Welcome to a serene exploration of the sacred layers that shape our being—a tranquil journey through the wisdom of healing yoga. The koshas, reminiscent of the gentle rings within a nurturing tree, unfold as a poetic expression of the profound connection between our physical and spiritual selves.
In our upcoming healing yoga sessions, we embark on a inviting exploration of the koshas—a divine quintet of layers gently guiding us from the outermost to the innermost, from the tangible to the subtle. The first layer, tenderly woven with sustenance, mirrors the comforting outer fascia. It symbolizes the nurturing embrace of nourishment from the external world, much like the protective bark of a compassionate tree.
The second layer gracefully harmonizes with our breath, embodying the vital life force that sustains our existence. Together, we weave a connection with the essential breath—a rhythmic flow of life that gently cradles our being, bridging the physical and the metaphysical in a soothing cadence.
Within the sanctuary of the third layer, we explore the delicate dance of our thoughts and sensations—a space where our bodies and minds unite in peaceful coexistence. Here, we foster a serene balance between the tangible and the intangible, creating a haven for tranquility to unfold.
Moving gracefully to the fourth layer, our journey takes us into the realm of our intuition, dreams, and the deep fascia—a space inviting us to tenderly unravel the mysteries of our innermost thoughts and emotions. It’s a gentle peeling back of layers, akin to the soft unfolding of petals in a healing garden.
The innermost layer, the body of delight, aligns with the sanctuary of our brain and spinal cord—a tranquil haven of profound connection and integration. Here, our physical and metaphysical selves gently embrace in a healing dance, creating a harmonious union that defines our holistic existence.
Throughout this calming journey, we embrace contemplative practices, healing yoga postures, SATYA (Somatic Awareness for Yoga), and pranayama. Each layer is explored with tenderness, refined with care, and clarified with a soothing touch, unveiling the radiant luminosity of our subtle body. This is more than a practice; it is a healing experience—a gentle peeling back of layers that invites greater understanding, compassion, and connection.
Our daily sessions become a sanctuary of calm, encompassing gentle anatomical study, soulful insights from ancient wisdom, soft and restorative asana practices, and moments of tranquil meditation. It is a holistic healing journey—an invitation to tenderly yoke with the perennial Source dwelling within, fostering a deep connection between our physical and spiritual selves.
We invite you to join us in this calming experience, where we gently peel away the layers connecting your mind & body through the 5 Koshas.Â
Event Details:
US STUDENTS – REGISTER HERE
UK STUDENTS – REGISTER HERE
Day 1 | The Food Sheath: anna-maya-kosha
Known as the “food sheath”, the first layer is the “outer gate” of the body. In this class we move through the outer layer of myofascia (the superficial fascia) and the skin. We begin by mobilizing the large outer muscle groups, i.e the hamstrings, quads, pectoral muscles and glutes. Because this first sheath is the “food sheath”, we review the importance of diet to nourish and build the tissues. Surya offers guided instruction on yoga and nutrition to help you optimize your energy and fortify this outermost layer of the body.
Day 2 | The Energy Sheath: prana-maya-kosha
Prana is the invisible life force that animates all tissues in the body. Prana suggests not only breath but the circulation of vital fluid throughout the body. In this way the “breath sheath” involves the circulation of blood and breath through all the tissues of the body. In this class we focus on the flow of prana through the thousands of tributaries in the body known as nadis. We practice SATYA, light vinyasa and pranayama to help “pranagize” the entire body. Included in our day are the defining verses on pranayama from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
Day 3: | The Mind Sheath: mano-maya-kosha
As the sheaths move inward, they become less tangible and more subtle and nuanced. In this day on the “mind sheath”, we track the way thoughts, perceptions and feelings pass through the nerves, fascia and fluid channels. In the yoga tradition, blockages or restrictions in the mind sheath inhibit progress through the deeper layers of the body-mind. In this class, we practice vipassana, by bringing insight into the way thoughts and ideas manifest in the physical tissues. By working with the “mind” of each posture, we practice distributing awareness everywhere through the body.
Day 4 | The Intuitive Sheath: vijnana-maya-kosha
In this class on the “wisdom sheath”, we tap the depth psyche and the intuitive aspect of the mind-heart. This sheath is not bound by intellectual or conceptual activity but rather moves into the realm of dream, artistic imagination, mythos, and creativity. In this sheath, subliminal patterns or traits in the psyche emerge. In this day we work in the imaginal realm including dream yoga practice. In our yoga, we tap into the inherent intelligence of the deep fascia and the nervous system. This layer is about increasing discernment and perceptivity within your connective tissues.
Day 5 | The Joy Sheath: ananda-maya-kosha
This sheath is the innermost layer that relates to spaciousness, ease, tranquility and heart-felt presence. It relates to the “body of delight” and unconfined awareness. In the geometric design of the yantra, it suggests the epicenter or innermost source that is untouched by the comings and goings of the world. This layer is akin to samadhi where spacious awareness pervades the entire body and mind. Through restorative posture, meditation and yoga nidra., we practice movements that help tap into an unconfined awareness. In this final sheath, you will experience profound stillness and tranquility.
When: Thursdays, Nov 30, Dec 7, 14, 21, & 28 | 9:00am – 11:30am Mountain Time
Cost: $725 + tax
**Please note ALL Live Zoom sessions will be recorded should you be unable to attend any live streams. All course materials are available for 12 months.
**This course is good for 30 Continuing Education hours through Yoga Alliance, and can be applied towards required hours for the Prajna Yoga 300/500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program and Prajna Yoga Therapy Track.
**Have your props handy! We recommend two blocks, blankets, a thick bolster, an 8’ or 10’ belt/strap, and a backless Iyengar chair (modifications will be given if you do not have a chair). We recommend yogaoutlet.com and Manduka for props; backless chairs can be found on Amazon and Etsy.
I highly recommend this in-depth course and study of the koshas. I especially loved learning the beauty of the yantra, and feel I actually understand the process through the holy temple now. The course was beautifully interwoven with chanting, meditation, poetry, stories, history and therapeutic practices that I found very healing and transformative.
– Mariana Von Wald
This was another amazing study — intellectually intuitive deepening my awareness in to “self”. I found this study very enlightening to go deeper inward with touching on the right mix of the Upanishad, Yoga Sutras & the Yantra; coupled with the Koshas; and provided additional training not just for my teaching toolkit, but to enhance my personal path of finding “joy in the journey” each day. Deep bow of gratitude to Tias & Surya for continuing to share their gift of kindness, energy, & love.
-Barbara “Bobbye” Brown
Tias and Surya have a wealth of knowledge and direct experience between them to provide a really multi layered, immersive journey through the 5 koshas. The online course was delivered with their usual kindness and care, attention to detail and the all important sense of humour, in a safe, nourishing environment.
-Katya Andrews
