About Us
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About UsThe Wandering Yogi began offering Yoga classes in 1998. In April 2004 our focus turned specifically to Hatha Yoga in the Shadow Yoga Style. We offer the first Shadow Yoga teachings in Canada. Hatha YogaHatha Yoga, 'the forceful Yoga', is described by Georg Feuerstein "as a form of Yoga that is focused on developing the body's potential so that it can withstand the onslaught of transcendental realization, which can have profound effects on the body and nervous system. The practitioner wants to construct a 'divine body', a body of light, to enjoy the manifest universe. He or she seeks to alter and transcend the limitations of the body and mind to obtain union with the highest spiritual realms." Raja Yoga is a synonym for Samadhi, which is the highest state of attainment in Yoga. SriNivasaYogi in his Hatharatnavali states that without the practice of Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga cannot be accomplished and without Raja Yoga as an objective, Hatha Yoga cannot be perfected. Although the body is worked with intensively, the goal is to become less bound up in the body and to gain a greater perspective of it. Working properly with the body in this way cultivates an objectivity, which permits the neutral observation of the body and mind as it assumes each position and gradually, over time, leads to increased freedom from our perceptions that limit us physically and mentally. The practices of yoga help us identify with our True Nature and can allow us to experience a spiritual realm beyond our limiting minds. Yoga can be seen as a state of complete absorption in non-duality. Understanding unfolds gradually with consistent practice as the aspirant (sadhaka) gains insight into the deeper aspects of his or her Being. It has been discussed by Rishis (Seers) and Sages for thousands of years that we already are Awakened, we have only forgotten, we have fallen asleep in some respect in life. Hatha Yoga is here to help us wake up once again. This process takes time, dedication and an authentic yearning for this to occur. Shadow YogaThe Wandering Yogi offers courses in Hatha Yoga based on the teachings of Zhander Remete, founder of The Shadow School of Hatha Yoga. According to the anatomy of Hatha Yoga the body is encased in five sheaths (Koshas - coverings or shadows). The practice of Hatha Yoga has evolved with the purpose of dissolving these shadows to eventually uncover the true Self, hidden within. Shadow Yoga has developed four fixed forms. Each form includes a prelude (preparation), asana-vinyasa (main component), and inversions (conclusion). Preludes are used to stabilize the joints, free muscles and synchronize breath as preparation for different levels of asana. The use of sun salutations release obstructions and build energy in the body and spine. The forms are worked progressively and primary (seed) asana up to advanced asana are introduced when the work of the preludes becomes understood. Inversions are used to stabilize and center the energy built during the asana-vinyasa work. The forms were designed from observations and understandings from Hatha Yoga texts, martial arts, dance, crafts of life and the plant and animal kingdoms. They also incorporate the guiding principles of Marmasthana, (the Indian system of the 108 vital junctions of the body), to achieve the appropriate combination of positions and rhythmical movements to obtain an unobstructed movement of breath. Shadow Yoga's forms have ultimately been designed to lead the practitioner to the practice of freestyle, a practice based on intuition and appropriate response to the needs of the moment, rather than operating from a conditioned position of likes and dislikes.
The 4 principle fixed forms are: BALAKRAMA – STEPPING INTO STRENGTH
Zhander Remete, founder of Shadow Yoga and author of Shadow Yoga Chaya Yoga
To find out more about Yoga of The Shadow School visit Zhander Remete and Emma Balnaves at www.shadowyoga.com
"Yoga is a system of education that imparts the secrets of controlling the complex energy fields of the human form. Through the dissolving and merging of these opposing energies into one whole, the body is made fit for the journey of life. It is not a fancy exercise programme dressed in spiritual clothes, as many of its present day practitioners view it. Yoga is a spiritual science of practical living. It is imparted by teachers who have encountered this wisdom. Their love of this knowledge provides the spark that lights the torch of wisdom for the student. The mastery of yoga has always been achieved through the combination of three sciences. From the knowledge of Marma sthana (the 108 vital points of the body), one gains control over the bodily functions through the practice of asanas (bodily positions). Mastery of the science of Nadis (subtle channels) gives rise to inner light through the practice of pranayama (breath control). The science of Vayus (internal currents of wind) enables the practitioner to hear the quiet whispers from within that teach the secret names of the one who is the source and support of everything in this world. These three sciences have, since time immemorial, been revealed to students through a series of uncomplicated body movements. Their simplicity allows the natural responses of the body's hidden intelligence to surface without the excitement triggered by excessive muscular effort. Excessive muscular action induces vata (disturbed wind), a condition that manifests as structural and psycho-emotional instability. This leads to kapha (mucus) which causes heaviness and depression. This in turn will disturb the element of fire, giving rise to obsessive and ultimately destructive behaviour. Unless the sciences of marmas, nadis and vayus have been communicated well by the teacher and correctly applied, the student will start off in the wrong direction and move inexorably towards a state of profound disharmony. The outcome of correct practice is harmony, which is the true state of wisdom called Yoga. The teacher only exists to prepare the student so that the steady light of the student's own wisdom will illuminate his own path. There are no guides to the path of life and the same path can never be walked twice since it is personal and unique. The laws of this journey are that each step is unrepeatable and unforeseen. One has no option but to respond to the demands of this real adventure. Everything is constantly moving and changing as one stage dissolves into the next to reveal new configurations, climates and landscapes." © Zhander Remete, founder of Shadow Yoga
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