The story of Consciousness is the journey of emanation and return, the odyssey of the soul returning home to itself after traveling far into the world of embodiment. The ‘Tattvas’ of yoga philosophy describe this journey — both outward, and then back inward — chapter by chapter. The word ‘Tattva’ is experiential; its root, ‘tat’ means ‘that,’ or ‘that which is,’ suggesting the indescribable ‘suchness’ of experience that occurs on so many levels, from the mundane to the sublime.
This webinar is an appreciation of the useful insights provided by this treatment of the higher tattvas in guiding our practice of contemplation and meditation. Doug will give you the background of how this way of thinking evolved from the Upanishads to tantra, linking it to practices of meditation, and particularly the ‘Upayas’ or ‘strategies’ for practice, from the most accessible forms of practice that include our physical practice of yoga, to the subtler kinds of awareness that we are meant to bring, not only to our meditation, but to the experiences of our daily life.
In the end, you’ll come to a better appreciation of this neglected tool of practice, how it fits into the ‘bigger picture’ of the philosophy behind practice, and you’ll have the makings of a ‘program’ for moving forward with your yoga, and bringing it into your life as a higher, richer perspective on your own odyssey homeward.
Course Curriculum
About Doug Keller
Doug Keller’s background reflects a lifelong commitment to studying, imbibing and sharing the vast field of knowledge and practice known as yoga.After receiving honors and graduate degrees in philosophy from the top Jesuit universities in the United States, Georgetown and Fordham Universities, and teaching philosophy at a college level for several years, he then pursued his ‘post-graduate’ education in the practical experience of yoga at the Siddha Meditation Ashram, Gurudev Siddha Peeth in India, for seven years. He spent a total of 14 years doing service, practicing, training in and teaching yoga in Siddha Meditation Ashrams worldwide. He received intensive training in the Iyengar system in New York City, mainly with senior certified Iyengar teacher Kevin Gardiner. He also practiced Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga in India, and became one of the first certified Anusara Yoga teachers, producing three highly respected books on asana, pranayama and yoga philosophy.
His further expansion in learning is reflected in his latest and most in-depth work, ‘Yoga as Therapy,’ which is truly one of the most comprehensive, innovative and useful treatments of the structural aspect of yoga therapy available. And for three years he was a regular columnist for Yoga+ Magazine (formerly Yoga International, published by the Himalayan Institute), writing the ‘Asana Solutions’ column that addresses specific therapeutic problems. He is at the highest level of certification with Yoga Alliance, E-RYT 500, and a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists.Doug is also a ‘distinguished professor’ on the teaching faculty at the Master’s Degree program in Yoga Therapy at the Maryland University of Integrative Health, a state-approved institution of higher learning.
Doug’s teaching is rooted in a vast and inclusive perspective of study and practice that honors the insights of the many streams of wisdom that flow into the river of yoga.
Website: www.doyoga.com