At its heart, the ancient teachings of yoga are intended to lead one into a sublime, joyful state that is one's very own nature. Through its practices of postures and breathing, yoga directs life energy to flow freely throughout the body, helps direct awareness inward and guides one into a state of peace and serenity.

These practices take on more depth and richness when combined with an understanding of the philosophical underpinnings from which the practice developed. This weekly 2-hour course provides a solid foundation whether one is a beginner or a seasoned practitioner.

The practice includes:

• The sun salutation
• A sequence of core yoga postures (inversions, forward-bending, backward-bending, side-bending, spinal rotation, and balancing)
• A variety of yogic breathing practices
• Guided relaxation known as nidra or yogic sleep
• Mantra & Meditation

In addition, philosophical principles of yoga are explored:

• Hatha yoga
• Kundalini Shakti
• Prana & Chakras
• Samkhya Philosophy
• Patanjali's Raja Yoga
• Karma Yoga
• Bhakti Yoga
• Jnana Yoga
• Raja Yoga
• Vedanta – Brahman & Atman
• The significance of the mantra “OM”