Teaching Methodology:

• Nicolai emphasizes clear, organized, organic instruction in a fun, playful environment.
• Learning (not just teaching) is given the highest priority.
• Written materials are provided in most classes.
• Classes are taught using the original Devanagari script or Roman transliteration.
• The Sanskrit language classes promote correct pronunciation and rhythm.
• The classes on philosophical Sanskrit texts (Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, etc) encourage students to develop their own interpretation using several translations as well as personal life experience. First we focus on the literal, word-for-word translation and from there we extrapolate.

Sanskrit Level 1: Alphabet (12 hours)

Sanskrit is the language of Yoga. It is 100% phonetic and intelligently designed, allowing one to learn how to read and pronounce anything with only 12 hours of training. In a supportive, cooperative, playful environment using color-coding and calligraphy, Nicolai will bring you step-by-step through the sacred alphabet. We will learn the sounds through chanting and explore the esoteric aspects of this sacred language. The weekend will culminate with everyone reading several asana names and Ayurvedic terms in the original Devanagari script. A booklet is included which contains everything covered in the class and more.

Sanskrit Level 2: Chanting / Basic Grammar (12 hours)

For those with some exposure to the Sanskrit alphabet. Learn how to recognize an 8 or 11 syllable meter and chant it properly, why sounds change when words meet and some basic grammar. We will practice some popular yoga chants as well as ancient Upanishadic and Vedic chants.

Asana Names and More (2-3 hours)

We will chant the sacred Sanskrit alphabet together, emphasizing the five mouth-positions, breath, sound-attributes and rhythm. From there we will experience in our own mouths how the correct pronunciation of many yoga terms and asana names feels and sounds. The class will show the original Sanskrit Devanagari script as well as the transliteration and literal translation of each asana name and yoga term.

Sanskrit Chanting Styles (3 hours)

Sanskrit has been chanted in India continuously for at least 6000 years. Many different styles of chanting have developed, including Vedic, bija mantra, shloka, stotra and kirtana. You will experience the different vibrations of each style while chanting verses from the Rig Veda, Yoga Sutras, Shankaracharya and the Bhagavad Gita. All chants will be available both in the original Devanagari script as well as in transliteration. Proper pronunciation (mouth position, tone, rhythm) will be emphasized.

Vedic Chanting (3 hours)

The Vedas have been preserved orally by means of very specific rules of chanting. Proper mouth position, tone, emphasis, rhythm and order make it virtually impossible for the texts to be diluted or changed over time. We will learn the basics of samhita, krama and jata chanting using a sacred Ganesha mantra from the Upanishads. This chanting will feel different than anything you’ve done before.

Cakras/Kundalini/Bija Mantras (2 hours)

What is a nadi, a cakra, the kundalini shakti? Using verses from the Hatha Yoga Pradipika we first describe the theory of awakening the dormant kundalini and how it flows upwards through the sushumna nadi. Each cakra has a primary seed sound and several secondary sound petals which energize it. We then apply the theory by chanting and resonating the seed and petal sounds from the root chakra through the crown, focusing our attention on the location, yantra and color of each cakra. This awakens the sleeping kundalini serpent and via the sushumna nadi connects us to the divine energy that pervades the material world.

Yoga Sutras: A series of lectures

The Yoga Sutras define yoga by explaining the nature of human consciousness in a series of compact seed-like sutras. We will chant each sutra, then break it down word-by-word and discuss what it means and how it applies to our lives in this society. Starting with a literal translation from Vyaas Houston’s Yoga Sutra Workbook we will enter into discussion and go as deep as time permits.

Yoga Sutras: The Kleshas as Seeds of Opportunity

Why do we react instead of act? What causes our buttons to be pushed and why are everyone's so different? The afflictions or obstructions known as "kleshas" cause us to react suddenly, create more negative karma for ourselves and keep us from attaining real happiness. By understanding these aspects of our psyche we move a step closer to making conscious, appropriate and well-thought-out choices and actions.

Yoga Sutras: Personal Practice

The sutras provide tools to help reveal who we are, where we are now and where we want to be. Each instance of discomfort becomes an opportunity to understand ourself in relation to our surroundings. Personal parinama (transformation) occurs by taking advantage of these moments and choosing to act consciously instead of react unconsciously.

Yoga Sutras: Nonviolence and Truth

Arguably the two most important aspects of practicing yoga, ahimsa and satya form the bedrock of a yogic lifestyle. How do we incorporate these qualities into our everyday thoughts, words and deeds? When do we sacrifice these for our own personal comfort?

Yoga Sutras: The Eight Limbs

From social ethics to deep meditation, the classical eight limbs of yoga moves from the very external to the most internal. The sequence is deliberate and profound, every step important in its own right. We will cover the yamas, niyamas, asana and the rest as time permits.

Bhagavad Gita (3 or more hours)

This "divine song" is one of the most sacred and profound poems ever written. Mostly a dialogue between the Krishna (God) and Arjuna (man), it is an exploration of the Self residing in each of us. We will learn both shloka and trishtubh meters which will allow you to chant any of the 700 verses. Certain select verses will be chanted, explained word-by-word, then discussed. The translation we begin with will be Winthrop Sargeant’s (SUNY Press).

Ayurveda (3 or more hours)

Ayurveda is a profound system of wholistic medicine from India dating back at least 5000 years. Treating every person as a unique blend of qualities, Ayurveda emphasizes the prevention of disease through a diet and lifestyle appropriate to each individual’s unique physical and mental constitution. We will translate many shlokas directly from Ayurvedic texts. Some areas covered will be:

• Samkhya philosophy of creation and emergence of the 5 elements
• 6 tastes, 20 attributes (ex. hot/cold) and 3 doshas (inc. subdoshas)
• process of digestion as food is transformed into our 7 tissues
• how to determine your physical and mental constitution
• healthy daily habits
• other topics as time permits

The Gunas: Sattva, Rajas and Tamas

The Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita and Ayurveda are all based on the Samkhya philosophy which describes these three energetics as existing in every aspect of the material world. How do these principles apply to the mind, action and nutrition? Understanding these gunas sheds light on the yogic world-view. Verses from all three areas will be chanted and discussed.

The Natural Integration of Yoga and Ayurveda (taught with Margo Bachman)

The natural principles of Ayurveda are integrated into certain systems of yoga. This synergistic combination provides powerful tools for radiant health and personal self-development. Just as diet and lifestyle can be tailored to one's individual constitution, so too asana and pranayama can be adapted to one's unique body, breath and mind. Through lecture, discussion and yoga practicum, students will learn and experience how to ascertain their current state of health, consciously set intentions and then make appropriate choices. Ayurvedic nutrition and lifestyle as well as principles for adapting yoga practice to the individual will be covered, drawing from Sanskrit texts such as the Ashtanga Hridayam, Yoga Sutras and Yoga Rahasya.

Sandhi (Sound Combining)