Akhanda Yoga

Akhanda Yoga – Practice a path to wholeness!    

AKHANDA MEANS WHOLE AND INDIVISIBLE. AKHANDA YOGA – DEVELOPED BY HIMALAYAN MASTER YOGRISHI VISHVKETU (PHD) –OFFERS A HOLISTIC TOOLKIT TO BRING FORWARD ANCIENT WISDOM FOR A MODERN AGE.

The Akhanda Yoga approach emphasizes a balanced class including a full repertoire of yoga techniques. All Akhanda Yoga classes are structured systematically yet artfully to align the physical, energetic, mental/emotional and intuitive self through the five elements of practice and the five energetic principles. Akhanda Yoga has a variety of class styles for different times of day, inclinations and purposes: Akhanda for Beginners, Intermediate and Dynamic, Five Koshas, Inner Reprogramming, Hatha-Raja, and Classical Kundalini.

Akhanda Yoga balances a commitment to body mechanics with guidelines for inner inquiry. 
Yogrishi Vishvketu is renowned for his joyful and compassionate teachings. During challenging postures, students are encouraged to smile, thus making non-competition and contentment true aspects of the practice.

 

Five Akhanda Elements of Practice

  • Movement (Annamaya Kosha)
  • Breathing (Pranayamaya Kosha)
  • Sound-work (Manomaya Kosha)
  • Meditation (Vijanamaya Kosha)
  • Yogic Wisdom (Anandamaya Kosha)

 Five Akhanda Energetic Principles 

  • Grounding (Apana Prana)
  • Uplifting (Pran Prana)
  • Centering (Samana Prana)
  • Expansion (Vyana Prana)
  • Connection to the Whole (Udana & Cosmic Pran)

Hatha Yoga

VISHVA-JI’S AIM IS TO REVIVE THE WHOLE MESSAGE OF HATHA YOGA.
Ha-Tha refers to the union of sun and moon, or Ida and Pingala nadis. Through the balance of right and left energy channels, the union of prana and apana, through the proper use of breath retention and bandhas, one can channel vital energy up the shushumna nadi and attain expanded consciousness, or realization. Hatha is thus a Tantric code word for the route to enlightenment through the manipulation of energy pathways in the Pranic body.
Hatha Yoga does not denote a class-style or pedagogic approach, but is a heritage path of yoga informing us on the techniques and physical and subtle workings of: satkarma, asana, pranayama, mudra, pratyahara, dhyana, samadhi. The name Akhanda Yoga is a clear expression of an integrated pedagogic approach, drawing together aspects of the yoga tradition for a modern class context.

Yoga classes for all levels.

Akhanda Yoga employs the traditional yoga anatomy to guide students to experience all five koshas (layers/sheaths) in each class. The student’s physical alignment prompts a corresponding internal alignment, allowing the physical body to open and connect to the cosmic body. One’s awareness deepens and expands to include all layers of the self: physical, pranic, mental/emotional, intuitive, and pure awareness. Classes are designed to draw awareness to specific koshas (layers) and guide students to experience their practice through all of these five levels of being for different purposes.
The assumption here is not that the class is more advanced if it is more physically demanding. All classes can be practiced at different levels of physical intensity from moderate to dynamic. A practice becomes advanced when the practitioner experiences it at deeper levels of awareness. Checkpoints, or the method of approaching a physical posture from a safety point of view, are important as foundational touchstones. As yoga is fundamentally an experiential, inner inquiry, students are encouraged both to be aware of checkpoints, and to explore how the posture feels and manifests in their body during any given yoga experience. Each class is themed with an intention to further encourage the student’s inward journey.

AKHANDA 1 (BEGINNER)

Akhanda 1 evokes the physical and energetic levels of awareness.

 Akhanda 1 classes offer a moderate sequence of the most familiar and accessible postures and breathing techniques, and can be enjoyed by both beginning and continuing students. The classes introduce the basic principles of alignment, breath, sound, yogic wisdom and relaxation. Yogic phrases will be introduced as themes to thread a guiding message through the class. You will come away with tools to help you move with greater ease, and use breath both to uplift and calm your whole system.

AKHANDA 2 (INTERMEDIATE)

Akhanda 2 evokes the energetic and mental / emotional levels of awareness.

 Akhanda 2 is designed to inspire intermediate students through more dynamic asana, pranayama, and mantra themes. These techniques work together to deepen your exploration of body mechanics and inner alignment, uplift your energy system and refresh your outlook. You will become more aware of how sequences balance the chakras and the solar and lunar energies of the body. Mantras and yogic aphorisms are used as themes through the classes and anchor the final meditation.

AKHANDA 3 (DYNAMIC)

Akhanda 3 cultivates a connection with bliss.

Akhanda 3, sometimes referred to as Akhanda Flow, provides unique and dynamic sequences woven through the sun salutation. As all Akhanda practices are balanced, the intensity of strong, uplifting asana at the beginning of a class are mirrored by surrendering, grounding postures at the resolution. Classes also further explore the bandhas and breath retention for the direction and expansion of prana. Mantras and yogic aphorisms are used as themes that run through the classes and anchor the final meditation.