Gayatri Mantra Sadhana

Gayatri Mantra is the mother of all mantras in Vedas. It is equated with light wisdom and insight. Being one of the most ancient mantras from Rig Veda, it holds a primordial vibration of intelligence. When practiced as sadhana, it has the power to invoke prana, tejas, and ojas in the practitioner.

The complete Gayatri Mantra Sadhana workshop is divided into two parts-the first part focuses on the japa and the second part on the complete sadhana with pranayama, nyasa, and 32 hand mudras. It is important to attend or listen to playback of part 1 as preparation to attend part 2.

Gayatri Mantra is a celebration of life and awakening to its full potential. Handouts will be provided both in part 1 and part 2 to follow along and for reference. Both the sessions are eligible for CEU's from Yoga Alliance, a total of 5 CEU's (2.5 credits for each session)

Part 1 - The Philosophy, Meaning and, Japa

Gayatri Mantra has several interpretations, variations and connection to vedic as well as tantrik texts. Learn the four non-negotiables of Gayatri Mantra: phonetics, grammar, ritual, and etymology. When the meaning is learned in context, it brings out a sense of reverence and devotion which are primary ingredients for sadhana. Apart from the meaning, we will focus on important principles like importance of and practice of proper pronunciation, methods of japa, best times for sadhana, etc.

In this workshop, we will study:

• What is Gayatri Mantra?
• Word-by-word meaning of the mantra and its symbolic meaning
• Textual references of Gayatri Mantra
• Story of Gayatri Mantra
• Six Parts of Gayatri Mantra
• Rules of proper pronunciation
• Gayatri Dhyanam: Invocation of the Panchmukhi Gayatri
• Types of japa and Use of japa mala
• Japa: Do's and Don'ts

Tools Needed: Rudraksha Japa Mala*

Preparation: Listen to Gayatri Mantra by Indu Arora (available on iTunes or Amazon Music)

Gayatri Mantra Sadhana Part 2 - The Nyasa, Mudra and Pranayama

Gayatri Mantra when combined with nyasa, pranayama and 32 hand mudras and pranayama leads to experiential awareness and realization of this light within.

In this workshop, learn:

• What is Gayatri Pranayama?, purpose, and method
• Gayatri Mantra rsi adi nyasa, kar nyasa, and anga nyasa
• 32 hand mudras of Gayatri Mantra, method, purpose, and application
• Steps and Practice of Gayatri Mantra sadhana with sankalpa

Held in 2 parts: Feb 9 & 23; 4:00-6:00pm MT

Investment: $150

The sessions will be recorded and the replay will be made available for two weeks to those who are unable to attend live. Please note it is important to attend or listen to the recording of Week 1 in order to prepare for Week 2.

Tools Needed:

• Mudra: The Sacred Secret - Book by Indu Arora
• Meditation Seat/Asana with/without props
• Rudraksha Japa Mala
• A glass of water, tea light candle/ghee lamp, matches/lighter

Preparation: Attend or listen to recording of Part 1 of Gayatri Mantra Sadhana to participate in Part 2 of Gayatri Mantra Sadhana