Buddhist tradition and philosophy are closely related to the tenets of yoga, with overlapping teachings between the two. Buddhism 101 is designed for yoga students who are interested in exploring the fundamentals of Buddhism and learning how Buddhist practice may enhance their existing yoga practice. This workshop begins with a lecture on the foundation of Buddhism and then branches into group discussion of how the teachings of the Buddha correspond to and synthesize with yogic principles. The group will experiment with various concepts and practices including Buddhist-based mediations. The afternoon will conclude with a gentle yoga practice that weaves in Buddhist themes, practices and philosophy through asana (postures) and breath work.
Students will gain:
Basic knowledge of Buddhist principles which will include a handout comprised the essence of Buddhist teachings.
A deeper understanding of how Buddhism relates to yogic philosophy and can enhance one’s personal practice.
Somatic experience with the fundamentals of Buddhism in actual practice, which can be utilized independently or incorporated into one’s yoga routine.
No Previous knowledge of Buddhism is required. It is recommended that students have some foundational experience in the yoga practice. All levels of experience are welcome. The physical practice will be very gentle and made broadly accessible to accommodate most people’s abilities.
Cost: $40
Ani Binkley is a trauma-informed yoga teacher and an interfaith/interspiritual minister who approaches the instruction of yoga with compassion and lovingkindness, fostering a nurturing, non-judgmental environment of openness and acceptance for each of her classes. Experienced in the teaching of meditation, vinyasa (flow) yoga, gentle yoga, yin yoga, and restorative yoga, she most enjoys teaching gentle, calming styles yoga for healing and stress-relief with special emphasis on diverse meditative practices and sound healing.
In addition to completing her RYT200 holistic yoga teacher training, she has completed specialized yoga teacher training with Anodea Judith, PhD, on utilizing the chakra system to attain radiant health and higher consciousness; restorative yoga teacher training with Judith Hanson Lasater; has studied yin yoga under Biff Mithoefer; and has completed a number of trauma-focused teacher trainings, including “The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” with Bessel van der Kolk and “Surviving Trauma: Yoga Therapy for Early Complementary Intervention Following Assault or Trauma” with Diana Tokaji. She is also trained in the art of sound healing and enjoys playing her Tibetan brass and crystal singing bowls in her classes. Most recently Ani graduated from One Spirit Interfaith Seminary in New York in 2019, and as an ordained interfaith/interspiritual minister enjoys introducing her students to different spiritual traditions and incorporating diverse practices and philosophies into the practice of yoga.