english version - classes of yoga, tai chi (taiji) , chi kung (qi gong), prana, pilates, meditation in bologna



NAMASKAR CENTER

We are a small studio devoted to the study and practice of traditional, physical Asian arts such as Yoga, Tai ji, Qi Gong, Kung Fu, Tibetan meditation and postural training. 


Namaskar A.S.D. is located in the center of Bologna adjacent to the University campus on Via Zucchini 8D.

It is also near the railway station, Bologna Centrale, and the bus station, Autostazione. 

We offer a range of Yoga styles including Hatha Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Tibetan and Partner Yoga, while remaining true to traditional eastern texts. 
In our approach it is fundamental that classes be safe and therapeutic; therefore, our class size is limited to 8 participants. Our small classes also promote maximum learning and individualized attention. 
We foster a community environment so that our students feel supported and connected to other practitioners during and after a course. In Vajrayana the sanga (community of practitioners), is one of the three jewels of refuge because of its paramount importance in our lives. 
Our classes are intended to increase awareness, leading spontaneously to meditation and personal development. 

Following is a list of the types of classes we offer:
-Dynamic Yoga (Ashtanga Vinyasa) 
-Tibetan Yoga and Qi Gong
-Traditional Hatha Yoga
-Yoga/ taiji and Pilates for pregnancy
-Tai Ji, Yang style
-Qi Gong, both Chinese and Tibetan tradition
-Pilates and postural training
-Pranayama, meditation and Qi Gong

-mantra chanting and introduction to sanskrit, the ancient indoeuropean language of yoga, ayurveda, Mahayana Buddhism and many Indian philosophies.

Trial Classes
If you would like to attend a trial class, please complete the contact form (modulo di contatto) at the top right. Indicate which class you are interested in, the day and time. Classes are at 1:00 p.m. or after 5:00 p.m. almost every hour. 


DYNAMIC YOGA: ASHTANGA VINYASA YOGA CLASSES IN BOLOGNA



A Yoga style based on ancient traditions which links flowing movements 
to breaths into and out of the Asanas (Vinyasa).

Very energetic, the practice develops naturally into a Pranayana.

Breath becomes slow, deep and rhythmic, and mind develops a more focused awareness. Bandhas (muscular locks for redirecting the energy in the body) and drishti (gaze and awareness of specific points of the body) are also part of the practice. 
The origins of Ashtanga and Vinyasa date back to Yogakorunta, an ancient text supposed to be a practical commentary of Patanjali yoga sutras, for which there are no remaining, intact copies. It was developed in Tibet over the last century by the renowned Indian master Sri T. Krishnamacharya in the cave of his ultra-centenarian guru. Krishnamacharya himself lived to be 101. The peculiarity of this practice is the Vinyasa, which synchronizes the breath with each movement. Thus, the various Asanas are concatenated in dynamic sequences that purify and strengthen the body, improve flexibility, and increase the energy in the nervous, immune and endocrine systems through the Nadis and the chakras. 
Deep breathing (Ujjayi), the use of selective muscular contractions (Bandha), and techniques for fixing the gaze on specific points (Drishti) pacify the mind and ensure that the internal heat that is produced is free of toxins and increases the body’s resistance. The movements of the practice harmonize with the breath in the same way a dance synchronizes with the background music. It is a highly energetic form of yoga. 

                                    
The practice adheres to Krishnamacharya’s focus on a deep, rhythmic and slow breath and gentle body movements accompanied by appropriate Pranayama. In general, Krishnamacharya advised devoting equal time to the practice of Asana, Pranayama and Dhyana. 
“As the practice seen outside is irrelevant, what matters is how the practitioner feels it from the inside and its effects.”
“Our development is directly linked to the state of mind and the ability to reach a state of Vairagya (detachment).”
“What is important in practice is Bhavana (mental state): see God, who gives us life energy during inhalation, purifies and fills us in Kumbhaka, and while exhaling repeat,

” Lord I offer all to you, nothing belongs to me.” —Quotations from Sri Krishnamacharya Purnacarya, the Mala Srivatsan,1997, published by Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram Chennai India. 

                                               
HATHA YOGA CLASSES IN BOLOGNA
Hatha yoga is an ancient, traditional practice which benefits both body and mind. It provides energy and contributes to good health and longevity, combatting stress and back pain and tension from everyday life. It includes all the practices described in the classical texts of yoga: Asanas, Bandhas, Mudras, Kriyas and Dhyana. 



Hatha yoga is a method of balancing the physical, mental and energetic aspects of an individual. The purpose of yoga is to increase awareness of the harmony among body, mind and spirit through three key elements:

-yoga postures (Asanas) performed in sequences based on the breath;

-breathing techniques (Pranayama);

-meditation practices (Dhyana).

                                                  

The ancient texts list :

-84 Asanas,

-10 Mudras and Bandha (exercises that allow one to concentrate the energy, Prana, on certain parts of the body),

- 6 Kriyas (purification techniques),

- 8 breathing exercises (Pranayamas),

-Various techniques of concentration and meditation.

All those techniques will be covered throughout the course. 


                                       
By assuming the postures, one stretches, tones and strengthens the joints and muscles in addition to flexing the spine. Above all, one stimulates the glandular systems of the body, renewing energy and enhancing overall health. The postures are designed to promote flexibility, muscular strength and endurance, and joint stability. 
Breathing is understood to be the source of life in the body; therefore, controlling one’s breath can improve the well- being of both mind and body. Breathing exercises build concentration and willpower, reduce anxiety and put us in touch with our inner strength. Breathing techniques also strengthen all the respiratory muscles and improve vital capacity. 
The final exercise is meditation, in which relaxation and visualization quiet and heal the mind from everyday stress. Meditation produces tremendous strength by teaching us to experience the present moment free from the anxieties of past or future. Regular meditation practice helps us to recognize the part of us that never becomes ill or dies and is a constant source of personal power for daily living. Yoga gives one a deeper connection to one’s true self, apart from the transient and fragile physical body. 

                                                       
What benefits can be expected by the regular practice of yoga? Yoga rejuvenates our feelings, eliminating fatigue and other negative effects of the stresses of modern life. Some of the benefits of yoga are improved sleep, muscle toning and strengthening, increased energy, improved circulation, body alignment, correct posture, improved digestion, heightened awareness and an overall increase in well-being. 
As we practice yoga over time, we become more flexible and stronger, and the function of the nervous system, glands and hormone secretion is improved. Yoga makes us emotionally and mentally stronger and more balanced. We develop more will power, memory, creativity, energy and concentration. Ultimately, we are left with a sense of calm that stays long after our session ends. 
Who can practice yoga? Yoga can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age, to achieve a more limber body, increased physical coordination, better posture and improved flexibility. 

 

TIBETAN YOGA AND QIGONG CLASSES IN BOLOGNA

Tibetan Yoga or Truikhor is one of the oldest recorded systems of yoga in the world. It was originally developed by 84 Mahasiddhas, realized yogins and yoginis who founded Vajrayana Buddhism in early medieval India and exported it across the Himalayas to the snowy kingdom of Tibet.

Tibetan Yoga has taken its own path and carved out its distinctive characteristics over centuries.

 

Its foremost feature is its evolution in synthesis with Buddhism rather than with the Hindu culture.  Therefore, it is essentially a Buddhist Yoga with its peculiar advanced practices such as the legendary Tummo, inner heat; the transfer of consciousness (Pho-wa); MahaMudra and DzogChen ( called by some the Tibetan Zen), Tantric deity meditations, and others.

 

This type of yoga is the result of a meditative practice developed through exercises that can free deep, gross, subtle and very subtle emotional knots. These exercises are closely linked to the chakras (Korlos), channels (tza) and drops (thigle), which belong to the subtle body known as the Vajra body and in turn are closely related to disruptive or destructive emotions. This ancient practice explores subtle levels of energy to release emotional blockages, bringing one to a deeper understanding of the body. We can therefore say that the practice of Tibetan yoga serves to eliminate the psycho-physical blockages that results from confused mental states towards the discovery of the real nature of the mind, which is an uncontaminated space of clear light.

 

Traditionally practice in remote Himalayan caves and monasteries, these types of yoga have been slowly and selectively made accessible to serious Western students in the last decades.  As a powerful tool for clearing, balancing and harmonizing the subtle aspects of one’s energetic dimension, this practice is an excellent support for meditative awareness.

 

A secondary aim of Tibetan Yoga or Trulkhor, is to increase health and vital energy.  It offers a unique series of asanas and movements, combined with conscious breathing, visualization and mantras, all of which help coordinate and harmonize personal energy so that body and mind can relax and find their authentic, natural balance.  Tibetan Yoga is a very ancient form of Yoga which simultaneously addresses the three aspects of our existence: the body, the energy or voice, and the mind and its emotions.

 

The heart of this yoga is the realization that the body, the breath and movement are the starting point for understanding the mind.  We must first understand the relationship between the structure of the body and the five elements.  Secondly, we must understand the way in which the breathing process nourishes the entire physical body at all levels.  Thirdly, we need to know the sounds (mantra) in order to untie the subtle emotional knots that create emotional imbalances and even diseases.

 

Tibetan Yoga has many traditions based on different lineages in Tibet. Some of them look like a mixture of Qi Gong and Hatha Yoga and consist of bodily movements (or dynamic asanas), mantras, pranayama and visualizations. The flow of movements is likened to prayer beads. Some Tibetan lineages are particularly well known for their forms of yoga.

 

Nyingmapa, called the “lineage of the ancients,” dates back from the eighth century to Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), who brought the teachings of Mahanuttara Yoga Tantra or Ati Yoga (Dzogchen) to Tibet and transmitted the Trulkor Namkhai Nelyor or “Yoga of Space” and the Trulkor Nyima Dwa, or Trulkor of the Sun and Moon. The fifth Dalai Lama (1617-1682) was a practitioner of these forms of yoga, which are from the Nyingmapa lineage.  Evidence of his practice is found in the frescoes on the walls of the Dalai Lama’s summer temple of Lukhang in Lhasa.  These frescoes illustrate the practices of both inner and outer forms of yoga, the yoga of Clear Light and Rainbow Body that depict the various Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche and the Mahasiddas.

                                                  

Kagyu is called the “lineage of the oral tradition.” It spread through Tibet during the eleventh century and was established by Marpa Lotsawa (1012-1097) with a strong connection to the teachings of the Indian Mahasiddas Tilopa, Naropa, Maitripa and Sahara. On his travels from India to Tibet, Marpa brought the teachings of Mahamudra and clarified the teachings about the so-called Six Yogas, who took his name.

 

Shangpa Kagyu is a lineage currently included in the Karma Kagyu school which belongs to the non-sectarian movement of “Rimè.” It can be traced back to the Tibetan master Kyungpo Neljor (978-1079).

In India he met the Mahasiddha Maitripa, from whom he received teachings of the so-called Five Golden Dharmas. There he also met the yoginis Niguma from whom he received The Six Yogas of Niguma. In these last teachings, a particular emphasis is given to the union of the red and white channels through the practice of Tummo. This type of yoga is the foundation of 32 Trulkor exercises, which include different methods of breathing, movement and body postures.

 

Over the centuries, Trulkor has always been taught with great secrecy.  Today, thankis to the compassion of the great contemporary masters such as the Venerable Kalu Rinpoche, Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche and a few others, Trulkhor began being taught outside its traditional, closed circles.  In particular, thanks to Kalu Rinpoche, the system Trulkor Nangpa Nelyor, also called Yoga of the Interior, based on ancient lineages of the past and drawn from his personal experience to benefit all beings, has been transmitted to a western audience.

 

Tibetan Yoga is an ancient, graceful and potent form of yoga, based on soft flowing movements coordinated with pranayamas, or breathing techniques, bandhas, or energy locks, mantras and visualization of energy channels and centers (nadis and chakras). This style, looking like an ancient and slower form of Vinyasa, merges mind, breath and Asanas (dynamic postures). It is rooted in Vajrayana tantra Yoga. With is foundations set firmly in the ancient yogic tradition of the tantric texts, it works on body, mind and spirit, improving strength and flexibility, creating core stability, building a heightened feeling of mindfulness and rejuvenation of the whole being.

                                                    

The preliminary exercises start by training on how to breathe, warm up and lightly massage each part of the body.  Through these exercises the vital breath is balanced and the subtle channels are cleansed.

 

Then, one trains the vital breath, plying the subtle channels, in particular to hold the breath in a natural and relaxed way in the central channel with a breath that pervades the whole body.  In all the exercises one is advised to hold the breath in that natural manner and then exhale with some force at the end, finishing with the reinforcing sounds of Ha and Phat.  This helps to remove all obstacles so that one and all sentient beings can be induced into a pure meditative state, the state of Buddhahood, and remain there.  When this occurs, one’s awareness of the natural state of mind is awakened.

 

The main practices are meant to maintain the natural state of mind, believed by some to enhance one’s meditative practice (bog don). These crucial exercises relate to the five elements and are said to close the doorway that opens the channel to the five poisons and open the doorway of the channel to the primordial wisdom. Thus, the obscurations to the natural state are cleared (geg sel) together with the drowsiness and agitation which are the main obstacles to remaining in the meditative state.  In this way the mind and vital breath enter the central channel and conceptual formations are liberated.  These exercises also help eliminate various diseases, balance the elements, bring warmth into one’s body and even have the power to reverse the aging process.

 

It is said that practicing these exercises one powerfully nourishes one’s receptivity to moments of non-conceptual awareness and spontaneous self-liberation and can transfer the nourishment into everyday life.  In other words, one is to use them when the meditation in the natural state of mind is unclear, unstable or weakened in some way.  They are sometimes prescribed as an aid for the Dzogchen practitioner to take back, stabilize, or clarify his/her meditation in the natural state of mind.  In this way, one follows the instructions for the body, and while the breath is naturally held, the mind is held in its state of meditation together with the breath. Then, with the exhalation and the sounds of Ha and Phat, one can break through any concepts and obstacles that persist and can remain steadily in the natural state of mind.

 

From the perspective of Dzogchen, the mind is merely vayu or “breath” in the body.  Thus, working with vayu and the body is paramount.

 

REGENERATIVE YOGA CLASSES IN BOLOGNA

These classes provide deep relaxation and a profound sense of well-being as well as increasing energy through Asanas that release tensions and recharge. Accompanied by deep and rhythmic breathing, relaxation practices and techniques are also to be executed with a partner.

PRENATAL CLASSES IN BOLOGNA

Pregnancy is a perfect time to get to know your body better and to build confidence in your ability to give birth. In yoga and taiji classes a woman can learn to tune in and respond to her body's needs, so that during her labor, when rational thought may be suspended, she ‘ll be able to recognize signals and respond naturally.

The process of birth is work made of muscle, sinew, sweat, blood, and love. By toning the body, mind, and spirit with asanas and pranayama exercises, yoga can help a mother to be fully present and prepared for the miracle of birth.

 


PILATES AND POSTURAL GYMNASTICS CLASSES IN BOLOGNA

These are postural exercises based on breath, on vertebral mobilization, on deep muscular activation and on movements departing from the energetic powerhouse of the body. They will give you a slim and fit body, good health and psyco-physical balance. 


Suggestions for yoga /Pilates/postural gym

Bring your personal mat, a towel (important: it can help to raise the sitting bones in forward bends and twists) and your slippers (needed from the dressing room to the practice hall).
The lesson will end with 5 minutes of deep relaxation (better to have a blanket and a jumper/sweater to keep the body warm).


WARNINGS

Before entering the room it is important to thoroughly blow the nose with a handkerchief. Unless otherwise indicated, the breath must pass only through the nose, as slowly, deeply and rhythmically as possible. We must all start trying to stretch, especially when exhaling, then inhaling naturally.

In case of menstruation and hypertension, inversions (postures where the head falls below the pelvis) are contraindicated, as well as holding the breath and exercises that act vigorously on the muscles of the abdomen (e.g. Bastrikha or Kapalabhati).

It is advisable to practice after at least 3 hours fast and wait at least half an hour before eating after class

 

In the classical tradition the sweat exuding from practice is said to contain important enzymes and subtle substances that must be reabsorbed, so it is advisable not to take a shower before half an hour after the end of the class.


PRANAYAMA, QI GONG AND MEDITATION CLASSES IN BOLOGNA

These classes offer breathing, concentration and meditation techniques, according to different traditions (Buddhist, Taoist, Yoga), designed to pacify the mind and develop higher levels of consciousness. They establish a state of calm and peace of body, breath and mind by working on the subtle body, its channels and energy centers (chakras and nadis).

 

TAI JI QUAN (TAI CHI CHUAN) YANG STYLE CLASSES IN BOLOGNA

Tai Chi Chuan is a Chinese internal martial art which combines slow movements and breathing in order to stimulate the flow of chi (energy) in the different parts of the body.

Originating in ancient China as an internal martial art, Tai Chi can be best thought of as a moving form of yoga and meditation combined. It is a system of exercises for the perfect health of mind and body.

                                                 

Tai Chi is gentle, focusing on fluid, circular movements that are relaxed and slow in tempo. Breathing is deep and slow, aiding concentration, relaxing the body and allowing the life force (qi or chi) to flow unimpeded throughout the body meridians. Total harmony of the inner and outer self comes from the integration of mind and body achieved through the ongoing practice of Tai Chi.

 

Tai Chi Chuan is practiced in a number of so- called forms (or 'sets'). Any form consists of a sequence of movements. Many of these movements are originally derived from the martial arts (and perhaps even more ancestrally than that, from the natural movements of animals and birds) although the way they are performed in Tai Chi is slow, soft and graceful, with smooth, even transitions between them.

 

The slow and gentle movements and the degree of exertion can easily be  adjusted, making it suitable for people of all ages


What are the Benefits of Tai Chi?
Tai Chi integrates the mind, body and energy to promote mental and physical health. Tai Chi improves muscular strength, flexibility and stamina, as well as relaxation and concentration, balance, posture, and immunity. Most practitioners find it incredibly enjoyable and beneficial.
The tai ji we practice is Yang style, the style most practiced all over the world and often reputed to be the most effective style for energy and health benefits. The school program includes the following codified forms:  8, 24, 40, 108; 8, 16, 32 sword; saber 13; fan 16; stick 24.Tui shou and Taoist exercises are for relaxation and breathing

The practice of tai chi, with its slow, mindful movements combines aspects of ancient Chinese medicine, philosophy and martial arts, and it's the antithesis of most modern exercise programs that emphasize fast, vigorous activity.

"Tai Chi is often described as "meditation in motion," but it might well be called "medication in motion”.

There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice has value in treating or preventing many health problems. And you can get started even if you aren't in top shape, very flexible or in the best of health."

 

"We've seen improved immunity to viruses and improved vaccine response among people who practiced tai chi," says Dr. Michael Irwin, professor of behavioral sciences and director of the Mindful Awareness Research Center at UCLA University (Time Magazine, April 28th, 2017).

                                


 

QI  GONG (CHI KUNG) CLASSES IN BOLOGNA

These are traditional Chinese exercises consisting of slow movements in coordination with breath to balance qi (energy) circulation in the body meridians. This ancient set of slow and gentle movements improves mental and physical health. It increases muscular strength, flexibility and stamina as well as relaxation and concentration, balance, posture and immunity. 

Teachers

All classes are run by qualified and certified teachers with 
-diplomas from CONI-UISP, CONI-ACSI, Patrian Yoga Institute,  FIY Yoga Italian Federation, YOGA ALLIANCE

-more than 20 years of practice and more than 10 years of Teaching experience
-members since 2003 of main Italian associations (YANI-National Association of Yoga Teachers, UISP ADO - Area Oriental Disciplines, Acsi CONI, European Yoga Federation) and registered in their approved teachers lists
- ongoing-post-diploma training every year with qualified Masters from Italy and abroad (mainly India, China, Tibet).

TIMETABLES

Classes are held every working day from 5pm to 9pm. Lunch break classes at 1-2pm. Individual classes are also available on request if you want to deepen further some aspects of the practice. Workshops and seminars usually take place on Saturday. All the center classes are open to ASD members (membership fee is 20 euro per year and you become an ASD associate). For any information please contact us at: 
Email: centronamaskar@gmail.com
Phone.+39 335 7738586

SATURDAY WORKSHOPS 

They  start at 10:15 and end at 13:00. The yoga studio is on Via Zucchini 8d, a 5 minute walk from the Bologna Central Railway Station. Bologna is halfway between Florence and Venice

For booking and Info: centronamaskar@gmail.com o 335 77 38 586.
Website: http://namaskarasd.blogspot.com/

EVEN MONTHS

1° Saturday - sequence of 10 key asanas for good health according to the greatest Masters and classical texts
We will learn some energetic exercises (bandhas) for activating chakras and channels (nadis), and also the Vinyasa sequence (coordinated on breath) of the 10 fundamental asanas for preserving good health according to the indications of some of the greatest yoga teachers of the twentieth century (Krishnamacarya, swami Shivananda) and some very ancient classical yoga texts (hatha yoga pradipika, Gheranda Samhita) . Some preliminary pranayamas and mudra will be explained in detail also. Once learned this sequence has to be practiced daily to fully enjoy its amazing benefits

2° Saturday - 5 Tibetan rites for rejuvenation according the Tibetan yoga / a secret sadhana for activating nadis and chakras in Tibetan yoga

We will learn some energetic exercises for activating chakras and nadis, and also the Vinyasa sequence (based on breath) of the 5 Tibetan rites for rejuvenation (by stimulating hormonal glands and nervous plexuses), preserving good health and preparing meditation according to the ancient Tibetan yoga system. The rituals will be practiced in a single sequence harmonized with breath (with a special technique to keep it slow, rhythmic and deep), with muscular contractions (bandha) and dristhi (gaze).  Some preliminary pranayamas, kriyas and mudras will also be examined in details (nine purifications of the 3 main channels, the three prostrations, samavritti pranayama, the mother mantra, the final practice of sharing the merits). Once learned this sequence has to be practiced daily to fully enjoy its many benefits. The objective of Tibetan yoga is to harmonize one’s body, energy and mind.

3° Saturday - the sequence for backache and stress

We will learn the basic sequence of some yoga exercises (postures and breathing) to fight backache and stress, both so frequent in modern life. Some relevant pranayamas and mudras will also be examined in details. Once learned, this 20 minutes sequence has to be practiced daily to enjoy its many benefits.

4° Saturday - the Tibetan yoga of sleep and dream

We will try to understand the relations between our dreams and our life and how to transform our way of dreaming in order to conquer our fears, expand our awareness and enrich our life. We will practice the vajrayana yogic techniques from some ancient Tibetan Buddhist texts. Some preliminary Pranayamas, Kriyas and Mudras will also be explained in detail (nine purifications of the 3 main channels, the three prostrations, samavritti pranayama and Vase breathing, the mother mantra, the practice of sharing the merits).

ODD MONTHS

1° Saturday - pranayama, bandha and mudra: preparing meditation

We will study and practice some key breathing exercises and meditation techniques described in the ancient classical yoga texts (mainly Patanjali ‘s“Yoga Sutra” and Hathayogapradipika). Some preliminary purification, kriyas and mudras will be examined in detail also (nine purifications of the 3 main channels, the three Buddhist prostrations, the samavritti pranayama and the vase breathing, the mother mantra, the practice of sharing the merits).

2° Saturday - Taoist yoga: microcosmic orbit meditation, chi kung and taichi chuan sequences for good health

We will learn the basic Taoist meditation of the microcosmic orbit, the first Buddhist Chi Kung sequence for good health and chi (Energy) enhancement and yang style first short form of Tai Chi Chuan (called moving meditation, which can also be called moving medication for its many health benefits).

3° Saturday - ShatKarmas, Himalayan purification exercises for health & longevity

SHATKARMA are six exercises for total bodily detox, working on the different inner organs to harmonize the unbalances in the 3 dosha (kapha, pitta, vata). Their main objective is removing excess mucus and fat, purify body and nadis, prepare pranayama, treat diseases (HNR) and promote rejuvenation. Shat Karmas consist of 1) Dhauti; 2) Vasti; 3) Neti 4) Lauliki or Nauli 5) Trataka 6) Kapalabhati. They can be practiced in a daily or weekly sequence (Dhauti is the short form of Shank Prashalana, internal washing) together with other purification techniques and nadi shuddi to reach the state of Niyama Shauca (purity) quoted by Patanjali in his Yogasutras.

4° Saturday - introduction to Trulkhor or Tibetan yoga and Qigong

Trulkhor Yoga is a set of exercises that increase our energy levels and improve our physical health. These Tibetan yoga exercises also help us to develop strength and harmony. They work on a subtle level, purifying and liberating chakras and channels, and preparing us for meditation. There are many different traditions of Trulkhor Yoga in Tibet. It is a mindfulness practice with physical movements, breathing methods, visualizations and meditation simultaneously.


THE TEACHER

Marco has been practicing Yoga, Meditation, Tai ji and Qi Gong since his university years in Florence in the early ‘80s and has been teaching classes and workshops in Bologna, Milan and Rome for the last 15 years.  
Marco became a certified teacher in 2001: inn Hatha Yoga after a 200-hour teacher training at Carlo Patrian 's Yoga Institute in Milan. Patrian was the first to introduce yoga in Italy in the early years after the Second World War. The training was co-lead by many amazing Indian teachers (mostly from Shivananda Ashram of Rishikesh and Kaivalyadhama Institute of Lonavla); 
-2002 in Tai ji Yang Style with Acsi Coni Milano. 
-2003 with Coni Uisp, Bologna, 1 year of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga teacher training. 
-2006 in Qi Gong with Uisp Coni.
-2007 in Postural Pilates with Acsi Coni. 
-2008 in Tai ji with Uisp Coni (after many years of training with M°Liu Chun Yan, direct disciple of   Yang chen Duo, and Shin Dae Woung).
-2013 in Tibetan Yoga with Lama Jampa Ghyatso, after many years of following his teaching on Tummo and the six yogas of Naropa and Niguma.; 
-2013-14 attended two 120h teacher trainings in Yantra Yoga, the Tibetan yoga of Movement brought to the west by Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche.

He has had the fortune of receiving initiations and teachings from many gifted teachers from India, China and Tibet (mainly in Kriya yoga, Tibetan yoga, Tantra yoga and Buddhist yoga).


He has participated in many meditation retreats in different traditions of yoga (YoginShantananda from Kripula Yoga Ashram of Rishikesh). Vajrayana (H.H. Dalai Lama, Lama, Geshe Ciampa Ghyatso, Lama Tsultrim, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, HH Sakya Trinzin and G.Gampo), Vipassana (with John Coleman, C.Pensa and A.Sumedho) and zen (Thich Nhat Han and Padre Luciano Mazzochi). For many years he led a meditation group in Bologna.

Marco is a registered teacher in the major yoga, Tai ji and Qi Gong national associations  (YANI -’Associazione Nazionale Insegnanti Yoga,  Uisp –Area Discipline Orientali, EYF- European Yoga Federation  e Acsi-Coni). He contributed to many Yoga and eastern martial arts magazines with articles, reviews, and, having studied Sanskrit for some years at Bologna University, translated for the first time some ancient texts from Tilopa, Matsyendra, Goraksha into Italian.

 

The style he teaches is the result of many years of yoga practice in the tradition of classical Hatha Yoga according the ancient texts (84 Asanas, 8 Pranayamas, 24 Mudras, 6 Kriyas described in Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Shiva Samhita and Gheranda Samhita), of the dynamic styles based on breath coordination, such as Ashtanga Vinyasa and Vinyasa karma in the lineage of Krishnamacarya, and based on the ancient Tibetan Yoga of Mahasiddha Naropa, Niguma and Padmasambhava.

 

Marco’s yoga is heart centered and motivated by the altruistic sankalpa of Bodhicitta. It fuses Asana, Pranayama and Meditation. Marco feels it is quintessential to focus on three major points in the practice which are in order of importance: 1) Citta, or state of mind, which can involve use of mantras, outer gazes and visualizations, 2) vak, maintaining slow and deep breath to connect the Asanas and the transition movements (Vinyasa), and 3) kaya, proper alignment of the body and the spine, in order to create through the bandhas (energy locks) the proper space in the body to let the Prana flow through the major Nadis, or energy channels. Visualization of channels, perception of Prana and Purification of body and mind, are an ongoing process which increases and becomes more and more active through regular practice. 

 

The class includes Pranayama (control of Prana or energy through the art of breathing), bandhas (energy locks to concentrate Prana in some areas of the body), mudras (gestures which help channel energy to parts of the body) and dhyana (or meditation, the yoga of the mind).

 

Marco has many years  of experience in teaching private English and French classes to expatriates.

 

Location: Namaskar is situated in the center of Bologna, Via Zucchini 8 / d (between Via Mascarella and Via Irnerio), adjacent to  the University area, near the central station and bus station and easily reachable by many buses and trains  If you come by car you can park for free after  6 pm on nearby Via Muggia or Via Barozzi .

Email: centronamaskar@gmail.com
Website 
http://namaskarasd.blogspot.com/
Cell: 335-77 38 586

Etichette: dynamic yoga bolognahatha vinyasa yoga classes bolognameditation bolognaPilates bolognapranayama bolognaqi gong chi kung classes bolognayang tai ji classes bolognayoga workshops bologna

 

 

 

 

 

 

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