BARBARA BORIS Yoga

“Asana” is a Sanskrit word meaning “seat.” Sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras defines it as a steady posture done with steadiness, ease, joy and completion (YS II-46 Sthira Sukham Asanam). In Zazen, (Zen meditation) creating the ease and stability of the body is often as difficult as finding stability in the mind. When the body is correctly aligned, one feels remarkable stillness and strength. As Master Dogen emphasized, “Sitting zazen is simply the peaceful and joyful gate of the dharma.”

In this two-day retreat, we will use Iyengar Yoga to explore the intricacies of asana in the seated posture. By looking at how we sit in zazen, and by making small adjustments to our posture, we can bring more ease and stillness to the body and mind. On Friday, we will use asana to explore the connection between body and mind. We will also create a simple, effective daily yoga practice that supports our zazen. On Saturday, we will spend the morning opening the groin, hips, back and shoulders to create freedom and space in our bodies. In the afternoon, Barbara will look at how we sit on our cushions, offering adjustments, prompts and suggestions for finding more ease in our posture.

This workshop is not for those completely new to yoga, or for people with major knee, hip, or shoulder injuries. Participants should bring their own mat, two yoga blocks, a yoga belt, and 2-3 yoga blankets. If you don’t have these props, the Monastery has a limited number available for use; please let us know when you register if you’ll need them.