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 soulful Kirtan event held every Ekadashi, the auspicious day dedicated to fasting and spiritual reflection in Hindu tradition. Ekadashi occurs twice a month on the eleventh day of the lunar cycle, offering a unique opportunity for deeper connection with the divine. Come chant, meditate, and experience the profound peace and devotion of this sacred gathering.
Featuring John Wubbenhorst
Join us for an evening of deep inner resonance as renowned flutist John Wubbenhorst offers a solo performance on the bansuri—the simple bamboo flute of North India. Steeped in centuries of tradition, the Ragas of Indian classical music are more than melodies—they are living meditations, vibrational frameworks known for their healing and uplifting qualities.
The bansuri’s gentle, breath-infused sound has long been used in spiritual and yogic traditions for its calming and clarifying effects. This event invites you to experience the music as meditation, where each note becomes a breath, each phrase a pathway to stillness.
John Wubbenhorst brings decades of immersive study with Indian masters—especially Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia—to this offering. These ancient Ragas are not merely performed, but embodied after years of dedicated practice, and shared as medicine for the modern soul.
Come sit, breathe, and be renewed in the sound.
No prior musical knowledge needed—just an open heart.
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