What YogaLiving is and how it works
YogaLiving
is a community ashram. It is a
framework for the teaching and practice of Yoga. This framework is based around
the core teaching of Atma Vichara within a context of general Yoga practice to
promote well-being and positive living.
The Questions of Life
What is the meaning of life?
Why am I here? Who am I? Although everyone asks these questions
at some point it is only a few who choose to actively engage in real self
discovery through Yoga. This is not new, people have been responding to this
inner prompting throughout time. In the tradition of Yoga this has led to
groupings of seekers gathering around a teacher (ashram) and Yoga communities
(sangha) being
formed.
YogaLiving
has evolved to provide such an opportunity and to be an available and accessible point
of reference for those drawn into deeper practice. It provides the
framework for ashram life.
What is an Ashram?
Ashrams have traditionally been communal
centres in single locations often separate from ordinary life, set up as retreats within which spiritual practice is pursued through a monastic style of
life. While these remain as important
resources, we need a new model for the modern age which enables individuals to
work and live a mainstream life but still pursue a committed and developmental
Yoga path.
Creating
a Community Ashram-The
aspects of ashram life are:
q
Access to a teacher and
teachings
q Opportunity
for spiritual practice
q
Belonging
to a community
q
Opportunity
to work on behalf of the ashram
Fulfilling these criteria does
not need a physical building or a residential centre. The aspects of ashram life
can be replicated in a set of arrangements that enable individuals to maintain
ordinary working and family responsibilities but still satisfy a profound inner
calling.
To achieve this YogaLiving has
emerged as a community ashram and in doing so is implementing a new model of
understanding. It is structured around:
- A core teaching
- A teacher
- A fellowship of people
- A framework of regular meetings
- Retreats for concentrated practice
- Teaching resources
- Karma Yoga through the promotion of Yoga teaching
- Productivity and service in the world through work
The
Teacher: Derek Thorne is an experienced practitioner
of Yoga. He has been following the insistence of a deep spiritual calling since
childhood. His involvement in Yoga has resulted in
some 30 years of dedicated practice across a wide range of techniques
and traditions.
Following an incident in 1997,
Derek’s attention has become firmly aligned with the profound
teachings of the sage Sri Ramana Maharshi and the available practice of Atma
Vichara. Within the context of Yoga he is
dedicated to progressing this practice and making its accessible communication
and teaching available, for those who seek it.
Alongside his teaching Derek
maintains an ordinary family and professional life. This footprint in the world
is an important part of his contribution and gives him a particular relevance
for many Yoga people. He continues to act as a teacher trainer for the British Wheel
of Yoga.
The Community:
A small grouping of like minded people all living independent lives but part of a
spiritual fellowship and using the ashram framework to support their practice.
Some community members
The Teaching
Meetings:
The YogaLiving community ashram meet approximately
six weekly for satsang, meditation, support and friendship .These meetings are followed by
bhajan
(traditional celebratory
singing with instruments). Satsang meetings are open to sincere
practitioners who wish to experience the company of like minded people .
Time:
Satsang :
9.30am - 11am. Bhajan : 11am - 1pm.
Followed by a shared
lunch.
Venue:
At our home , near Bath, Somerset UK.
Cost:
There is no charge for satsang although a contribution to a shared lunch is appreciated.
Contact:
Sue Thorne Tel No:
01761 470819 for further information .Or Email:
[email protected]
Dates for 2006
22nd January
19th March
14th May
18th June
17th September
19th November
17th December
The community of YogaLiving is
supported by opportunities to attend retreat and by a range of developing
resources which articulate the teaching and make the communication and sharing
of it possible.
For Resources
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