- LIVE ONLINE PROGRAM
February 28 – April 18, 2021
Japa Meditation Challenge: The Practice of Mantra Yoga
Rukmini Chaitanya
8 WEEKLY SESSIONS, Sundays, 2:00-3:30pm EST
“Mantra Yoga is an exact science. By the constant thinking of Mantra, one is protected and released from the round of births and death. A mantra generates the creative force and bestows eternal Bliss. A mantra, when constantly repeated, awakens the consciousness” – Swami Sivananda, Japa Yoga
Japa meditation is a method of channeling one’s consciousness from the lowest to the highest level of pure thoughts. Repeated verbally or mentally, a Mantra lifts one into the telepathic stage and beyond to the transcendental. In this 8-week Japa Challenge, Rukmini Chaitanya will support you to develop a daily practice of Japa meditation and guide you on how to take your practice to a higher level. You will be meeting weekly for practice and receiving personal guidance on how to keep progressing in your daily practice.
In this course, you will be learning theory of mantra, sound, and Japa meditation practice based on the teachings of Swami Sivananda in his famous book Japa Yoga. Guest speakers who are experts in sound, science, mantra yoga and nada yoga will also be sharing their knowledge on the subject during select classes.
Students will be invited to keep a spiritual diary to track their practice. Rukmini Chaitanya will be available throughout the week to review the spiritual diary, offer guidance, answer questions about the practice and share advice about any challenges.
This course will cover both theory and practice of Japa meditation. The theory part will be based on the book Japa Yoga by Swami Sivananda, which contains the most profound knowledge and vast information about Mantra, Japa practice and the science of sacred sound.
The practice portion will include guidance on how to work with Japa mala and counter, how to practice Japa while engaged in activity, how to establish a daily routine of Japa meditation practice and how to gradually increase the number of daily mantra repetitions.
There will be real-time practices in the classes. Students will receive home exercises and will be offered feedback and guidance from Rukmini Chaitanya as well as an opportunity to ask practice-related questions.
Students will be able to experience directly the great physical, mental, and spiritual benefits that come from the daily practice of Japa meditation.
Guest Presenters:
Iswara Chaitanya is a Sivananda Yoga practitioner and teacher of many years and a senior staff member at the ashram. He currently serves the ashram as the head of Reception and IT manager, as well as teaching many courses including in the ATTC.
Sivakami Chaitanya is a Sivananda Yoga teacher and a hatha yoga instructor in the Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training Courses. She teaches with clarity and a sense of humor. Her experience in bringing the foundations of Sivananda Yoga to students makes her a sought after and beloved teacher. She is also a student of Ayurveda and a gifted cook.
Additional Information:
Offered as 8 weekly sessions on Sundays, Feb 28, Mar 7, 14, 21, 28, Apr 4, 11 & 18, 2:00-3:30pm EST
This program is offered live through Zoom webinar with the availability for students to interact through Q&A with the presenter.
For enrolled students, a video recording will be available after each class in the event you miss a class or would like to review the content.
It is possible to register and take the course at any time. You can catch up on any classes you miss with the recordings.
Requirements and Recommendations:
- No experience necessary. This program is open to beginners as well as advanced practitioners.
- Viewing Device: Desktop or laptop computer will provide the best experience, although you can also connect via a tablet or smartphone.
- Internet connection: High-speed broadband wired or wireless is best.
- Video: Download Zoom to your computer, or install the Zoom app to your device. For interactive group sessions, a webcam or integrated camera will allow others to feel more connected with you.
- Audio: Headphone speakers are recommended. If you wish to participate vocally, a headset with a microphone will be ideal.
Course Includes:
- 12 hours of live classes and on-demand video
Rukmini Chaitanya
Rukmini Chaitanya is a senior staff member of the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat Bahamas, and the personal assistant to Swami Swaroopananda, the Acharya, or spiritual director of the Ashram. She regularly teaches the Bhagavad Gita during the Sivananda Yoga Teacher training as well as other courses on the Bhagavad Gita, Vedanta, positive thinking, meditation, and yoga philosophy.
Rukmini Chaitanya is known for her enthusiastic and inspiring teaching style as well as for her devotion to the lineage and the scriptures. She is dedicated to each of her students and has an innate desire to share knowledge with them. She brings a great deal of clarity to every topic and is highly appreciated for her capacity to unfold complicated topics and present them in a coherent and pure way.
