Welcome to Shadow Yoga

Описание: Shadow Yoga is a modern term that encompasses the ancient practices originating with the Pashupata tantrika yogins. These practises preceded and gave rise to Hatha Yoga. The Pashupata tantrika yogins are the oldest known ascetic yogins even pre-dating Patanjali.

The name Shadow Yoga is derived from the 6th chapter (entitled ‘Yoga of the Shadow Man’) of the ancient tantrika treatise or writings titled ‘The Shiva-svarodaya’ (the birth of the breath of life revealed by the god Shiva).

The teachings of Shadow Yoga are based upon the ancient Hatha Yogic texts which state that ‘all fixed forms should be designed to develop the practice of freestyle’. Freestyle is a necessary step in the cultivation of longevity and enlightenment.

The required tools are the Shadow Yoga prelude forms, Nrtta (pure dance of Shiva), Asana (posture), Pranayama (inner breath control) and the mental practices through the concentrated power of will termed Samyama (even restraint).

The basis for all is Nrtta which in its light form is the legacy of the Pashupata tantrika yogins. Through this pure form, devoid of any gymnastic or theatrical embellishments, the sadhaka (aspirant) rediscovers the natural rhythmic currents hidden within the body.

Most of the asanas used in contemporary Hatha Yoga schools are adaptations of the standing and squatting karanas. The important difference is that in the original practice the placement of the legs was achieved through the energy of the legs whereas nowadays the legs are manipulated with the hands to achieve the same shapes.

Through Samyama the essence of these activities are drawn into a single point that acts as the gateway into the immensity better described as ‘the unknown’.

The Shadow Yoga teachings encompass different stages 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.

Preparatory forms (Introduction to Shadow Yoga)
Nrtta Sadhana – pure dance of shiva
Shadanga Yoga – six limbs (asana, pranayama etc.)
Individual Yogasana – personalised one-to-one teaching based on the individual’s needs