Center of the Mandala

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!

Dvesha
for Sandi and Carla

Since my mother hated beets,
I always refused them—

until one night at a diner,
a friend insisted, try them.

The blood of one single purplish-red globe
dripping across the formica table,

the thing speared between the tines of my fork,
how much we kill before killing,

all that we deny, all the white lies,
who or what are we protecting?

And how many of us are running from
and running to: pleasure, yes;

pain, no. And how easy it is to lock a door,
one half turn of the wrist and safe,

but from what?
During meditation, Carla says:

Try to taste your own heart
and I return to this, new to the city,

with a new friend after midnight,
dank, brave and earthy bite—

I was hooked. Though it took years for me
to peel my own, let my own hands be stained,

because after all, how can any of us escape
the beat of Shiva's drum,

our own our magenta desire
without noticing how rich the color

of blood, our lives, bubbling up
from an open wound before we

apply the band-aid, and kiss
our pain away.

—by Carly Sachs

Photograph by Carla Stangenberg. See full version.

Jaya Yoga Center

Workshops and Special Events


Restorative Yoga Workshop
with Kyle Shepard

Saturday August 14, 7-9 pm

When was the last time you felt fully rested? How often do you take time out of your day to do nothing but rest? In this workshop we will take two hours to do just that. Restorative yoga is the use of props to induce a state of deep relaxation. We will begin by practicing a series of supported poses that will gently stretch the body as well as encourage a sense of calm. Then we will move on to full restorative poses where your body will be completely supported by props. We will remain in these full poses for fifteen to twenty minutes to give time for our body to fully relax. Whether you are chronically sleep deprived or meticulous about the amount of time you sleep a night, your body deserves this chance to restore and rejuvenate.
$20
Register here.


Stephanie Syman
Author of The Subtle Body: The Story of Yoga in America In The Subtle Body

Friday September 10, 8 pm

Stefanie Syman tells the surprising story of yoga's transformation from a centuries-old spiritual discipline to a multibillion-dollar American industry. Yoga's history in America is longer and richer than even its most devoted practitioners realize. It was present in Emerson's New England, and by the turn of the twentieth century it was fashionable among the leisure class. And yet when Americans first learned about yoga, what they learned was that it was a dangerous, alien practice that would corrupt body and soul.
$15
Buy the book!


Sound Meditation Class
with Kenzie Pause

Saturday September 18, 7-8:30 pm

soundmeditation Ethereal, soothing sounds of crystal singing bowls allow the mind to melt, clearing the clutter and leaving the body refreshed and rejuvenated. Gentle and restorative yoga followed by an extended savasana with guided meditation and healing, harmonic vibrations of crystal singing bowls make for a relaxing evening thatÕs sure to take your meditation practice (whether novice or experienced) to a new level.
$15
Register here.
Please Note: Class cards can not be used for this event


Kirtan: Chanting with Shyama

Friday, September 24, 8 pm

Sweet time together, singing the many names of the One. Kirtan is call and response chanting in the Hindu tradition, with simple, beautiful melodies to soften the heart so that the seed sounds of the Names can take root and flower there.

Our chanting will be accompanied by harmonium (portable hand-pumped reed-keyboard) and hand drums—all chants will be taught and it'll be easy to follow along.

This is a deep and profound practice, but there are no complex intentions associated with these mantras: nothing to learn, really; nothing to change. Only...the calling out to our own true nature as Love!

Word sheets provided; no experience necessary.

shyama

Shyama Chapin started singing before she could talk. After many years as a performing songwriter in New England and California, she loves most of all to chant the Divine Names—in big halls full of the intensity of many chanters together, in intimate gatherings where every voice and heart shines, in her guru's beautiful temples in Northern India or alone in her little garret mandirÑand feels lucky and blessed to be able to center her days around this ancient, profound, deeply human practice.

Shyama has been singing in Krishna Das' Posse, both on-stage and on his recordings, for many years. She is also featured in the response vocals on Diana Roger's kirtan CD, Love Reigns.


Yoga & The Alexander Technique Workshop
with Joan Arnold

Saturday September 25, 6-9 pm

joanarnold As yogis and teachers, we look for new ways to help ourselves and our students. The Alexander Technique is a way to shed limiting muscular habits and restore our natural resiliency. As we learn to reduce tension and improve breathing, we can more easily balance effort with ease on the yoga mat and in our everyday lives. Through practice, partner work, and discussion, this class will introduce the TechniqueÕs principles as they enhance the practice of yoga.
$35
Register here.

"Joan is a master teacher of Alexander Technique she has helped me release some chronic tension in my body and she gives the most delicate yet precise physical adjustments I have ever gotten through any of the many forms of body work I have received. Teachers and serious students of yoga should not miss this workshop." Carla Stangenberg, Jaya Yoga Center director and senior teacher.

A dancer, writer and teacher, Joan Arnold's primary interest is in human development through the body. A movement professional for over 30 years, she has taught dance, exercise, Alexander Technique since 1988 and Anusara-inspired Yoga since 2001. She has a private practice on Union Square and in Park Slope and directs the Ancram Opera House, an arts and education center in upstate New York. A veteran mambo dancer, she helps her clients recapture the inherent pleasure in movement. (Photo by Sara Mathews)


HANDSTANDS with Rose Calucchia

Sunday, September 26, 2-3:30

In this workshop, you will learn specific techniques to safely get into and out of handstand, as well how to work toward balancing in handstand. You will learn how to spot and assist each other through exercises that build strength, alignment and physical awareness. This handstand workshop promises a light hearted approach full of laughter and fun.
Register here.

Rose Calucchia has been dancing and performing in NYC since 2003. In 2006, she began performing with LAVA, an all female dance/acrobatic company based in Brooklyn. In addition to being a company member, Rose is also a teacher at the LAVA Studio, teaching adults and kids handstands, acrobatics, tumbling and trapeze. Her own work has been shown at Dixon Place. Rose discovered Jaya in 2004 and has been studying yoga with Carla Stangenberg since.


Advanced Asana Class
with Carla Stangenberg

Saturday, October 2, 5:45-8:15

Here is a chance to engage in a mindful challenge. We will work on advanced postures (arm balances and hip openers and vinyasa in particular). Other topics will include lines of energy, the light of awareness, and pratyaharya. You never know—you might find a portal to further understand your practice. $25
Register here.


Gita Study Group

Sunday October 3, 12:15 pm
Meeting in Prospect Park at Bartel-Prichard Sq. entrance

We are finishing up Volume 2 of Eknath Eswaran's Living the Bhagavad Gita. If you have not joined us yet what are you waiting for? Purchase book here!
Please RSVP to namaste@jayayogacenter.com

If a thousand suns were to rise at the same time, the blaze of their light would resemble a little the supreme splendor of the Lord. —Bhagavad Gita 11:12


FOR BEGINNERS ONLY

6 Week Beginners Series with David Figueora

Saturday October 16 - November 20, 2-3:15 pm

Six weeks for beginners. This beginner series is a perfect place to begin the yoga practice and the year. You will learn hatha yoga with a vinyasa (flowing) twist. We will cover basic asana, the practice of postures and body awareness 101. Also, basic meditation and explore breath observation. The practice of yoga is helpful for an individual to understand the body, reduce stress associated with living in an urban environment, build inner strength and self-esteem.
$90 for the full series. $17 to drop in if there is space.
Pre-registration is necessary. Please contact namaste@jayayogacenter.com to register!!
PLEASE NOTE: If you miss class you can make up Thursday at 7:45 pm in the Beginner/Basic class with Ramit. You will also have 7 weeks to complete the 6 classes.


Save the Date

Yoga and Meditation Retreat in Guatemala
with Carla Stangenberg and Sarah Selig

April 16-23, 2011

Registration begins soon!