Developed by Natanaga Zhander, Shadow Yoga is a modern school of yoga that is rooted in classical hatha yoga. Emphasis is placed on four prelude forms which prepare the student for the classical asanas. Reflecting common principles found in yoga, Indian cultural dance, martial arts, and the Ayurvedic and Siddha systems on medicine, the Shadow forms combine leg work and skillful arm movements with deep breath work to strengthen and free the energy of the periphery channels. This energy can then feed into and increases the central life force.

According to the hatha yoga text, the body is composed of sheaths or shadows that are usually frozen in behavioral and energetic patterns. The practice of shadow yoga has evolved in order to dissolve these blockages, bringing light to the places that were once filled with dark.

Schedule:

Shadow Yoga Immersion Program:
An immersion course is a class to which you commit to for 3 weeks at a time. Having the same group of students in class for 3 weeks allows the instructors to teach a complete body of knowledge and give you a deeper experience with the practice. It allows you the time to learn step by step, and through consistent practice gain greater experience and understanding of the material.

Level 1
For beginners and those new to the Shadow practice.
You will learn the sequence of one of the prelude forms (set standing sequences), Balakrama (stepping into strength) or Chaya Vivaranam (opening the shadow), and the necessary awareness of the breath and bhandha as applied in this practice. We begin with simple movements, warn-ups, and gradually build step by step through the standing sequence

Level 2
For continuing students of Shadow Yoga, this is a class that continues to focus upon the prelude forms. Chaya Yoddha Sancalanm ( yoking of the warrior shadow) and Karttikeya Mandala (garland of the light) and introduces asanas (seats and seated yoga postures) as appropriate to the students and the activity.

Level 3
Intermediate Shadow Yoga students, who have a strong grasp of the three above mentioned forms. Students will continue to work with the prelude forms, as well as asanas, pranayama, and inversions as it is appropriate to individual students; this level guides students towards self practice and greater depth.

The four fixed forms of Shadow Yoga utilize the guiding principles of Marmasthana (the Indian system of the 108 vital junctions of the body), to achieve the appropriate combination of positions and rhythmical movements to obtain an unobstructed movement of breath.

Immersion Cost:
100$ for 3 week course
Space is limited to 15 students per group in order to create a more indepth learning environment.

Balakrama - stepping into strength
The first prelude builds strength and stamina. This form is dynamic and challenging making the core of the body firm while removing stiffness in the joints. The student is prepared for introductory asanas and the practice of the bandhas (internal locks) is introduced. Balakrama is a starting point for beginners and recommended for students coming from other schools / forms of yoga.

Chaya Vivaranam - opening the shadow
The second form develops stability, concentration and rhythm through the use of stance work and uddiyana bandha. Marmashtana (the science of vital junctions) is used to awaken the intelligence of the body. Students are released from energetic obstructions created by tension and stress. This form prepares the student for the practice of the primary asanas.

Chaya Yoddha Sanchalanam – yoking of the warrior shadow
The third form refines and strengthens the breath. This flowing and spiraling form deepens the work of the warrior and sun forms freeing the structure and enhancing the life force. Practicing this form leads the student towards the practice of intermediate asanas.

Kartikkeya Mandalam – Garland of the light
The fourth form develops the internal energy and prolongs the duration of breath by moving the body in a circular manner and deep stance work. Practicing this form releases deeply held restrictions and leads the student towards the practice of advanced asanas.

"...Yoga is designed to remove the excess of habitual living in order to free this energy so that it can be directed towards a higher order of living. Every human being is endowed with this potential; but usually its presence is masked by the fluctuations of the conditioned mind. The mind only becomes aware of this power when it stops projecting and attains a steady and concentrated state. The perfection of this state is the goal of yoga but, if there is to be a chance of success, beginners must be pointed in this direction from the beginning. The key lies in the right preparation."

Zhander Remete, Founder of Shadow Yoga