A wonderful day with popular teacher Ranju Roy - The Living Breath. TKV Desikachar once said that the breath supports the body in āsana, whilst the body supports the breath in prāṇāyāma. The way we breathe in yoga practice is fundamental; he went on to say that the breath is, "Evidence of Life." In this workshop, we will learn to chant the opening verse from the Taitirīya Upaniṣad (one of the most important and earliest of the Upaniṣads), which also extols the virtues of the breath. We will also deconstruct its meaning and then utilise these ideas in the practice of both āsana, prāṇāyāma and meditation. Arrivals from 9:30am. 10 -10.20: Intro and overview of the theme (sthira-sukha, nirodha and breath) 10.20 – 10.50: A short practice (pratikriyā) plus chant TU1.1 10.50 – 11.15 Teach TU1.1 including meaning 11.15 – 12.00 Workshop on locational breathing, directional breathing, relational breathing (head-pelvis - 'riverbed' breathing), relational breathing (axis-form - 'riverbed and field' breathing). Explore role of head on in and ex, and dropping in the pelvis. Also include sthira and sukha. Also nirodha of spine in sthiti 12 – 12.15 Tea 12.15 – 1.00 Practice with sthiti and 'riverbed' breathing 1.00 – 2.00 Lunch 2.00 – 2.30 TU1.1 2.30 – 3.00: Yoga as nirodha Body – dynamic to static Breath – in/ex to kumbhaka Mind – object to objectless 3.00 – 3.30 Practice focusing on breath's role 3.30 – 4.00 Review and completion About Ranju: I have been teaching yoga since 1991. My approach, sometimes called Viniyoga, is designed to meet the specific needs of an individual – whether you are young, old, fit or not. I provide high quality yoga tuition based on traditional methods and teachings and focused on breath, movement and the mindful application of techniques. My first solo-authored book, Yoga as Pilgrimage, is now out in paperback. Embodying the Yoga Sūtra: Support – Direction – Space co-authored with Dave Charlton was published in 2019. Since 2004, Ranju has worked with Dave Charlton to develop teacher training courses, study courses and intensives under the name of Sādhana Mālā.

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