Many of us long to make deep and lasting change in our lives, but often try to do so from a viewpoint that is itself the problem. Meditation can help us make a lasting shift into a new consciousness altogether. Mantras are powerful and ancient sound-vibration formulas that de-clutter the mind and transform our bodies, minds and spirits in profound ways. In this class, we will learn and experience some of the meditation and mantra practices of the esoteric yoga tradition: basic awareness and breath meditation; self-inquiry (atma vichara); mantra japa meditation; bij (seed) mantras; shakti (power) mantras, and more. Meditation and mantra aim to purify our bodies and souls of kleshas (obstacles), so that our true nature as satchidananda (truth/consciousness/joy) can shine ever brighter.

Thomas Amelio intensively studied yogic disciplines in India, where he edited Rajarshi Muni’s classic, Yoga—The Ultimate Spiritual Path, in 1994. He is a founding member of and has been a senior teacher at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health for 20 years. www.thomasamelio.com

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