yoga Alliance 500 and the Centered Yoga 1100-hour Training standards. A 100-hour certificate is issued upon completion.

About the Training

If you are reading this you are already familiar with Pranayama and the teachings of Tiwariji. He offers this about the Upanishad:

"Upanishad literally means to be in close proximity. There are nine principle Upanishads: Isa, Ken, Katha, Prashna, Mundak, Mandukya, Taittriya, Attreya, and Shveta Shvetara. Amongst them, Shveta Shvetara is of the highest importance for yogic practitioners.

It starts with the Swasti Mantra (prayer for the welfare of all creation). And as is tradition, fundamental questions are asked: Who has created this world? How could it be known? Through meditation, one can find the answer.

Its emphasis is that the jiva (soul) remains awakened. But Maya or Prakriti cover the knowledge. Hence, one must understand that just like oil in sesame seeds, water below the riverbed, butter in the curd, fire in the wood, so is the soul found within the body. The whole Upanishad is devoted to addressing the fundamental problem of the human mind and its pattern of functioning.

One of the things it prescribes is practicing yoga and meditation. And it states how one can know one's progress in the 13th verse: Lightness of body, steadiness of chitta, freedom from disorder, glow in one's bodily appearance, etc. These are a few signs that indicate positive progress, which leads to self-realization. In the end, it says that one who has intense trust in the Supreme and the same in his Guru, he will no doubt succeed; he will succeed (verse 23)."

This course will touch a new level of study and practice, and will be an intensive internalizing period. The primary focus will be Pranayama practice with in-depth pulse reading of each student, varying as necessary. Mantra recitation will also be practiced. Some evenings will include tratak practice.

Daily asana practice will be overseen by Paul and assistants. We will cater for all practices in a self-practice room, those in classical ashtanga and other approaches.

All questions on practice and philosophy are welcome. Satsang with Tiwariji will be in line with traditional ongoing and deeper study with the teacher- practices and discussion, awareness on the use of personal energy, with particular attention to food taken. Tiwariji will only teach for a few more years and this is a prime opportunity to invest your time and energy wisely.

Advance preparation by students should be to improve their practice of kapalabhati.

About the Teachers

Sri O.P. Tiwari (Tiwariji) has dedicated his life to the practice and teaching of yoga. For the past almost fifty years he has been head of The Kaivalyadham, a yogic research institute near Bombay, India. Established by his master, Swami Kuvalayananda, in 1924, the institute has been a pioneer in scientific research related to yoga.

Tiwariji was taught in depth by his master, and he accomplished all the practices. This puts him in the rare position of having practical experience as well as deep philosophical and scientific understanding. He is one of the few remaining masters of Pranayama in the world today.

He wears no badge, waves no flag, and is not interested in propagating his name. He joins us here to pass on the teachings to those sincerely interested. Besides these sessions, he remains in private practice in India, quiet and humble.

Paul is one of three senior students of Tiwariji. He is honored to host his teacher every year, and as a result share this knowledge and experience with many others. Paul will lead the asana portion and assist Tiwariji in all the Pranayama practices, pulse observations and philosophy

The Daily Schedule

The program begins at 5pm on the first day of the retreat with a group welcome and departure is at 12pm on the last day.
The schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the teacher.

Based on request and availability, you are welcome to arrive early or extend your stay, our Residential and Wellness Programs details are on http://www.yoga-thailand.com/yoga-holidays.html

Sunday will be a half day and Saturday free after morning Pranayama practice.

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