THE SUTRA AND THE GITA:
THE TRUE MEANING OF "YOGA"
Introductory talk and book signing for the Bhagavad Gita
January 12th and 13th, 2008

If someone asks, "What is yoga," how would you answer? How do the terse aphorisms of the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali and the philosophical poetry of Krishna's teachings in the Bhagavad Gita answer this question? We'll explore how the positioning of the body in asana relates to the positioning of the self in the world by relating essential Sutra texts with key Gita verses, unearthing the great treasures of the understanding and true meaning of yoga from these sacred writings. Includes an initial invocation, an open talk and sharing of thoughts among participants, and guided meditations on the Gita and the Sutra. Open to all levels of practitioners.

January 12, 2008 / Saturday at 7-9pm
At the FLOW YOGA CENTER, Washington, DC

AND
January 13, 2008 / Sunday at 3:30-5:30pm
at HOT YOGA, Washington, DC


THE MYSTICAL CORE IN TRADITIONAL RELIGIONS
Four consecutive weekly lectures on the nature of mysticism
Presented at the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC
January 23rd, 30th, February 6th, and 13th

What role does mysticism play in world religions? Is there a core mystical experience shared among religious traditions, or is each mystic’s experience uniquely shaped by the cultural, linguistic, and religious context?

Using a selection of sacred texts, music, art, and other forms of expression, Graham Schweig examines the meaning, role, and practice of mysticism in five world religions, and discusses what the mystical traditions reveal about the nature of relationships between humans and the divine.

THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, Washington, DC
Smithsonian Resident Associate Program



THE MEANING OF MYSTICISM
Defining mysticism; comparative themes such as union and separation, formality and intimacy, balances and imbalances.

January 23, 2008 / Wednesday at 6:45-8:45pm
at the S. Dillon Ripley Center
Education Center 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW, Washington, DC


HINDU AND BUDDHIST MYSTICISM

Classical Hindu mysticism; the tantric tradition and centrality of mysticism. Pure Land and Tibetan Buddhism; interpretations of Buddha’s enlightenment.

January 30, 2008 / Wednesday at 6:45-8:45pm
at the S. Dillon Ripley Center
Education Center 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW, Washington, DC


JEWISH AND CHRISTIAN MYSTICISM

Kabbalah; mysticism in the Torah; Biblical writings on the unity of the human spirit with God “through a glass, darkly.”

February 6, 2008 / Wednesday at 6:45-8:45pm
at the S. Dillon Ripley Center
Education Center 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW, Washington, DC


ISLAMIC MYSTICISM ADN THE MEANING OF MYSTICISM IN THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD

Revitalizing the tradition of the prophet Muhammed’s paths of divine knowledge and love. What the mystics teach us today about religious pluralism and interfaith dialogue.

February 13, 2008 / Wednesday at 6:45-8:45pm
at the S. Dillon Ripley Center
Education Center 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW, Washington, DC


BOOK SIGNING FOR BHAGAVAD GITA
Informal talk and book signing at
Barnes & Noble Bookstore, Reston Town Center, Reston, VA
February 7, 2008 / Thursday at 7:30pm


THE YOGI AND THE PHILOSOPHER
With Beryl Bender Birch of Power Yoga
Virginia Beach, VA
February 8-10, 2008 / Friday 6-9m / Saturday 9-12noon and 2-4:30pm

"America's top yoga innovator, Beryl Bender Birch, and top scholar, Graham Schweig, Ph.D., in the same place at the same time. Don't miss the opportunity to join Graham and Beryl as they co-teach and blend their practice and vision of classical yoga. This workshop will explore practice in all of its forms: study, asana, pranayama and meditation. Each session is intended to build upon and compliment one another therefore students are encouraged to attend the full workshop."

At the Angela Phillips Yoga Studies, Virginia Beach, VA
Contact Ann Richardson at ann@astangiann.com
www.astangiann.com


PHILOSOPHICAL DIMENSIONS OF YOGA I
YOGA TEACHER TRAINING WORKSHOP
Chesapeake, VA
February 10, 2008 / Sunday from 11-4pm

At Chesapeake Hot Yoga


THE SECRET YOGA: INTRODUCTION
at the Jivamukti Yoga School
New York City
March 7, 2008 / Friday from 8-10pm

www.jivamuktiyoga.com


THE SECRET YOGA: MINI-WORKSHOP
at the Jivamukti Yoga School
New York City
March 9, 2008 / Sunday from 4:30-6:30 and 7-9pm

www.jivamuktiyoga.com


PANELIST ON POETRY AND TRANSLATION
14th Annual Virginia Festival of the Book
Virginia Foundation for the Humanities
at the University of Virginia Bookstore
Virginia Book Fair, Charlottesville, VA
March 29, 2008 / Saturday at 10am

www.vabook.org


THE 2008 YOGA JOURNAL BOSTON CONFERENCE
Two workshops offered
Sheraton Boston
May 18, 2008 / Sunday at 10:30-12:30 and 3-5pm


YOGA SUTRA AND BHAGAVAD GITA:
THE TRUE MEANING OF YOGA
Sunday, May 18th: 10:30am-12:30pm: Main Conference
All Levels, Contemplative

Come explore how the positioning of the body in asana relates to the positioning of the Self in the world. We'll relate essential Sutra texts with key Gita verses, unearthing the great treasures of the understanding and true meaning of yoga from these sacredwritings. Includesmeditation, asana, chanting, discussion, and guided meditations on the verses of the Gita and Yoga Sutra.


SUFFERING AND YOGA:
THE BHAGAVAD GITA'S YOGA OF DESPAIR
Sunday, May 18th: 3:00pm-5:00pm: Main Conference
All Levels, Contemplative

Is there a place for suffering in yoga? We'll explore what the Bhagavad Gita teaches about hurt and pain, and how it softens the heart, leading to samadhi in which one discovers the ultimate state of yoga within the innermost world of the heart. Includes meditation, asana, chanting, discussion, and guided meditations on the verses of the Gita.

http://www.yjevents.com/yjevents/boston08/


THE SECRET YOGA
WEEKEND IMMERSION WORKSHOP
at Yogaville, Buckingham, VA (1 hour south of Charlottesville, VA)
August 1-3, 2008 / Friday at 3:30-5:30pm the first weekend session
of the workshop begins, and ends Sunday afternoon

In this workshop you will discover and experience the timeless teachings of classical yoga hidden within the flowing Sanskrit verses of the Bhagavad Gita. The "great secret," the "greater secret," and the "greatest secret of all" in yoga are disclosed and further revealed here to enable you to take your practice and teaching of yoga to a whole new level. You will be drawn toward the innermost heart, where you will experience a profound sense of connecting with the hearts of others, as we dive deeply into the Gita verses, key portions of the Upanishads, The Yoga Sutra, and other sacred writings on yoga. This sacred study is facilitated by group contemplation, intimate reflection and discussion, guided meditation aided by sacred music, mantra and chanting, recitation of Sanskrit verse, and beautiful visuals. You will walk away with a complete mapping of your journey into yoga. For all levels, both seasoned and new practitioners. No prerequisites.

www.integralyogaprograms.org