Atmavikasa system is an integration of four dimensions:
- a. Physical
- b. Physiological
- c. Intellectual
- d. Spiritual
Any course with Yogacharya V. Venkatesha and Acharye Hema essentially comprises of all the above factors. Hence, their Asana system, which is a composition of ten sequences, which are further divided as Primary, intermediate and advanced, is characterized by the following features.
a. Alignments: An asana is not a mere physical shape. But it is actually a set of contradictory, self-balancing forces acting upon various organs of the body. In order to gain stability and comfort as described in the yoga sutras of Patanjali [Sthira Sukhamasanam], one should know the exact location where each organ of the body should be placed. This concept of arrangement of various parts of the body according to the consistency-requirements of the asana is executed through alignments.
b. Dynamics: It is very much essential to know the extent of energy flow in various organs, in order to establish stability in the asana. Alignments provide consistency from outside; where as awareness about the channels of prana flow provides internal stability.
c. Constant self awareness: Though teachers are required for providing a suitable inclination to a student, they should essentially become their own masters in the course of time. Many systems of yoga provide physical adjustments either through manual adjustments or through props. Though it may be useful to a student in the beginning, there is a danger of being addicted to them. Venkatesha and Hemma believe that an asana should bloom naturally like a flower. Just like a flower dies if made to bloom forcefully, the intelligence suffers and loses its brilliance due to excessive physical support. Therefore, in Atmavikasa asana system, they do not provide any manual support. In fact, THE TEACHER DOES NOT TOUCH THE STUDENT at all. But, they make the student comprehend the asana through special techniques which are unique to our style. We train the intelligence of the student to control the body without external aides. This makes the student his own teacher in the course of time.
d. Spirituality: As the yoga sutras of Patanjali rightly instructs, practice without detachment makes the mind unstable. Many systems believe that spirituality being the highest goal of all practices, should be taught in the very end - when the right time comes. But, our approach is contrary to the popular myth. Detachment is an integral part of practice and should be enforced from the very beginning. Hence from day1, we focus on the factor that every practitioner is much higher than the body and therefore has the natural capacity to control it. This attitude helps a practitioner to quickly transcend the limitations of the body and enter the spiritual zone which leads to Atmavikasa [Self-realization].
About Yogacharya V.Venkatesha:
Yogacharya V. Venkatehsa started his practice at an early age of 13. He is an amazingly advanced practitioner, whose learning and teaching are based upon EXPERIENCE alone. He has been practicing regularly for the past18 years and has won many National and International awards including the prestigious title of YOGA SAMRAT (Emperor of Yoga). He started teaching at an early age of 16 and now at 34, he is one among the most respected and renowned yoga teachers of the world.
Till now, since the founding of the shala in 1998, he has trained thousands of western students, apart from innumerable Indian students. He is very well known for his precision, dignity, discipline and ability to grade and handle the students of all levels, Though, he is an expert in all sections of Yoga, his special and rare expertise in back bending asanas, has earned him the title rubber yogi. He is the first person to introduce special courses on flexibility improvement techniques which are based on very strong scientific, yet traditional grounds.
About and Hemma:
Hema started her yoga practice under the guidance of Acharya Venkatesha at an early age of 12. Apart from being an advanced practitioner, her exceptional analytical skills and grasping power, brought her into the teaching field at the age of 16. She is has the credit of being the youngest referee at many National level yoga championships, not to mention that she has been a champion herself in many such competitions.
Having studied Sanskrit, Chanting and Philosophy, for about twenty years, she has a great mastery in those subjects and hence she currently heads the philosophy section of the shala.Also, she is one among the youngest Sutra teachers of the world. Her yoga sutra classes are highly popular among the yoga students.
Now, at 25, she is the secretary of and Principal yoga teacher of Atmavikasa.
Refund Policy (Please read carefully)
Please be absolutely sure that you can make the dates and wish to do the full course before booking. Up to 6 weeks Prior to Course Start: 50% of balance payments refunded. Within 6 weeks of Course Start: NO REFUND. All monies are non-transferable between courses
