What wisdom do we find in myths of Shiva?
The mythology of the great god Śiva is perhaps the most profound in existence. Variously called Auspicious One, Destroyer, Blue-Throat, Lord of Beasts, Great God, Lord of Dance, Śiva at once embodies the outsider, the ascetic, the lover, the seeker, and the supreme. From the grounding of the Ganges, to the wrathful manifestations Vīrabhadra and Bhairava; from the incineration of Kāma to the love affair with Pārvatī; from yogic trance to cosmic dance to destroy the universe – stories of Shiva encode deep yogic wisdom.
We will explore various Sanskrit storyworlds in order to decipher the yogic wisdom encoded within the mythology of Śiva. Each class integrates academic content, captivating storytelling and esoteric exposition. Special emphasis will be paid to the relationship between Śiva's mythic motifs and the yoga postures named after them. We will also decode key elements of his rich iconography, including his matted hair, animal skins, shamanic drum, trident, cobra, and bull.
This course integrates academic content, captivating storytelling, and esoteric exposition to bring to life the wisdom found in stories of the Vishnu. We will also examine specific yoga postures connected with these tales.
This course will help you:
- Learn about Śiva mythologies and their profound meanings, the history of Śiva worship, and Śiva’s Sanskrit Texts
- Gain insight into key yoga postures related to myths of Śiva
- Develop a deeper understanding of the spiritual basis of postural yoga practice
- Explore Śiva’s iconographies and their rich symbolisms, Śiva’s core significations and archetypal energy, and Śiva mantras
- Develop insight into human nature and spiritual evolution
- Honor tradition by learning from a member of an ancient Indian living wisdom lineage
This 4-part on-demand online course is taught by scholar of Indian mythology and The Stories Behind the Poses author Dr. Raj Balkaran.
Course Structure
Module 1: Śiva, Lord of Mountains
Module 2: Śiva, Lord of Beasts
Module 3: Śiva, Lord of Wrath
Module 4: Śiva, Lord of Yoga
6+ Hours of Video Lessons
Valuable for the simply curious, longtime yogis, expert practitioners and everyone in between
Downloadable Notes
Easily follow along with and refer back to the class slides
Access Anytime, Anywhere
Whether day or night, wherever you are, you have forever access to this on-demand course
Ancient Wisdom, Modern Applications
Learn mantra and other techniques to apply teachings to your life
Join The Indian Wisdom School
Become a part of our community and gain access to exclusive events and lessons
Yoga Alliance Credit
This course counts as 12 hours of YA Continuing Education Credit
"I first came across Dr. Balkaran through his work with the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and have since taken a number of courses with him, all of which have been fabulous. Dr. Balkaran has a gift for synthesizing complex information and teaches with a storytelling style that supports comprehension."
Natalie Rousseau
Yoga Educator
"Dr. Balkaran is a teacher who understands the needs and quests of today’s spiritual seekers and practitioners and his School is a unique and a much-awaited opportunity for any interested-minded students to access the complex realm of the Indian philosophy and mythology explained in an approachable and engaging manner."
Aijan Kenenbaeva
Yoga Practitioner and Hinduism Student
"As a graduate student in the blossoming field of Yoga Studies, I cannot express the proper gratitude for Dr. Raj and his method of mystical swagger. He has tremendously assisted my personal understanding of inherently foreign concepts embedded within Indian wisdom and myth."
Dustin Nicholas Holmes
Naropa University, Wisdom Traditions
M.A. Yoga Studies
"I have greatly enjoyed taking Dr. Balkaran’s online classes! His style of presenting content is a rich synthesis of rigorous academic scholarship and his own experiential insights which add depth, humor and clarity to the often misconstrued concepts of Indian mythology."
Srinalini Sankar
French Teacher and Lifelong Student
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Raj Balkaran is the founder of The Indian Wisdom School, scholar, and author, including for the popular book this course is based on, The Stories Behind the Poses. He teaches a number of courses through the Indian Wisdom School, the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, Yogic Studies, and Embodied Philosophy. He also hosts the New Books in Indian Religions podcast.
Before becoming a scholar, Dr. Balkaran was initiated into Indian Wisdom Traditions by multiple lineal teachers and apprenticed with a renowned Indian spiritual master for twelve years. For the past two decades, he has been immersed in daily spiritual practice and study, cultivating a deep understanding of these traditions.
