SPRING RETREAT
June 14-16, 2013:
"Practice as Art, Practice as Science"
There can be no causal connection between practice and wisdom. But the obstacles to wisdom are deeply affected by practice."
– Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, "I Am That"
Courses & Workshops
Mark's Teaching Schedule - April through June, 2013 (Download PDF)
TUES PM, THURS PM, FRI AM // APRIL 2 - JUNE 25, 2013 // Berkeley
Individualized Asana Courses
Spring 2013
»
Where:
Hatha Yoga Shala East Bay
2050 4th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
www.hathayogashalaeastbay.com
When:
12 Tuesdays - April 2 to June 25 (no class April 16)
ADJUSTMENT Times: 5:20, 5:30, 5:40, 5:50, 6:00, 6:10, 6:20, 6:30, 6:40, 6:50, 7:00pm
and / or
12 Thursdays - April 4 to June 27 (no class April 18)
ADJUSTMENT Times: 4:50, 5:00, 5:10, 5:20, 5:30, 5:40, 5:50, 6:00pm
and / or
12 Fridays - April 5 to June 28 (no class April 19)
ADJUSTMENT Times: 8:30, 8:45, 9:00, 9:10, 9:20, 9:30, 9:40, 9:50, 10:00, 10:10, 10:20, 10:30am
Price:
$276 (any one day)
$504 (any two days)
Who Can Attend:
To qualify for Individualized Asana courses knowledge of one of the Shadow Yoga preludes is required. The times listed on the registration form are when you will be adjusted. Plan to start 30-45 minutes prior, and allow about 1 to 1 1/2 hours total.
Details:
Traditionally yoga asanas were taught through an individualized approach adjusted to the unique needs of each student. This eliminates unproductive activity by focusing energy and attention on asanas that will most quickly remove the present obstructions. To support this, one-to-one guidance and hands-on adjustments are given. Students learn to develop a self-directed practice, an essential step if true progress is to be made. As a result, each student will progress faster when an individualized course is added to compliment group instruction courses.
Registration:
Download the registration form, fill out and mail in with payment. PAYMENT IN FULL IS REQUIRED TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE. REGISTER EARLY FOR BEST SELECTION.
MONDAY & SATURDAY AM // APRIL 1 - JUNE 29, 2012: ADVANCED LEVEL // Berkeley
Shadow Yoga for Experienced Students
Ongoing Training in the Art and Science of Practice
»
Where:
Hatha Yoga Shala East Bay
2050 4th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
www.hathayogashalaeastbay.com
When:
April to June, 2012:
Ten Mondays - Apr 1 to June 24 (no class April 15, 22; May 27)
7:30 to 9:30am
and / or
Eight Saturdays - Apr 13 to June 29 (no class Apr 20, May 4, June 1 & 15)
7:30 to 9:30am
Price:
Mondays only: $240 ($220 if paid by March 25, 2013)
Saturdays only: $192 ($176 if paid by April 6, 2013)
BOTH days: $360 (paid by April 6, 2013)
Drop-in: $27 (please see drop-in policy below)
Drop-in Policy:
Courses are taught progressively, so full participation is strongly recommended. If this is not possible, individual sessions may be attended by students experienced with all three Shadow Yoga Prelude forms, or with prior permission from Mark.
Details:
THE ART AND SCIENCE OF YOGA PRACTICE - for experienced students:
These ongoing classes for experienced students are designed to support and enhance the process of becoming skillful, efficient,
and seasoned practitioners. In these classes participants will:
• Refine the Shadow Yoga Preludes
• Deepen understanding of the principles which govern the art and science
of Hatha Yoga through guided practice and discussion
• Develop skillful application of the “tools” (karana, asana, mudra,
bandha, kriya......etc), combined with greater clarity as to their role
and purpose
• Explore freestyle practice and the principles of sequencing
• Learn to adjust practice to inner and outer conditions so that it
becomes more responsive and ultimately more effective
One or both days may be attended.
SATURDAY AM // APRIL 13 - JUNE 29, 2013: INTERMEDIATE LEVEL // Berkeley
THURSDAY PM // APRIL 4 - JUNE 27, 2013: INTERMEDIATE LEVEL // Berkeley
Nrtta Sadhana - Eight Palms
Spring 2013 Session
Where:
Hatha Yoga Shala East Bay
2050 4th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
www.hathayogashalaeastbay.com
When:
Saturday Mornings:
Eight Sessions - April 13 to June 29 (no class 4/20, 5/4, 6/1, 6/15)
9:45 to 11:15am
Thursday Evenings:
Twelve Sessions - April 4 to June 27 (no class 4/18)
6:15 to 7:45pm
Price:
Saturdays: $184 ($168 if paid by March 30, 2013)
Drop-in: $25 (please see drop-in policy below)
Thursdays: $276 ($252 if paid by March 28, 2013)
Drop-in: $25 (please see drop-in policy below)
Description:
Nrtta Sadhana - Eight Palms (short form):
"Nrtta is that sadhana through which the sadhaka (aspirant) rediscovers the rhythmic life currents hidden in the body’s folds and limbs by means of
unimposed natural positioning." - - Natanaga Zhander (Shandor Remete)
The Eight Palms (short form) of the Nrtta Sadhana will continue to be refined along with appropriate asana/vinyasa.
The Ananda Tandava (simple version), will be added during the Spring session to further develop the full practice format.
FOR A FULL DESCRIPTION OF NRTTA SADHANA VISIT “about Nrtta Sadhana” link at left
For Whom:
Participants must have a good grounding in all three Shadow Yoga Preludes. Students interested in joining who missed the Winter session should contact Mark.
Drop-in Policy:
Individual sessions may be attended only by students who have completed an 8 Palms course and a Long Form course with Zhander Remete and/or Emma Balnaves. Students enrolled in the full Sat or Thurs courses may drop-in on the alternate day as desired. Drop-in fee is $25/class.
TUESDAY PM // MAY 21 - JUNE 25, 2013 // Berkeley
Balakrama and the Primary Seats
refinement of the prelude plus asana/vinyasa
»
Where:
Hatha Yoga Shala East Bay
2050 4th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
www.hathayogashalaeastbay.com
When:
6 Tuesdays - May 21 thru June 25, 20137:15 to 8:30pm
Price:
$132 ($120 if paid by May 13, 2013)
Drop-in: $24 (please see drop-in policy below)
Drop-in Policy:
This course is taught progressively, so full participation is strongly recommended. Individual sessions may be attended-only by students who have taken courses in all three Shadow Yoga Preludes
Details:
The Shadow Yoga Prelude Forms are meant to prepare for the practice of asana, and the conclusion work, which eventually involves
mudra, kriya, and pranayama. This course will focus on the primary seats which will be taught in depth.
These are some of the most important of all asanas in Hatha Yoga.
The Balakrama is ideal to prepare the body for these seated positions so they can eventually be practiced with ease and firmness.
Participants will gain a good understanding of how to utilize the Balakrama prelude as a componenet of a balanced, integrated practice.
Prior experience with the Balakrama is required. Please talk with Mark if you have questions.
TUES PM, THURS PM, FRI AM // JULY 9 - AUGUST 30, 2013 // Berkeley
Individualized Asana Courses
Summer 2013
»
Where:
Hatha Yoga Shala East Bay
2050 4th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
www.hathayogashalaeastbay.com
When:
6 Tuesdays - July 9 to August 27 (no class August 13 & 20)
ADJUSTMENT Times: 5:20, 5:30, 5:40, 5:50, 6:00, 6:10, 6:20, 6:30, 6:40, 6:50, 7:00pm
and / or
6 Thursdays - July 11 to August 29 (no class August 8 & 15)
ADJUSTMENT Times: 4:50, 5:00, 5:10, 5:20, 5:30, 5:40, 5:50, 6:00pm
and / or
6 Fridays - July 12 to August 30 (no class August 9 & 16)
ADJUSTMENT Times: 8:30, 8:45, 9:00, 9:10, 9:20, 9:30, 9:40, 9:50, 10:00, 10:10, 10:20, 10:30am
Price:
$138 (any one day)
$252 (any two days)
Who Can Attend:
To qualify for Individualized Asana courses knowledge of one of the Shadow Yoga preludes is required. The times listed on the registration form are when you will be adjusted. Plan to start 30-45 minutes prior, and allow about 1 to 1 1/2 hours total.
Details:
Traditionally yoga asanas were taught through an individualized approach adjusted to the unique needs of each student. This eliminates unproductive activity by focusing energy and attention on asanas that will most quickly remove the present obstructions. To support this, one-to-one guidance and hands-on adjustments are given. Students learn to develop a self-directed practice, an essential step if true progress is to be made. As a result, each student will progress faster when an individualized course is added to compliment group instruction courses.
Registration:
Download the registration form, fill out and mail in with payment. PAYMENT IN FULL IS REQUIRED TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE. REGISTER EARLY FOR BEST SELECTION.
Private Instructions
The teaching of yoga is a process of transmission, from teacher to student. Personal guidance is essential and can be extremely helpful for a wide range of issues:
- Establishing and/or fine tuning a personal practice.
- Lifestyle and dietary guidance based in yogic and ayurvedic principles
- Therapeutic Yoga for various injuries or difficulties.
- Mentoring for yoga teachers
Advanced Studies & Teacher Training
AS/TT 2012 / 2013 BEGAN JANUARY 28, 2012
CURRENTLY IN SESSION UNTIL JUNE 2013.
Based in the methods, practices, and theory of Shadow Yoga and Classical Hatha Yoga,
this challenging and comprehensive training program is focused on helping dedicated students, aspiring teacher, and current teachers deepen their
practice and understanding of Hatha Yoga in order to become solid, self-directed, and skillful practitioners - the foundation for a rich and
effective personal practice, and the essential basis behind skillful teaching.
TWO NEW PROGRAMS TO BEGIN IN LATE 2013 / EARLY 2014:
1. Advanced Studies / Practitioner Training - Level I
2. AS/TT Level II Program - for Graduates of a prior AS/TT program with Mark
Please check back by late June for full details
Online Courses & Articles
- Building Prana with Hatha Yoga: Level 1 »
- Building Prana with Hatha Yoga: Level 2 »
- How to Grow a Lotus: Padmasana Intensive »
Rtreats
June 14-16, 2013 // Land of Medicine Buddha Retreat, Soquel CA
Spring Yoga Retreat
Practice as Art, Practice as Science
»
Practice as art involves spontaneity, responsiveness, and aligning with the organic forces which shape
and inform the creative impulse. It also involves the deeply personal aspect of practice wherein each
practitioner discovers the truth of yoga within the laboratory of their body/mind, for themselves,
in their own experience.
Practice as science involves the embodied understanding and application of the core principles which
govern the practice of Hatha Yoga. It also involves the skillful use of the tools (asana, karana, mudra,
kriya, pranayama, etc.), in service of greater ease, efficiency, and power.
Both aspects, the artistic and the scientific, feed and enhance one another. Realizing the full
expression of one requires the support of the other. For this reason, it is essential that both aspects
be developed and harmonized if one is to become a true practitioner and master of Yoga.
This retreat for experienced students will be a weekend immersion into Practice as Art and Practice as
Science. Participants can expect to leave with a deeper understanding of how to more fully develop both
of these aspects, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and potent personal practice.
Where:
Land of Medicine Buddha Retreat Center is situated on 108 acres of land in Soquel, CA, adjoining 10,000 acres of state forest. The hills are covered with beautiful groves of redwoods, lush ferns, and seasonal flowers. There are a number of hiking trails on the property and state forest, with some offering vistas of the Monterey Bay. Land of Medicine Buddha is an ideal environment to unwind and plunge deep into your yoga practice.
Price:
$500 - Double Room$600 - Single Room
Early Registration Discount: if paid in full by April 1, 2013 deduct $50 from the prices above.
Accomodations:
Comfortable lodge rooms (single or double occupancy) all with private baths. All beds are twins.
Meals
Fresh and healthy organic vegetarian cuisine.
To register:
A $100 non-refundable deposit holds your space, with the full fee due by May 1, 2013. Make check payable to Mark Horner and mail to:
Hatha Yoga Shala - East Bay
2050 4th Street
Berkeley, CA 94710
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
Your entire payment will be refunded, less the deposit, if cancellation request is made on or before April 30, 2013. No refunds will be made for cancellations after April 30, 2013.
November 16-23, 2013 // Prana Del Mar, Baja, Mexico
Shadow Yoga Retreat in Baja »
PLEASE FOLLOW LINK BELOW FOR FULL DETAILS AND PHOTOS AND DOWNLOAD PDF FLYER AT RIGHT:
Shadow Yoga Retreat in Baja »
Take some time away for a period of intensive practice and study in an environment of fresh air, miles of open beach,
and a luxurious retreat center set amidst the deep quiet of the desert. In this perfect setting, Mark will guide
participants into more subtle layers of practice, while building skill, proficiency, and inner power.
In addition to the inspiring yoga, there will be plenty of free time to enjoy the area, whether you choose to just
relax at the pool, walk the beach, enjoy a spa treatment, or participate in an optional activity, prepare yourself
for a transformative time away with old and new friends.
Price:
$1995 - Double Occupancy$2295 - Single Occupancy
Early Registration Discount: if paid in full by July 15, 2013 deduct $200 from the prices above.
Accomodations:
Luxurious and spacious, with private balconies, travertine-tiled floors, full baths, pillow-top mattresses,
quality linens, and beautiful teak furniture.
Downstairs rooms have king beds, and an additional sitting area. Upstairs suites have two queen beds, and a living/dining room
with full kitchen. All rooms have views of the ocean and gardens.
Meals
Fresh, delicious, and healthy Mexican and international cuisine made from mostly organic ingredients - vegetarian with seafood options.
To register:
A $250 non-refundable deposit holds your space, with the full fee due by August 15, 2013 (July 15 for early registration discount). Download and fill out the registration form and send in with your payment. Make check payable to Mark Horner and mail to:
Hatha Yoga Shala - East Bay
2050 4th Street
Berkeley, CA 94710
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
Your entire payment will be refunded, less the deposit if cancellation request is made prior to August 15, 2013. No refunds for cancellations after August 15, 2013
About Mark Horner
Mark Horner has been teaching Hatha Yoga for 22 years and is an acknowledged Shadow Yoga Teacher. In 1997 he founded Moksha Yoga Shala, in Walnut Creek, CA, where he directed a comprehensive training program in Shadow Yoga through March 2011. In May 2011 he opened his new studio in Berkeley, CA - Hatha Yoga Shala East Bay. For the past 18 years Mark has studied closely with Zhander Remete, the founder of Shadow Yoga. Mark’s teaching is enhanced by 8 years of bodywork practice as a Certified Rolfer as well as many years of classical piano study, rock climbing, and the study of Ayurveda and Advaita Vedanta. He is grateful for the love, inspiration, and support he receives from his partner Judy.
About The Shala
Hatha Yoga Shala - East Bay is a brand new studio offering training programs in Shadow and Hatha Yoga,
martial arts, movement, meditation, and other self-cultivating arts. This beautifully designed
space has convenient freeway access and is located adjacent to
Berkeley's 4th Street shopping and dining district.
Rental Information PDF »
Rental Rates PDF »
Visit the Website »
What is Shadow Yoga?
Shadow Yoga, as developed by yoga master Zhander Remete, makes use of the methods and practices common to classical Hatha Yoga and the self-cultivating arts (both martial and dance). Great importance is placed on preparatory work as the foundation for meaningful progress. Three prelude forms are utilized for training. These forms combine strong stance work with round, spiraling movements, rhythmic breathing, and bandha. This skillful, systematic preparation frees blockage in the Marma System (Vital Junctions), leading to the unobstructed circulation of the life force. This sets the stage for the inner work of asana, mudra, pranayama, and meditation.
Emphasis is placed on building the Kanda Shakti (Vital Power) and Jathar Agni (Digestive Fire). Classical Hatha Yoga views the increase and balancing of these energies as instrumental to good health and personal transformation. The term "Shadow" refers to the various bodies, or layers of the human being - physical, energetic, mental/emotional, intellectual, and bliss. Just as a shadow blocks light, these bodies (Koshas) become opaque due to attachment, identification, and stress. This limits and distorts perception (Avidya). Shadow Yoga works to clear obstructions and heal imbalances in these layers, or shadows, in order to awaken the light of discriminative knowing.
Learning Shadow Yoga
Course-Based Instruction
Shadow Yoga is best learned in a course-based, pre-registration format, so the teaching can be built up progressively from class to class. This requires a greater commitment on the part of both student and teacher, yet the reward is a more profound depth of learning and understanding.
The Prelude Forms
Preparatory work involving fixed practice forms has been utilized in traditional systems of self-cultivation for centuries, yet despite its importance, it is little understood in today’s yoga. Through skillful repetition of the Shadow Yoga preludes, students develop patience, discipline, and refined observation. Over time, the latent powers and abilities hidden beneath layers of habits, are liberated. This sets the stage for “Free Style” practice - one based on intuitive responsiveness rather than likes / dislikes, and personal limitations.
Foundations of Shadow Yoga Drop-in Classes: Open to all students, these classes teach the basics in a systematic, progressive manner. This is the starting point for new students.
Balakrama: "Step to Strength" - this prelude develops the root. Strong joint and bone work builds the agni and blood, leading to a better quality of breath - increased strength and stamina follow. Students with some prior yoga experience can begin with this prelude.
Chaya Yoddha Sanchalanam: "Yoking of the Shadow Warrior" - this prelude develops more sophisticated integration of the limbs to help free the movement of the life force.
Kartikeya Mandala: "Garland of Light" - this is the most advanced of the forms and helps to free the spine from the imposition of the limbs. Marma is cleared from the shoulders and side ribs, groins and hips, preparing the body for the more complex asanas.
Individualized Asana Courses
Once a Prelude Form has been learned, the Individualized Asana Courses adjust the practice for the unique needs of each person. Students learn to practice in a self-directed manner, cultivating discipline and sensitivity to personal rhythm - an essential step in a maturing practice. In addition, the teacher provides hands-on adjustments to release stress from the marma system and bring greater ease and freedom. As proficiency comes, the practice is adjusted accordingly. This is the traditional way of learning, and is rare in these days of large group classes with generalized instruction.
Special Focus Courses and Workshops
For students experienced with the prelude forms, special courses and workshops are offered regularly that will build upon the foundation and deepen skills and understanding.
About Nrtta Sadhana (Nata Yoga)
"Nrtta is that sadhana through which the sadhaka (aspirant) rediscovers the rhythmic life currents hidden in the body’s folds and limbs by means of unimposed natural positioning."
– Natanaga Zhander (Shandor Remete)
Rhythmic Dance and its Practice
THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTION IS FROM Shadowyoga.com:
"It is important to understand the difference between Natya/Nrttya and Nrtta.
The first two terms refer to theatrical performance while Nrtta is defined in the Abhinaya Darpana of Nandikesvara as ‘that dance devoid of any type of emotional mood’".
"This corresponds exactly to the explanation of Abhava yoga given by Mahesvara (Lord Siva) in the eleventh chapter of the Kurma Purana.
This states that Abhava Yoga is that yoga in which one contemplates oneself as void and without any shadow (manifestation) of anything, which therefore enables one to visualize
the Self. Here, Abhava refers to a state free from any emotional support, also exemplified in Nrtta as defined by Nandikesvara."
"The eleventh chapter of the Kurma Purana includes a detailed explanation of Pashupata yoga. Nrtta formed a large part of the corrective Sadhana of the
Pashupata yogins. This is clearly indicated in the eighth sutra of the first chapter of the Pashupata Sutras."
"Out of the one hundred and eight karanas mentioned in the Natya Shastra, not more than thirty-six karanas are used for the purpose of self cultivation."
Most of the asanas used in contemporary Hatha yoga schools are adaptations of the standing and squatting karanas.
The important difference is that in the original practice the placement of the legs was achieved through the cultivation of the inherent energy of the legs
whereas nowadays the legs are manipulated with the hands to achieve the same external shapes. Five of the karanas are responsible for restoring the body’s
natural energetic responsiveness required for this authentic practice."
Nrtta and Nata: "Nata - the utilization of slight bodily movements is one aspect of Nrtta and is very important for the beginner. The term Nrtta embraces both these slight movements of the limbs, the large bodily shapes termed ‘Karana’ and the Angahara - sequential arrangements of the Karanas with rhythmic transitions. Nata yoga is therefore a part of Nrtta Sadhana."
Eight Palms
The Eight Palms (short form) is the starting point for the learning of Nrtta Sadhana. Beginning in January 2013 Mark will offer courses in the Eight Palms for those students with a good grounding in
all three of the Shadow Yoga Preludes, which is prerequisite for the Nrtta Sadhana.
Please note that the Eight Palms is prerequisite for learning the Long Form of Nrtta Sadhana, which is only taught by Emma Balnaves and Zhander.
Contacts
- More information about Shadow Yoga:
- www.shadowyoga.com »
- Shadow Yoga Teachers in the US:
- Scott Blossom, SF Bay Area, CA »
- Andy Matinog, SF Bay Area, CA »
- Catherine Halcomb, San Luis Obispo County, CA »
- Matt Pesendian, Sherman Oaks, CA »
- Matt Schwartz, Sherman Oaks, CA »
- Lita Batho, Portland, OR »
- Photography by:
- David Allen Studio
Hatha Yoga Shala East Bay,
2050 4th St, Berkeley, CA 94710
510-859-7795
Map & Directions »
Email Mark Horner »
