YOGA COURSES OFFERED AT HIYC:

Five-day Yoga Course for Beginners and Continuing Students Intensive Yoga Course Teachers Training Courses (please refer to 'Teachers Training' page) Special Yoga Course Therapy Yoga Classes Yoga for Children Yoga for Stress International Summer Courses 2010

Email Inquiries & Bookings to:

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Five-day Yoga Course for Beginners: These five-day courses are designed to introduce the Iyengar method of Yoga to the beginner student and to provide a working knowledge of how to continue one's daily practice after the course is completed. Corrective, rejuvenating/energizing and relaxing/meditative postures are the focus. Those with ailments are given specific therapeutic attention and guidelines. This course provides a fundamental framework and inspires one to explore deeper within.

Laila Sell or one of Sharat's trained teachers will conduct this course. Everyone coming to the Centre for the first time has to start with this Five-day Course, regardless of their Yoga experience and how advanced their practice. During the course, we work on the foundations of Yoga in a unique way, which has been - and continues to be - personally researched and designed by Sharat. The fundamental framework and foundations of this science is often overlooked in other forms of Yoga.

Five-day Yoga Course for Continuing Students: After successfully completing the Five-day Yoga Course for Beginners, students who want to continue start class early in the morning and are instructed by Sharat. These students are taught additional postures and guided, according to the pace at which they develop.

Both Five-day Courses take 2.5 to 3.5 hours daily and cost 2500 INR. In order to support long-term study at our Centre, the weekly fee decreases after the second week and continues to decrease with each following week, until it reaches 2000 INR

Please note : No audio or video recording, nor taking of photographs, is allowed during the Course.

DOWNLOAD : PDF for offline reading about 5 days Yoga course

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I. "Yoga and Ayurveda"

Dates: 19th February to 10th March 2010 (This course is now full, waiting list is open)

Description: Yoga and Ayurveda are sciences stemming from the same philosophical background, Yoga being for the spirit and Ayurveda for the body. When working with our bodies in Hatha Yogic practice, the insight that Ayurveda provides is extremely valuable. It informs and helps us to develop a practice that brings a more profound harmony within.

During the Course, an Ayurvedic practitioner will provide us with the necessary knowledge to establish our body-mind constitution and diagnose problem, as and when they appear. Pulse reading, tongue diagnosis, and other examination techniques will be taught. Once the role of the elements and their influence on us is understood, Sharat will help us understand the influences that the Yogic postures have on the various constitutions and types, thus evolving a way of Yoga practice to establish and maintain balance. Above all, this course will increase our awareness of ourselves in relation to the outer world.

DOWNLOAD : PDF for offline reading about Yoga and Ayurveda

The specific themes explored in this Course are:

• What is Ayurveda? Misconceptions & Basic principles;
• Panchamahabhuta and Tridosha Theory;
• Five elements of nature: Body as an epitome of nature;
• Tridosha: Properties and functions;
• Tridosha and their actions on various systems of the body;
• Diagnostic & treatment methods of Ayurveda;
• Healthy body and healthy mind;
• Daily regimen and seasonal regimen; &
• Prakriti parikshan · Determination of body constitution

In order to participate in an Intensive Course, students must have completed a minimum of three rounds of the Five-day Course with Sharat, prior to the beginning of the Course. Daily practice of Sharat's style of Hatha Yoga is an absolutely indispensable pre-requisite. Prior booking is essential, as the number of participants is limited.

PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR MORE DETAIL ABOUT THE STRUCTURE, SCHEDULE & PRE-REQUISITES OF INTENSIVE COURSES AT HIYC.

Structure

The Intensive Course - spanning two to three weeks, six days per week - is designed for those students who have taken a strong interest in furthering their Yoga practice and who wish to undertake an extensive exploration of this science. The daily program includes one and a half hours of Pranayama, four hours of Asanas, one and a half hours of relaxation and meditation, as well as one hour of Karma Yoga. Two healthy vegetarian meals, along with afternoon tea, are provided daily to all course participants. In addition to these Yoga practices, the Course also features one lecture by Sharat and one to two taped lectures in the evenings, per week.

The Intensive Courses should be considered retreats, where a student can devote oneself entirely to self-exploration, change and transformation. The courses are rigorous and the daily program very thorough - beginning in the early morning and continuing until sunset - leaving very little or no time for other activities. We, therefore, advise participants to come prepared with all their personal needs prior to the commencement of the Course. All aspects of Yoga are learned on an experiential level, and dramatic changes are often felt by students.

A meeting takes place during the evening before the Course starts and is compulsory for all participants. The program and exact schedule will be introduced, jobs will be distributed and all questions will be clarified.

Course Schedule

A meeting takes place during the evening before the Course starts and is compulsory for all participants. The program and exact schedule will be introduced, jobs will be distributed and all questions will be clarified.

The course will begin with a pooja and a purification practice.

Schedule: Days 1 to 6

• 7.00 to 7.30 am - Pooja (Prayers & Chanting)
• 7.30 to 11.00 am - Asana class
• 11.00 am - Brunch
• 12 noon to 2.00 pm - Lectures / Discussion on Themes of Course
• 3 to 4.30 pm - Relaxing Asana class (obligatory self-practice without the teacher)
• 4.30 to 5.30 pm - Pranayama
• 7.00 pm - Dinner

Schedule: Day 7
This day shall be free for everybody. However it is compulsory for all participants to collectively practice the Pranayama (the time can be decided the day before) without the teacher. No lunch or dinner will be served.

Requirements for Participation

Listed below are the requirements, with which students have to comply in preparation for the course. They serve to keep the Intensive Courses open to those Yoga students with a true and genuine interest in personal growth and transformation.

• Completion of at least 3 weeks of training, or of several courses with Sharat, in consecutive years.
• Daily practice of Sharat's style of Hatha Yoga is an absolutely indispensable prerequisite.
• Every participant should adapt a daily rhythm according to the Course schedule 3 weeks before it begins. This means moderation in terms of diet and establishing a sleeping pattern according to the Course schedule so that adapting to the rhythm of the program is made easier.
• Students are strongly encouraged to rid themselves of any addictions at least a few months prior to the start of the program, in order to prevent suffering from withdrawal symptoms during the duration of the Course.
• Every participant must arrive at least one week prior to the start of the program, to adapt to the climate and to prepare in the ongoing Five-day Course for the demands of the Intensive Course.
• Pregnant women must inform us of their status before the course commences and speak with Sharat about any concerns.
• Applicants may be called upon to have a personal meeting with Sharat.
• Every applicant is required to complete and sign a form, stating their agreement with the Course requirements, Code of Conduct, as well as the terms and conditions of payment. A photograph of the student will be attached to this form.

Through these requirements we aim to create a situation free of disturbance, which allows for complete dedication and devotion to the present moment, so that all participants have the opportunity to imbue their Yoga practice with spiritual depth.

Code of Conduct

Listed below are the rules and regulations, to which students must commit for the smooth functioning of the Intensive Course:

• The Course requires complete dedication, both on the part of the Teacher and on the part of every student. Therefore, it is recommended that students not living on campus, live as close as possible to the Centre in order to minimize opportunities for distraction. In this regard, students should not actively seek external stimuli or participate in activities not connected with Yoga. Prior to the start of the program, students will arrange to obtain everything they may need for the duration of the Course. With respect to reading, students are encouraged to only read material related to Yoga. A small library or book exchange can be created for this purpose.
• The Course requires the student's utmost dedication and openness to his/her own personal growth, which means readiness for change and transformation.
• Students are expected to devote themselves entirely to the Course, giving undivided attention and presence during class. Complete trust in the teacher and the teaching method are required. In the event the student feels unwell, it is still essential to attend all classes everyday.
• Students are expected to be punctual for all sessions during the duration of the Course.
• Students should be moderate in terms of the amount of food they eat. Any intake of food apart from the two main meals provided by the Centre is to be strictly avoided; one should be aware that overeating is detrimental to the program and purpose of the Course. It is also recommended that the afternoon break be utilized to rest and that students go to sleep early in the evening, to ensure full presence in class.
• During the Course, each participant is required to suspend any personal spiritual practice and to concentrate only and fully on the practice being taught during the Course.
• Positive criticism is welcome, in order to enhance the quality of learning and exploration.
• For the smooth functioning of this Course, each participant is required to take on necessary tasks that contribute to the work of the Centre. These tasks - or Karma Yoga - may occupy up to one hour per day.
• Each participant is experiencing their own processes as an individual, and should be completely aware of his/her thoughts, speech, and actions. Couples participating in the course may continue to share their accommodation; they should, however, avoid interrupting one another's individual processes. If one partner is not a participant, couples are required to separate during the duration of the Course.
• With the exception of tea, no drugs are to be consumed during the Intensive Course. The term "drug" not only refers to illicit drugs, but to alcohol, cigarettes and other stimulants (such as coffee) as well. Participants are encouraged to drop their habits 3-4 weeks prior to the start of the Course, to avoid experiencing withdrawal symptoms during the program.
• The environment outside the Centre cannot be controlled. Tolerance of external disturbances, on the part of students, is requested.

Terms and Conditions of Payment

A deposit is to be paid in order to secure a place in the Intensive Course. Students should submit deposits only if they are certain of their ability to comply with the Course requirements, the Code of Conduct, as well as the terms and conditions of payment. If completion of the required three rounds of Five-day Course with Sharat has not been fulfilled at the time of booking, a place in the Intensive Course can be secured when submitting the deposit, with the understanding that the participant will fulfill this prerequisite.

Full payment for the Course is to be submitted upon arrival to the Centre.

It should be understood fully that money, once deposited, is not refundable, except if the participant:

• Informs us three months prior to the beginning of the Course;
• Becomes seriously sick or injured (a medical certificate is required in this case);
• Has to leave to his/her home country, due to extreme conditions or personal crises;
• Has been excluded fromparticipation in the Course, due to not adhering to the requirements, Code of Conduct, or the terms and conditions of payment.

Under these circumstances, an amount of USD 25 will be witheld to cover the Centre's administrative expenses.

In the event that the participant resigns during the duration of the Course, the refunded amount will only include the cost of the days not participating in the Course. An administrative fee of USD 25 will also be witheld.

If the applicant resigns due to reasons other than those listed above, a refund is not possible.

Disclaimer:
Please note and understand that we reserve the right to,
• Undertake short-term changes in the program & structure of the Course;
• Make exceptions to the above procedure in individual cases;
• Change the price of Courses according to circumstances that are beyond our control; &
• Exclude people from the Course who do not adhere to the above conditions, and who would therefore be a disturbance.

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Yoga for Vipassana Meditators

During this Course, we explore different techniques for sitting comfortably and straight over extended periods of time, without creating long-term back, knee or hip problems. For those meditators already suffering from injuries, we learn how to heal them with intelligent movements and how to avoid "forcing" in the wrong direction.

Another aspect of the Course deals with energizing and rejuvenating poses, and combining the practice of meditation whilst in relaxing Yoga positions. These tools are especially helpful for extremely busy people, who cannot afford to spend several hours a day practicing Vipassana, in addition to maintaining a separate Yoga practice.

This Special Course consists of 2 .5 to 3 hours of class in the morning and one hour of class in the evening, daily. There will also be one group sitting per day. The Course fee has been kept at a minimum, in order to make it affordable for most.

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For those suffering from serious ailments, we offer a four-day program of special Therapy Classes. These classes are structured in order to develop and provide the patient with a detailed daily practice routine - designed for their particular issue, providing the confidence to practice independently and heal themselves.

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Children are naturally more open and receptive beings than adults, making Yoga a wonderful tool to nurture children's spiritual potential and boost their physical health.

These Children's Classes are directed in a fun and spontaneous way, enabling all tensions to be released and creating space for creativity and healing to flow.

These classes take place every Sunday from 5 to 6 pm. Booking and information available on Sundays at 4.30 pm.

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Yoga for Stress

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Dates: June 24th - July 6th 2010

Location: HIYC - Dharamkot, Dharamsala

Description: Modern life can be quite straining. Today, more than half the world population lives in cities, where stressors like pollution, noise and traffic are present. With so many people spending increasing amounts of time in front of computers, neck and back problems are no more exclusive to office-bound workers. The current fast-paced lifestyle which many of us lead, has a negative impact on our physical and mental health, leaving us vulnerable for ailments such as lower back pain, stiffness of the neck and shoulders, hypertension, anxiety and depression.

Daily yoga practice helps prevent many of these conditions, as well as alleviating and curing them. Yoga brings us back in contact and harmony with our inner and outer nature. This course sheds light on how to integrate yoga practice into our often busy and hectic schedules, in order to learn how to be healthy and happy.

DOWNLOAD : PDF for offline reading about Yoga for Stress

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International Summer Courses 2101

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1. Sharat in Israel

Dates: July 10th- 16th, 2010

Location: Ella Yoga, Tel Aviv, Israel

Details: After the success of last Summer’s visit, Sharat will be returning to Israel for another course. In the morning, there will be a course for continuing students, and this time we will be fully equipped with all necessary props. In the afternoons at 4pm there will be an Introductory class, for those who have not yet studied with Sharat before. There will also be one session of Therapy yoga, in which Sharat gives the necessary guidance for those suffering from neck and back problems. Please contact Ella Yoga via e-mail (info@ellayoga.com) or phone (03-5444881)

2. Sharat in Germany

Dates: July 23rd - 29th, 2010

Location: Germany (near Hamburg)

Details: Hanstedt is one of Sharat’s favourite places on the globe. It is in these moors, in a natural reserve with kilometers of forest all around, where Sharat loves to go on a morning walk with the students. We do our practice mostly outdoors, and there is a very tranquil atmosphere. In the same format as the Intensive courses in India, there will be 4 hours of class in the morning, followed by lunch and a relaxation & pranayama session in the evening. Intensive course for all levels given in German. Contact Babette, baberi@online.de. Tel. +49 41847444.

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