Teaching methodology
I teach individually and conduct practical group lessons, drawing on the experience and knowledge gained in Traditions of the Naths. The practice of the Nathas involves an integrated approach, when a student masters several sections of yoga at the same time, which complement each other. At the same time, a distinctive feature of this approach is the orientation towards the inner center and the formation of a holistic perception.
The study and comprehension of the inner center, or in other words, the true Self, Atman, is one of the key points of yoga sadhana , and all the methods and techniques of the ancient yoga tradition, when used correctly, lead to this.
Of course, individual training is especially effective, because all people are different, and the teacher, as a rule, from the many yoga methods chooses for the student exactly what is necessary for him at this stage of development.
However, classes in groups have their positive features, practicing together, we sometimes gain deeper experience in things new to us, we share with each other successes and difficulties, we communicate. And of course, this is an opportunity for a large number of people to practice under experienced guidance, and for beginners who have not yet mastered independent practice at home, this is perhaps the best option.
Group lessons are held according to the following scheme:
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studying the basic principles of asana practice, working with the body from simple to complex
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learning the basics of working with breathing, the practice of pranayama
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working with attention, achieving the state of pratyahara through the practice of concentration on certain points in the body (adhara)
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study of the basic mudras and bandhas, the basic moments of energy control in the body
Individual training takes place in the same way as group training, with the only difference that the student is engaged more independently, periodically attending individual lessons.
Discipleship includes, in addition to attending group classes / independent practice of asanas:
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developing a Guru-Shishya (Teacher-student) relationship
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daily practice of the transmitted mantra (japa)
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teaching the basics of dinachara (daily activities), which allows you to integrate yoga practice into life
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advanced practice of pranayama and dharana, which sooner or later leads a disciple to the emergence of the natural state of meditation (dhyana)
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study of classic texts of the Nath Traditions covering the practice and philosophy of yoga, the Teacher's comments to them
I want to note that here I am citing only approximate training schemes, in reality, the development process for different people can be very different, both in terms of speed and in the quality of mastering the material. Much depends on the student, his worldview, upbringing, existing problems and characteristics of the body or psyche. Everyone moves at their own speed, here you should not constantly compare yourself with others, because this is your personal development. The main thing to keep in mind at all times is why you are practicing and what you are striving for, motivation is very important and is the determining factor. As the Guru once told me: "You will develop rapidly if at every moment of your life you strive for this, with every cell of your body ."
Of course, everyone finds motivation himself. However, I can give the main guidelines that yogis follow in the Nath Tradition. First of all, it is the cognition of the Atman , the true Self or Soul. Disclosure of our inherent state of perfection , our own nature, peace and satisfaction. That is, in fact, sadhana is not focused on achieving something that we do not yet have, on the contrary, it leads us to the knowledge of what we already have, what is hidden by the veils of illusions, delusions, stereotypes. Further, if this happens, the natha yogi, having acquired a new quality of life and practice, learns the Universe as identical to itself (identity of micro- and the macrocosm), achieving harmony in relation to the world, deep knowledge of many external and internal processes, their cause and effect. All these are milestones on the path to moksha – liberation, the main goal of many religions and teachings, liberation from all conditioning, from ignorance and rebirths.