Bali Course Information
Hello Dear Student
I am happy to welcome you onto a course with me. I look forward to teaching you and helping you with all levels of your Yoga practice. I will work to adapt and change the Vinyasa Krama sequences to suit your particular constitution. As this is your first course with me I would like you to be aware of the following:
I teach the following foundation sequences to all students:
Chandra Krama, the Moon Sequence – a gentle flowing practice intended as a support to your main practice. This sequence can either be practiced once per week, on the day before new moon or full moon, or whenever you feel tired or needing something a little lighter. You will practice this sequence for the first 3-4 days of the course in order to begin memorising it and learning it in self-practice format. Cheat sheets will also be provided.
Ātapa Krama, the Sunshine Sequence – this practice is modeled off the Primary Series, but rebalanced to include some variations in the standing postures, greater emphasis on lengthening the quadriceps, and an easier, gradual approach to back-bending, including some useful shoulder-openers. Most students will learn this in the first 2-4 weeks of a course – if you know Primary fairly well, it will be easy to learn. Students who need modifications will be supported with a number of posture variations. Cheat sheets will also be provided.
Simha Krama, the Lion Sequence – this one is great for practitioners who already have a fairly stable foundation in Yoga. It combines some useful structural variations in the standing postures, alignment for the side-body, leg strength, shoulder-openers, and a well-developed back-bend routine. Not to mention the enjoyment of roaring like a Lion.
Marjara Krama, Lion Cub – although this sequence derives its essence from Simha Krama, it is unique and incredibly useful, and warrants extra attention. This sequence makes of use of the wall throughout the practice to increase both alignment and better proprioception. In addition this sequence stabilises the lower spine and shoulders. For back therapy this is one of the best sequences you may ever learn.
![](https://yogatemple.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/20190930_124101.webp)
NOTE:
Students can choose two sequences to practice per course. First time students, students who have been absent for a period of time, and TT students must do Moon Sequence as one of those options. It takes minimum 2 years to learn all four of the Foundation Sequences thoroughly.
Also, for first time students, I recommend purchasing the book Vinyasa Krama Mandiram, and begin to practice at least the start of Moon Sequence and the Sunshine Sequence (the first half of each) for at least 6 months prior to a course with me. I also recommend attending any online classes that you can. This will best prepare you for the course.
You can also try the Moon Sequence DVD:
www.yogatemple.com/dvds
COURSE TIMETABLE
(Subject to minor changes)
630am – 930am Sun to Fri Led Classes and Self Practice
(Led classes on Sun and Mon during the first two weeks)
2-5pm Sun to Weds: Pranayama, Asana Workshops, Philosophy, Meditation
Thur and Fri afternoon Free, All Saturday Free
PRANAYAMA, MEDITATION and PHILOSOPHY
During all courses, all students will begin learning Pranayama Krama Level I, and Advaita Vedanta Self-Enquiry. Pranayama is a great stepping stone for meditation, and also has a profound effect on calming the nervous system – Pranayama is possibly the most direct way (or the only way) to truly affect the unconscious patterns of the nervous system – the fight or flight response.
VK Pranayama has been rigorously developed over more than two decades of practice and experimentation. We do not teach complicated or difficult Pranayama at the beginning – unlike many ‘traditions’ – rather we focus on good structural breathing practices that are easy to learn and accessible for students with almost any constitution or condition – easy to learn, hard to master, is the core philosophy. There are four main Foundation Pranayama, and four Support Pranayama. To learn these thoroughly takes a minimum of 2 years. No prior Pranayama experience is required, rather, students must cease all other Pranayama practices while on a course with me.
I would also suggest reading about Advaita Vedanta and learning some of the basics prior to attendance. Please follow the link:
www.sriramanamaharshi.org
OPENING and CLOSING CLASSES
Please note, all courses start at 4pm on Saturday afternoon, an introductory meet and greet, orientation and course information. It is critical that all students attend this class, even though it does not involve any asana… Most month long courses will finish on Friday morning at 1030am, the final morning for Self Practice and Teacher Training. All students are expected to attend all classes, and cannot miss the opening and closing sessions, for any reason. Please adjust your flights accordingly.
COURSE FEES
$1700 AUD for 4 weeks
$1100 AUD for 2 weeks
+ Discounts for Online Students with a current Gold Membership
Contact: bendsalot@gmail.com
REFUND POLICY
From January 2020 there will no longer be any refunds available for courses.
Although I understand booking and committing one year (or more) in advance is a big deal for some people, it is the nature of my courses. As I limit all courses to 20 students, I am guaranteeing everyone individual attention. My courses are all high in content and quality! So, I expect students to be willing and able to make this commitment, both financial and personal, to the teachings I am offering. I do so with ongoing commitment myself – to help, serve and be as beneficial as possible.
There will be some exceptions to the ‘no refund policy’ in the case of hospitalisation, or other significant trauma. Lack of finances, personal trouble, work changes, or other reasons will not be considered.
TRANSFERS
Once payment is made, you have made a significant commitment. Thank you! You can make a transfer to another course at any time as long as I can find someone to take your place in the prior course.
Vinyasa Krama Mandiram
We have recently finished building Vinyasa Krama Madiram! The Yoga Shala is located in Ubud, Bali, just north of the Arjuna statue in Nagi Banjar. The land is beautiful, perfect for all aspects of Yoga.
At the moment there is no onsite accommodation, but it is relatively easy to find your own. Please check the link and list below. We do provide herbal vegan chai every afternoon during the afternoon classes!
Here are a few photos to look at, enjoy!
LOCATION and ACCOMMODATION
VKM address on google maps.
https://goo.gl/maps/rCnbSZtPMp22
Here are some nearby hotels, most are along the nearest main road, Jalan Raya Andong
EDEN VALLEY – BEST LOCATION!
Jalan Lanyahan
STUDIO ROOM BUNGALOW
LOW SEASON (from Sep to Jun)
760 000 idr / night
608 000 idr /night (20% if from yoga retreat)
HIGH SEASON (Jul and Aug)
1 000 000 idr / night
800 000 idr /night (20% if from yoga retreat)
STANDARD ROOM
LOW SEASON (from Sep to Jun)
600 000 idr / night
480 000 idr /night (20% if from yoga retreat)
HIGH SEASON (Jul and Aug)
850 000 idr / night
680 000 idr /night (20% if from yoga retreat)
Sally Parrish
sjpdesigns@gmail.com
+447850365206
Ubud Luwih – 5 min walk – http://www.ubudluwih.com/
Uma Dewa – 10-15 min walk – https://www.booking.com/hotel/id/uma-dewa
Arya Guest House – 15 min walk – https://arya-guest-house-private-guest-room.business.site/
Villa Cilinaya – 20 min walk – https://www.booking.com/hotel/id/villa-cilinaya
If you are not going to be on a scooter, do not get anything further than these as traffic can make commuting a problem!
Plus try UBUD FB page where you can find many nice and affordable villa, once you join the page. https://m.facebook.com/groups/UbudCommunity/
VISA
It is best to get a 60 day e-visa in advance from your local Indonesian embassy. Please make your own inquiries about the visa requirements applicable to your nationality, it is your responsibility to sort out any extra documentation you may need.
Please check your passport expiry date. You must have six months validity remaining on your passport from the date of your return from Bali.
Om Shanti
Matthew Sweeney