Yoga

Kali Yuga Yoga
Yoga For Citizens of the Kali Yuga

Our yoga...

The Predicament of Living in the Kali Yuga…
As described in Vedic scriptures, the Kali Yuga is one of the four stages of development that the world goes through as part of the cycle of Yugas. Each Yuga is like the season of a super-cosmic year, starting with the Golden age of Purity or Satya Yuga and negatively progressing in a descending spiral to the Kali Yuga or Iron Age. Here the quality of life is so far removed from the knowledge of truth and Natural Law that man is debilitated by his own devices. Sound familiar???

Yoga Can Help…
Kali Yuga Yoga holds its roots in the philosophy that we can use yoga to help to reverse the effects of the Kali Yuga. We believe that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the body, mind and spirit. Practicing yoga in its comprehensive form creates a unity of body, mind and spirit that transfers outward into the world. Everything in the universe – dead or alive – is connected. If your body, mind and spirit are in harmony with the universe, you have good health and if you have good health then you sustain peace in the universe.

Our holistic approach to yoga utilizes the ancient science and philosophy of Ayurveda while incorporating the three key yogic paths of Karma Yoga (The Yoga of Action), Jnana Yoga (The Yoga of Knowledge) and Bhakti Yoga (The Yoga of Devotion) in order to attain peace of mind, body and spirit.

Ayurveda Balances…
The heart of our educational structure is founded through the principles of Ayurveda. For those new to Vedic science, very simply put Ayurveda is based on the idea that the universe is composed of five basic elements or Panchamahabhutas including Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space. These five elements combine to form the three vital energies or Doshas of Vata (Air/Space), Kapha (Water/Earth), and Pitta (Fire/Water). The unique mix of the three Doshas in each of us determines our individual physical constitution or balance called Prakriti. Our physical constitution and our health both depend on the balance and interplay of the Tridoshas.

One of our core beliefs is that a healthy yoga practice must include the three elements in order to maintain congruity. We offer daily group classes to promote Vata energy, opportunities for deeper study in our workshops and teacher training to bolster Kapha energy and we support self exploration through private lessons which stimulates Pitta energy. Additionally our group classes are further classified into the three biological energies of Vata, Kapha and Pitta to aid in restoring equilibrium in body, mind and spirit throughout the seasonal, daily and momentary shifts we experience in life.

Many paths to one common goal...
The yogic texts or Vedanta offer us three paths of yoga to help rediscover who we are, attain and re-establish our connection to one-ness and return our life to one of joy, bliss, and freedom. These paths include Karma Yoga, The Yoga of Action; Jnana Yoga, The Yoga of Knowledge; and Bhakti Yoga, The Yoga of Devotion. It is our understanding that each individual is unique and so too is their journey. By providing different preferred methods of study we hope to encourage/ motivate/ support students to reach their fullest and highest potential.

We employ Karma Yoga in our daily group classes emphasizing the practice as a show of dedication to our dharma and that we remain neutral to rewards and outcomes such as success or failure. Occasions for Jnana Yoga can be found in our workshops and teacher training. These special offerings afford the time to dive deeper into specific subject matter pertinent to an evolving yogi. Yet the often overlooked but possibly the most powerful path is Bhakti Yoga, the act of devoting your life to spiritual growth and connection to the divine. An essential element to a Bhakti Yogi is a faithful home practice. We intend to help create and foster this habit through our private sessions targeting your unique challenges and inquiry.

We Put It All Together…
Body
Vata = Karma Yoga: The path of action
= Daily Group Classes
Our daily group classes embody the power of Vata energy. We emphasize our daily group classes as a dynamic opportunity for inspiration and fun. We encourage students to visit different types and teachers to stimulate and energize their practice outside of the studio both on and off the mat.

Yoga's Asanas or physical poses manipulate our bodies to control both voluntary and involuntary actions in order to create balance both inside and out. By changing the way our blood flows, deepening our natural breath, and opening our joints we can effectively send oxygen into various parts of the body to repair tissues and improve the functioning of all systems for optimal health.

Our daily group classes are based upon the three Ayurvedic elements of Vata, Kapha and Pitta. By participating in classes that complement your particular Prakriti or constitution, you can restore the natural balance in your physical system for optimal health. Practitioners can expect Vata classes to resemble a dynamic Vinyasa or flow class. While Kapha classes will consist of deep stretches and relaxation techniques. Finally, Pitta classes will be intense, hot and both mentally and physically challenging. All classes are conducted in a warm room (78 degrees) with the exception of Pitta classes (95 degrees).

Mind
Kapha = Jnana Yoga the path of knowledge
= Workshops & YTT
For many, the path from the physical postures leads naturally to a deeper inquiry into the nature of being. We support this quest for a thorough understanding of yoga beyond daily group classes through our workshops and teacher training. Our workshops take topics mentioned briefly in daily classes and expand upon the history, meaning and greater application to your life as a yogi. From a particular pose to a philosophical principle these ever occurring learning opportunities are an easy way to gain greater knowledge and elevate your experience both on and off the mat. Furthermore, teacher training immerses you into an extensive and integrative study of the many facets of Yoga unveiling the nuances of the asanas, the interpretation and daily application of its philosophy and so much more.

Spirit
Pitta = Bhakti yoga the path of devotion
= Privates & Home Practice
Spiritual development is a uniquely personal journey. The attainment of self-knowledge is not something that can be taught, but rather must be sought. This time consuming quest requires tremendous amounts of focus, dedication and self-discipline. We seek to support your individual growth through private instruction and a community focused on fostering your home practice. One-on-one time with an instructor is an ideal way to meet you where you are, answer the questions where you struggle and customize recommendations for further study. It's a confidential arena to explore your strengths, understand your weaknesses and discover the yogic concepts that apply directly to you. Moreover, a home practice is an essential element for yoga practitioners. It's the point when you develop a deeper relationship to the practice, to yourself, to the world. Kali Yuga aims to provide tools through our focused privates, motivational workshops and online resources to enrich, inspire and empower your desire to get on the mat outside of the studio.

1011 Fatherland Street d East Nashville, TN 37206
info@kaliyugayoga.com