Welcome to the Raja Yoga Intensive! “And now we come to the practice of yoga!” अथ योगानुशासनम् “At-ha Yoga Anu-sha-sanam” Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras chapter 1, verse 1 1

Introductions Hi! my name is : Nayaswami Susan McGinnis How did you hear about this course? What would you like to gain from this course? Re-taking? What advice for others would you offer? 2

Introductions Hi! my name is Nayaswami Hriman McGilloway How did you hear about this course? What would you like to gain from this course? Re-taking? What advice for others would you offer? 3

Guided Meditation Reading from “Metaphysical Meditations” Chant: At-ha Yoga Anu-sha-sanam Posture, measured breathing, watching the breath Visualization into silence Close with an Affirmation 4

Affirmation I leave behind me both my failures and accomplishments. What I do today will create a new and better future, filled with inner joy. 5

Course Background What is Yoga? History of Yoga What is Raja Yoga? Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras Our text: Art & Science of R.Y. 6

Course concepts & history Ananda founded by Swami Kriyananda Based on teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda What is Ananda? Foundation course for kriya yoga, and teacher certification 7

Format of Evenings (1 of 3) Raja segment 7:30-9pm Snacks, 7:15 – 7:30 Sign-in at desk / pick up name tag Leave snacks at desk Check snack sheet After class, put name tags back! Let us know if late or absent 8

Format of Evenings (2 of 3) Raja segment 7:30-9pm Put away yoga supplies and/or set up or put away chair(s); clean-up snack area; Be seated by 7:30 p.m. Pick-up Handouts/leave homework (for- credit students) Website handouts; audio recordings; make-up classes; 9

Format of Evenings (3 of 3) Raja segment 7:30-9pm Begin with meditation practices Discussion topic Text: 14 “Steps” & 7 subsections Binder: syllabus & resource material Institute of Living Yoga: take this course for teacher training credit 10

Other Details Saturday workshop: March 29: raja segment in AM; Hatha, pm Questions are welcome (class/ ) Personal interviews; available before class Ananda activities: weekly meditations and Sunday Service (see handout) 11

Suggestions Keep a journal Ask questions Watch your reactions Talk to your family Make a commitment to your Self 12

What is Meditation? Slide #1 Concentration Listening Attuning to higher reality Space between thoughts Unlearning 3 stages: relaxation, concentration, stillness 13

What is Meditation? #2 Self-Awareness Awareness of subtle energy currents Self-realization Stillness Receptivity 14

Why Meditate? Reduce tension Improve health Lower blood pressure Better circulation Mental clarity Emotional stability 15

Why Meditate? Develop intuition & creativity Revitalize body and mind Improve memory Pain control Realization of higher Self Form of prayer and divine contact God realization 16

Preparation for Meditation When? Where? How to sit? Avoid full stomach 17

Guided Meditation Guided-meditations Password is “peace” 18

Raja course website Password is “Win14Raja” General Resources; Sidebar for each Class Talks by Swami Kriyananda 19

Stages of Meditation 1.Relax & Recharge - Doing 2.Concentrate within - Doing 3.Be still and Know! – Being 4.Banat, banat, ban jai! (Doing, doing, soon done!) 20

Homework for next week In your home, establish your meditation area and seat Discuss and invite support of family members Meditate at least once a day; twice is nice(r) Record your meditation times Read Steps 1 and 2 (sub-sections I, III, and VII) Use homework questions for self-test Teacher training students: complete and turn in homework 21