Ancient Wisdom - Contemporary Practices

Online Offerings

Weekly Online Classes

Join the Mount Madonna Community for Daily Online Offerings including asana, breathwork, meditation, & philosophy classes. As we seek to find balance and positive, creative ways to engage at this remarkable and challenging time, we have been looking for how to keep connected through our practice and study of Yoga. We know that the teachings and practices can offer an enormous anchor of support and strength.

By registering for the yoga asana (postures) classes, you agree to the waiver.

Philosophy

Yoga Sutra Class | Tuesdays 9:15-10:45am PT

At Mount Madonna, we have been gathering to study the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali under the leadership of Baba Hari Dass since 1974. The class goes in depth each week and explores one sutra at a time so that everyone can integrate new learnings into their life. Even though Babaji left his body in 2018, the power of the transmission of his yogic knowledge is felt each time the class meets.

The class begins with Vedic mantras for healing, and in praise of the universal Self that permeates all. Then we take time to welcome new folks to this on-going study by setting context and introducing the bigger concepts that are woven throughout the sutras. After chanting in Sanskrit, we read commentaries that help to explain the sutra. This is followed by guided meditation to seat the sutra knowledge deep within. Lastly, we share insights, questions, and discussion to further bring the sutras to life and make them meaningful for everyone. Whether you are new to Yoga Sutra study, or have studied for a long time, the satsang of learners is a great support and lots of fun. Please join.

*No class April 23, or April 30*

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Yoga Asana

Wednesday Yoga | Wednesdays 7:00-8:00am PT

This is an all levels, balanced class that starts with breathing practices and a brief meditation. The movement portion of the class includes a warm-up followed by standing poses that lead into poses that open and deepen into larger muscle groups and closing with a brief savasana relaxation. Some experience with yoga is beneficial but not necessary. Join us on Wednesday mornings for a great start to your day! By joining this class, you agree to the waiver. (See top of page)

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Philosophy

Samkhya Philosophy of Mind | Wednesdays 4:00-5:00pm PT

Dive deep into the Samkhya philosophy of mind, which is foundational to both Yoga philosophy and Ayurveda. We take a modern approach to the ancient wisdom and principles, bridging the timeless insights derived from meditation and samadhi (absorbed in higher consciousness) with current scientific and technological knowledge.

Citta vrtti nirodhah is the formal definition of Yoga, and it means controlling the content and activity of the mind. Samkhya offers a thorough explanation of what content is, how it arises, and how it can be controlled.

The class incorporates a multi-perspective approach to the mind, its experiences and the questions of suffering, bondage, and liberation. Each class includes a guided inquiry on the topic of the day. Whether you are new to Samkhya study, or have studied for a long time, the satsang of learners is a great support and lots of fun. Please join.

*This class replaces the previous Samkhya Karika class.

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Philosophy

Bhagavad Gita Class | Thursdays 9:15-10:30am PT

The Bhagavad Gita (Song of the Divine) is a jewel of wisdom teachings studied by spiritual seekers around the globe. At Mount Madonna, we have been gathering to study the Gita the leadership of Baba Hari Dass since 1974. The class goes in depth each week and explores three slokas (verses), allowing for personal integration and application to daily life. Even though Babaji left his body in 2018, the power of the transmission of his yogic knowledge is felt each time the class meets.

The class begins with the classical invocation to meditate on the truths revealed within. Then we take time to welcome new folks to this on-going study by setting context and introducing the bigger concepts that are woven throughout the Gita. After chanting in Sanskrit, we read Babaji’s commentaries, which help explain the slokas. This is followed by guided meditation to seat the Gita knowledge deep within. Lastly, we share insights, questions, and discussion to further bring the Gita to life and make them meaningful for everyone. Whether you are new to Bhagavad Gita study, or have studied for a long time, the satsang of learners is a great support and lots of fun. Please join.

Bhagavad Gita classes are held onsite at Mount Madonna in the Redwood Yoga Room (as well as online via Zoom). For those able to attend in person, no reservation is required. You may arrive between 8:45 and 9:30 a.m. No one arriving after that time will be allowed entry without a reservation. At this time, reservations for lunch or remaining on property after class are not available to participants.

*No class April 25*

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Meditation

Saturday Morning Meditation Class | Saturdays 7:30-9:00am PT

Students of Baba Hari Dass have been gathering on Saturday mornings since the early 1970's to experience the joy of the teachings that Babaji shared with us. With Covid, we moved our practice online and saw a blossoming of participants who live across the country. Past students of Babaji's yearned to return to a shared practice but for many and varied reasons, gathering at Mount Madonna was not possible. New students who never met Babaji were excited to come together in satsang for practice.

While we are starting to meet in person once again, we will keep this online class. Each week we gather together to reaffirm our aim and intention that supports maintaining a daily yoga practice. Various Mount Madonna teachers lead the class which includes chanting of the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra (healing mantra), gentle, classic Ashtanga Yoga practices to bring awareness to the breath, and the Swasa Yam Kriya (eight actions) for quieting the mind in preparation of a half hour meditation. These practices are gentle and suitable for all adult ages and levels of experience.

Join us. We are so happy to share the practices with you.

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