SAMSTAG:

Part I. Life as embodied Consciousness: An exploration of nondual Shaiva philosophy.

Session 1. Informed by teachings from an important text from Kashmir Shaivism, the Pratyabhijñā Hṛdaya (“Heart of Recognition”), we will reflect from a nondual Shaiva perspecctive on the nature of absolute Consciousness and the way Consciousness takes form as our own relative awareness. We will also ask: if the freedom of divine nondual Consciousness in some way dwells with me, then why do I sometimes feel so separate from it?

Session 2. Topics in this session will include a Kashmir Shaiva understanding of ways in which we can cultivate our awakening to the powers of divine Consciousness within our own individual awareness. Topics here will include the liberating immersion through yoga into the bliss of awareness (cidānanda) from a nondual perspective.

SONNTAG:

Part Il: Return to Love: An exploration of bhakti philosophy.

Session 1. Informed by the important text, the Bhakti Sūtra, we will discuss important yogic perspectives regarding the nature of bhakti as a shared participation in the universal power of divine love.

Session 2. Our close study and contemplation of selected passages from the Bhakti Sūtra will deepen and refine our understanding of bhakti as a spiritual life oriented toward divine love. We will reflect on teachings from our text on the way various yogic practices can awaken and nourish our own hearts’ inherent yearning to experience and express love.

Schedule: Sat. & So. 9.00 - 11.30 h Lecture (Session 1) 11.45 - 13..00 h Anusara Praxis (Asana) mit Birgit Pöltl 14.30 - 17.00 h Lecture (Session 2)