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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Undertaken in four stages (each of three-weekend workshops), with the first stage - The Sheathing of Thunder and Lightning – being introduced in this course

  • Three-weekend workshops
  • Shadow Yoga background of Nrtta & Yogasanas is required
  • Available in person and also live-streamed from Adelaide
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In 2024 Sundernath will commence teaching, on an individual basis, those students who have qualified and are ready to proceed towards the higher realms of wisdom.

  • Bookings are available for blocks of one, two, or three weeks
  • Six classes per week
  • Shadow Yoga background
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Mantra gives the inner shape and changes the resonance of the entire being.

  • Three classes
  • Shadow Yoga background
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For practitioners with an existing yogasana sadhana. Participants are taken to their natural limit based on the sequence of the Shadow Yoga sadhana they are currently working with.

  • Five morning sessions 7–9am
  • Open level for all
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During this three hour workshop Emma will share her insights on how to harness the female energy through Hatha yoga practices.

  • Three hour workshop
  • Suitable for women of any age
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Taranyali Tandava (the Thunder Dragon’s Dance) is a new form arrangement giving a stronger setting for the seated asanas and mudras.

  • Weekend opening with free lecture with Sundernath
  • Four sessions
  • Open level for all
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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
  • Also live-streamed
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Pure dance (Nrtta Sadhana) prepares the settings for the transmental (unmani) state for the practices of mudra.

  • Open level for all
  • Three-morning classes
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This course will introduce the different layers of shakticalani-mudra with the application of the required support mudras.

  • Eight classes including lecture
  • Shadow Yoga background & padmasana is required
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For practitioners with an existing yogasana sadhana. 

  • Six afternoon classes
  • Open level for all
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Emma shares her insights on how to harness one’s female energy through the Hatha yogic practices.

  • Morning yoga and afternoon ayurvedic treatments
  • Open level - for all women
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The Taranayali Kriya is a preparatory stage for the Taranyali Dhyanam (Meditations of the Thunder Dragon).

  • Three treatments and 10 yoga sessions
  • Shadow Yoga background of Nrtta & Yogasanas is required
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These practices and technical tools were laid out in Sundernath’s book Taranyali Tridha Dhyanam in the chapters on Krantam and Kriya.

  • Three treatments and 14 yoga sessions
  • Shadow Yoga background of Nrtta & Yogasanas is required

Online courses

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LIVE
NEW

Undertaken in four stages (each of three-weekend workshops), with the first stage - The Sheathing of Thunder and Lightning – being introduced in this course

  • Three-weekend workshops
  • Available online & inperson
  • Shadow Yoga background of Nrtta & Yogasanas is required
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NEW

How to proceed with your Sadhana. A live Q&A with practical application to conclude based on questions asked during each session.

  • Online, between February–May 2024
  • Shadow Yoga background
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NEW

Taranyali Tandava (the Thunder Dragon’s Dance) is a new form arrangement giving a stronger setting for the seated asanas and mudras.

  • Five Sessions
  • Open level for all
  • Live-streamed from Adelaide
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LIVE
NEW

During this three hour workshop Emma will share her insights on how to harness the female energy through Hatha yoga practices.

  • Three hour workshop
  • Suitable for women of any age
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LIVE
NEW

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
  • Live-streamed from Paris
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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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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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  • 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

Prelude Forms (Vyayama)
The three forms are the combination of various warrior (viraparampara) and sun forms (suryanamaskaras) which act as preludes for the asana-vinyasas: Balakrama (stepping into strength) Chaya Yoddha Sancalanam (churning of the shadow warrior) Kartikkeya Mandala (garland of light)
Pure Dance (Nrtta)
Nrtta, Acquisition of shapes through rhythmic movements, which are void of mood (bhava) & flavour (rasa). 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 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 Krantam (Emergence of the Thunder Dragon), Taranyali Tandava (Thunder Dragon’s Dance).
Three fold meditations of the Thunder Dragon (Taranyali Tridha Dhyanam)

This is an ancient and complete meditation system from the tradition of Tantrik 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. The third and final stage of mastery is Taranyali Dipa Dhyanam.

Sound Resonance (Mantra Sadhana)

The vital energy is three-fold by its nature, straight line, coil and sound. Mantra gives the inner shape and changes the resonance of the entire being. For the cultivation of Shakti within one’s sadhana.

These teachings are part of the Taranyali Tridha Dhyanam. This course consists of three levels of learning – the level being taught will depend on the experience of the participants. This course includes the following stages:

– Pranams: Invocation & Salutations
– Seven powers of Saraswati
– Yogininyasavidhim
– Chakras & Nadis
– Vargaksharas
Khecari mantra & Hamsa pitha
– Japa & Conclusion

Individual Sadhana (personalised teachings based on individual needs)
For practitioners with an existing yogasana sadhana. Participants are taken to their natural limit based on the sequence of the Shadow Yoga sadhana they are currently working within their daily practice.
Khecari Sadhana (Mudra)
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 above) include:

– The Correct Application of Pranayama and the Perils and Pitfalls of its Misuse (seven 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 above. 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).

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.

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:

50 minute consultation: US$140

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."

Important Information

August is the time of the monsoon in India. Ancient writings outline that this season is the best season for Panchakarma treatments (Ayurvedic cleansings) which are enhanced at this time. Alongside this, the yoga will be offered with the treatments.

Inclusions

  • Accommodation for the specified nights. We will do our best to provide your choice of accommodation
  • One consultation with the Vaidya (Ayurvedic doctor)
  • Treatments as specified
  • Three vegetarian meals a day with two beverages (ideally herbal tea if not, tea/ coffee) and fruit bowl
  • One group session on Diet and Ayurveda

Exclusions

  • Extra meals/fruits/tea/coffee & juices

Extras

  • Airport taxi pickup and drop are available (see below)
  • Additional specific treatments are available
  • Astrology Session: INR4,000

Discounts

  • 5% For EarlyBird booking and full payment received before 31 March (will be applied at checkout)
  • If you are registering for more than one course at Poonthottam an additional 5% discount is available. We will also include the night between the courses. In this case, please email Danny May with your course selection and room type.
  • We regret that Teacher’s Discount is not available for these retreats.

Venue information
Poonthottam
The closest domestic airports in order are Kozhikode, Cochin, Coimbatore. Cochin takes longer because of very heavy traffic. The ashram 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

(based on Ayurvedasram policy)
After 30 April – Cancellation fee of 25%
After 28 May – 100%

Limited to 25 participants. We expect places to fill quickly.

Meditations of the Thunder Dragon (Taranyali Dhyanam)

with Sundernath

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:

  1. The Sheathing of Thunder and Lightning
  2. Stabilising the Thunder and Lightning
  3. Opening the Sky and Flooding
  4. The Arousal of Hamsah – the Anahata Nad, (the unstruck sound of the heart).
    Shambhavi Mudra

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.

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.