BLACK LOTUS YOGA

This is the basic teacher training for Black Lotus Yoga, the new vinyasa system designed to be shared and practiced in the Mysore style. Here we explore the Black Lotus system inside and out. We learn how the system works, how the postures are arranged, how the sequences build upon one another, and how to work with them in the most enriching of ways—to explore the miracle of the breathing body.

The program is designed to give you a round overview of the Black Lotus system, together with some formal training in sharing the practice with others. There is much to learn here, and this program goes into it directly, showing you how the Black Lotus system can be adapted to a wide array of students, from beginning to advanced, and teaching you to read, support and assist the most common postures.

You can join without the intention of teaching, but the entire program is designed to inform the Black Lotus teacher, and to raise a community of capable people who embody the spirit of Black Lotus Yoga and can teach the system in an authentic way. Upon completion, you should be positioned to guide Black Lotus classes at your own level of proficiency and to help others develop a Black Lotus practice of their own.

program

The program comprises a balance of practice and formal training, through which we explore the following themes:

• subtle breath

• bandha and mudra

• the dynamics of psychical release

• internal alignment

• the mind/body continuum

• the needs and powers of the soul

• recognizing imbalances

• communicating the sequencing

• adapting postures

• manual assisting

• holding space for people of all kinds

• staying grounded

• defusing power dynamics

structure

We begin each day with a two hour Mysore session, in which we explore the Black Lotus practice where it counts—on the medium of our own breathing bodies.

This is not only our practice time, but our time to experiment with what we are learning, and to explore the Black Lotus sequences that are available to us in all shades or variations, so we can grasp the patterns that underlie them, and start to imagine how they may feel on different bodies.

After a short morning break, we gather for our extended workshop session, where we study the energetic principles behind the practice, the logic of the sequencing, the specifics of internal alignment, and of course, the art of teaching.

After our workshops, we take another short break, then gather once more to practice pranyama, some light chanting, and turn some final thoughts for the day.

schedule

The program spans four complete practice weeks (Sunday-Friday) with Saturdays off for resting. A usual day will be as follows:

7:00-9:00 - mysore

9:00-9:30 - break

9:30-11:30 - alignment/assisting lab

11:30-12:00 - break

12:00-1:00 - pranayama/philosophy/chanting

Guided classes will be held on Fridays, and we will end early on those days as well.

the yoga

Black Lotus Yoga arose spontaneously, from a creative power that was awakened through traditional yoga practice, and was ready to blossom into another form. And blossom it did, into this vibrant vinyasa system, which stands before us now, dripping with creative potency, wanting to blossom further through you, and through anyone who wants to embrace it.

In learning Black Lotus Yoga, you become part of this organic blossoming, for you invite the same creative power that shaped the practice to awaken within you, to unfold its petals in your unique fragrance and color, as an expressive opening in your own life.

The power of pollination is not unique to Black Lotus Yoga. It belongs to all yoga lineages that retain real potency, and encourages them to form new shoots. This is what yoga does when you surrender to its natural movement—it quickens your creative force and opens you from the inside.

In learning Black Lotus Yoga, you are learning something whose origin lies deep within your body. You are becoming an apprentice to the body, and learning to open yourself to your own natural unfoldment. You are becoming part of a new branch of an old lineage, with deep and earthy roots.

requisites

To take this training, you must be established in a regular asana practice, and be comfortable in a Mysore style practice room. Also, you must have an open mind and be ready to look at your relationship to your own body and mind with open eyes. Further, you must be mentally stable and have emotional resilience. Some experience with Black Lotus Yoga is highly recommended. Beyond that, there are no requirements of technical proficiency, aptitude or credential. All who meet the above requirements, and want to look deeply into the Black Lotus system, are absolutely welcome to join.

venue

This training will be held on the covered and shaded rooftop of a grand villa in Mandrem. We will be visited by monkeys and tropical birds of all kinds. There is a pool at the villa, where you can relax during breaks and decompress in the afternoons. The villa is a 15 minute walk to Mandrem beach. There are diverse accommodation options in and around Mandrem, so you are sure to find something that works for you.

accreditation

There are no accreditations in Black Lotus Yoga-no torches to bear, no statuses to seek. You need only be a devoted practitioner of Black Lotus Yoga to be an integral part of the Black Lotus Yoga community. Anyone who remains grounded in the system, who continues to explore the sequencing, who continues to study with us when possible, and who feels called to share their passion for Black Lotus Yoga with an honest and open heart, has our support to teach. Just be kind and be real.

cancellations

Regardless of reason for cancellation, deposits will not refunded. Deposit amounts may be transferred to another retreat or workshop, minus a €40 administrative fee, and must be used within one year. Please consider your schedule carefully before booking.

Refunds will be calculated as follows:

• Up to 60 days before start of event, 75% of your payment (excluding deposit) minus €40 admin fee

• Up to 59-31 days before start of event, 50% of your payment (excluding deposit), minus €40 admin fee

• Within 30 days of event, there will be no refund and no deposit transfer to another retreat/workshop.