Atelier de Yoga Sadhana (Lausanne)

Referring to the Yoga Pradipika, the fundamental text of the discipline, we explore the main branches of yoga involving body, breath and mind:

First, Asana, the postures, the best-known and easiest-to-approach aspect of the vast array of techniques offered by the various yoga traditions. But Asana, in Sanskrit, is the past passive participle of the verb to be, and means "way of being, of sitting, of establishing oneself". So, at l'Atelier, postures are proposed as a tool of knowledge, as experiences of other ways of being, as mirrors of the inner world. Far from the spirit of competition and sporting effort, far from the hedonism of the body, we propose Asana as Patanjali teaches us - stable and comfortable (which doesn't mean absolutely renouncing the possibility or pleasure of surpassing oneself).

Pranayama, the art of mastering vital breath through breath.

Bandha and Mudra are gestures, postures or particular actions designed to sensitize and control vital energy.

Kriya: cleansing actions that restore the balance of the human body's constituent elements when they are disturbed.

Each session focuses on Deep Relaxation and Relaxation.

Introspection techniques are also proposed and developed, notably on meditation Sundays:

Pratyahara, withdrawal of the senses. Develop the mind's ability to remain peaceful, in tune with sensations.

Dharana, concentration. Refine the mind's ability to stay focused.

Dhyâna, meditation. It cannot be defined as a technique, nor can it be taught. It is the fruit of labor, the gift that practice gives us. It's a state beyond the mind.

To facilitate this journey towards these subtle spheres, inspired by the teachings of Satyananda Saraswati (Bihar School of Yoga), we propose the following practices:

Yoga Nidra or yogic sleep is a relaxation technique designed to sensitize and harmonize the different planes of the person (physical, emotional and psychic).

Prana Vidya, techniques for awareness and development of prana, the vital energy.