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Shadow Yoga has arisen over half a century of research and practical investigation into the origins and essence of Hatha Yoga and Tantra. The name is derived from ‘The Yoga of the Shadow Man’, the title of the sixth chapter of The Shiva Svarodaya. This ancient tantrik treatise, whose title refers to the birth of the breath of life as revealed by the god Shiva, reveals how that breath manifests in the intricate layers of shadow that constitute the human organism. It is only through an intimate knowledge of these layers of the ‘shadow’ that one is able to progress on the journey of inner discovery.
The required tools for this journey are the Shadow Yoga Prelude forms (Vyayama) , Pure Dance (Nrtta), Posture (Asana), inner breath control (Pranayama) and the mental practices through the concentrated power of will termed Samyama (even restraint). This array of practices has arisen through the cultivation of yogins, tantrikas and ascetics over millennia but their origins and true essence lie in the earliest documented ascetic tradition of the Pashupatas. The significance of the devotees of Lord Pashupathi is conveyed in this narrative.
Lord Pashupathi transformed himself into Adinath, the first teacher, who through the labours of his disciples Matsyendranath, Gorakhnath, Jalandharnath and their followers, gave Tantrik Hatha Yoga for the welfare and spiritual development of mankind.
The essence of the Pashupathi path is the principle of spontaneous ascesis or ‘freestyle’ and the teachings of the Shadow School aim at that goal. However the path that leads to that spontaneity and the state of sahajavastha (natural existence) varies from individual to individual and in all cases is rigorous, requiring extreme attentiveness as well as persistence. If all appropriate steps are not taken then ‘spontaneity’ becomes merely an excuse for the indulgence of fantasy or confused emotion.
Of the various practices listed above Nrtta, the pure dance form that is the legacy of the Pashupatas is at the core. Through training in this art devoid of any gymnastic or theatrical embellishment, the sadhaka (aspirant) rediscovers the natural rhythmic currents hidden within the body that are the seeds of spontaneity. Most of the asanas used in modern Hatha Yoga schools are adaptations of the standing and squatting karanas that constitute the building blocks of Nrtta. The important difference is that while in the original practice, the placement of the legs was achieved through the energy of the legs, nowadays the legs are manipulated into those shapes with the hands.
Through Samyama the essence of these activities are drawn into a single point that acts as the gateway into that immensity that has a thousand names and yet remains nameless. The path through these practices is chosen according to the gifts, aptitudes and maturity of each individual. The role of the teacher is to assist the student in finding what is appropriate for the stage they are at, so they may overcome the obstacle that has presented itself.
1. Prelude Forms (Vyayama)
2. Pure Dance (Nrtta)
3. Three fold meditations of the Thunder Dragon (Taranyali Tridha Dhyanam)
4. Sound Resonance (Mantra Sadhana)
5. Individual Sadhana (personalised teachings based on individual needs)
6. Khecari Sadhana (Mudra)
Sundernāth (Shandor Remete) was fortunate to be born into a household at the southeastern tip of the great Hungarian plain where the art of yoga was a daily presence. From this seed, his destiny on the path of yoga unfolded.
He is an initiate of the Kanpatha Hatha Yogins of Nepal, descendants of Sri Gorakhnath, and his Guru Sri Matsyendranath. These great Yogins were the forefathers of Tantrik Hatha Yoga, the heart of which is Hatha Yoga – the science bestowed upon humanity by Adinatha (Lord Shiva).
Emma Balnaves is an internationally respected teacher of the traditional forms and philosophies of Hatha Yoga. She has been teaching yoga since 1995.
Emma was introduced to yoga in her early teens when she became intrigued by the mystery of the practices and the feelings they evoked inside her. After studying visual communication, majoring in photography at university, and working in the creative arts in Sydney, New York, and London, Emma committed herself to a life of teaching yoga. Her early training began with a three-year apprenticeship at the Hatha Yoga Shala in Bondi Junction, Sydney, Australia.
After decades of in-depth study and research in yoga, Ayurveda, and other internal arts, Emma began incorporating the full spectrum of the yogic process in her teaching.
In 2019 she completed her first film Agniyogana, which she was inspired to create as a way to share the essence of these teachings and bring a better understanding of all aspects of the practice.
We acknowledge that we meet and work on Indigenous lands across the globe and we pay respect to elders, past and present, and acknowledge the role that Indigenous peoples continue to play within their local communities.
Shadow Yoga is concerned with the social and environmental impacts of industry and the marginalisation of various groups. We have pledged 1% of sales to help fund diverse grassroots organizations and appreciate the support of our community.
In 2002, Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, created 1% for the Planet and started a global movement. “The intent of 1% for the Planet is to help fund these diverse environmental organizations so that collectively they can be a more powerful source in solving the world’s problems."
Over the past twenty years, we have introduced and taught all the preparatory practices required to cultivate the subtle energy and initiate the gathering of vital power that leads to the spontaneous or natural state of Sahajavasta which is the highest peak of meditation.
These practices and technical tools were laid out in Sundernath’s book Taranyali Tridha Dhyanam in the chapters on Krantam and Kriya. In the last chapter, he introduces the principles and characteristics of the final phase to which they lead – the acquisition of Shambhavi Mudra. These properties can be summed up in the term prasādājñā which implies that this mudra has a double nature – Rudra Shakti, the command of authority for the removal of impurities and Kundalini Shakti, the command of grace. When these two energies are drawn together into a single point the portal of transmission is opened. In this explanation I gave enough for genuine seekers to gain some sense of the path ahead and the demands that it would make.
The time has come to teach those individuals who are suitably prepared and open, by practical steps and in a systematic manner, the complete process through to this final stage.
This will be undertaken in four stages as follows:
Each stage will consist of three-weekend workshops, each weekend consisting of three sessions. Between these stages, the students will be given suitable time to practice and absorb what they have learned before proceeding further.
Copyright © Shadow Yoga. All rights reserved. No part of these teachings may be reproduced, distributed, recorded or transmitted in any form or by any means, including, recording, or other electronic or mechanical means, without the prior written permission of Shadow Yoga. All advice given is strictly in confidence.
Close by: Remember to call ahead for visit conditions
Roche de Solutré: Not to miss, on the Great Site of France Solutré Pouilly Vergisson
Musée de préhistoire: Jardin archeological and botanical garden, the Maison du Grand Site to complete the tour.
Château De Pierreclos: In the midst of organic vineyards.
Chateau De Berze-Le-Chatel: Historical monument, one of the most well-preserved medieval fortified castles of Burgundy (where Ridley Scott shot ‘The Last Duel’!)
Chapelle Des Moines: In Berzé-la-Ville (the next village!) – not to be missed.
Château De Cormatin: (only possible to visit its magnificent garden) Between Tournus et Cluny.
Les Communs: Local ceramists.
Chapaize – L’église Saint Martin & L’église De Lancharre: The village offers bed and breakfasts, 3 restaurants a Sunday organic market, an art gallery, and artists’ ateliers.
Grottes D’azé: Earth under life: in -350 000, a primal man appeared in the cave, then rhinos and antique elephants…the prehistorical cave and the underground river hide one of the largest European cave bears fields.
Château De Saint-Point-Lamartine: If one appreciates the writer
Solornay sur Guye: The neighbouring town – includes a restaurant, small food store, salon de thé – pâtisserie
Cité- Abbaye De Cluny: The Benedictin Abbaye Of Cluny Shined On The Whole Middle Age Europe, Being The Widest Of Western Christianity Before The Building Of Saint-Peters In Rome.
Communauté De Taizé: Christian Ecumenical Community Founded In 1940 By Brother Roger.
Abbaye Saint Philibert – Tournus: One Of The Largest French Monastic Cities.
Inclusions
If you are flying to Auckland, when your flights are confirmed, please pass the info to Jaymin Gansell who will co-ordinate transport to the retreat on the Tuesday. This will be an additional shared cost. If you are already in Auckland you are welcome to contact her too.
Discounts
Cancellation Policy
Limited to 20 participants. We expect places to fill quickly.
Included in your fee
Exclusions
Extra meals, fruits, tea, coffee & juices
Extras
We regret that Teacher’s Discount is not available for the retreats.
Venue information
Closest domestic airports (in order) are Kozhikode, Cochin, Coimbatore.
Cochin takes longer because of very heavy traffic. The asram will help organise a taxi for you – see contact details below.
Contact
For taxi bookings and information about additional treatments or extending your stay, please contact Jishnu Ravendranath
WhatsApp is prefered +918075435242
Cancellation Policy
Limited to 20 participants. We expect places to fill quickly.
Over the past twenty years, we have introduced and taught all the preparatory practices required to cultivate the subtle energy and initiate the gathering of vital power that leads to the spontaneous or natural state of Sahajavasta which is the highest peak of meditation.
These practices and technical tools were laid out in Sundernath’s book Taranyali Tridha Dhyanam in the chapters on Krantam and Kriya. In the last chapter, he introduces the principles and characteristics of the final phase to which they lead – the acquisition of Shambhavi Mudra. These properties can be summed up in the term prasādājñā which implies that this mudra has a double nature – Rudra Shakti, the command of authority for the removal of impurities and Kundalini Shakti, the command of grace. When these two energies are drawn together into a single point the portal of transmission is opened. In this explanation I gave enough for genuine seekers to gain some sense of the path ahead and the demands that it would make.
The time has come to teach those individuals who are suitably prepared and open, by practical steps and in a systematic manner, the complete process through to this final stage.
This will be undertaken in four stages as follows:
Each stage will consist of three-weekend workshops, each weekend consisting of three sessions. Between these stages, the students will be given suitable time to practice and absorb what they have learned before proceeding further.
Copyright © Shadow Yoga. All rights reserved. No part of these teachings may be reproduced, distributed, recorded or transmitted in any form or by any means, including, recording, or other electronic or mechanical means, without the prior written permission of Shadow Yoga. All advice given is strictly in confidence.
Close by: Remember to call ahead for visit conditions
Roche de Solutré: Not to miss, on the Great Site of France Solutré Pouilly Vergisson
Musée de préhistoire: Jardin archeological and botanical garden, the Maison du Grand Site to complete the tour.
Château De Pierreclos: In the midst of organic vineyards.
Chateau De Berze-Le-Chatel: Historical monument, one of the most well-preserved medieval fortified castles of Burgundy (where Ridley Scott shot ‘The Last Duel’!)
Chapelle Des Moines: In Berzé-la-Ville (the next village!) – not to be missed.
Château De Cormatin: (only possible to visit its magnificent garden) Between Tournus et Cluny.
Les Communs: Local ceramists.
Chapaize – L’église Saint Martin & L’église De Lancharre: The village offers bed and breakfasts, 3 restaurants a Sunday organic market, an art gallery, and artists’ ateliers.
Grottes D’azé: Earth under life: in -350 000, a primal man appeared in the cave, then rhinos and antique elephants…the prehistorical cave and the underground river hide one of the largest European cave bears fields.
Château De Saint-Point-Lamartine: If one appreciates the writer
Solornay sur Guye: The neighbouring town – includes a restaurant, small food store, salon de thé – pâtisserie
Cité- Abbaye De Cluny: The Benedictin Abbaye Of Cluny Shined On The Whole Middle Age Europe, Being The Widest Of Western Christianity Before The Building Of Saint-Peters In Rome.
Communauté De Taizé: Christian Ecumenical Community Founded In 1940 By Brother Roger.
Abbaye Saint Philibert – Tournus: One Of The Largest French Monastic Cities.