Śakti Sādhanā 2023 Watch Preview
200-Hour Tantric Yoga Teacher Training
Lead Teachers : Natalie Backman + Chrissie Chung
Assistant Teachers : Léa-Claude Blache-Pichette + India Amara
Immerse yourself in the world of Traditional Tantric Yoga and follow the path of the Masters of the Himalayan Tradition. Set out on the journey which will eventually yield life's greatest rewards : freedom, fulfillment, and remembrance of who you truly are.
Intention of this Training
Our intention is to share the teachings and practices of the Sakta Tradition of Tantric Yoga in a way which touches your heart and transforms your life.
Śakti Sādhanā is a deep exploration of yourSelf through the lens of the ancient wisdom bodies of Yoga, Tantra and Sankhya. This year long 200-hour immersion and training will introduce you to the vast, beautiful world view of Tantra and grant you a transformative experience through the teachings and techniques of classical yoga.
Rooted in the Sakta Tradition, as passed down by the Himalayan Masters, Śakti Sādhanā draws from Classical Yoga, Tantra and Sankhya Philosophy to create a holistic approach to practice and life. It is designed as both a means for developing your personal experience of yoga as well as a training to foster ethical, empowered, impactful yoga teachers.
What Makes Śakti Sādhanā Unique?
Every module of Śakti Sādhanā is mindfully crafted for an immersive experience combined with practical, effective teaching methodology. The modules are woven together in a wise progression to deliver knowledge you can embody and a heart felt appreciation of the teachings, the techniques, and the tradition.
Schedule
Śakti Sādhanā meets live for one weekend each month, in addition to pre-recorded practice and lecture content and self-guided assignments you can navigate at your own pace between our live gatherings. We begin in March and conclude the following January. Our live weekend gatherings are 12 hours : 2 hours Friday, 7 hours Saturday and 7 hours Sunday (with a 2 hour break each weekend day), leaving 8 hours of content for you to progress through on your own each month.
Live Gatherings
Module One June 23rd, 24th & 25th What is Yoga?
Module Two July 28th, 29th & 30th Wise Progression
Module Three September 1st, 2nd & 3rd Your Subtle Body
Module Four September 22nd, 23rd & 24th Prana
Module Five November 24th, 25th & 26th Ayurveda & Self Care
Module Six January 5th, 6th & 7th The Beauty of Tantra
Module Seven February 2nd, 3rd & 4th Tantric Meditation
Module Eight March 1st, 2nd & 3rd Understanding Anatomy
Module Nine April 5th, 6th & 7th Living Dharma
Module Ten May 3rd, 4th, 4th Bhakti & Mantra
Live Gathering Times
Fridays
9-11am Pacific / 12-2pm Eastern / 5-7pm UK / 6-8pm Europe
Saturdays + Sundays
5am-12pm in Los Angeles / 8am-3pm Eastern
1pm-8pm in the UK / 2pm-9pm in Europe
*times will adjust with daylight savings in Europe on October 29th, 2023
Investment
The financial investment for Śakti Sādhanā is $3,108 and can be made here or via PayPal or WISE after we have received and reviewed your application.
Payment Plans are available. The deposit for participation is $608. After the deposit, you will be invoiced monthly for your ten remaining payments of $250.
$108 of each participants tuition will go toward our scholarship fund.
Scholarships
We believe in providing need-based scholarships to all who require one. On the application you will find a question concerning your potential need for a scholarship which will further explain our policy. You can also read more here.
Apply for Śakti Sādhanā's 2023 Cohort
Questions?
Please feel free to reach out directly with any questions you may have. We are happy to arrange a complimentary consultation to determine if this is the right training and immersion for you. NatalieBackmanYoga@gmail.com
265 Lessons
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WELCOME to Sakti Sadhana
Welcome to Śakti Sādhanā
Prepare for our time together
Schedule
Dates & Times
Zoom Details
How to join our live sessions
Recommended Reading List
Books you will want to own now and forever
Laying a Healthy Foundation
Adopting a Yogic Lifestyle
Optimizing our Virtual Training
creating a safe virtual space
Practice Reflections
Please complete after every practice
LIBRARY of Practices
Tutorial : Diaphragmatic Breath
Complete Practice : Stability
Sthiram in Practice
Tutorial : Healthy Breathing
Complete Practice : Ease
Tutorial : Sama Vritti
Establishing healthy heart rate variability
Complete Practice : Steadiness + Ease
For steadiness + ease
Tutorial : Nadi Shodhana
Alternate Nostril Breathing
Complete Practice : Purify
Stage One on the Path of Tantric Yoga
Tutorial : Ujjayi
Complete Practice : Strengthen
Tutorial : Building Exhale
Complete Practice : Forward Folds
a category of asana
Systematic Relaxation : Independent Practice
Complete Practice : Effortless Effort
Prayatna Shaithilya
Complete Practice : Twists
a category of asana
Tutorial : Building Inhale
Complete Practice : Backbends
categories of asana
Chakra Awareness : An Independent Practice
Gaining Sensitivity to these Vortices of Energy
Complete Practice : Laterals
categories of asana
Complete Practice : Inversions
categories of asana
Complete Practice : Apana Vayu
The air that moves away
Complete Practice : Prana Vayu
Forward moving air
Complete Practice : Samana Vayu
Balancing air
Complete Practice : Attenuate the Pairs of Opposites
Complete Practice : Udana Vayu
Upward moving air
Complete Practice : Steady the Moon
MODULE ONE What is Yoga?
Module Content Links
preview and navigate this module
Key Concepts and Reflection Questions
To help you prioritize
Recordings of Live Sessions
The Himalayan Tradition
Love all, hate none. Embrace all, exclude none.
Daily Prayers of the Himalayan Tradition
Prayers of the Himalayan Tradition
The Guru Mantra
The first of the daily prayers of the Tradition
The Wisdom Body
The Vedas, Sāṅkhya + Classical Yoga
What is Yoga?
Through the lens of the Himalayan Tradition
Sāṅkhya Yoga + Sri Vidya
Where do we come from, why are we here, where are we going?
The Kleśas
Our deeply cherished root causes of suffering
Aṣtau Aṅgāni
The eight limbs of yoga
Exploring Asana
A comfortable and steady seat
The Path of Tantric Yoga
A systematic approach to practice
Stage One of the Path : Purification
Preparing the body and the mind
Śaucha
a focused look at purity according to the Yoga Sutras
Tutorial : Diaphragmatic Breath
Complete Practice : Stability
Sthiram in Practice
Tutorial : Healthy Breathing
Complete Practice : Ease
Tutorial : Sama Vritti
Establishing healthy heart rate variability
Complete Practice : Steadiness + Ease
For steadiness + ease
Tutorial : Nadi Shodhana
Alternate Nostril Breathing
Neti Pot Demonstration
Curious about this purification technique? Give it a try!
Complete Practice : Purify
Stage One on the Path of Tantric Yoga
Teaching Skills : Session One
Practice Reflections
Knowledge Assessment
Assignments + Mentorship Groups
Who is your mentor this month?
MODULE TWO Wise Progression
Module Content Links
preview and navigate this module
Key Concepts and Reflection Questions
To help you prioritize
Recordings of Live Sessions
The Pavamana Mantra
Lead me from darkness to light
Kriya Yoga
Tapas, Svadhyaya + Ishvara Pranidhana
Tapas
Austerity destroys impurities
Svadhyaya
be in the company of bright beings
Ishvara Pranidhana
From trustful surrender to Ishvara comes samadhi.
The Impact of Successful Sequencing
Self-Inquiry
Vinyasa Krama
An Introduction
The Three Rivers of Knowledge
Tantra, Yoga, and Ayurveda
What is Hatha?
from a traditional perspective
The Three Touchstones of a Tantric Hatha Practice
Tapas, Smarana + Vinyasa Krama
The Aim of a Vinyasa Krama Practice
It may not be what you think...
Principles of Sequencing
How to Sequence an Impactful Yoga Practice
Considerations for Sequencing a Practice
an overview
The Five Essentials of A Complete Practice
Bhavana, Asana, Savasana, Pranayama + Meditation
Categories of Asana
Understanding the function of each Category
Template for a Complete Practice
A general recommendation
Additional Elements to Explore
Elements to enhance your experience of Vinyasa Krama
A list of Asanas
names + images of 215 asanas
Weekend Recap
Tapas : Self-Assessment
to determine an appropriate practice intended to help you 'shine'
Tutorial : Ujjayi
Stage Two on the Path : Preparation: Strength
Stage Two on the Path of Tantric Yoga
Complete Practice : Strengthen
Asana Lab : Forward Folds
category of Asana
Tutorial : Building Exhale
Complete Practice : Forward Folds
a category of asana
Systematic Relaxation : Independent Practice
Complete Practice : Effortless Effort
Prayatna Shaithilya
Asana Lab : Twists
categories of asana
Complete Practice : Twists
a category of asana
Teaching Skills : Session Two
Effective Cuing
Practice Reflections
Knowledge Assessment
Assignments + Mentorship Groups
Homework : Creating an Outline
MODULE THREE Your Subtle Body
Module Content Links
preview and navigate this module
Recordings of Live Sessions
live weekend recordings
Key Concepts and Reflection Questions
What are the most important bits to learn?
The Saha Nāvavatu Mantra
Connecting with students and sages
What is the Subtle Body?
introducing the Sukshma Sharira
The Koshas
The Five Sheaths of Human Existence
The Nadis
The Channels through which Sacred Energy Flows
The Chakras
Vortices of Prāṇaśakti
Chakra Awareness : An Independent Practice
Gaining Sensitivity to these Vortices of Energy
The Pancha Prana Vayus
Five 'Winds' of Prana
Additional Insight on the Vayus
The Vayus in practice
Prana Vayu Observation Technique
a diagnostic tool for insightful, impactful sequencing
Prana Vayus and Vinyasa Krama
Mantras, Mudras, Pranayamas + Meditations
Introduction to Kundalini
from the perspective of the Himalayan Tradition
Asana Lab : Backbends
categories of asana
Tutorial : Building Inhale
Complete Practice : Backbends
categories of asana
Asana Lab : Laterals
categories of asana
Complete Practice : Laterals
categories of asana
Asana Lab : Inversions
categories of asana
Tutorial : Headstand + Shoulder Stand
posture lab
Complete Practice : Inversions
categories of asana
Tutorial : Jalandhara Bandha
Containing our Prana
Asana Lab : Extensions
category of asana
Complete Practice : Extensions
categories of asana
Independent Practice : 75-Breaths
Connecting to your Subtle Body through trustful surrender
Teaching Skills : Session Three
Practice Reflections
Knowledge Assessment
Assignments + Mentorship Groups
MODULE FOUR Harnessing Prana
Module Contents
preview and navigate this module
Recordings of Live Sessions
Key Concepts and Reflection Questions
What are the most important bits to learn?
The Gāyatrī Mantra
Mother of the Vedas
Aligning with the Eternal
So'hum Pranayama
What is Prana?
Resource: The Practice of the Yoga Sutra, Sadhana Pada by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait
Pranaśakti
the inexhaustible elixir of life
Tantra's Take on Pranaśakti
Resources : Swami Rama & Yogarupa Rod Stryker
An Overview of Pranayama
How to Practice Pranayama
the expansion of the life force
Cultivate Pranic Sensitivity
Refine Pranic Sensitivity
the seven preparatory pranayamas
Asana & Sequencing for Pranic Sensitivity
Cultivating Pranic Sensitivity
Relaxation for Pranic Sensitivity
Resolving tension, revealing prana
Avidya & Our Pranic Field
the veil that hides our inner light
Introducing Bandhas
another way to harness prana
Introducing Mudras
Closing the energetic circuit
Tutorial : Vayu Mantras + Mudras
Harness the more subtle aspects of each of the pancha prana vayus
Apana Vayu Meditation : Independent Practice
The descending, eliminative energy, located at the root chakra
Complete Practice : Apana Vayu
The air that moves away
Prana Vayu Meditation : Independent Practice
The vitalizing/ internalizing force in the heart & head
Complete Practice : Attenuate the Pairs of Opposites
Tutorial : So'hum Pranayama
Attenuating the Pairs of Opposites through the Breath
Complete Practice : Prana Vayu
Forward moving air
Tutorial : Samikarana Pranayama
To equalize
Samana Vayu Meditation : Independent Practice
The assimilating, centering and balancing force, located in the abdomen
Complete Practice : Samana Vayu
Balancing air
Practice Reflections
Knowledge Assessment
Assignments + Mentorship Groups
Teaching Skills ~ Session 4
MODULE FIVE Ayurveda + Self Care
Recordings of Live Sessions
Vishve Deva Mantra
Mantra Homework
What is Ayurveda?
The Science of Self Care
The Purpose of Ayurveda
Three primary purposes + gifts of Ayurveda
Sister Sciences
Yoga + Ayurveda
Five Elements, Tridosha + Gunas
Prakruti + Vikruti
Finding Harmony
Vata, Pitta, Kapha
Looking at the Doshas in more detail
Discover Your Dosha
Take the Quiz to Determine Your Ayurvedic Constitution
Ayurveda's Influence on Yoga
How Ayurveda informs our sequencing
Healing the Doshas through Yoga
Balancing the symptoms of excessive Vata, Pitta + Kapha
Ojas, Tejas + Prana
Agni & Ama
The importance of digestive fire
Food + The Five Elements
Supporting yourself through food
Ayurvedic Recipes to Try
Kitcheri, Golden Mylk + Rasayana
Ayurvedic Self Care
Abhyanga : Warm Oil Massage
Worshipping your body, accepting and appreciating your physical form exactly as it is.
Know + Heal Yourself through Ayurveda
Prakruti + Vikruti
Complete Practice : Pacify Vata
Tutorial : Uddiyana Bandha
Independent Practice : Udana Vayu Meditation
The ascending force located in the throat
Complete Practice : Udana Vayu
Upward moving air
Tutorial : Aharana Pranayama
To bring back home
Independent Practice : Vyana Vayu Meditation
The circulating force, located everywhere, including the heart, arms and legs
Complete Practice : Vyana Vayu
Outward moving air
Independent Practice : Vayu Balancing Meditation
Complete Practice : Balancing the Vayus
Practice Reflections
Knowledge Assessment
Assignments + Mentorship Groups
Teaching Skills ~ Session 5
MODULE SIX The Beauty of Tantra
Recordings of Live Sessions
Paraśakti Invocation
Invoking Sri
What is Tantra?
The Sublime World of Tantra
The Tenets of Tantra
Bhoga, Apavarga + Bhukti
Śakti Sādhanā
awakening the dormant fire within
Historical Overview of Tantra
For perspective
The Schools of Traditional Tantra
Kaula, Samaya + Mishra
The Path of Tantric Hatha Yoga : Moon, Sun, Fire
A progressive path
The Role of the Breath
Inhales, Exhales, Retentions + Suspensions
The Tantric Approach to Meditation
Work with your mind, not against it
Working with Bandhas
Building + containing vital energy
Engaging with the Moon
Resource: my studies with Yogarupa Rod Stryker
Tutorial : Mula Bandha
Tutorial : Breath Suspension
Complete Practice : Calm the Moon
Complete Practice : Steady the Moon
Practice Reflections
Knowledge Assessment
Assignments + Mentorship Groups
Teaching Skills : Session Six
MODULE SEVEN Tantric Meditation
Recordings of Live Sessions
The Mantra Om
Tutorial + Guided Practice
Meditation for the Love of It
The importance of knowing your why
Why do we Meditate?
To remember and become re-established in who we truly are
What is the Soul?
and how do we experience it?
Get to Know Your Mind
Best Friend or Worst Enemy?
Abhyasa + Vairagya
dive in and let go
The Stages of Samadhi
Refining our absorption into the absolute
Vishoka Meditation
A Traditional Tantric Meditation
Establishing your Meditation Seat
Steadiness and ease in your meditation seat
So'hum Pranayama
seamless, ceaseless, eternal breath
Engaging with the Sun
the dawning of higher awareness + expansion
Tutorial : Breath Retention
Complete Practice : Expansion
Tutorial : Kapalabhati
a vigorous pranayama
Tutorial : Bhastrika Pranayama
another vigorous pranayama
Complete Practice : Dawning of Higher Awareness
Complete Practice : Intuitive Sun
Practice Reflections
Knowledge Assessment
Assignments + Mentorship Groups
Office Hours
MODULE EIGHT Understanding Anatomy
Recordings of Live Sessions
The Mahāmṛtyuñjaya Mantra
The great death conquering mantra
Alignment in Asana
Thank you to Indu Arora
The Bare Bones of Yoga
Exploring the skeleton
Anatomy for Yoga
with Paul Grilley
The Respiratory System
The beauty and potential of your breath
Light in the Spine
Anatomy of the Brain
Important bits to know
On Your Nerves
The control and communication center
Asana Alignment Labs
Practice Reflections
Assignments + Mentorship Groups
MODULE NINE Living Dharma
Recordings of Live Sessions
Om Gam Ganapatayay Namaha
Our Deepest Fear
a poem by Marianne Williamson
The Bhagavad Gita
The Song of God
Freedom + Fulfillment
The goal and gift of yoga
The Nature of Fulfillment
Lasting Fulfillment
Desire + The Soul
Excerpts from The Four Desires by Rod Stryker
The Purusharthas
For the purpose of the Soul
I Am...
Three words that express your essence
The Tree of Life
a blessing
I Thrive
Write a poem about your experience of thriving
What a Life!
Cheers to a life well lived
Make of Your Life an Offering
Working in partnership with the Divine
A Powerful Vision for Your Life
Embracing Limitless Possibility
Purposeful Planning
How Extraordinary
Let your loved ones weigh in
What's (Self) Love got to do with it?
Connecting with Your Dharma
a system for gaining clarity created by Rod Stryker
Drafting Your Dharma Code
Contributed by Rod Stryker from his book The Four Desires