There can be no causal connection between practice and wisdom. But the obstacles to wisdom are deeply affected by practice."
– Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, "I Am That"
Courses & Workshops
Mark's Teaching Schedule - January through March, 2012 (Download PDF)
JANUARY 3 - MARCH 9, 2012 // Hatha Yoga Shala East Bay, Berkeley
Individualized Asana Courses
Winter 2012
»
Where:
Hatha Yoga Shala East Bay
2050 4th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
www.hathayogashalaeastbay.com
When:
10 Tuesdays - January 3 to March 6
Start Times: 4:30, 4:45, 5:00, 5:15, 5:30, 5:45, 6:00, 6:15pmm
and / or
10 Fridays - January 6 to Mar 9
Start Times: 8:15, 8:30, 8:45, 9:00, 9:15, 9:30, 9:45am
and / or
10 Thursdays - January 5 to Mar 8
Start Times: 4:15, 4:30, 4:45, 5:00, 5:15pmm
Price:
$220 (an one day)
$400 (any two days)
Who Can Attend:
To qualify for Individualized Asana courses knowledge of one of the Shadow Yoga preludes is required. Numbers are limited and start times staggered to ensure everyone receives help. As progress is made, each student’s practice will be evolved accordingly. Allow about 1 to 1 1/4 hours for your session.
Details:
Traditionally yoga asanas were taught through an individualized approach adjusted to the unique needs of each student. This eliminates unproductive activity by focusing energy and attention on asanas that will most quickly remove the present obstructions. To support this, one-to-one guidance and hands-on adjustments are given. Students learn to develop a self-directed practice, an essential step if true progress is to be made. As a result, each student will progress faster when an individualized course is added to compliment group instruction courses.
Registration:
Download the registration form, fill out and mail in with payment. PAYMENT IN FULL IS REQUIRED TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE. REGISTER EARLY FOR BEST SELECTION.
JANUARY 7 - MARCH 31, 2012: ADVANCED LEVEL // Hatha Yoga Shala East Bay, Berkeley
Shadow Yoga for Experienced Students
Ongoing Training in the Art and Science of Practice
»
Where:
Hatha Yoga Shala East Bay
2050 4th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
www.hathayogashalaeastbay.com
When:
January to March 2012:
Ten Saturdays -- Jan 7 to Mar 31 (no class Jan 28, Feb 25, Mar 24)
7:30 to 9:30am
and / or
Twelve Mondays - Jan 9 to Mar 26
7:30 to 9:30am
Price:
Saturdays only: $240 ($220 if paid by Dec 24, 2011)
Mondays only: $288 ($264 if paid by Dec 26, 2011)
BOTH days: $440 (paid by Dec 24, 2011)
Drop-in: $27 (please see drop-in policy below)
Drop-in Policy:
Courses are taught progressively, so full participation is strongly recommended. If this is not possible, individual sessions may be attended by students experienced with all three Shadow Yoga Prelude forms, or with prior permission from Mark.
Details:
THE ART AND SCIENCE OF YOGA PRACTICE - for experienced students:
These ongoing classes for experienced students are designed to support and enhance the process of becoming skillful, efficient,
and seasoned practitioners. In these classes participants will:
• Refine the Shadow Yoga Preludes
• Deepen understanding of the principles which govern the art and science
of Hatha Yoga through guided practice and discussion
• Develop skillful application of the “tools” (karana, asana, mudra,
bandha, kriya......etc), combined with greater clarity as to their role
and purpose
• Explore freestyle practice and the principles of sequencing
• Learn to adjust practice to inner and outer conditions so that it
becomes more responsive and ultimately more effective
One or both days may be attended.
JANUARY 5 - MARCH 8, 2012: BEGINNER LEVEL // Hatha Yoga Shala East Bay, Berkeley
Chaya Sanchalanam Course
Full Practice Format
»
Where:
Hatha Yoga Shala East Bay
2050 4th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
www.hathayogashalaeastbay.com
When:
Ten Thursdays - Janaury 5 to March 8, 20126:15 to 7:30pm
Price:
$210 ($190 if paid by Dec 22, 2011)
Drop-in: $24 (please see drop-in policy below)
Drop-in Policy:
Courses are taught progressively, so full participation is strongly recommended. Individual sessions may be attended only by students who have taken a prior Chaya Sanchalanam Course.
Details:
Chaya Yoddha Sanchalanam (“Yoking of the Shadow Warrior”) is the second Shadow Yoga Prelude. Emphasizing the development of coordinated activity of the limbs,
this prelude’s round flowing movements work to free and enhance the movement of the life force.
This course will teach the full practice format, introducing important asana / vinyasas which naturally unfold from the prelude activity.
In order to participate, experience with the Balakrama is required, or by prior permission from Mark. Please contact Mark if you have questions.
JANUARY 7 - MARCH 31, 2012: INTERMEDIATE LEVEL // Hatha Yoga Shala East Bay, Berkeley
Kartikeya Mandala Course
The Third Shadow Yoga Prelude
»
Where:
Hatha Yoga Shala East Bay
2050 4th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
www.hathayogashalaeastbay.com
When:
Janaury to March 2012:
Ten Saturdays -- Jan 7 to March 31 (no class Jan 28, Feb 25, Mar 24)
9:45 to 11:15am
Price:
$220 ($200 if paid by Dec 24)
Drop-in: $24 (please see drop-in policy below)
Description:
Kartikeya Mandala - The Third Shadow Yoga Prelude:
Kartikkeya Mandala (Garland of Light) consists of complex spiral and
twisting movements that free the spine from the imposition of the limbs
by clearing the obstruction of marma in the shoulder girdle, side ribs,
waist, and hips. This prepares the body for the more challenging compound
asanas. In this course students will learn and refine this 3rd Shadow
Yoga Prelude and important Asana / Vinyasas.
For Whom:
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL: Participants must have a solid grounding in the Balakrama prelude and experience with the Chaya Sanchalanam prelude.
Drop-in Policy:
This course is taught progressively, so full participation is strongly recommended. Individual sessions may be attended only by students who have completed a prior Kartikeya Mandala Course.
JANUARY - MARCH 2012: BEGINNER LEVEL // Hatha Yoga Shala East Bay, Berkeley
Foundations of Shadow Yoga
Ongoing Drop-in Classes
»
Where:
Hatha Yoga Shala East Bay
2050 4th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
www.hathayogashalaeastbay.com
When:
Ongoing:
Sunday mornings -- starts January 8 (no class Jan 29, Feb 26, Mar 25)
9:00 to 10:00am
and / or
Tuesday evenings-- starts January 10
7:30 to 8:30pm
Price:
$15 / class drop-in
$60 / 5 classes (can mix between both days)
For Whom:
Open to ALL STUDENTS. No prior experience with Shadow Yoga or other styles is required. JUST SHOW UP!
Details:
FOUNDATIONS OF SHADOW YOGA - Ongoing Drop-in Classes:
These ongoing Sunday morning and Tuesday evening classes teach the fundamentals of Shadow Yoga through a dynamic and flowing yoga
practice of joint mobilization exercises, stances, primary asanas, and movements which integrate the limbs and spine.
Emphasis is placed on building the power and functioning of the legs, awakening the waist and abdomen, liberating the breath,
and improving overall strength and flexibility. Regular attendance at these classes will leave you feeling grounded, centered,
and relaxed while building a solid foundation for further growth.
Teachers:
Judy Yu, Linda Della Maggiora, and Bianca Omena will rotate teaching on both Tuesdays and Sundays.
JANUARY 15, 2012 // The Yoga Fusion, San Ramon
Stances and Seats:
Building the Root of Practice »
Where:
The Yoga Fusion
2217-N San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon CA 94583
http://theyogafusion.com/
When:
Sunday, January 15, 2012 // 1:00 - 3:30pm
Price:
$55 ($45 preregistration price)
Details:
The primary stances of Hatha Yoga are the seeds from which sprout all other possible positions and movements, including many important seats.
The practice of stances opens the energetic system of the body from the feet up, strengthens the vital breath, and stabilizes the mind, thereby building
a solid foundation for meaningful progress. For these reasons, stance work is found in all true systems of self cultivation, such as hatha yoga, martial arts, and cultural dance.
This workshop will teach a vinyasa practice of the primary stances, seats, and their variations. Emphasis will be placed on precise nyasa (placement) in order to
enhance the energetic and healing power of each position and movement.
From the most basic to the complex, these positions present a variety of challenges. This workshop will help practitioners overcome these challenges and better
understand the progression of practice that will lead to their mastery.
Who Can Attend:
Participants must have a solid grounding in the fundamentals of practice. Come with an open mind and empty belly.
JANUARY 28 AND MARCH 24 // Hatha Yoga Shala East Bay, Berkeley
Hatha Yoga, Ayurveda, and the Art of Purification
A Workshop Series
»
Where:
Hatha Yoga Shala East Bay
2050 4th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
www.hathayogashalaeastbay.com
When:
SESSION #1:
Saturday January 28
2:00 to 4:30pm
SESSION #2:
Saturday March 24
2:00 to 4:30p
Price:
Session #1: $60 ($50 if paid by Jan 14, 2012)
Session #2: $60 ($50 if paid by Mar 10, 2012)
BOTH SESSIONS: $90 (paid by Jan 14, 2012)
Details:
At its core, Hatha Yoga is a process of purification of the body/mind from the effects of habitual living which distort and limit perception of
reality. This process unfolds in layers, from gross to subtle, culminating in Viveka, or the clear seeing of ultimate truth.
Without fulfilling the foundation levels of purification, true progress in Hatha Yoga is not possible.
This two-workshop series will give students a practical grounding in the art and science of purification using the principles, practices,
and methods of Hatha Yoga and Ayurveda.
Emphasis will be placed on learning to practically apply the Hatha Yogic “tools” of shatkarma (six purifications), mitahara
(controlled intake of right substance), and other important practices to balance and strengthen agni (digestive fire).
The ayurvedic principles of prakriti (constitution), pairs of attributes, dosha, six tastes, agni and ama, dinacharya (daily routine),
and much more, will be explored with an eye towards learning to skillfully navigate the changing inner and outer conditions of life in
ways that maintain harmony with our basic nature, thus lessening the negative accumulation of dosha and the need for purification.
All students and teachers will benefit, and are strongly encouraged to participate.
FEBRUARY 19, 2012 // Piedmont Yoga Studio, Oakland
Hatha Yoga & the Cultivation of the Life Force»
Where:
Piedmont Yoga Studio
3966 Piedmont Avenue Oakland, CA 94611
http://piedmontyoga.com/
When:
Sunday, February 19, 2012 // 1:30 - 4:00pm
Price:
$55 ($45 preregistration by Feb 12)
Details:
The skillful practice of Hatha Yoga trains the body to become a fit vehicle for the free circulation and enhancement of the life force.
This is accomplished through the integration of form, energy, and attention (body, breath, and mind). The skillful synthesis of these aspects
serves to ignite the inner power mechanism, resulting in a practice that is exponentially more potent, efficient, and productive.
This workshop will teach important principles and methods of practice applicable to all styles of yoga, and designed to help practitioners
build a stronger energetic capacity and reserve - the foundation for robust health, and inner transformation.
Who Can Attend:
Based in the principles of Shadow and Classical Hatha Yoga, this workshop is open to all students with a solid grounding in the fundamentals of practice, including uddiyana bandha. Come with an open mind and empty belly.
Private Instructions
The teaching of yoga is a process of transmission, from teacher to student. Personal guidance is essential and can be extremely helpful for a wide range of issues:
- Establishing and/or fine tuning a personal practice.
- Lifestyle and dietary guidance based in yogic and ayurvedic principles
- Therapeutic Yoga for various injuries or difficulties.
- Mentoring for yoga teachers
Advanced Studies & Teacher Training
AS/TT 2012 / 2013 BEGINS JANUARY 28, 2012.
Based in the methods, practices, and theory of Shadow Yoga and Classical Hatha Yoga,
this challenging and comprehensive training program is focused on helping dedicated students, aspiring teacher, and current teachers deepen their
practice and understanding of Hatha Yoga in order to become solid, self-directed, and skillful practitioners - the foundation for a rich and
effective personal practice, and the essential basis behind skillful teaching.
The full details of the program are now available via PDF download:
AS/TT PROGRAM BROCHURE (Download PDF)
APPLICATION FORM (Download PDF)
Online Courses & Articles
- Building Prana with Hatha Yoga: Level 1 »
- Building Prana with Hatha Yoga: Level 2 »
- How to Grow a Lotus: Padmasana Intensive »
Rtreats
June 15-17, 2012 // Land of Medicine Buddha, Soquel, CA
Advanced Studies Retreat: »
This retreat is a component of Mark's 2012/2013 Advanced Studies / Teacher Training Program.
There may be a few spots open for experienced students not enrolled in the training. Please contact Mark if you are interested.
Price:
$500 - Double Room$550 - Single Room
Schedule:
A PDF download will be available in February - please check back.
Accomodations:
Comfortable lodge rooms (single or double occupancy) all with private baths. All beds are twins.
Meals
Fresh and healthy organic vegetarian cuisine.
To register:
A $100 non-refundable deposit holds your space, with the full fee due by April 20, 2012. Make check payable to Mark Horner and mail to:
Hatha Yoga Shala - East Bay
2050 4th Street
Berkeley, CA 94710
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
Your entire payment will be refunded, less the deposit if cancellation request is made on or before April 30, 2012. No refunds will be made for cancellations after April 30, 2012.
About Mark Horner
Mark Horner has been teaching Hatha Yoga for the past 20 years and is an acknowledged Shadow Yoga Teacher. In 1997 he founded Moksha Yoga Shala, in Walnut Creek, CA, where he directed a comprehensive training program in Shadow Yoga through March 2011. In May 2011 he opened his new studio in Berkeley, CA - Hatha Yoga Shala East Bay. For the past 18 years Mark has studied closely with Zhander Remete, the founder of Shadow Yoga. Mark’s teaching is enhanced by 8 years of bodywork practice as a Certified Rolfer as well as many years of classical piano study, rock climbing, and the study of Ayurveda and Advaita Vedanta. He is grateful for the love, inspiration, and support he receives from his partner Judy.
About The Shala
Click here for the Master Schedule»
Hatha Yoga Shala - East Bay is a brand new studio offering training programs in Shadow and Hatha Yoga,
martial arts, movement, meditation, and other self-cultivating arts. This beautifully designed
space has convenient freeway access and is located adjacent to
Berkeley's 4th Street shopping and dining district.
Rental Information PDF »
Rental Rates PDF »
Visit the Website »
What is Shadow Yoga?
Shadow Yoga, as developed by yoga master Zhander Remete, makes use of the methods and practices common to classical Hatha Yoga and the self-cultivating arts (both martial and dance). Great importance is placed on preparatory work as the foundation for meaningful progress. Three prelude forms are utilized for training. These forms combine strong stance work with round, spiraling movements, rhythmic breathing, and bandha. This skillful, systematic preparation frees blockage in the Marma System (Vital Junctions), leading to the unobstructed circulation of the life force. This sets the stage for the inner work of asana, mudra, pranayama, and meditation.
Emphasis is placed on building the Kanda Shakti (Vital Power) and Jathar Agni (Digestive Fire). Classical Hatha Yoga views the increase and balancing of these energies as instrumental to good health and personal transformation. The term "Shadow" refers to the various bodies, or layers of the human being - physical, energetic, mental/emotional, intellectual, and bliss. Just as a shadow blocks light, these bodies (Koshas) become opaque due to attachment, identification, and stress. This limits and distorts perception (Avidya). Shadow Yoga works to clear obstructions and heal imbalances in these layers, or shadows, in order to awaken the light of discriminative knowing.
Learning Shadow Yoga
Course-Based Instruction
Shadow Yoga is best learned in a course-based, pre-registration format, so the teaching can be built up progressively from class to class. This requires a greater commitment on the part of both student and teacher, yet the reward is a more profound depth of learning and understanding.
The Prelude Forms
Preparatory work involving fixed practice forms has been utilized in traditional systems of self-cultivation for centuries, yet despite its importance, it is little understood in today’s yoga. Through skillful repetition of the Shadow Yoga preludes, students develop patience, discipline, and refined observation. Over time, the latent powers and abilities hidden beneath layers of habits, are liberated. This sets the stage for “Free Style” practice - one based on intuitive responsiveness rather than likes / dislikes, and personal limitations.
Foundations of Shadow Yoga Drop-in Classes: Open to all students, these classes teach the basics in a systematic, progressive manner. This is the starting point for new students.
Balakrama: "Step to Strength" - this prelude develops the root. Strong joint and bone work builds the agni and blood, leading to a better quality of breath - increased strength and stamina follow. Students with some prior yoga experience can begin with this prelude.
Chaya Yoddha Sanchalanam: "Yoking of the Shadow Warrior" - this prelude develops more sophisticated integration of the limbs to help free the movement of the life force.
Kartikeya Mandala: "Garland of Light" - this is the most advanced of the forms and helps to free the spine from the imposition of the limbs. Marma is cleared from the shoulders and side ribs, groins and hips, preparing the body for the more complex asanas.
Individualized Asana Courses
Once a Prelude Form has been learned, the Individualized Asana Courses adjust the practice for the unique needs of each person. Students learn to practice in a self-directed manner, cultivating discipline and sensitivity to personal rhythm - an essential step in a maturing practice. In addition, the teacher provides hands-on adjustments to release stress from the marma system and bring greater ease and freedom. As proficiency comes, the practice is adjusted accordingly. This is the traditional way of learning, and is rare in these days of large group classes with generalized instruction.
Special Focus Courses and Workshops
For students experienced with the prelude forms, special courses and workshops are offered regularly that will build upon the foundation and deepen skills and understanding.
Contacts
- More information about Shadow Yoga:
- www.shadowyoga.com »
- Shadow Yoga Teachers in the US:
- Scott Blossom, SF Bay Area, CA »
- Andy Matinog, SF Bay Area, CA »
- Catherine Halcomb, San Luis Obispo County, CA »
- Matt Pesendian, Sherman Oaks, CA »
- Matt Schwartz, Sherman Oaks, CA »
- Lita Batho, Portland, OR »
- Photography by:
- David Allen Studio
Hatha Yoga Shala East Bay,
2050 4th St, Berkeley, CA 94710
510-859-7795
Map & Directions »
Email Mark Horner »
