Tibetan Heart Yoga

Tibetan Heart Yoga continues a lineage of yoga that comes from Indian Master Naropa (1100 AD) thru the Buddhist Tantric (secret) lineages to my teachers, to me and to you. This joyful form of Raja Yoga (Royal Union) cultivates the mind as well as the body with the goal of bringing about total liberation from suffering for all. It is the heart offering of Geshe Michael Roach (the first American to ever earn the title of Geshe, which means something like a doctorate of Buddhist philosophy) and Lama Christy McNally (Yogini and Sanskirt scholar). The asana sequences are based on ancient yoga manuscripts, the oldest in existence, combined with modern yoga poses. Each series is designed to facilitate a specific inner realization that practitioners can then apply "off the mat," in their daily life.  There are ten series, each increasing in understanding of the nature of reality and in physical difficulty, and building on the previous ones.  Only seven out of ten series have been offered as of Summer 2009. In order to become certified in Tibetan Heart Yoga one has to complete five requirements for each series, which includes Sutra (holy text) studies and reviews of Geshela and Christyhla's books such as The Tibetan Book of Yoga, How Yoga Works and The Essential Yoga Sutras. The foundation of all Tibetan Heart Yoga teachings are Karma (laws of cause and effect) and Emptiness (the fact that nothing is coming from anywhere else). Understanding this is the key to happiness and permanent liberation from suffering. Further instruction in these topics are offered locally by request or online thru the Asian Classics Institute.

ONE: The Heart Chakra Series

This offering is a compassion series, designed to open the heart on every level. The meditation is tonglen- taking away darkness and giving light on the breath. We also learn about the six perfect qualities of a bodhisattva- one who wishes to become enlightened in order to help all beings overcome suffering.

TWO: Mahamudra

The Great Seal of Emptiness is the focus of this wisdom series. With it we learn to challenge presumptive and incorrect thought patterns which cause resistance and suffering within us. Bandhas and Lotus Pose are emphasized in this practice.

THREE: The Infinite Four

The Yoga Sutras of Master Pantanjali tell us that four thoughts help us to overcome all inner and outer obstacles to practice. With this compassionate series we learn to recreate our image of ourself and use it to expand what we think we are capable of. The Svadhisthana (second) chakra is emphasized here, as it is our creative center.

FOUR: The Five Winds

The wisdom of the Kalachakra system follows the inner energy winds of the body which rule over specific thought patterns. Inner visualizations of color in combination with asana facilitate powerful healing of mental afflictions and their corresponding outer manifestions.

FIVE: The Guru Bliss Series

With this series we begin to dance an offering of our beautiful inner and outer practice to our holy teacher who resides in our heart! This series brings a visceral experience of this sacred relationship, thru which we receive all blessings and attainments.

SIX: Niguma and the Six Elements

This Dakini Dance is the only known ancient series written by a woman. Lady Niguma, the sacred partner of Master Naropa, teaches us how to work with the elements and how our perception of ourself is nothing more than a mental image!

SEVEN: Niguma's Klesha Smashing Series

Building on the wisdom of the inner winds, our dance continues, drawing holy beings to purify us internally and teach us the wisdom we need to create a paradise around us!