Meditation Learning Pathway

Understanding the historical and cultural roots of meditation provides context and depth to the practice, offering insight into its evolution and purpose. This knowledge can deepen one's appreciation for the tradition and enrich the meditative experience. Additionally, the cultural and philosophical foundations of meditation often include valuable teachings on ethics, compassion, and interconnectedness. Integrating these principles into practice can lead to a more holistic and meaningful journey.

3 HOURS: Many modern people read yogic and meditational texts, and they make of it what they want. In turn, meditation becomes something aligned with the modern wellness industry. But this is not the traditional way. Participants will explore what doesn't get talked about enough: why and how meditation works. This knowledge isn't important simply for the sake of some intellectual exercise. By engaging with the theories of meditation, we empower the practice of meditation itself. Like when a physical therapist helps us understand why we experience certain physical symptoms and we are inspired to do the prescribed exercises, it is similar with regards to meditation. Knowledge inspires practice.

8 HOURS: Meditation is integral to the experience of yoga and we might ask ourselves the question, if meditation is not included in a sadhana (practice), is it really yoga? This course explores the historical roots of how and why meditation became central to yoga. We explore the powerful notion within yoga that everything is “mind made”. By way of suspending sensory awareness, building concentration, insight and absorption, the yogi is freed from anguish, anxiety and suffering. We will emphasize how meditative awareness is anchored in the body and how meditation is like a sword that cuts through the cobwebs of delusional thinking. We will see how yoga is essentially a practice of realization by seeing into the nature of mind. Each module includes take home meditation practices.

8 HOURS: A foundation in basic breath technique is a vital element in our tool kit for living in the 21st century. Everyone should be equipped with breathing skills which demonstrably lower heart rate, boost energy and improve self-management in stressful situations. Even more, centering breath awareness forms the universal core of meditation methods practiced throughout the globe. With the right understanding, a simple breath easily unlocks the door to the ecstasy of spiritual liberation. In this course you will survey the posture, physiology, psychology and spiritual significance of breath and breath practices with insights drawn from contemporary science as well as from the world’s wisdom traditions.Each session includes practical instruction in natural breath-centered meditation supported by both sacred and secular textual sources.

This Meditation Learning Pathway is a transformative odyssey that traces the origins and wisdom of meditation across ancient cultures. Discover the roots of concentration practices found in early Indian, Greek, and Persian traditions, mapping the mind through states of consciousness in the Vedas and the Mandukya Upanisad.

Through verses from the Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, this pathway explores yoga liberation and uncovers the inner limbs of pratyhara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi. You will navigate the subtle body in hatha yoga, understanding the flow of prana and the power within breath, blood, nerves, and the spinal shaft. And conclude the traditional survey by embarking on Siddhartha’s vision, exploring the foundations of mindfulness and the transient nature of existence in early Buddhist teachings.