How can we truly free ourselves from the pain and suffering of the world — and open to a greater reality of love, peace, and joy?
The ancients believed that our entanglement with the world of name and form binds us in the sea of cyclic existence known as saṁsāra. The cause of this perpetual cycle is the interplay of avidyā (ignorance), kāma (desire), and karma (action)...
... all of which can result in tension and suffering from unfulfilled desires, frustrated emotions, distorted self-perceptions — and chronic conditions, illness, or disease.
The three-fold bondage of ignorance, desire, and action forms the framework of our personality, known as the hṛdaya granthi — the “knot of the heart.”
During this advanced 14-module Tantric Laya Yoga course with Gary Kraftsow, yoga master and founder of the American Viniyoga Institute, you’ll dissolve the knot of the heart and activate your innate power to heal and direct your life by journeying through the symbolism of the cakra-s and the deities to activate your full potential.
Using micro and macro symbols, you’ll learn how your bio-imperatives and desires influence your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors...
... and you’ll be guided through authentic yogic practices, such as chanting, asana, prāṇāyāma, and meditation to cut the ties that are binding you.
This will attune your intuition to deep sources of revelation, helping you to forge a life of liberation that is aligned with your greatest joy, potential, health, and wellbeing — and spiritual fulfillment.
During the first half of the course, you’ll follow the cakra map to gain a deeper understanding of the different dimensions of your personality — its landmines and treasures — and the granthi-s that are binding you to suffering.
You’ll purify dysfunctional patterns through the ancient method of bhūta śuddhi and set intentions to eliminate attachment to things that will never be true sources of safety, empowerment, nourishment, vitality, and joy in your life.
During the second half of this course, you’ll work with the symbolism of the Vedic gods and goddesses to help you realize and actualize your innate divine potential.
Using Tantric Laya Yoga methods known as devatā yoga, you’ll cultivate deep and meaningful connections to the deities and their transformational potential through authentic gāyatrī mantras, the ancient art of central channel breathing...
... and an integrated practice that weaves mantra chanting with āsana and prāṇāyāma to support meditation.
In doing so, you’ll gain powerful tools that you can call upon at any time to dispel the darkness of ignorance, live with deeper intention, inspire creativity, commune with the Divine, align with dharma, and more.
Are you ready to liberate yourself from suffering? To dissolve the knot of the heart and activate your innate power to heal by harnessing desire... and actualizing your true potential?
To learn how, join Gary on this deep journey of self-discovery and healing through ancient Tantric Laya Yoga practices.
In this 14-part transformational intensive, Gary will guide you through the fundamental skills and competencies you’ll need to liberate yourself from suffering, connect to deep sources of revelation, and forge a life that is aligned with your greatest potential through ancient Tantric Laya Yoga practices such as chanting, āsana, prāṇāyāma, and meditation.
This course will feature step-by-step teachings and experiential practices with Gary. Each session will build harmoniously upon the previous ones, so you’ll develop a complete holistic understanding of the practices, tools, and principles you’ll need to dissolve the knot of the heart and activate your innate power to heal and direct your life using ancient Tantric Laya Yoga practices.
The Brahmā granthi, the “knot of desire,” binds you to the physical world of name and form through the mechanism of desire.
Relating to how we perceive safety, stability, and trust, the mūlādhāra cakra is associated with the bio-imperative of survival — a profound and instinctive impulse that underlies your desires and influences your feelings, thoughts, and behavior.
During the opening class, you’ll explore your sense of safety and stability, and set an intention to eliminate attachments to things that will never truly support safety and stability in your life.
You’ll also use breath-centric āsana, prāṇāyāma, mantra, and chanting to support your meditation, while working with the Tantric Laya Yoga methods of bhūta śuddhi and cakra sādhana.
You’ll also:
The svādhiṣṭhāna cakra relates to pleasure and creativity and is associated with the bio-imperative of reproduction... a profound and instinctive impulse that underlies desire and influences your feelings, thoughts, and behavior.
In this module, you’ll explore how the Brahmā granthi works through the svādhiṣṭhāna cakra — and set an intention to seek true sources of joy, inspiration, and creativity.
You’ll use breath-centric āsana, prāṇāyāma, mantra, and chanting to support your meditation, while working with the Tantric Laya Yoga methods of bhūta śuddhi and cakra sādhana.
You’ll also:
The maṇipūra cakra is associated with the bio-imperative of competition and territorialism — profound and instinctive impulses that underlie your desires and influence your feelings, thoughts, and behavior — and how you establish your status within your family and community.
This cakra relates to transformation and your sense of self-worth, self-esteem, and personal empowerment.
You’ll explore how the brahma granthi works through the maṇipūra cakra — and set an intention to seek things and relationships that boost your self-esteem and sense of personal empowerment.
You’ll also use breath-centric āsana, prāṇāyāma, mantra, and chanting to support your meditation, while working with the Tantric Laya Yoga methods of bhūta śuddhi and cakra sādhana.
In this module, you’ll:
The Viṣṇu granthi, the “knot of action,” binds us in an ongoing effort to fulfill desires through the mechanism of action.
Relating to love, compassion, generosity, and selflessness, the anāhata cakra is associated with your innate impulse for group formation, connections, and relationships — and to how they manifest within a family and community.
You’ll explore the ways in which you seek acceptance, connection, and love — and set an intention to recognize the behaviors that will truly deepen your sense of belonging and connection.
You’ll also use breath-centric āsana, prāṇāyāma, mantra, and chanting to support your meditation, while working with the Tantric Laya Yoga methods of bhūta śuddhi and cakra sādhana.
In this module, you’ll:
Relating to issues of self-expression, creativity, and meaningful communication within family and social groups, the viśuddhi cakra is associated with speech and the impulse to communicate through language.
In this module, you’ll learn how the Viṣṇu granthi, “knot of action,” works through the viśuddhi cakra... and explore how you listen to, speak, and communicate with others.
You’ll also learn about setting intentions to listen more deeply to those around you — and to express yourself meaningfully.
Then Gary will guide you on how to use breath-centric āsana, prāṇāyāma, mantra, and chanting to support your meditation, while working with the Tantric Laya Yoga methods of bhūta śuddhi and cakra sādhana.
During the fifth class, you’ll also:
The Rudra granthi, the “knot of ignorance,” binds you to the sense of yourself as a separate time- and space-bound being, through the mechanism of being ignorant of your true nature, that of others, and the greater reality.
This causes attachment to the consciousness of “me” (aham) and “mine” (māmaka).
As the part of you that balances your impulses with your higher aspirations, the ājñā cakra is associated with intelligence and your capacity to perceive, understand, discern, decide, and choose.
You’ll explore how the Rudra granthi is influencing your capacity to perceive, understand, discern, learn, imagine, recall, decide, and choose — and commit to making choices that are guided by your higher sense of purpose.
You’ll also use breath-centric āsana, prāṇāyāma, mantra, and chanting to support your meditation, while working with the Tantric Laya Yoga methods of bhūta śuddhi and cakra sādhana.
In this module, you’ll:
Technically not a cakra, sahasrāra is associated with pure awareness or consciousness itself, or cetanā...
... and is also understood to be the gateway from the physical to the subtle and causal planes — the dimension of the sacred and what many think of as the transcendent or the Divine.
You’ll attune to your intuition, open to receive inspiration — and connect to sources of revelation through the sahasrāra.
You’ll also use breath-centric āsana, prāṇāyāma, mantra, and chanting to support your meditation, while working with the Tantric Laya Yoga methods of bhūta śuddhi and cakra sādhana.
During the final class of Part I of this course, you’ll:
In Module 8 of this course, you’ll focus on Sāvitrī and the famous Sāvitrī gāyatrī — the original, most revered, and most widely recited gāyatrī mantra.
You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the symbolic meaning contained in and revealed by the Sāvitrī gāyatrī, dispelling the darkness and cultivating a living relationship with its power...
... and activating its transformational potential by consistent repetition of and meditation on the Sāvitrī gāyatrī mantra in your personal practice.
In this module, you’ll:
Brahmā is considered to be the Source and primary cause of all existence — and the ultimate and all-pervading reality.
Brahmā is said to have emerged from Brahmān at the moment time and space were born...
... and then created the world of name and form. In the Trimūrti, as Creator, Brahmā represents rajo guṇa, the quality of energy.
You’ll learn the Brahmā gāyatrī and gain a deeper understanding of the symbolic meaning contained in and revealed by Brahmā, cultivating a living relationship with his power — and activating his power to fill your life with meaning and purpose.
In this module, you’ll:
Tradition says that Brahmā created the universe through the agency of his Śakti, Sarasvatī, considered to be the goddess of language, knowledge, and wisdom.
You’ll learn how to chant the Sarasvatī gāyatrī — and gain a deeper understanding of the symbolism contained in and revealed by Sarasvatī...
... cultivating a living relationship with her power and activating her potential to inspire your creativity within your own life.
In this module, you’ll:
In one of the earliest texts, the Ṛg Veda, Viṣṇu is identified as the personification of light. In the Yajur Veda, Viṣṇu as Nārāyaṇa is identified as the Supreme Being who is the foundation for and ultimate destination of all souls.
In the Trimūrti, as Preserver and Sustainer, Viṣṇu represents sattva guṇa, the quality of purity and wisdom.
This week, you’ll learn how to chant the Viṣṇu gāyatrī — and gain a deeper understanding of the symbolic meaning contained in and revealed by Viṣṇu...
... cultivating a living relationship with his power and activating his power to activate unconditional love within our own life.
In this module, you’ll:
Known as the Śakti of Viṣṇu, Lakṣmī is identified with auspiciousness, health, wealth, and good fortune... as well as compassion and mercy.
You’ll learn how to chant the Lakṣmī gāyatrī — and gain a deeper understanding of the symbolic meaning contained in and revealed by Lakṣmī...
... cultivating a living relationship with her power and activating her alignment with dharma within your own life.
In this module, you’ll:
Rudra/Śiva is considered the liberator of souls from the sea of cyclic existence or Saṁsāra... and traditionally worshipped in order to attain freedom, or mokṣa.
In the Trimūrti, as Destroyer, Śiva represents the tamo guṇa, the quality of inertia or laziness. In post-Vedic literature, Śiva is understood as possessing both destructive and constructive powers — seen not only as a destroyer but also as a rejuvenator of all of existence.
Rudra/Śiva is also understood to be the Lord of Yoga, the Lord of Tapas, and the teacher of yoga to the great sages.
You’ll learn how to chant the Rudra gāyatrī — and gain a deeper understanding of the symbolic meaning contained in and revealed by Rudra/Śiva...
... cultivating a living relationship with his power and activating his transformational potential to help you free yourself from identification with and attachment to the world of name and form.
In this module, you’ll:
In Vedic times, Durgā was revered as the Devī — the feminine nature of god. In post-Vedic literature, Durgā was worshiped as a warrior goddess who conquered evil and protected the innocent.
In the tradition known as śaivaism, Durgā is seen as another form of Pārvatī/Gaurī/Kālī.
Adherents of the tradition known as śaktism consider Durgā to be the combination of the Tri-Devī-s — Sarasvatī, Lakṣmī, and Pārvati/Gaurī/Kālī — in one form, the One Divine Mother of all, Mahā Devī.
You’ll learn how to chant the Durgā gāyatrī — and gain a deeper understanding of the symbolic meaning contained in and revealed by Durgā...
... cultivating a living relationship with her power and activating her transformational power to face all challenges as they come in your life.
During the final class, you’ll:
In addition to Gary’s transformative 14-module virtual course, you’ll receive these special bonuses to complement the course and take your understanding and practice to an even deeper level.
What is the real orientation of your practice? In this PDF, you’ll read the succinct reflections of Master Yoga Teacher, Gary Kraftsow, who sums up the outer, inner, and secret orientations of yoga practice.
Tradition reveres Patañjalias one of the greatest sages of ancient India who composed the Yoga Sūtra,the most ancient and authoritative text on the science of Yoga. This one-hour meditation is focused on Yoga Sūtra l.23, in which Patañjali introduces his teachings on Īśvara, a non-sectarian term used to describe Source or the Divine. This particular sūtra describes the nature of the relationship to the Divine that helps the faithful practitioner overcome sources of suffering and awaken to their highest potential. You’ll also learn the meaning and chanting of the sūtra, simple āsana and prāṇāyāma, and reflections by Gary Kraftsow — to support a deep and personal meditation on its meaning and relevance in your own life.
According to the ancients, svādhyāya develops tapas, tapas develops svādhyāya, and together they help us awaken to the spiritual dimension of life. This PDF offers a deep dive into the process of self-investigation and self-discovery. As you go deeper and deeper into Self, eventually you’ll also discover (or uncover) the Divine.
— Bernadette Solar: “Gary Gives Us Tools to Take us Through All Stages of Our Life, Dealing With All Aspects of Life”
— Steve Rooney: “Gary Gives Us Tools to Take us Through All Stages of Our Life, Dealing With All Aspects of Life”
I deeply enjoyed the Viniyoga approach to experiencing yoga: the in-depth lecture portion in this program provided a substantial context and a cumulative foundation for practice. The teachings of each aspect — chanting, pranayama, and asana — started simply and deepened in complexity. The content was beautifully synergistic and skillfully delivered. Gary Kraftsow is a master teacher and illuminates the Eightfold Path with great intelligence. He makes the ancient teachings accessible. I am grateful and feel inspired to study further.
— Sharon, Vancouver, Canada
— Veronica
Gary’s teaching raises as many new questions as it answers. And that’s high praise and proof he is taking you deeper. Much of yoga has become performative and repetitive. Gary goes deeper, where you might squirm, be wrong, or certainly challenged — but that is where new learning and awareness is.
— Greg, Hallandale Beach, Florida
— Sue, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Gary is a gifted teacher, who has so much wisdom and healing energy. His approach is unique and so beneficial to incorporate the spirit of yoga for healing on all levels.
— Anonymous
Experience a unique opportunity to learn from the founder and director of the American Viniyoga Institute Gary Kraftsow — from the comfort of your own home. Each class session includes a streaming video option and will guide you to follow the cakra map to purify dysfunctional patterns and embody the transformational potential of the Vedic gods and goddesses using ancient Tantric Laya Yoga practices.
In addition to the high-quality videos and MP3 audios, you’ll also receive the entire class transcription after each session is completed. You can then review, print, and highlight the most important insights and practices you were given.
Between class sessions, you’ll have the option of completing related exercises, practicing new tools, and answering questions to accelerate your learning and integrate each lesson.
We feel honored that Gary Kraftsow has chosen to partner with The Shift Network to offer this exclusive online training. This is a unique opportunity to learn from the founder and director of the American Viniyoga Institute, whose powerful insights and pioneering work are helping us heal and awaken ourselves and our world.
If you’re serious about liberating yourself from suffering by dissolving the knot of the heart and activating your innate power to heal and direct your life using ancient Tantric Laya Yoga practices, then you owe it to yourself, your loved ones, and our world to take this one-of-a-kind training.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your own evolution, click the register button below to reserve your space now.
Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed! If you don’t absolutely LOVE Dissolve the Knot of the Heart & Connect to the Divine With Tantric Laya Yoga — or don’t feel that it meets your needs — please submit your refund request form 14 days from your date of purchase and we’ll happily issue qualifying customers a refund.
Gary Kraftsow is a living yoga master. His depth and breadth of knowledge of yoga is vast, as is his experience as a practitioner and teacher of almost 40 years. Learning from him is truly an enlightening and educational experience. Every time I study with Gary, I feel elevated as a practitioner and empowered as a teacher. Studying with Gary Kraftsow is mandatory for students seeking authentic yoga.
— M.P., Viniyoga teacher
I wanted to let you know that I am profoundly grateful for your Zoom practices. As a daily technology user for my job, it can be challenging to get an intimate and empathetic feeling to come across consistently in a remote session. Your meditations are spot on, and I am benefiting so much from attending them.
— B.R., Viniyoga teacher
Thank you so much for the work you have done in inspiring people. I love the way you present the teachings in such an understandable and eloquent way. When you stated the reason we suffer “as the result of our entanglement with the world of name and form,” I was just blown away. When you frame it that way, of all a sudden everything makes sense to me. I understood how the greatness of the whole has magnified my understanding.
— E.N., Viniyoga teacher-in-training
I am such an advocate for Gary because these teachings are real. They have transformed my life and I have witnessed a transformation in the lives of my students as well. I am profoundly grateful to be a part of this tradition.
— S.C., Viniyoga teacher
— M.H., Viniyoga therapist
I cherish the mantras and meditation. My brain was soaked in the mantras to the point where when I woke I heard them playing in the background of my consciousness. Now that is deep work!
— M.D., Viniyoga student
Gary Kraftsow has been an innovator in the transmission of yoga for health, healing, and personal transformation for over 40 years. He began his study of yoga in India with T.K.V. Deśikāchar in 1974 and received a Viniyoga Special Diploma from Viniyoga International in Paris, France in 1988.
Gary received his masters degree in psychology and religion from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1983 and opened the Maui School of Yoga Therapy around that time.
In 1999, he founded the American Viniyoga Institute, LLC. Since then, he has become a renowned speaker and teacher of the Viniyoga methodology at many conferences and schools nationally and internationally. Gary has successfully developed protocols for two National Institutes of Health studies, one on yoga for chronic low back pain and one on yoga for anxiety. He also helped develop a clinical trial on mind-body stress reduction in the workplace.
He is the director and senior teacher at the American Viniyoga Institute (AVI®), author of the books Yoga for Wellness and Yoga for Transformation, and of the educational DVDs Viniyoga Therapy for Low Back, Sacrum and Hips, Viniyoga Therapy for Upper Back, Neck and Shoulders, Viniyoga Therapy for Depression, and Viniyoga Therapy for Anxiety.
He has also produced multiple online workshops and is in the process of creating the AVI Digital Library, which offers both live and on-demand classes.
Q: What’s a virtual course?
A: It’s a great way to engage live and pre-recorded teachings and each other from the comfort of your home! All you need is a computer, mobile device, or telephone. If there’s more than one person in your household taking the course, you’ll each need your own connection. We use Zoom video conferencing to make it just like an in-person event, where you can ask questions and deepen your exploration of the course themes.
There’s no additional charge for connecting to Zoom with your computer or mobile device. Please note that dialing Zoom from your telephone is a toll call; your telephone service provider will charge you according to your existing long-distance calling plan. International access numbers are available.
“I’ve never seen a course so well put together ever...”
I had never participated before in an online course. The packaging, presentation, inclusion, and Facebook postings created a wonderful, safe cocoon within which to participate. I’ve never seen a course so well put together ever — not in all the years of taking college classes — and I had my doubts about doing an online course. The wealth of organization and ease of learning materials and support made this fun as well.
— Claudia F., Medford, Massachusetts
Q: Can I get benefit from the course if I miss the live classes?
A: Absolutely! You can download the recordings and transcripts of all course sessions from our online media archive, so you never need to worry about missing live calls. You can also engage the full community and leaders on our private online community group.
Q: Can you tell me about the private online community group?
A: We’ll have a private online community group for all course participants that will support you in making connections with others, sharing insights, engaging in discussions, and completing homework assignments that can supplement your transformational journey. You’ll have the ability to share your experiences, projects, and growth throughout the course.
Q: Are there scholarships available for this training?
A: Yes, we always make a certain percentage of spaces available for partial scholarships, for those who otherwise would not be able to enroll at the regular rate. If you’d like to apply for a scholarship, please review our guidelines, which include a link to our online application form.
Q: What’s your refund policy?
A: Your satisfaction with The Shift Network and this course is our highest priority! We offer a satisfaction guarantee so that you can sample the course risk-free. The deadline to receive a full refund is October 17, 2022. To request a refund, please click on this refund request form and submit your request. Qualifying refunds will be processed within five business days and an email confirming the refund will be sent. However, we’d love to have a chance to address and resolve your concerns first. If there’s something we can assist you with, please email us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help! (No refund requests accepted after the above date or with scholarship awards.)
Q: What is your refund policy?
A: Your satisfaction with The Shift Network and this course is our highest priority! We offer a satisfaction guarantee for a full 14 days so that you can try out the course risk free. The deadline to receive a refund is 14 days from your date of purchase. To request a refund, please click here to submit your Refund Application Form. Your refund will be processed within five business days and we will send you an email confirmation when your refund has been completed. However, we’d love to have a chance to address and resolve your concerns first. If there’s something we can assist you with, please email us at [email protected], and we’ll be happy to help!
Q: How can I reach Customer Support?
A: Please visit our Customer Support Center, where you should be able to find the answer to your question or the solution to your problem. And if you can’t, you can submit an online request form and we’ll get right back to you.
