Acerca de
RED BELT -
THE YOGA SUTRAS
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
"What is yoga?" Our understanding of the Yoga System often begins and ends with asana (yoga postures). In the Sutras the Sage Patanjali lays out the "eight limbed path" of yoga, setting a foundation of understanding for yogis past and present. This 9 week session will help you grow in your practice and understanding of yoga as a way of life.
ORANGE BELT -
THE MAHABARATHA
The Mahabaratha
One of the ancient epics of ancient India, the Mahabaratha is ten times longer than Homer's Iliad and Odyssey combined. Learn about the struggle of the Pandava brothers and their epic journey to recover their kingdom; the reasons the Bhagavad Gita was spoken; the importance of living a Dharmic life; and so much more! This 9 week session will cover the entire epic give you an understanding of a story that helped shape the world.
YELLOW BELT -
AYURVEDA
Ayurveda - The Science of Life
Ayurveda is a sister science to Yoga. It was developed in ancient India at the same time yoga philosophy flourished. Ayurveda is a whole body healing system based on the idea that disease is caused by an imbalance or stress in a person's consciousness. This 9 week session will give you an understanding of the basics of the system of Ayurveda, where it came from, and how it can help to balance your body and your mind.
GREEN BELT -
PRANAYAMA & MEDITATION
_heic.png)
Pranyama & Meditation
As we delve deeper into our yoga practice, the calming and centering of the mind becomes paramount. Patanjali says in his Yoga Sutras that after asana (postural yoga) is mastered, Pranayama (breath control), and Dharana (meditation) are the next steps towards realizing our true self. This 9 week session will delve into how breath-work and meditation can add to your practice and your well-being.
BLUE BELT-
SANSKRIT & CHANTING
Sanskrit & Chanting
The ancient Sanskrit Language is no longer used in any official capacity, but it lives on in almost every language spoken in today's modern world. In this 9 week session we will learn about Sanskrit and its use in chanting Mantra; another great tool for focusing the mind.
PURPLE BELT-
THE RAMAYANA
The Ramayana
The Ramayana is the second great epic from ancient India. Follow Ram on his journey to rescue his beloved Sita from the evil Ravana. This 9 week session will help you learn how this amazing story echoes down from the past into our modern culture and teaches great lessons of Dharma.
WHITE BELT-
SVADYAYA
Svadyaya - Self-Study
The final level of the Mekhala system, the White Belt is the culmination of all previous study. Each student will create a customized course and topic of study to pursue.
What is Mekhala?
The Mekhala System is a personal growth and development program that prepares yoga practitioners for a deeper understanding of life on the yogic path. Through a comprehensive core curriculum rooted in foundational yoga principles, texts, and philosophy, yogis will expand their knowledge about yoga as a discipline. With a self-defined mission statement, trainees also create the opportunity to focus on elements of yoga that individually inspire and ignite. Progression through the Mekhala Program is structured as preparatory work for future entry into a yoga teacher training and/or other roles in the yoga community.
Mekhala is a Sanskrit term for “belt.” As you progress through the seven basic levels of the Mekhala System, you not only add to your knowledge and experience, but also add to your belt! Each level coordinates with a different color belt, earned after an assessment. You can continue in the Mekhala System until all belts have been earned.
What does the program look like?
The Mekhala Program begins as a 9-week commitment, with each week including a collective group seminar with discussion of basic yoga philosophy, at least two hours of asana practice, and assigned reading and writing that supplement your understanding of the core curriculum material as well as the specialty work you choose to pursue per your mission statement.
If you participate in the Mekhala System, you will receive access to Yoga Factory classes both online and on-site, in addition to our extensive video library. Weekly seminars will be conducted over Zoom/In Person. Local students and those who choose to visit are welcome to complete as much of their weekly assignments in person as they choose. Those not local to Pittsburgh can also complete this program virtually. Your program progress and logistical communications will be in capable hands, so you have ongoing mentorship and support along your yoga journey. The Mekhala Program is accessible, adaptable, and customizable to meet your needs and aspirations.
Who is it for?
Anyone! The Mekhala System is open to students, aspiring instructors, established teachers, beginners, and long-term practitioners. If you have the desire to deepen your yoga knowledge and make it a bigger part of your daily life beyond your time on the mat, this is the program for you. If you have aspired to learn more but are not quite ready or interested in becoming a yoga instructor, this is the program for you. If you are already an instructor and want to take your profession to the next level or develop your offerings to the community, this is the program for you. Mekhala is designed to inspire growth and development both on and off your mat.
We look forward to walking down the yogic path with you!
Let’s Work Together
Interested in Mekhala in the future or for a different school or venue? Let us know!