The Australian College of Classical Yoga offers Meditation and Yoga Teacher Training, both on-campus (Melbourne) or by Distance Ed. We also conduct Hatha Yoga and Meditation classes, Satsang and a variety Workshops and Retreats that allow you to explore and immerse yourself in Classical Yoga.

The aim of authentic yoga is to awaken the student into the full consciousness of oneness with Reality or Universal Being. Classical Yoga embraces all aspects of Yoga, including Yogasana, the stretching postures of Yoga. With its physical, mental, and spiritual components, Yoga is the ultimate therapy that includes movement and flexibility but is much, much more.

Headed by founder Swami Shantananda (pictured), The Australian College of Classical Yoga brings to it her knowledge, experience, and wisdom; garnered over thirty years of training and practice in the Shaivite lineage. During this time, a profound shift of consciousness occurred. Such a shift brings with it a resilience and robustness in everyday activity, and a contentment which is constant whether the situation is pleasant or unpleasant. These qualities show through in the courses and teachings of the College.

Classical Yoga is yoga which adheres to Patanjali’s Sutras. Patanjali contends that Yoga is unitary state of consciousness that arises from stopping the things that roll over in the mind. The Yoga Sutras are a clear exposition of what Yoga is all about – and obviously, the stretch and bend aspects are not the major feature. Thus the foundation of Classical Yoga is meditation, or stillness of mind. The entire practice of Yoga, including the famous Eight Limbs, of which Asana is only one aspect, is aimed at helping us become free of the compulsions of the mind, free to respond by choice to whatever life brings us, not to be locked into reaction and to be driven along a line of expectation and habit.

The Australian College of Classical Yoga offers classes in Yoga, Beginner's Yoga, Meditation, Learn to Meditate, and Self - Enquiry. Also, courses and workshops that explores the deeper possibilities of yoga, and may lead you to a more fulfilling, spiritual, and satisfying lifestyle. We also offer training and certification to enable you to teach this enriching style of yoga to others. For more on courses, workshops, retreats and intensives, here, or check out our website here.

To see more detailed description click on the course title, or click the main heading to view all classes in that category.

For bookings or further information, contact Rob on 03 9833 4050 or email Rob

INTRODUCTION INTO CLASSICAL YOGA

An introductory course designed for beginners who are wondering just what this Yoga thing is all about!

So what is Yoga? Can anyone do it? Do I have to be a pretzel? Where should I start?

This eight week course, led by Swami Shantananda, is an introduction to what Yoga is - not just another pleasant workout. You will learn about the Asana of Yoga, the major postures; as well as breathing and basic physiology, so you'll understand why you do the poses, as well as being shown how.

Yoga is steeped in millenia of tradition. Why? Because it works. You will be introduced to the background philosophy of Yoga. It is not a religion, but a doorway to understanding the Self, and you will discover the basic philosophies that have guided Yogis throughout the centuries.

You will also get a taste of still mind meditation. Meditation is learning to quiten the busy mind, and still the endless mental chatter we assume during our day.

You do not need to be a gymnast or a guru - this course is well suited for those beginning their journey with Classical Yoga.

When: Tuesday 7th February, 2012. 6.30-8.00pm. Course runs for 8 weeks.
Where: 32 Jenner St. Blackburn Sth.
How Much: $175

For bookings or further information, contact Rob on 03 9833 4050 or email Rob

GENERAL YOGA

ACCY’s general Yoga classes explore a classical approach to teaching Yoga. This means that a Yoga class concentrates on all aspects of Yoga, not just the physical. Although you will receive a satisfying physical practice, the deeper possibilities of Yoga are also there for you to explore if you wish.

All classes are an hour and a half and include Shavasana, joint care, Asana and Stillness Meditation.

When:

• Monday 8.00-9.30pm
• Tuesday 8.00-9.30pm
• Wednesday 6.30-8.00pm
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• Wednesday 8.00-9.30pm
• Thursday 6.30-8.00pm

EASEFUL YOGA

Ease back into flexibility, either after an injury or illness, or simply after a long time of inactivity. Get stiff shoulders, hips and spine moving again.classes are an hour and a half and include Shavasana, joint care, Asana and Stillness Meditation.

When: Tuesday 5.00-6.30pm.
Where: 32 Jenner St. Blackburn Sth.
How Much: $135 for a ten week booking.

For bookings or further information, contact Rob on 03 9833 4050 or email Rob

YOGA PLUS

This two hour class is led by Swami Shantananda. As well as the regular general Yoga class, there is some text study and a more indepth look at the philosophy of yoga than is provided in the general Yoga classes.

When: Thursday 10.00am-12.00pm.
Where: 32 Jenner St. Blackburn Sth.
How Much: $135 for a ten week booking.

For bookings or further information, contact Rob on 03 9833 4050 or email Rob

LEARN TO MEDITATE – EIGHT STEPS TO STILLNESS

Learn to meditate with this extraordinarily practical and thorough program developed by Swami Shantananda.

The Australian College of Classical Yoga is, as the name implies, a school of traditional Yoga. Though most think Yoga is about exercise, traditionally the essential practice of Yoga is stillness of mind. The 8 Steps to Stillness program teaches this necessary practice. However, stillness is not limited to Yoga - anyone can practice meditation and experience the benefits of a healthy, non-stressed mind.

In the 8 Steps to Stillness program there is no philosophy, doctrine, New Age concepts or religion - learning to quiet the chattering mind is the whole scope of the course. The aim is to find your way into a thought-free state or, at least, a state of disentanglement from thinking. You will be encouraged to establish a practice that you can continue independently, without the necessity of aids or props, or becoming reliant on a guide.

After you have learnt to meditate, we make available a continuing group of Yoga-orientated meditators for those with an established practice of stillness.

What is Meditation?

Meditation is stillness of mind. Keeping the mind still for regular periods gradually brings about a fundamental change. By practicing stillness, eventually a curious thing happens - you begin to see the mind as an object, instead of seeing it as yourself. You see the things it does, and you realise that the awareness feels more like your real self than your thoughts and feelings. It is deeper and richer and more stable, and much more contented.

If meditation is stillness of mind, what implications are there?

In a state of stillness, there is no certainty, no taking control, no being right or wrong. In fact, there is no being anything - there's just being! The mind isn't used to that. Meditation then, is a practice in letting go of the activity and constructs of the mind, accepting and ultimately perceiving reality just as it is. We may find, to our surprise, that reality is more interesting and less threatening than our opinions about it, and that happiness is our natural state, not just an occasional mood. We find a little chuckle bubbling away inside ourselves, and realise that the state of stillness is a rich experience of contentment.

Note: If you are under the care of a mental health professional, you must get his or her approval before enrolling in the program.

When: Wednesday 8th February, 2012. 10.00-11.30am or 6.30-8.00pm. Course runs for 8 weeks.
Where: 32 Jenner St. Blackburn Sth.
How Much: $195

For bookings or further information, contact Rob on 03 9833 4050 or email Rob

MEDITATION IN DAILY LIFE - SATSANG

So we continue to meditate in our daily lives… now what? Get down to the practical end of living a meditative lifestyle by mingling with others on the same journey. Led by Swami Shantananda, we talk about issues and problems in spiritual life, often illustrated by stories from the sages.

When: Wednesday 8.00-9.30pm.
Where: 32 Jenner St. Blackburn Sth.
How Much: By donation

For bookings or further information, contact Rob on 03 9833 4050 or email Rob

ENQUIRY GROUPS

The other side of meditation - mindfulness of self.

The longer lasting benefits of Enquiry Group work come from persisting a while, till it becomes automatic to be truthful with ourselves. Therefore the booking time is 10 weeks. There will be some flexibility in how you take the 10 weeks – you can swap between times, or take leave if necessary.

What are Enquiry Groups

The Enquiry Process brings the wisdom of a long lineage of Yogic wisdom into the personal experience of relationship and felling. It was developed by Swami Shakarananda as the Shiva Process. With his encouragement, Swami Shantananda brings it to ACCY as the Enquiry Process, threading elements of her training in cognitive psychology into the process.

I cant stand those sorts of groups, they are so judgmental and self-righteous!

There is no judgement of advice giving in these groups, and we do not see them as therapy groups. They are a practice of Yoga - being okay with what you are, how you are, when you are. But that's pretty uncommon. Most of us are too busy trying to be what we'd like to be, or what we'd like others to think we are.

What's in it for me?

Enquiry group work helps you find clarity and self-acceptance. With that, you are likely to handle your situations with greater kindness to others, too. It is a means to mindfulness, a way to be in harmony with yourself. The process is not there to judge you for your faults, nor find a way to fix them, and it doesn't provide advice. You do, however, discover something of, and shape, your inner state within these groups.

"I'm still excited and delighted with the Enquiry Groups. The work is simple and sweet, and the number of people reporting shifts in to clarity, or peace, or empowerment, is just astonishing."
- Swami Shantananda

• Monday 6.30-8.00pm
• Tuesday 11.30am-1.00pm
• Thursday 8.00-9.30pm

For bookings or further information, contact Rob on 03 9833 4050 or email Rob

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