Sanskrit, Sutra & Chakra Weekend with Nicolai Bachman
Full Weekend: $150
We are honored to host a virtual 4 session weekend with Sanskrit Sounds teacher, Nicolai Bachman. Nicolai has been teaching Sanskrit, chanting, yoga philosophy, Ayurveda, and other related topics since 1994. He has a knack for synthesizing and organizing complex topics into simple and understandable presentations. His education combines informal, traditional study with the academic rigor of university classes. Nicolai studied extensively at the American Sanskrit Institute, the Ayurvedic Institute, the American Institute of Vedic Studies and the Vedic Chant Center. He holds an M.A. in Eastern Philosophy, an M.S. in Nutrition, and is eRYT500 certified. His ongoing studies continue to broaden his repertoire and inform all future classes.
Nicolai has authored several Sanskrit book/CD learning tools including 108 Sanskrit Flash Cards, The Language of Yoga (Sounds True 2005), The Language of Ayurveda, and The Yoga Sutras: An Essential Guide to the Heart of Yoga Philosophy (Sounds True 2010). He also wrote an easy-to-read paperback on yoga philosophy called Path of the Yoga Sutras (Sounds True 2011).
Join Nicolai for one session at the individual price listed for each session, or sign up for the entire weekend at a discounted rate listed at the bottom.
Sanskrit Basics For Yogis
Fundamentals of Pronunciation
Friday, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
$45
The science of yoga is filled with Sanskrit vocabulary. Teachers and practitioners of yoga, Ayurveda, or meditation can benefit from learning how to pronounce Sanskrit with correct breath, resonance, rhythm and tongue position. We will talk about Sanskrit as a language, learn pronunciation basics, and practice reading many common yoga terms and posture names.
Asana Names and Stories
Pronunciation of and Reason for Posture Names Saturday, 11:00am - 1:00pm
$45
The Sanskrit names for yoga postures provide a standard reference that can be used anywhere in the world, so for teachers of yoga it is important to know them. When the asana names are vocalized with correct pronunciation and rhythm, it adds a whole new dimension to the postures. We will also explore the reason or story behind the name of each posture.
Overview of the Yoga Sutras
History, Structure and Key Concepts
Saturday, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
$45
In what context did Patanjali compose his masterpiece called Patanjala-Yoga-Darshanam, commonly referred to as the Yoga Sutras? Taking a bird's-eye view, we will examine its history and structure, then discuss what the Yoga Sutras is about in general, focusing on certain key concepts and the overall purpose of this monumental work.
The Elemental Chakras
According to the Sanskrit text "Inner form of the Six Chakras"
Elements, Colors, Shapes (yantra), and Sounds (mantra)
Sunday, 9:00am - 12:00pm
$55
After an explanation of terms like nadi, chakra, and kundalini shakti, we will cover each chakra's primary characteristics as stated in the ancient Sanskrit text titled "Shat Chakra Nirupana." These include the chakra's element and what it represents, colors of each part of the chakra, the element's shape and primary syllable, and all secondary syllables that support it. Using verses from the Hatha Yoga Pradipika we will discuss the theory of awakening the dormant kundalini and how it flows upwards through the sushumna nadi. We then apply the theory by chanting and resonating the seed (bija) and petal sounds from the root chakra through the crown, focusing our attention and breath at the location of each cakra.