From Asana to Kriya, Pranayama, & Pratyahara
Learning the Subtle or Energetic Body
“The Intelligence as thread grips the various parts of the body (the kite), so that the holder (the self) feels the oneness with the intelligence (thread), as if the kite, the thread, and the self are one.”
– BKS Iyengar
Asana Sequences and Class Videos
(1.5 hr class recording available only for #1, as rental; ask instructor for the link)
1. Learning 12 Meridians – from Traditional Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture) – to understanding the Central Energetic Channel (Sushumna Nadi)
Meridians in the Hand (Heart, Lung, Pericardium, Triple Warmer, Large Intestine)
a series of 12 classes
Meridians in the Legs/Feet (Liver-Gall Bladder, Kidney-Urinary Bladder, Stomach-Spleen)
a series of 10 classes
2. Breathwork (Pranayama)
Development of the 3 Bandhas – a kriya in Hatha Yoga, to contain or “bind” the energy of pranayama.
Observing the exhalation – as well as chanting/toning – vibrates the sphenoid bone & cavities. This will pierce the veil of the 2nd chakra.
Alternate nostril breathing (nadi shodhana pranayama) prepares for understanding the 2 channels (ida and pingala) intertwined around the Central Channel (sushumna nadi)
3. Five Prana Vayus
A deeper exploration of aspects of the Breath – 5 prana vayus. This also a comfortable step toward the 7 “energy circuits”, or chakras.
| Vayu | Function | Location | Direction | Chakra | Element | |
| Apana | Elimination | Pelvis | Downward | Muladhara | Earth | |
| Samana | Digestion Assimilation | Navel | Wide Inward | Manipura | Water | |
| Prana | Respiration | Heart & Lungs | Expansion | Anahata | Fire | |
| Udana | Communication | Throat | Upward | Vishuddha | Air | |
| Vyana | System Balance | Mind & Heart-Gut | Flow (Stagnation) | Ajna | Space |
4. Seven Chakras
Exploring the physical anatomy which “surrounds” the anatomy of the Chakras – which might be likened to “energy circuits”, nerve centers or “flywheels” as suggested by BKS Iyengar; or perhaps emptiness, nothingness, or the element of space.
- Muladhara Chakra – Root Chakra.
- Svadhishthana Chakra – Sacral Chakra.
- Manipura Chakra – Solar Plexus Chakra.
- Anahata Chakra – Heart Chakra.
- Vishuddha Chakra – Throat Chakra.
- Ajna Chakra – Third Eye Chakra.
- Sahastrara Chakra – Crown Chakra.