Vishnu Stories
Inspiring Tales of Divine Descent
What does Vishnu incarnate again and again in so many forms?
Vishnu is the cosmic Preserver, striving to protect the world age after age. He takes on a variety of incarnations – from fish, to tortoise, to boar, to lion-man, to dwarf, to human being – to protect the world and the beings within in.
Tales of Vishnu are full of vibrant characters, powerful lessons, and mind-blowing wisdom.
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 4-week online course is taught by renowned online teacher Dr. Raj Balkaran.
It draws from his new book The Stories Behind the Poses.
***This course counts as 12 hours of Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Credit***
Stories Covered
-
Cosmic Vishnu
• Vishnu’s Serpent Couch on the Cosmic Ocean (Reclining Pose)
• Vishnu’s Slumber (Yogic Sleep Pose)
• Embodying Vishnu’s Discus (Wheel Pose) -
The Power of Vishnu
• Garuḍa, Vishnu’s Eagle Mount (Eagle Pose)
• The Two-Headed Eagle (Two-Headed Bird Pose)
• Vishnu’s Dwarf Incarnation (Three Strides Pose) -
Vishnu's Animal Avatars
• Vishnu’s Fish Incarnation (Fish Pose)
• The Churning of the Cosmic Ocean (Tortoise Pose)
• Narasiṃha, Vishnu’s Lion Incarnation (Lion Pose) -
Vishnu's Human Avatars
• Arjuna’s Aim (Archer Pose)
• Krishna’s Divine Play (Child Pose)
• The Leap of Faith (Monkey Pose)
Learning Outcomes
- Viṣṇu’s stories and their profound meanings
- Significations of stories and their archetypal energy
- Insight into key yoga postures related to Vishnu stories
- Insight into human nature and spiritual evolution
- Mantras to Vishnu
Classes Include
- Live storytelling
- Academic content
- Wisdom teachings
COURSE OUTLINE
Module 1
Vishnu and the Cosmos
Module 2
The Powers of Vishnu
Module 3
Vishnu's Animal Avatars
Module 4
Vishnu's Human Avatars
Cosmic Vishnu
Module 1
• Vishnu’s Serpent Couch on the Cosmic Ocean (Reclining Pose)
• Vishnu’s Slumber (Yogic Sleep Pose)
• Embodying Vishnu’s Discus (Wheel Pose)
The Power of Vishnu
Module 2
• Garuḍa, Vishnu’s Eagle Mount (Eagle Pose)
• The Two-Headed Eagle (Two-Headed Bird Pose)
• Vishnu’s Dwarf Incarnation (Three Strides Pose)
Vishnu’s Animal Avatars
Module 3
• Vishnu’s Fish Incarnation (Fish Pose)
• The Churning of the Cosmic Ocean (Tortoise Pose)
• Narasiṃha, Vishnu’s Lion Incarnation (Lion Pose)
Vishnu’s Human Avatars
Module 4
• Arjuna’s Aim (Archer Pose)
• Krishna’s Divine Play (Child Pose)
• The Leap of Faith (Monkey Pose)
Course Instructor
Dr. Raj Balkaran is an expert in Indian traditions. Skilled at applying ancient Indian teachings to modern life, he dovetails academic training, live storytelling, and life wisdom to nourish his students’ hearts and minds alike.
He is also an avid spiritual practitioner and initiate into ancient Indian wisdom practices, which he has been engaged in for nearly two decades. He has literally done thousands of hours of mantra practice.
He has extensive experience teaching academics, continuing studies learners, and practitioners alike, and is a seasoned online educator.
See https://rajbalkaran.com for more information.
Questions about this course?
Contact him directly at [email protected].
