Ahimsa offers a variety of different classes - mostly yoga but with a handful of other little treasures added into the mix. Below are descriptions of many of our different offerings. Check the class schedule for up-to-date information on when they meet.

Please scroll down for ALL class descriptions.

Hawk is a Yogini of 20+ years.  As creator of AHIMSA Yoga Studio and Ithaca Yoga Center she has had the opportunity to work extensively with Yoga as a vehicle for transformation.  Her original training was with Sivananda Yoga and her 500 hour level training is with Sri Dharma Mittra.  See the schedule page for class times and levels.  Dharma I and Deep Relaxation are for beginners or anyone wanting a more gentle Yoga practice.  Dharma II is intermediate level.  Dharma III requires experience and Dharma IV is for advanced students only! Going beyond her original training as Yoga teacher and therapist she has helped many people to ignite their own miraculous healing powers through advance Breathing techniques.  She brings a gentle, nurturing energy to her work that combines with the clarity and power of Spirit achieved after many years of work and study. 

click here for Hawk's page:

 http://www.ithacayoga.org/hawk.htm

This class is a half hour of guided meditation. Facilitators will use different tools and techniques to introduce people to guided group meditation.  No prior experience is needed. Wear loose and comfortable clothing. This class is free of charge, donations accepted!

Bliss Yoga w Amanda

A meditative asana sequence connecting us to the subtler aspects of our being. This movement mediation focuses on tuning into the body's energetic pathways and channels.  Through hip opening, arm balances, and inversions, the surrender is only matched by the challenge!  Yogis will be kissed with bliss. 

Raja Hatha II w Amanda

This class is designed for those students who are familiar with basic yogic principles. Students should anticipate a blend of chanting, asana, pranayama, and meditation, leaving you feeling refreshed and relaxed. 

You are guided through the practice of a very deep relaxation where healing may occur. All are welcome, no experience necessary!

Kirtan is a sanskrit word that means "to communicate, to celebrate, to praise." It is an ancient yoga practice of call-and-response chanting, repeating the many names and attributes of the Dviine. It is a joyful and uplifting practice. This class will feature chanting from other spiritual traditionals and cultures as well. This event is a community co-creation. Those who wish to are invited to bring instruments, songs and chants to share. All ages are welcome. We will sing and chant with the intention of creating peace within us and all over the earth.

The Jivamukti method of Yoga is one of the nine internationally recognized styles of Hatha Yoga. The name Jivamukti means Liberation while living. Jivamukti is taken from the Sanskrit term, Jivanmukti, which is used to describe the state of enlightenment. David Life and Sharon Gannon named this yoga method Jivamukti because they wanted the student to be reminded of the ultimate aim of the practice—to live in enlightenment (Samadhi). Whether you're a beginner or an advanced yogi, an Open Jivamukti class encompasses all levels. A typical Open class consists of a vigorously physical and intellectually stimulating flowing vinyasa sequence partnered with hands-on adjustments, pranayama (breathing exercises), meditation, Sanskrit chanting, yoga philosophy, and deep relaxation. To keep the practice unanticipated, asana sequences are ever-changing. We do sitting, standing, and inverted postures and suggested variations for everything in-between. Exuberant, eclectic music plays an integral role in Jivamukti yoga; in a typical Open class you might practice to a shifting soundtrack of uplifting and inspirational music from Krishna Das to Michael Franti to the Beatles. In the words of Sharon Gannon, "The Jivamukti method could be described as that way of teaching and practicing Yoga where the student is constantly reminded that their true Self is none other than happiness, Love itself."

Ithaca Tara Mandala

Ithaca Tara Mandala

Ithaca Tara Mandala is a satellite sangha of Tara Mandala, a retreat center founded by Lama Tsultrim Allione.

We welcome you to attend our Chöd meditation practice at 5 PM on the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd Sundays of the month. To reserve your space and ask for a short orientation, contact one of the sangha steering committee: Lenore lenorie@lightlink.com OR Mara malper@ithaca.edu OR Mary mg24@cornell.edu

The progenitor of Chöd was the 11th century Tibetan teacher Machig Lapdron. Informed by the PrajnaParamita (perfection of wisdom) scriptures, Machig developed the Chöd as a means to cut through fear, fixation, and self-clinging. The practice is chanted in Tibetan and performed with drum and bell.

Doing the Chöd requires transmission from a qualified teacher, but attendance at the practice is open to all.

Additionally:

Feeding Your Demons is a 5-step process developed by Lama Tsultrim Allione for dealing with negative emotions, fears, illness, and self-defeating patterns. Her book of that title was published in 2008. If you would like to learn more about FYD or work with a partner through the process, contact Lenore lenorie@lightlink.com

Additional information can be found at the website for Lama Tsultrim’s retreat center: http://www.taramandala.org

Benefits accrue at all three levels of body, mind, and spirit simultaneously and often at a level beyond conscious awareness.  While no specific medical claims are made, nearly all known dis-ease has been seen to respond favorably to conscious breathing; ranging from cancer to digestive dis-orders, migraines, heart and circulation problems, addictions, high blood pressure, immune system dysfunction, depression, chronic fatigue... the list is endless.  Transformational breathing also complements and integrates all other healing systems.  The simple truth is that complete oxygenation of our cellular system is essential for good health!

Sivananda Yoga was developed by Swami Sivananda.  It is a very traditional form of Yoga that includes asana, pranayama, yamas and niyamas, meditaion and relaxation.  This style is suitable for all levels.