Introduction to Tattwa Shuddhi - Yoga of the Elements

Tattwa – elements; Shuddhi – purification – this 8-hour course includes preparatory practices and initial meditations on the five Tattwa, which are: Akasha – ether; Vayu – air; Agni – fire; Apas – water; Prithvi - earth

An amazing technique for anyone who loves to delve deep and experience more. This is accessible to beginners as well as the more 'experienced' in yoga and/or meditation. Join us for a blissful time in awesome company. "I'm so looking forward to it!" (Radhe).

Held over 2 full afternoons, from 1 to 5 pm at beautiful Dysart Retreat, Hokitika.

Day 1 “Preparing for Tattwa Shuddhi”
will include some theory on Chakras (energy centres) and Tattwa (elements), however it will be primarily focused on preparing the awareness and most definitely aimed at inducing Pratyahara (sense withdrawal) through the practice of Asanas (postures), Pranayama (breathing practices), Yoga Nidra (relaxation – ‘short’ – 20+ minutes, including visualisation of symbol and sound), Ajapa Japa (meditation listening to the breath). Gaining some familiarisation with the symbol of the geometric forms (yantra) and the symbol of the sounds (mantra) relating to the elements and the chakras will also be an aim of this day.

Day 2 “Practising Tattwa Shuddhi”
will also include a preparation session via Asanas (postures) and Pranayama (breathing practices) with Mudra and Bandha.

Trataka (meditation focusing on a candle flame to help achieve Dharana - concentration), Trataka on the Tattwa (elements), Yoga Nidra on the Tattwa (relaxation – ‘long’ – 45+ minutes), and a basic – but long – Tattwa Shuddhi meditation practice will be done.

There will be more information on the theory behind Tattwa Shuddhi than in Day 1. A deepening of your personal experience of the Tattwa, including the geometric forms (yantra) and the sounds (mantra), will be an aim for this day.

In order to be able to concentrate on tattwa, including the symbol of the geometric form (tattwa yantra) and the symbol of the sound (mantra), It is important to develop some skill in bringing about pratyahara (sense withdrawal) and dharana (concentration).

Asana and pranayama practiced in specific ways will enhance sense withdrawal and ability in dharana follows on.

First there is the development of the awareness of the Tattwa (elements); then concentration or Dharana is developed through Tattwa Shuddhi. The subtle increases in the knowing aspect will ultimately result in spontaneous meditation or Dhyana. Purification (Shuddhi) through all levels enables the subtle essence behind the form to be realised. To reach the final stages may take a great many years of practice but there will undoubtedly be immense benefits along the way for the sincere aspirant or practitioner.

The instructor, Radhe (Swami Anandaradha Saraswati) was initiated into karma sannyas in Auckland, NZ by Swami Satyananda on 17 March, 1984. She has been teaching yoga, relaxation and meditation for almost 40 years now, having run a yoga centre at Maraetai Beach for a long period before moving to the Bay of Plenty. Now back in Northland where she grew up, Radhe currently teaches 3 yoga classes a week in the Whangarei district as well as some weekend workshops there and in Hokitika. She teaches secondary school maths fulltime for the correspondence school, Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu.

“tattwa shuddhi comes under the category of sukshma sadhana, thus providing the necessary link for the development of higher practices.” (Swami Satyasangananda, Tattwa Shuddhi – The Tantric Practice of Inner Purification, Bihar School of Yoga, Munger, Bihar, India, 1984, page 10)

Investment: $160 for both days (in advance) or $180 at the venue. One day $85 (in advance) or $95 at the venue.

All interested are welcome. Please enquire and book through Radhe. Note: do request the Shraddha Yoga and Meditation account details to pay in advance at the discounted rate.

Email - shraddhayoganz@gmail.com
Phone - 027 392 8220