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Shadow Yoga, as developed by Zhander Remete, is not a new "brand"
of yoga but rather a compilation and integration of the essential
methods and practices which have always been a part of authentic Hatha
Yoga since ancient times. With the entry of yoga into the mainstream,
much of this understanding has been lost due to an emphasis on accessibility,
quick results, and mass appeal. For further information on this approach,
and to learn what the term "shadow" refers to, click
here. To see short video clips of the Shadow Prelude forms, go here: The Three Prelude Forms. |
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Unlike most yoga classes which are taught in a drop-in format, Shadow
Yoga is taught in preregistration courses, meeting weekly for 6-12
sessions. This is necessary because the teaching builds progressively
from week to week. Students leave the course with a deeper understanding
of the movements and sequence than is possible in a drop-in format.
Students with little of no prior yoga experience should start with
the Foundations
of Shadow Yoga Level I and Level II courses. Graduates of these
courses and experienced students in other styles of practice may begin
with Shadow
Yoga I (Balakrama - "Step to Strength"). Shadow Yoga
II (Chaya Yoddha Sanchalanam - "Churning the Shadow Warrior"),
and Shadow Yoga III (Kartikeya Mandala - "Garland of Light"),
can be learned next. ONCE A COURSE HAS BEEN COMPLETED, STUDENTS MAY
DROP-IN TO THAT SAME COURSE WHEN OFFERED AGAIN IN THE FUTURE. Most
students do this as a way to furture refine and deepen their understanding. |
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The traditional method of learning asana always involved individualizing
the practice to the unique needs of each person. This eliminates unproductive
activity by focusing the student on what they most need to work with.
To participate in these courses knowledge of any of the three Shadow
Yoga Prelude forms, or the Foundations of Shadow Yoga Forms is required.
In an Individualized
Asana Course students practice the prelude on their own and then
work with a specific asana / vinyasa which Mark assigns. Mark gives
hands-on adjustments and personalized guidance at each session. Start
times are staggered so that everyone receives personal assistance.
Sessions may be attended one, two, or three times per week. |
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In Hatha Yoga, the body's inner fire (jatharagni - digestive or metabolic fire) is cultivated through the synergy of
rythmic breathing (ujjayi), energetic locks (bandhas), concentration, and the precise moving and positioning of the
body. A strong inner fire improves digestion and elimination - the cornerstone of good health. It also heightens mental
clarity, concentration, and is instrumental in making the body more flexible and fluid. To "cultivate the fire within"
is to learn to regulate and manage this inner energy for personal transformation in body, mind, and spirit. It is
central to what we teach at Moksha Yoga Shala.
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"Moksha" is a Sanskrit word which means liberation or freedom. "Shala" is a school.
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We offer a quality and depth of teaching that remains true to the
traditional methods of Hatha Yoga while simultaneously addressing
the needs and demands of modern life. With the popularization of yoga
this is getting harder to find. Our program integrates weekly classes,
as well as courses and workshops that bring in a greater depth of
instruction than is possible to achieve in a drop-in class setting
alone. These are offered on a rotating basis which allows students
to progress at their own pace and start at any time. Also unique to
our Shala are Individualized Asana Courses which
adjust the practice for the differing needs of each student. This
is the traditional way of learning Asana, and requires a teacher be
skilled in the art of assessment and adjustment. Another distinguishing
characteristic of our school is Shadow Yoga. All
the teachers at our Shala have studied this style of practice with
its founder, Zhandor Remete and with Mark Horner. We have found Shadow
Yoga to be one of the most powerful and comprehensive styles of yoga
taught today and are one of only a few schools throughout the world
to offer a complete training program in Shadow Yoga. |
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Being stiff and out of shape are excellent reasons to begin a yoga
practice. It is important to realize that flexibility is only one
component of yoga. Strength, stamina, and the ability to concentrate
are also important. While the stiff person is challenged by bending
and folding the body, the naturally flexible person is often challenged
by poses that require strength and stability, so everyone will have
something to develop. Most people can begin with our Level 1-2 Foundations
classes. If you want to begin with a more basic preparatory class
- try our "Stiff Bodies/Yoga Basics" classes. In addition, we encourage
all new students to take our Foundations
of Shadow Yoga Level I and Level II courses. These are offered
throughout the year, usually quarterly. |
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If by "workout" you mean a challenging and vigorous practice that
will get you in shape, the answer is yes. Our classes are generally
quite strong and if your attendance is frequent and consistent, you
will definately tone your body, become more flexible, and stengthen
muscles you didn't know you had. However, our focus includes more
than just physical fitness. We prefer to call the process a "work
in" rather than a "work out". By this we mean that besides the physical
training, we also help students learn to build and accumulate life
force within the body, develop self-awareness, a clear mind, and open
heart. |
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Yes. Shadow Yoga, the style of practice that we teach is energetically
very powerful, and for many this is the missing component in their
yoga practice. Shadow Yoga is challenging on many levels, but with
consistent and dedicated practice it can completely transform one's
yoga. Mark Horner is a teacher of teachers and has lead four 18-month
Teacher-Training programs at Moksha Yoga Shala (completed in 2001,
2003, 2007, & 2009. Many of the graduates of these programs are
now established, successful teachers. Mark 's next training will most
likely begin in early 2011.
Private sessions with Mark are also available at Moksha Yoga Shala
on an hourly basis. |
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Mark has been leading yoga retreats for the past 17 years. In that
time he has led more than 50 retreats to various spots in Northern
California, Alaska, Bali, Mexico, Canada, and Hawai. There is no substitute
for experience when it comes to organizing, coordinating, and leading
a smooth and successful yoga retreat. Mark's passion is to combine
the joy of travel and outdoor adventure with a comprehensive and deep
yoga experience in an atmosphere of community and friendship. Retreat
Centers are chosen for their combination of high quality facilities
and remote, or semi-remote locations. Three-day weekend retreats are
a great way to take a break from the routines of life and deepen one's
yoga and rejuvenate. The week-long trips are true vacations and combine
intensive yoga with all manner of guided adventure, sightseeing, and
cultural immersion. Of course there is also plenty of unstructured
time to just hang out or pursue personal interests. Participants frequently
remark on how healing and transforming the retreat experience is.
Many have developed lasting friendships on these trips. If you are
interested in deepening your yoga practice, and enjoy traveling within
a spirit of community, then try a retreat. |
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