Universal Yoga is a multi-faceted yoga-based system and science with the goal of spiritual growth and liberation. To achieve this goal, Universal Yoga employs traditional yogic methods and techniques, from the rich philosophical heritage of Hinduism, Buddhism, Tantra, and modern science. The system is suitable for any practitioner seeking to become conscious of and liberated from their behaviors and individual patterns. This individual evolution is then used to influence change in the surrounding environment. The goal of this micro and macro change is to inspire all beings towards karmic liberation–enlightenment. Universal Yoga is complex, but at the same time very simple.
“Yoga is strength, balance, and unification.” This is the essence of what Dorje* Andrey Lappa, a Ukrainian Yoga Master and a self-realized Vajrayana Buddhist, has explained yoga to be. A world-renowned teacher, who has dedicated his life’s work to teaching yoga philosophy and techniques, Dorje Lappa has spent most of his life in India and Nepal training with B.K.S. Iyengar, Patthabi Jois, Desikachar, Bhagavan Sri Rajnish, and also Himalayan yogis. Dorje Lappa is trained in Kalarypayat (an ancient Indian martial art), Bharata Natyam (an ancient style of Indian dance), Zyong-Shin and Viet-Vo-Dao (ancient Vietnamese martial arts), and in Karate. Currently, Dorje Lappa lives in Nepal and teaches mostly throughout Asia. Dorje Andrey Lappa’s disciple, Raj Patra is the co-founder of Hot Yoga for Life. (*Dorje is a Vajrayana Buddhism title of respect and accomplishment towards enlightenment.) “Working with Andrey is a head rush, in part because of the brilliance of his intellect and the sheer inventiveness of what he is doing.” – YogaChicago, 2001. DETAILS OF THE PROGRAM: This yoga program and its curriculum is both for serious yoga practitioners who want to wake up their consciousness and learn from the profound lineage of Universal Yoga, and it is for currently certified yoga teachers, who want to further their education and teaching skills from a Yoga Master and legend of modern times. Dorje Lappa’s Universal Yoga program is a Yoga Alliance Accredited 300-hour advanced program and successful participants (who already have a 200-hour credential) can receive a 500-hour certification.
Prerequisite: Recommended. Unless you have previously studied with Dorje Lappa, to get the most from this program, it is strongly advised to take a Preparatory Coursework for Universal Yoga with Raj Patra starting on January 5, 2018. To graduate from Dorje Lappa’s program, you must take a written and practical exam after each of the three levels. Raj’s coursework will help provide a foundational structure for Dorje Lappa’s program.
Tuition: For each level, tuition is $1,800. An additional $100 is required for examination and certification process for each level.
LEVEL ONE: Daily, June 22 – July 01, 2018. 8AM to 7:30PM (Exam for teachers: July 3, 6-9PM, cannot be rescheduled) This level focuses on external practices of Universal Yoga. You will learn about sub-styles of yoga, asana pairs in multidirectional orientation, Himalayan vinyasas, Chakras, Mayakoahas, Bandhas, Rasas, principles of digital balancing, and much more. You will also receive Level 1 training on Shiva Nata, the Dance of Shiva.
What you will learn in Level 1: The History of Asana in Yoga Universal Yoga Asana Alignments Groups of Asana Positions in Space Seven Aspects of Physical Training Levels of Asana Complexity Asanas Unique to Universal Yoga Adjusting of Asanas Yoga Anatomy In-depth Savasana and Mritta Mudra Asanas for Physical Practice and Concentration Practice Marma Vidya Asanas as Mudras Asana Combinations Introduction to Mayakosha Theory The Calligraphy of Yoga
LEVEL TWO: Ten Days, November 2018 (specific dates will be announced – TBA) (Exam for teachers: TBA) Diving deeper into Universal yoga principles of external practices, you will tap into all eight limbs of Raja Yoga. Sequencing in single and cross-mats, Kriyas and cleansing, co-relation of Mayakosas with Yamas and Niyamas, and much more. You will also receive Level 2 training on Shiva Nata.
LEVEL THREE: Ten Days, June, 2019 (specific dates: TBA; Exam for teachers: TBA) This is where you’ll dive deeper into internal and personal practices of Tantric Yoga. Here you will learn external, internal, secret and complete practices of personal journey towards Kundalini awakening, the release of all dormant energetic potential brining you closer to understanding your true self. Additionally you will also learn yoga for sleeping, walking, swimming, and the essentials of Kamasutra.