Welcome to the Raja Yoga Intensive!

“And now we come to the practice of yoga!”

अथ योगानुशासनम्  

“At-ha Yoga Anu-sha-sanam”

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutraschapter 1, verse 1

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Introductions• Hi! my name is :• Nayaswami Susan McGinnis

• How did you hear about this course?• What would you like to gain from this

course?• Re-taking? What advice for others would

you offer?

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Introductions• Hi! my name is • Nayaswami Hriman McGilloway

• How did you hear about this course?• What would you like to gain from this

course?• Re-taking? What advice for others would

you offer?

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Guided Meditation•Reading from “Metaphysical Meditations”

•Chant: At-ha Yoga Anu-sha-sanam•Posture, measured breathing, watching the breath•Visualization into silence•Close with an Affirmation

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Affirmation

I leave behind me both my failures and accomplishments. What I do

today will create a new and better future, filled with inner joy.

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Course Background

• What is Yoga? • History of Yoga• What is Raja Yoga?• Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras• Our text: Art & Science of R.Y.

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Course concepts & history

• Ananda founded by Swami Kriyananda

• Based on teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda

• What is Ananda?• Foundation course for kriya yoga,

and teacher certification

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Format of Evenings (1 of 3)

Raja segment 7:30-9pm

• Snacks, 7:15 – 7:30• Sign-in at desk / pick up name tag• Leave snacks at desk• Check snack sheet• After class, put name tags back!• Let us know if late or absent

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Format of Evenings (2 of 3)Raja segment 7:30-9pm

• Put away yoga supplies and/or set up or put away chair(s); clean-up snack area;

• Be seated by 7:30 p.m.• Pick-up Handouts/leave homework (for-

credit students)• Website handouts; audio recordings;

make-up classes;

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Format of Evenings (3 of 3)Raja segment 7:30-9pm

• Begin with meditation practices• Discussion topic• Text: 14 “Steps” & 7 subsections• Binder: syllabus & resource material• Institute of Living Yoga: take this

course for teacher training credit

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Other Details

• Saturday workshop: March 29: raja segment in AM; Hatha, pm

• Questions are welcome (class/email)• Personal interviews; available before

class• Ananda activities: weekly meditations

and Sunday Service (see handout)

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Suggestions

• Keep a journal• Ask questions• Watch your reactions• Talk to your family• Make a commitment to your

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What is Meditation? Slide #1

• Concentration• Listening• Attuning to higher reality• Space between thoughts• Unlearning• 3 stages: relaxation, concentration,

stillness

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What is Meditation? #2

• Self-Awareness• Awareness of subtle

energy currents• Self-realization• Stillness• Receptivity

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Why Meditate?

• Reduce tension• Improve health• Lower blood pressure

• Better circulation• Mental clarity• Emotional stability

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Why Meditate?• Develop intuition

& creativity• Revitalize body

and mind• Improve memory

• Pain control• Realization of higher

Self• Form of prayer and

divine contact• God realization

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Preparation for Meditation

• When? • Where?• How to sit?• Avoid full stomach

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Guided Meditation

http://anandawashington.org/Guided-meditationsPassword is “peace”

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Raja course website

http://anandawashington.org/rajaPassword is “Win14Raja”General Resources; Sidebar for each ClassTalks by Swami Kriyananda

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Stages of Meditation

1. Relax & Recharge - Doing2. Concentrate within - Doing3. Be still and Know! – Being4. Banat, banat, ban jai! (Doing, doing,

soon done!)

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Homework for next week•In your home, establish your meditation area and seat•Discuss and invite support of family members•Meditate at least once a day; twice is nice(r) •Record your meditation times•Read Steps 1 and 2 (sub-sections I, III, and VII)•Use homework questions for self-test•Teacher training students: complete and turn in homework

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