Courses

The Shadow Yoga teachings encompass different levels of learning. There are various paths from which to choose as one ascends to the heights of knowledge and experience. Each individual will choose the path that they feel most drawn towards.

In person courses

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The prelude forms for yogasana are made up of various karanas and suryanamaskars.

  • Lecture and four classes
  • Open level
preludes

This title is a general term that suggests ‘moving towards’ the first step of the Taranyali Krantam.

  • Three classes
  • Open level
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For those practitioners with an existing yogasana sadhana.

  • Five morning sessions
  • Open level
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Shakticala with Sundernath

  • Five afternoon classes
  • Advanced students
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The prelude forms for yogasana are made up of various karanas and suryanamaskars and are utilised to prepare the practitioner for yogasana.

  • Open level, suitable for all
  • One class, 8–10am
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For practitioners with an existing yogasana sadhana.
Mantra gives the inner shape and changes the resonance of the entire being.

  • Entry is by application
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Emma shares her insight on how to utilise the female energy and understand the three phases of a woman’s life – menstruation, pregnancy & menopause.

  • Open level
  • Suitable for all women
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A general level course that includes the basic karanas and asanas, preparing one for the higher levels of practices.

  • Nine classes
  • Open for all levels
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Pure Dance (Nrtta) prepares the settings for the transmental (unmani) state for the practices of mudra.

  • Lecture & five afternoon classes
  • For students experienced in Shadow Yoga
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Its variations & cultivation. Without the mastery of baddha padmasana, the internal practices of the mudras are not possible.

  • Lecture and five morning classes
  • Pre-requisite: experienced in padmasana

Online courses

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In these discourses Sundernath will explain the correct application of the practices set out in his new book: Taranyali Tridha Dhyanam - The Threefold Meditations of the Thunder Dragon.

  • Seven discourses
  • Open level
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An offering of three courses

  • Taranyali Krantam
  • Ananda Tandava
  • Pranayama Deha Shuddhi
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NEW

An offering of two courses

  • The Laya Krama
  • Shadow Yoga Preludes
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An offering of four courses

  • Adharas
  • The Correct Application of Pranayama & the Perils & Pitfalls of its Misuse
  • Twelve-part Lecture series
  • Hatha Yoga – the Internalised Tantric Rite
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NEW
  • Taranyali Krantam
  • Ananda Tandava
  • Pranayama Deha Shuddhi
  • The Laya Krama
  • Shadow Yoga Preludes
  • Adharas
  • The Correct Application of Pranayama & the Perils & Pitfalls of its Misuse
  • Twelve-part Lecture series
  • Hatha Yoga – the Internalised Tantric Rite
  • Yoga for Women with Emma Balnaves

About our courses

Preludes for Asana
The three forms are the combination of various warrior (viraparampara) and sun forms (suryanamaskaras) which act as preludes for the asana-vinyasas.
Nrtta Sadhana – Pure Dance of Shiva
The Nrtta is that Sadhana (way of accomplishment) by which the sadhaka (aspirant) rediscovers the rhythmic life currents hidden within the body by means of unimposed natural positioning. This is termed Karana (cause). The four forms of Nrtta are: Ananda Tandava (Shiva’s dance of dissolvement), Ashta Matrikas (the eight mother palms), Lasya (Kali’s creative dance or Long form), Shiva Tandava (Wild dance of Shiva).
Taranyali Tridha Dhyanam

This is an ancient and complete meditation system from the tradition of Tantric Hatha Yoga. This threefold system has been revived and revised by the yogin Sundernath (Shandor Remete) for use by present day practitioners of the art and craft of Hatha Yoga.
This is a complete system of meditation from first step to final mastery.

Taranyali Krantam: The Emergence of the Thunder Dragon
Taranyali Kriya: The Proceeding of the Thunder Dragon
Taranyali Dipa Dhyanam: The Floating Lamp Meditation of the Thunder Dragon

The first two stages of meditation are active.

Stage One – Taranyali Krantam – consists of three definite steps prior to the bridging activities which are the preparatory practices for Khecari mudra.

Step 1: Nrtta & Kriya
Step 2: Pranayama & Nauli kriya
Step 3: Kumbhaka

Until these parts are learnt, one cannot proceed to Taranyali Kriya (Stage Two).

The third and final stage of mastery is Taranyali Dipa Dhyanam. 

This form is passive and is the giver of Mahasukhadhara – the subtle form of great ease. It bestows the light of the soul in all its fullness – a state that has always been referred to as Kundalini Yoga.

Mantra Sadhana

The internal work for the subtle energy power of kundalini is incomplete without Mantra Sadhana. Mantra gives the inner shape and changes the resonance of the entire being.
This course with Emma Balnaves includes the following parts:
– Pranams: Invocation & Salutations
– Yogininyasavidhim & Chakras
– Japa & Conclusion 

Individual Yogasana

For those Shadow Yoga sádhakas (aspirants) who have an existing Sadhana.

Khecari Sadhana
This is for the select few that have qualified for the development of the Khecari Mudra (the gesture of the roamer, of the pathways of heaven). In this course Sundernath will impart the first of the six limbs (anga) required for its cultivation.
The Method of Re-absorption (Laya Krama)
The Laya Krama of the Hatha system is a process of cultivation that facilitates an internal transition into the work of reabsorption through the arts of pranayama, mudra, pratyahara and dharana. The required tools for Laya Krama are Nrtta Sadhana – Pure Dance of Shiva and the Weaving Jade Lady, together with their charanas (warm-ups) and vyapakas (rub-downs).
Pranayama Deha Shuddhi (cleansing of the body)

This pranayama refers to the method of cleansing or purifying (shuddhi) the body (deha). However indirectly, Deha Shuddhi also refers to the purification of the mind, as the mind lives within the body and is an extension of it. The Deha Shuddhi practice is offered for the establishment of the necessary and correct body-mindset required for the journey ahead—the path of Laya Krama (the process of reabsorption) that lies beyond Deha Shuddhi.

Adharas (support centres)

The process of reabsorption (Laya Krama) is not possible without the knowledge and support of the sixteen adharas (support centres) that make up the hidden path of Shiva’s moon. This course will disclose the hidden art of utilising the moon’s energy during the fluctuating light and dark phases of waxing and waning, and will offer instruction to harmoniously harness the fluctuations of the mind by adapting to the ruling energy of each day and night in this cycle.

Yoga for Women

Emma Balnaves takes you on a journey to understand the three phases of a woman’s requirements on the hatha yogic path.
This lecture series for women is about the three important stages of her life.
Topics covered: Introduction, Menstruation, Pregnancy, Menopause, Practice, Q&A & Conclusion

Sundernath’s Discourse Programmes

Live discourses from time to time (usually at the Full Moon) where Sundernath shares information and gives guidance on how to proceed on the path of Hatha Yoga.

Previous Discourses that have been recorded and are available online (see below) include
– The Correct Application of Pranayama and the Perils and Pitfalls of its Misuse (7 sessions)
– Hatha Yoga Discourses (12 sessions)

Consultations with Sundernath and Emma

Recognising the growing need for a consultative service where students can get advice on parts of their Sadhana, we are offering consultations online or in-person depending on location.
Practitioners will have the opportunity to ask questions based on their personal sadhana, where they might be struggling or having difficulties in the practice etc, on a personal one-to-one basis.
In the consultation we will give guidance on your practise offering amendments where required.
Where appropriate, lifestyle and women’s issues can also be discussed with Emma.
Open to all levels of yoga practitioners.

To Register

Please select from the course list below. Payments can be made via PayPal or Stripe (credit card). 10% discount for Shadow Yoga teachers applies to some courses (not in addition to other discounts).

The five activities of the Lord Nataraja are:

Srishti – creation and evolution,
Sthiti – preservation and  support,
Samhara – destruction and evolution,
Tirobhava – veiling, embodiment, illusion and rest,
Anugraha – release, salvation and grace.

These cosmic acts belong to the deities Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, Mahesvara and Sada-Siva respectively and form the central motifs of his dance. Siva-Nataraja in the Lasya (gracious dance), creates and sustains.

During his wild, blissful dance, the Tandava, the Sudalaiyadi (Demon of the Burning Ground) destroys existing structures, provides rest through concealment and finally, bestows release.

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.

Taranyali Tridha Dhyanam

The Threefold Meditations of the Thunder Dragon

Further information

In yoga parlance the human form is often referred to as ‘pinda’ – the sonic egg. In which the innate power of kundalini shakti exists in two phases: dormant and awakened.

The dormant one exists in all beings as the nature of consciousness being responsible for the world of varied thoughts and actions. Therefore it is of a distorted nature.

The awakened phase is the diligent form that lives in the master yogins where it curbs the disturbances due to her rising awareness. Since she is the material cause of all beings, she is supreme and referred to as ‘vimarsharupini’ (the nature of thought).

Within her two phases she occupies three relative positions within the human form and is known under three different names: ‘adashakti’ (the lower) or outgoing form. It is this energy that is cultivated and internalised through the first form of ‘the emerging step of the thunder dragon’ whose activities give rise to the divine inner form called the ‘madyashakti’ (the subtle inner form). This is further developed via the activities of the second format ‘the procedures of the thunder dragon’ bringing forth the subtle form of divine speech (resonance) out of which rises the ‘urdhvashakti’ (the subtle form of the divine mind) leading one finally to the supreme state of ‘dharmamegha samadhi’ (the nourishing equanimous state of the thunder cloud). This is achieved through the practices of the third format: ‘the floating lamp meditations of the thunder dragon’.

Therefore the three formed activities of the thunder dragon aid in harnessing the energies of divine form – speech and mind, where they dissolve into a single pillar of light, the source of all existences.

This can be further investigated in the newly released book by Sundernath titled:
Taranyali Tridha Dhyanam – The Threefold Meditations of the Thunder Dragon

This course introduces Taranyali Krantam, the first format.

View Taranyali Krantam on-line course

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.

Khecari Sadhana

with Sundernath or Emma Balnaves
Course information

This course is for the select few that have qualified for the development of the Khecari Mudra (the Gesture of Roaming in the Sky) and will impart the first of the six limbs (anga) required for its cultivation.

Pranam – Siddha (adept) and sadhak (student) together salute Kechari saying: ‘Khecari I bow to you, that you may enable me to realise and experience the truth of transformation.’

The practice of Khecari is the hidden prayer of Rudra, the Lord of Tears.

The Khecari Sadhana course will be given in a series of private consultations at suitable times agreed to by the teacher and the student.
Because of the nature of the practice you will be required to execute a disclaimer.

Those selected for this course must have a practical understanding of the science of the 16 adharas and have completed the Mantra Sadhana.

PDF notes will be available for your review.

Three classes: Cost US$360

To apply: contact@shadowyoga.com

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.

Online Consultations

with Sundernath and Emma

To make the process as efficient as possible, please provide us some background regarding your experience :

  • Your name and age
  • Who is your primary yoga teacher
  • What style of yoga are you practicing
  • The nature of your query
  • The preferred day & time for the consultation (and your timezone)

Preferred method of consultation is: Zoom
Available times will be co-ordinated with you.

Please email us consult@shadowyoga.com

Once we receive your email and agree the day & time, we will send you an invoice to be paid before the consultation. 48hrs notice is required to change or the appointment will be cancelled. By implementing this service we aim to provide ongoing support to yoga practitioners.

Consultation costs:

30 minute consultation: US$140
60 minute consultation: US$190
Package of 3 x 60 minute consultations: US$480

In the event that you are suffering financial hardship, please make us aware of that in your email and we will be able to accommodate you.

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.

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."

Info: Vitry-lès-Cluny

About the region

Tourism center information

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.

Grottes De Blanot

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.