Past Workshops

Friday July 30, 2004 - Sunday August 1, 2004 The Natural Integration of Ayurveda & Yoga, And Lunar Rhythms for Women: Creating a healthy cycle through herbs, food and yoga Lead by Nicolai & Margo Bachman Normal Registration Fee: $130 for all 3 sessions, or $160 for all four (includes Lunar Rhythms for Women) Includes study materials. About Nicolai & Margo Bachman Form more information visit www.SanskritSounds.com.

Thursday July 8, 2004 - Tuesday July 13, 2004 A Week-Long In Depth Study of Classical Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Lead by Kristin Laak Description The purpose of Yogic practices are revealed when we look truthfully at our own yoga practice. All Yogic practices are meant to pave the way for moving internally towards the Eternal Truth, and to bring that bliss back to the mind level, sense level, and body level. Through exploring the integration of intention, detachment and joy we will tap the asana and pranayama practices to cultivate a deep internal stillness. Combining deep inquiry while exploring the internal form of the yoga practice as reflected in breath, bandhas and subtle alignment we open to our potential for moving deeper into the true nature of Yoga. The workshop will begin Thursday night with a brief discussion/introduction to the weeks format, content. and practice. All the classes during this 5 day workshop are appropriate for all levels of practitioners that have completed a Mastering the basics training or w an instructors approval. Each of the 5 evening led classes will begin with a brief discussion of the classical 8 limbs of Astanga Yoga, followed by asana practice, pranayama and meditation. The morning Mysore classes offer an opportunity to cultivate ones internal intelligence and wisdom through a self paced practice. The components will feed off of one another. Hence, we recommend that students attend both the am and pm format. Date Time Description Thursday, 7/8 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM All Levels Location: Opening to Life Center Friday, 7/9 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM All Levels Location: Opening to Life Center Saturday, 7/10 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM All Levels Location: Opening to Life Center Sunday, 7/11 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM All Levels Location: Opening to Life Center Monday, 7/12 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM All Levels Location: Opening to Life Center Friday, 7/9 - Tuesday, 7/13 5:00 AM - 8:45 AM Mysore Format (note: for non-workshop students, Yoga Pada Mysore format will continue to be held just as it usually is from 6:00-9:00am. Please let us know if you need to begin your practice before 6:00am.) Location: Opening to Life Center Normal Registration Fee: Week-long Evening Workshop: $150 Week-long Mysore: $150 Evening plus Mysore: $275 About Kristin Laak Kristin began exploring Yoga in 1981, has spent 2 years in India studying Yoga philosophy and pranayama with Dr. Shankaranarayana and Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Asana with Pattabhi Jois, both of whom she continues to study with. Kristin has been teaching since 1987, she teaches teacher training courses and workshops nationally; and up until this past year Kristin was on staff at Richard Freeman's Yoga Workshop for many years. Kristin lives in Ashland OR now with here husband Paulino and 2 year old daughter Luna.

Friday April 2, 2004 - Friday April 9, 2004 INTENTION, ATTENTION AND BALANCE—Increasing Awareness with Hatha Yoga Lead by Peter Sterios Description Why do yoga? Anyone who starts a yoga practice has pondered this simple question. Often the answer is not so simple. Attempting to answer the question establishes an intention. Through consistent inquiry and practice, our awareness slowly increases. With an increase of awareness, the door to deeper intelligence slowly opens and the quality of our attention improves. With an increase of our attention, signs of imbalance become more acute and the natural response in the body-mind to restore balance and overcome habitual behavior is given a chance. No matter what style of yoga you are currently practicing, the practices presented in this workshop will help create the structural and energetic basis for the lifelong journey of yoga. The exercises are progressive by nature and appropriate for all levels of yoga practitioners, building flexibility, strength and intelligence. The weekend workshop is to introduce the practice and set up the rhythm for the weeklong intensive. The weeklong intensive is to anchor the rhythm of practice into a daily routine and to taste the fruit of ones own intention and effort. Date Time Description Friday, 4/2 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM All Levels Location: Opening to Life Center Saturday, 4/3 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM All Levels Location: Opening to Life Center Sunday, 4/4 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM All Levels Location: Opening to Life Center Monday, 4/5 6:00 AM - 8:30 AM Week-long Intensive Location: Opening to Life Center Tuesday, 4/6 6:00 AM - 8:30 AM Week-long Intensive Location: Opening to Life Center Wednesday, 4/7 6:00 AM - 8:30 AM Week-long Intensive Location: Opening to Life Center Thursday, 4/8 6:00 AM - 8:30 AM Week-long Intensive Location: Opening to Life Center Friday, 4/9 6:00 AM - 8:30 AM Week-long Intensive Location: Opening to Life Center Normal Registration Fee: Weekend Workshop: $135 Week-long Intensive: $225 Entire Workshop: $270 About Peter Sterios PETER STERIOS began the practice of hatha yoga 24 years ago. His studies have included five extended visits to various schools of yoga and ayurveda in India, most recently in October 2002. Peter lives on the Central Coast of California where he is director of the Yoga Institute at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort. Peter has been a Contributing Editor for YOGA JOURNAL magazine and wrote the "For Beginner's" column in 2001. Peter has taught workshops and teacher trainings throughout the US, Mexico, and Europe since 1987.

Friday January 30, 2004 - Sunday February 1, 2004 Yoga Sutras Chapter 2: Personal Practice Lead by Nicolai Bachman Description The sutras provide tools to help reveal who we are, where we are now and where we want to be. Each instance of discomfort becomes an opportunity to understand ourself in relation to our surroundings. Personal parinama (transformation) occurs by taking advantage of these moments and choosing to act consciously instead of react unconsciously. Individual sutras will be chanted and then discussed together at length as a group. Date Time Description Friday, 1/30 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Inroduction to Chanting the sutras and other Vedic Texts Location: Opening to Life Center Saturday, 1/31 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM Deeping the Personal Practice Location: Opening to Life Center Sunday, 2/1 9:00 AM - 11:45 AM Deeping the Personal Practice Location: Opening to Life Center Normal Registration Fee: $135 Includes study materials. About Nicolai Bachman Nicolai Bachman, M.A. has been teaching Sanskrit and related topics since 1994. He has studied extensively with Vyaas Houston (American Sanskrit Institute), Dr. Vagish Shastri (VagYoga Institute, India), Dr. Vasant Lad (Ayurvedic Institute), Dr. David Frawley (American Institute of Vedic Studies) and Sonia Nelson (Vedic Chant Center). He completed the St. Johns Graduate Program in Eastern Classics - M.A. in 1996. Form more information visit www.SanskritSounds.com.

Monday August 4, 2003 - Sunday August 10, 2003 Yoga & Sound: Workshop with Ramanand Patel and Pandit Mukesh Desai Lead by Ramanand Patel Description Yogapada is extremely honored to have Ramanand return to Portland for the first time in 5 years. This workshop will not be for beginners. We recommend that students have at least 1 year of Iyengar training and know how to set up for headstand and shoulderstand. Studying yoga with Ramanand is like learning painting from Monet. The entire workshop will be at the our school and will definitely fill up. Priority will be given to those attending the entire workshop.There is no partial registration unless students have previously studied The Yoga and Sound Workshop format with Ramanand. About Ramanand Patel Ramanand is regarded as a leading yoga instructor for students and teachers around the world. His father initiated him into yoga practice and philosophy when he was twelve years old. After meeting a few other teachers, he started more serious study under Guruji (Yogacharya Sri B.K.S. Iyengar) in 1968. Since 1984 he has studied Vedanta philosophy under H.H. Swami Dayananda Saraswati. He has also learned from sharing his knowledge with a vast number of students and teachers since 1964. Ramanand is respected as an innovator in the use of props and working with students who have special needs. He has a special interest in the effects of Sound on yoga practice and offers a number of workshops in this subject with his friend and a world class musician in the North Indian classical style, Pandit Mukesh Desai. About Pandit Mukesh Desai Pandit Mukesh Desai is a disciple of Pandit Jasraj. He teaches Hindustani classical Music. Pandit Mukesh is a talented vocalist who brings his rare gift of music to the Gurukulam, not only as performer, but as a teacher of both children and adults during some of the summer retreats and courses Date Time Description Monday, 8/4 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Location: Opening to Life Center Tuesday, 8/5 6:00 AM - 8:30 AM Location: Opening to Life Center Tuesday, 8/5 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Location: Opening to Life Center Wednesday, 8/6 6:00 AM - 8:30 AM Location: Opening to Life Center Wednesday, 8/6 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Location: Opening to Life Center Thursday, 8/7 6:00 AM - 8:30 AM Location: Opening to Life Center Thursday, 8/7 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Location: Opening to Life Center Friday, 8/8 6:00 AM - 8:30 AM Location: Opening to Life Center Friday, 8/8 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Location: Opening to Life Center Saturday, 8/9 6:00 AM - 8:30 AM Location: Opening to Life Center Saturday, 8/9 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Location: Opening to Life Center Sunday, 8/10 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM Location: Opening to Life Center Early Registration Fee: Register for entire workshop before July 4th and receive %10 discount Normal Registration Fee: $325.00 for all 13 sessions Pre-requisite for attendance: One year of Iyengar or Ashtanga yoga. Form more information visit www.yogirama.com.

Friday August 22, 2003 Kirtan Lead by Bhagavan Das Description Legendary spiritual mentor, Bhagavan Das, will lead us in an evening of ecstatic devotional call and response chanting, known as kirtan. Chanting the Divine Names uplifts the Spirit and allows for a heightened sense of awareness. Today there are many distractions and noises around us…loud chanting is very effective in gaining concentration which may lead to spontaneous meditation. Devotion purifies the mind which allows the heart to open and be receptive to Love. Bhagavan Das sings to God with passion, faith, and purity, inspiring others to experience awakening and surrender. Date Time Description Friday, 8/22 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Kirtan led by Bhagavan Das Location: Opening to Life Center Normal Registration Fee: $15 About Bhagavan Das Bhagavan Das is a California-born Bhakti Yogi who in the 1960's was the first Western disciple of the modern saint Neem Karoli Baba. He spent 7 years in India and Nepal studying Hinduism, Buddhism, meditation, and living the life of a sadhu (an ascetic holy man). During this time he became a mentor to Ram Dass, who featured Bhagavan Das in the classic "Be Here Now". As a devotee and scholar, Bhagavan Das offers an unparalleled perspective on blending Eastern consciousness into the spiritual whirlpool of Western life. He serves as a guide to identify and celebrate the sacred in our own lives. Bhagavan Das, author of "It's Here Now, Are You? (a spiritual memoir)" is a Master of chanting and Nada Yoga--the mysticism of sound. His latest CD, produced by Mike D, mixes Eastern chants with pop beats.

Saturday June 14, 2003 - Monday June 16, 2003 Yoga Immersion with Ranjani Lead by Ranjani Description Spinal alignment of every posture in gradual progression, identifying our blockages as our "Treasure Boxes." Awareness of the impact of gravity on the body's weight distribution on the bone structure. Restorative practices with detailed use of props for specific conditions (Iyengar-based). Practicing as Partners—becoming each other's "human props," learning appropriate use of touch, breath coordination and positioning of our own body to adjust and learn from one another. Primal Healing (cleansing/feeding) in tune with Nature's gifts and cycles. Note: There will be a follow-up workshop with Ranjani Sept. 13-15. Date Time Description Saturday, 6/14 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Full Flow Vinyasa-biological break: "water out" & "water in" with juicy fruits. Location: Opening to Life Center Saturday, 6/14 3:45 PM - 6:00 PM Alignment Detailing-biological break Location: Opening to Life Center Saturday, 6/14 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM We are Breathing Organisms: Applications and awareness of different expresssions of Pranayama. Rest deliciously until the next AM start Sunday Location: Opening to Life Center Sunday, 6/15 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Full Flow Vinyasa-biological break: "water out" & "water in" with juicy fruits. Location: Opening to Life Center Sunday, 6/15 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM Alignment Detailing-biological break Location: Opening to Life Center Sunday, 6/15 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM We are Breathing Organisms: Applications and awareness of different expresssions of Pranayama. Rest deliciously until the next AM start Monday Location: Opening to Life Center Monday, 6/16 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM Full Vinyasa & Different aspects of Breath Practices. Sumary of basic concepts of "Zen Yoga Nature" & "Our Earth Medicine Path" shared over the whole "Apprentice Intensive Weekend." Like a sesshin program Location: Opening to Life Center Normal Registration Fee: $150 for 1 day only $280 for both days Saturday & Sunday $300 for all sessions with Monday included 1 session on any given day is: $60.00 You can schedule a private session: $108 / 3 hrs; $80 / 2 hrs About Ranjani Ordinary Mind Zen School, different schools of yoga, and Ritual Dances have been at the core of Ránjani's (Dr. Mary-Elaine Cobo, M.D. MPH) searching path. Her training in the medical field and her devotion for the understanding of her own healing process have led her to the continuous exploration of many ancient schools of healing. "Experiential research," through observant self-practice & consciousness for inner movement and sound, as well as coming back to and learning form the teaching of Nature's Ripe and Abundant Gifts and Primal Cycles, are Rájani's major resources. This life-long commitment comes through very clearly in the creative and enthusiastic spirit of her personal practice and her teaching. In the past two decades her workshops on women's health and self-empowerment, Primal Healing and yoga as a Ritual Dance, have been well received in the U.S. and in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and India. Classes follow the Ashtanga Vinyasa foundation, exploring the place of Kriyas, Asana and Pranayama within the larger context of Ashtanga (the eight limbs of Yoga).

Saturday May 24, 2003 - Sunday May 25, 2003 Fire in the Belly: Yoga and Digestion with Tias and Surya Little Lead by Tias & Surya Little Description Digestive Fire is crucial to fueling the flow of energy through the body in asanas. Sometimes the agni (fire) burns too hot and sometimes too cool. We will review the organs involved in the digestive system beginning at the mouth and tracking through the"tube" of the alimentary canal. In addition to reviewing the anatomy and essential physiology of digestion, we will look at how emotional and psychological forces effect the gut. We will devote some time to reviewing an appropriate diet for the yoga practice. All posture work this week-end is designed to help support good digestion. Date Time Description Saturday, 5/24 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Opening to Life Center Saturday, 5/24 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Opening to Life Center Sunday, 5/25 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Opening to Life Center Normal Registration Fee: $135 Registration is limited to 30 participants. No partial registration. About Tias & Surya Little Tias brings to his teaching a wonderful play of metaphor and imagination . He began studying yoga in the Iyengar system in the early 1980's and continued his studies in Mysore India, learning the first three series of Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga. His perspective clearly reflects the Buddha's teachings. He is a licensed massage therapist and has studied extensively in cranial-sacral therapy and Rolfing. Tias earned a Masters in Eastern Philosophy from St. John's College. He currently co-directs Yogasource in Santa Fe New Mexico with his wife Surya and leads yoga intensives throughout the country. Form more information visit www.yogasource-santafe.com.

Friday April 25, 2003 - Sunday April 27, 2003 GRAVITY AND GRACE - Tapping the Subtle Power of Hatha Yoga Lead by Peter Sterios Description When effort is excessive, the wisdom and power of yoga is diluted. With surrender and consistency, gradually we yield to the subtle influences that are there all of the time. Through our relationship to gravity and the understanding of ground, we move with elegance and what can be seen and felt as grace. Once this is conscious, gratitude and healing are the result. In this workshop, a three part practice will be given that is designed to create the structural and energetic basis for a lifelong journey of yoga. The practice is progressive by nature and appropriate for all levels of yoga practitioners, building flexibility, strength and intelligence. Date Time Description Friday, 4/25 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Part 1. Creating Space Eliminating stiffness and blockages in the legs and arms, these practices are designed as beginning exercises to prepare for asana and increase the awareness of breath. Location: Opening to Life Center Saturday, 4/26 - Tuesday, 8/26 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Part 2. Building Heat This part of the workshop will explore a dynamic sequence of yoga asana, and other practices, to build heat, ie digestive fire, to develop core strength, and to penetrate and reveal the subtle layers of the body. Part 3. Tapping Stillness Location: Opening to Life Center Sunday, 4/27 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Part 3. Tapping Stillness The finishing poses tap the stillness found in the body's subtle layers, and develop for the individual the qualities of grace, pose, and clarity, in preparation for meditation. Location: Opening to Life Center Normal Registration Fee: $125 About Peter Sterios PETER STERIOS began the practice of hatha yoga 23 years ago. His studies have included five extended visits to various schools of yoga and ayurveda in India, most recently in October 2003. Peter lives on the Central Coast of California where he is director of Yoga Centre San Luis Obispo. Peter is a Contributing Editor for YOGA JOURNAL magazine and wrote the "For Beginner's" column in 2001. Peter has taught workshops and teacher trainings throughout the US and Europe since 1987.

Friday October 4, 2002 - Sunday October 6, 2002 Tolerance, Staying Power and Remaining at the Threshold of Perpetual Change Lead by Tias Little Description Join Tias Little for a week-end intensive with focus on cultivating meditative awareness through internal listening and subtle attunement in the postures. This event will emphasize a slow, careful approach to the poses in order to develop greater sensitivity. Each posture is an invitation to a new realm, a gateway to change, a key to transformation. Postures are only that--postures--yet the attentive mind that is cultivated in the experience is invaluable. Tias coaxes students (safely) to the barrier of their body/mind in order to develop a greater tolerance and endurance that is in turn applicable in all life situations. Tias' classes are filled with humor and inspirational metaphor. This workshop will integrate philosophical reflection, meditation and posture. Date Time Description Friday, 10/4 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Opening to Life Center Saturday, 10/5 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Opening to Life Center Saturday, 10/5 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Opening to Life Center Sunday, 10/6 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Opening to Life Center Early Registration Fee: $150 for the entire weekend if received on or before September 5. Normal Registration Fee: $160 if received after September 5. Registration is limited to 30 participants. Tias has requested no partial registration. About Tias Little Tias brings to his teaching a wonderful play of metaphor and imagination . He began studying yoga in the Iyengar system in the early 1980's and continued his studies in Mysore India, learning the first three series of Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga. His perspective clearly reflects the Buddha's teachings. He is a licensed massage therapist and has studied extensively in cranial-sacral therapy and Rolfing. Tias earned a Masters in Eastern Philosophy from St. John's College. He currently co-directs Yogasource in Santa Fe New Mexico with his wife Surya and leads yoga intensives throughout the country. Form more information visit www.yogasource-santafe.com.

Friday August 30, 2002 - Sunday September 1, 2002 Teaching and Training on The Buddha Path Lead by Tibetan Buddhist Master Dzogchen Kenpo Choga Rinpoche Description Great Perfection of Wisdom lineage holder Dzogchen Khenpo Choga Rinpoche has been recognized as the reincarnation of enlightened Tibetan master Gedun Chopel. He began training in Buddhism at the age of five. He received the transmissions and teachings of the Sutras, Tantras and Shastras from forty-two Buddhist masters and the complete empowerments nd instruction of the Dzogchen Tantras. Rinpoche spent seven years in a cave in the Holy Dzogchen Area of Tibet. During that time, he recited millions of mantras and was directly granted the blessings of the Buddhas. He is the thirty-third holder of the Dzogchen lineage, lama of Dzogchen Monastery, and a Professor of the Dzogchen Shri Singha University. He is always radiating the wonderful blessings and healing powers of wisdom to all being. Rinpoche currently teaches Dharma and gives practice training to thousands of students in more than forty countries around the world. All are invited to learn The Buddha Path, the essence of the entire Buddhist teachings. Rinpoche is now giving teachings, training and empowerments to those who would like to become enlightened and contribute to a more peaceful world. Date Time Description Friday, 8/30 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Buddha Dharma Teaching (teaching, meditation, blessing and chanting) Location: Opening to Life Center Saturday, 8/31 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Green Tara Empowerment Blessing (Empowerment and teaching) Location: Opening to Life Center Sunday, 9/1 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Dzogchen Dharma Teaching (teaching, meditation, blessing and chanting) Location: Opening to Life Center Early Registration Fee: Suggested donation for events $20 (no one turned away for lack of funds) Registration is limited to 30 participants. Tias has requested no partial registration. About Tibetan Buddhist Master Dzogchen Kenpo Choga Rinpoche Visit Dzogchnelineage.org for a detailed biography of Dzogchen Khenpo Choga Rinpoche. Form more information visit www.dzogchenlineage.org.

Study with Pattabi Jois August 23-27, 2002 Guruji will be in Seattle from August 23-27 of this year to teach students in the Ashtanga and Mysore traditions. He has proclaimed that this will be his final world tour, so this is your final opportunity to practice with this renowned guru in the states. Yoga Pada will be organizing a group of students to travel to Seattle and lodge with one another during attendance of this event. If you are interested in accompanying us, please contact Timo at 503-453-9131, timo@yogapada.com. For more about Pattabi Jois' tour, click here.

Listen to Audio Samples Online with RealPlayer Bolo Hari | Secret Place | Sky Kisses Earth | Earth Kisses Sky | Wild Gunghu II

Presenting Prem Joshua
Fusion sitar master Prem Joshua will be performing at the Community Music Center, 3350 SE Francis, on June 14 at 7:30pm. On June 15, a Dance of Shakti Workshop will also be conducted. The workshop, which introduces participants to the mysteries of Indian dance & chanting, incorporates a "kirtan" - the ancient practice of group chanting favored by many sages, using mantras and chants to bring joy and tranquility through singing.

Live in Concert, June 14

Concert & Workshop Details To Purchase Tickets Call 503-453-9131 Concert Ticket $20, or $30 includes 3 complimentary yoga classes at YogaPada Workshop Ticket: $40 *Combo Ticket $50 for both nights, or $60 for both nights plus 3 yoga classes at YogaPada Concert and Workshop Location: The Community Music Center 3350 SE Francis Street Portland, Oregon

Heralded as "the new guru of East-West fusion music" by the Times of India, this international musician's blend of sitar, Indian flutes, sax, electronica grooves and Indian style vocals will be coming to Portland as part of his 2002 US tour. Prem Joshua will be accompanied by Manish Vyas, the Indian tabla and santoor player, and Ms. Hena Sarojini will perform contemporary Indian dances.

Dance of Shakti Workshop, June 15:
An Introduction to the Mysteries of Indian Dance & Chanting With Hena Sarojini, Manish Vyas and Prem Joshua

The dances of Shakti & Shiva represent the turning of the primordial male and female forces of the universe. The dances and chants of ancient India are a vehicle to bring us into divine union with these forces. Dancing and chanting are simple and revered techniques to open our hearts and bring us to a state of joyful and peaceful meditation.

We will spend the first half of this four hour workshop learning to worship the human body as a temple through simple and vibrant movements from the Indian dance tradition. We will then move into "kirtan", an ancient practice of group chanting favored by many sages, using mantras and chants to bring us into joy and tranquility through singing.

About the Performers
Best known for his Asian-fusion CDs DANCE OF SHAKTI and SKY KISSES EARTH, Prem Joshua performs all over the world -- Japan, Malaysia, India, Israel, Europe and across the United States. A recent review of Prem Joshua's DANCE OF SHAKTI in Napra Review describes his music as "a joyful invitation to dance and give thanks!" New Age Retailer says "some of the best tracks I have heard this year!" The German publication OTI writes "His music is the meeting of the at-ease-ness of the East with the bubbling aliveness of the West".

At the age of 16, as a young German music student, Joshua heard the CONCERT FOR BANGLADESH album with George Harrison and Ravi Shankar. This musical epiphany led him to India to find his spiritual teacher and the rich tradition of Indian music. Joshua spent over 20 years traveling in India to study with some of India's finest musicians, including sitar legend Ustad Usman Khan.

Returning to the West in the early 1990's, Prem Joshua was well poised to catch the wave of Asian Underground fusion music. Over the years he has refined his distinctive sound, blending the sensuous instrumentation of ancient India with evocative melodies, modern electronica grooves and danceable ethnic rhythms.

Born in India to a family of musicians, Manish Vyas learned the Indian drums, the tablas, from the world renowned Ustad Alla Rakha in Bombay. Manish performed for many years in traditional Indian kirtan bands, gathering knowledge about the Quawwali music of the Sufi traditions. He is an accomplished player of the santoor, an instrument from Kashmir with 86 strings, as well as keyboards and Indian harmonium. Manish has been playing with Prem Joshua for over twelve years.

Hena Sarojini studied Indian classical dance from the age of four. She later became part of the renowned "Temple of Fine Arts" dance ensemble in Kuala Lumpur. Now based in Europe, Hena has introduced Modern, African and Flamenco dance elements into her performances.

For more information visit www.premjoshua.com.

May 24-26, 2002 Hatha Yoga Workshop: "The Forgotten Forms of Hatha Yoga" Lead by Peter Sterios All of the current styles of yoga found in the West have roots in classical hatha yoga. However in their migration from India, many of the beginning practices and refined intelligence inherent in the work have been lost or forgotten. In this workshop, a preliminary form of warm-up practices, seats, and stances, drawn from traditional yoga texts and practices, southern Indian martial arts, and traditional pan-Indian dance will be introduced. The form is beneficial and appropriate for all levels of yoga practitioners. For the beginning student, it removes the fear associated with stiff or weak bodies. For those with experience, it helps overcome obstacles encountered as one's practice goes deeper. The work builds a structural and energetic understanding for the safe practice of asana. By working systematically, the right attitude is cultivated which enables the student to recognize the true, finer qualities of hatha yoga. With this understanding, one is able to practice only that which is appropriate for the individual, in the true nature of ahimsa (non-violence). All levels of students are welcome! Date Time Location Friday 5/24 6:30pm - 9:00pm Opening to Life Center Saturday 5/25 1:00pm - 4:00pm Opening to Life Center Sunday 5/26 9:30am - 12:30pm Opening to Life Center Cost: $140 (If payed in full by May 10th the cost is $130) No partial registration allowed. A pre-registration deposit of $60 is required. Workshop will be limited to 25 participants. To register call 503-453-9131 or email info@yogapada.com. About Peter Sterios Peter Sterios began yoga 23 years ago. He has been fortunate to study under Shandor Remete and B.K.S. Iyengar. His studies have included four extended visits to India. Peter lives on the Central Coast of California where he is director of Yoga Centre San Luis Obispo. Peter was the "For Beginner's" columnist for Yoga Journal in 2001, and was also a featured model in their Millennium 2000 Calendar. He has led workshops nationally and internationally since 1987. Click here to learn more about the Yoga Centre.

May 11, 2002, 7:30 pm Rasdhara: An Evening Concert of Hindustani Classical Music Featuring David Trasoff and Benjy Wertheimer Please join us in welcoming David and Benjy for their first Portland collaboration! Location: The Old Church, 1422 SW 11th & Clay, Portland OR Fee: $15 for the concert only, or $25 for concert plus 3 complimentary Yogapada yoga classes. To purchase advanced tickets email info@yogapada.com, or call 503-453-9131. About The Music Listen to a sample 12 minute raga! The classical tradition in Indian music dates back over 3,000 years to the Vedas, the earliest Hindu spiritual texts. The Sama Veda speaks of "Nada Bramha," the concept that "music is the language of God." Based on the fundamentals of Raga (melody) and Tala (rhythm) the music has developed continuously through ancient and medieval times into a system capable of expressing the finest shades and degrees of color and emotion. Indian classical music utilizes the same 12 note scale as is used in the West, except that the notes are used in just (pure) intonation rather than the equal temperament developed in Europe. The existence of "microtones" between the standard notes is also recognized. (Excerpted from David Trasoff's informative website, classicalragas.com.) About David Trasoff David Trasoff has studied sarod performance and North Indian classical music under maestro Ali Akbar Khan, India's 'Living National Treasure,' since 1972. He has also received guidance from Dr. Rajeev Taranath, renowned sarod performer and senior disciple of Ali Akbar Khan. David has appeared in concert in arts centers, universities, conservatories and festivals in the United States, Europe, and Asia, and has made numerous performing tours in India. David holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and an M.F.A. in music from California Institute of the Arts. He served as Director of the Indian Music Ensemble at the University of California, Santa Barbara from 1995-1997, and taught in the Visual and Performing Arts Program at California State University, San Marcos from 1997-2001. David presently teaches North Indian classical music and improvisation in the World Music program of the School of Music at the California Institute of the Arts. David has contributed as a composer and performer to numerous film, recording and live music events, including the release of a solo classical recording on compact disc featuring accompaniment by tabla maestro Zakir Hussain. In 1997, David composed and directed music for an acclaimed production of Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream. He has also participated in contemporary music, theater and dance projects in Los Angeles. For more information visit ClassicalRagas.com. About Benjy Wertheimer Benjy Wertheimer is a founding member of the internationally acclaimed Ancient Future world fusion music ensemble and a former director of the Portland Songwriters Association. An award-winning songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist (playing tabla, congas, percussion, esraj, guitar, and keyboards), Benjy has toured the US, Canada, and Japan, and has opened for such artists as Carlos Santana, Paul Winter, and Narada Michael Walden. Beginning his musical studies at age 5 (starting with piano and later studying violin and flamenco guitar), Benjy received his training in Keyboard Improvisation at the University of Colorado and Composition and Ethnomusicology at the University of Washington. He has studied Indian classical music for over 20 years with some of the greatest masters of that tradition (including Alla Rakha, Zakir Hussain, Ali Akbar Khan and Z. M. Dagar). For over five years, Benjy scored music for the internationally syndicated NBC series Santa Barbara. He has recorded with numerous A&M, Windham Hill, Narada, Nippon Phonogram, and Rounder recording artists. His new CD Circle of Fire has recently been featured on Echoes, heard on over 150 public radio stations around North America. He has recorded music for commercials for several international clients (including Master Card and The Nature Company). Benjy was also a contributing composer and member of the Zakir Hussain Rhythm Experience (along with Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead). Listen Online (Real Audio) Zenith Come the Darkness Threshold Between Worlds Meditation of the Night For more information visit BenjyWertheimer.com.

March 23-25, 2002 Yogasana and Sound -- All levels Welcome! Lead by Nicholai Bachman & Timo Jimenez Nicolai Bachman, M.A. has been teaching Sanskrit since 1994. He has studied extensively with Vyaas Houston, director of the American Sanskrit Institute and Vagish Shastri, director of the Vagyoga Institute in Benares, India. He graduated from the Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque and received his M.A. in Eastern Philosophy from St. John's College in Santa Fe. He teaches Sanskrit, Chanting, Yoga Philosophy and Ayurveda and has produced 108 Sanskrit Flash Cards with Audio as well as Vedic Astrological Terminology CD/Text (with David Frawley). Nicolai emphasizes clear, organized, organic instruction in a fun, playful environment. Learning (not just teaching) is given the highest priority. Classes are taught using the original Devanagari script or Roman transliteration. The workshop will be a joint effort of Yoga-asana lead practice by Timo with Nicolai Bachman weaving into the practice the Various Traditional aspects of the Vedas, Ayurveda, Yoga Sutras, Vedic-chanting and their relevance to our Hatha Yoga Practice. FRIDAY night will begin with an historical overview of the Vedas, Ayurveda and the Yoga Sutras, including their relevance to yoga asana practice. Sanskrit, the sacred language in which all of these texts were written, has a highly-refined sound and structure. We will tap into these ancient and primeval vibrations by chanting the alphabet together. From there we move into a light asana practice, vocalizing each asana name with proper cadence and pronunciation. The tail-end of the evening will involve chanting and discussion of certain key Yoga Sutras. SATURDAY'S presentation will link Ayurveda with the Yoga Sutras and Asana. We will start with a brief description of the Samkhya philosophy of creation, then go into Ayurveda relative to Asana practice, weaving in appropriate yoga sutras throughout. SUNDAY learn the basic principles of Vedic chanting, a practice specifically designed to preserve the Vedas in their original form. This type of recitation takes you deep into the ancient Vedic vibration. Several permutations of a Ganesha mantra and the Gayatri mantra will be taught and practiced. Date Time Location Cost Friday 3/23 6:00pm - 8:30pm Opening to Life Center $50 * Saturday 3/24 1:00pm - 4:00pm Opening to Life Center $50 * Sunday 3/25 9:00am - 9:45am: Seated Meditation 9:45am - 11:00am: Asana Practice 11:00am - 1:00pm: Vedic Chanting Opening to Life Center $50 * * $125 for the whole weekend. Internet Special -- Listen Online Listen as Nicolai Bachman describes this weekend workshop. Description of Friday Description of Saturday and Sunday Sample chanting 1 Sample chanting 2 To hear our recordings you must have the RealPlayer (to download it for free click here. Note: The link to download the free player may not be immediately obvious so be persistent! It is there.). For more information about Nicolai Bachman, visit www.SanskritSounds.com.

December 2001 Sat. 8 - Mon. 10: Ashtanga and Iyengar Aligned Vinyasa Lead by Ránjani (Dr. Mary-Elaine Cobo, M.D.- MPH.) This Workshop Focuses On: Spinal alignment of every posture in gradual progression, identifying our blockages as our "Treasure Boxes." Awareness of the impact of gravity on the body's weight distribution on the bone structure. Restorative practices with detailed use of props for specific conditions (Iyengar-based). Practicing as Partners - becoming each other's "human props," learning appropriate use of touch, breath coordination and positioning of our own body to adjust and learn from one another. Primal Healing (cleansing/feeding) in tune with Nature's gifts and cycles. To learn more about Ranjani, visit www.kushe.com.