Curious about bhakti? The philosophy of yoga? The history of Kirtan? The meaning of mantras? The teachings of Krishna? The Vedic gods and goddesses? Gain a deep and systematic understanding of these topics and everything Bhakti yoga, through this 6 week foundations of bhakti course.
Session 1: Epistemology: Sacred Knowledge, Lineage and Ancient texts
Session 2: Ontology: Nature, Soul and God
Session 3: Existence: Karma, Samsara, and Gunas
Session 4: Telos: Human Purpose and Divine Love
Session 5: Praxis: Kirtan, Sanga, and the 9 limbs of devotion
Session 6: Immersion: Temple visit, Sacred Images, Blessed food and A life of bhakti
All participants will receive a copy of the Bhagavad Gita as well as Tulasi meditation beads and a bead bag.
Instructors: This series will be co-led by Prema and Ananda Manjari who each have 200 hours of yoga teacher training and over two decades of bhakti practice and study between them. Both have spent many years studying yoga philosophy from traditional ancient texts and Vaishnava teachers in ashrams in India and the US.
In this series, learn and practice pranayama, or breath work techniques, that will build a bridge of awareness from body to mind and beyond. Learn simple breath techniques that are calming and soothing, some for clarity, and some, invigorating. Practice breathing in such a way as to bring your mind into clear presence, and body into harmony with mind and energy. No experience necessary, we can all breathe!
Throughout the hour we will move through an arc of warming up our awareness, more vigorous breathing and finish with relaxing breath. We will practice both seated and reclining breathwork and finish with a relaxation/yoga nidra.
Join us for a soul-stirring weekend of kirtan and contemplative music led by Ananda Murari das—songwriter, former monk, and devotional artist. Known for his holistic folk fusion, Ananda Murari blends ancient fables, personal reflection, and sacred mantra into a moving musical experience that honors both the vulnerability and hope of the spiritual journey.
Together, we’ll
learn:
• The basics of chanting and the power of mantra
• How to play harmonium and cartals (hand cymbals)
• Foundational voice techniques to support healthy, embodied
singing
• How to create melodies that express your inner emotional and
spiritual landscape
Drawing from his years in monastic life and his evolution as a father and musician, Ananda Murari's offerings explore the tension between seeking and surrender, the heart’s struggles, and the beauty of faith through song. His grounded presence and intimate storytelling invite deep connection, inner stillness, and joyful expression through chanting.
Whether you're new to kirtan or a longtime practitioner, this immersive weekend is an opportunity to awaken your voice, soften your heart, and reconnect with what matters most.
All are welcome. No musical experience necessary.
Counts as +20 hours RYS Credit for 300-Hr Teacher Training Certifications
Join us for a special evening of kirtan with Ananda Murari das — songwriter, former monk, and devotional artist known for his deeply moving, heart-centered music.
Through soulful melodies and sacred mantra, Ananda Murari weaves together stories of devotion, vulnerability, and the beauty of faith. His grounded presence and luminous voice create a space for both reflection and release — where the heart opens and the spirit feels free to sing.
This evening gathering is part of our Kirtan Immersion Weekend, but is also open to the public as a standalone event. Whether you’re new to chanting or an experienced practitioner, come as you are and let the power of sacred sound carry you inward.
This module can be taken as a standalone immersion or as credit toward BYDC’s 300HR certification. RYS300 - 50 Hours.
At the heart of every yoga practice is the breath—our link between body, mind, and spirit. In this 50-hour immersion, you’ll explore the breath as a powerful tool for transformation, using ancient pranayama techniques to regulate your nervous system, move emotional energy, and awaken your inner vitality.
This training is both practical and profound. You’ll learn breathwork techniques that support digestion, clear emotional blockages, calm anxiety, and expand lung capacity. We’ll study the relationship between breath and asana, introduce kriyas, explore breath adaptations for different bodies, and harness the healing potential of mantra and sound.
Whether you're a yoga teacher, therapist, energy healer, or dedicated practitioner, this module will deepen your relationship with the subtle body and offer tools to integrate breath-based practices into classes, workshops, and daily life.
Topics include:
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The science and soul of deep belly breathing
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Ujjayi for grounding and vagal tone
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Breath thresholds and the subtle art of conscious breath retention
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Cleansing techniques like Bhastrika and Kapalabhati
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Nervous system balancing: segmentation of inhale and exhale
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Energizing flows like Breath of Joy
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Nadi Shodhana and alternate nostril practices for inner harmony
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Cooling pranayama and kriyas for inflammation and emotion
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Mantra and breath: how sacred sound empowers breathwork
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Emotional release through sound, breath, and movement
This module is a doorway into the energetics of healing and a call to awaken the breath as your most loyal and immediate teacher.