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 Into the Depths

an immersion like no other

begins spring 2023

 

O N E   Y E A R   O F   Y O G I C   R E F L E C T I O N

 

2023 - 2024

 

 

This course is a sacred inquiry into the depths of the soul for lovers of Hatha Yoga. Our intention is to engage Hatha Yoga in an authentic way, by remapping traditional metaphors onto our own experience, and turning the soil of insight.  Instead of confining ourselves to the somatic practices and techniques, we engage in the yoga of deep reflection, where truth becomes not something that we think, but something that we embody.

Using a carefully curated selection of readings from both Eastern and Western contemplative traditions, we trace the mythic movement of Hatha Yoga beyond the signs and symbols in which it is traditionally expressed, to uncover an archetypal pattern of awakening. Then we explore that pattern, not through scholarly study, not through stilted rituals, not through the mechanical repetition of techniques, but through an unrelenting reflection on our own experience.

More than a course of study, this immersion takes us deep into the womb of contemplative reflection, and asks us to connect to an internal source of guidance and support.  Our practice is to use our powers of reflection to emancipate ourselves from the voices of external authorities, to overcome psychical division, and begin to know ourselves in the original sense.

This course is especially designed for spiritual expats and philosophical refugees, somatic explorers, soul hunters, star gazers, rule breakers and other mystical miscreants who have had enough of the ruses of religion, and want to set down dogma and the burden of belief to follow the true path of reflection on what is.

My mentor Richard Freeman once said that "Yoga is freedom from religion." This course can be seen as a sustained unraveling of that enigmatic statement, and an uncovering of the embracing, loving, affirming vision of reality behind it.

 
Through a combination of talks, asana tutorials, guided meditations, assigned readings, reflective journal prompts and peer study groups we'll dive deeper together, and together we will evolve.

 

The exact format and tuition for 2023 - 2024 has yet to be determined. If you are interested in learning about enrollment, please email Rachel at [email protected].  

 

 

One Year of Yogic Reflection

 

Join me for the second iteration of this unique experimental course, where we explore the archetypal movement of Hatha Yoga and uncover the enchanted experience of the world that it provokes. The movement in question can be found in both Eastern and Western contemplative traditions that recognize the body as a sacred nexus of spiritual wisdom. We engage these traditions to touch the timeless wisdom of yoga, and begin to know it from the inside.

More than a course of study, this immersion takes us deep into reflection, and asks us to become intimate with ourselves. Our intention is to connect to our own source of internal guidance and support, which liberates us from dependence on external authorities, and allows us to know ourselves in the original sense.

My mentor Richard Freeman once said that "Yoga is freedom from religion." This course can be seen as a sustained unraveling of that enigmatic statement, and an uncovering of the embracing, loving, affirming and creative energy behind it. 

Through a combination of talks, asana tutorials, guided meditations, assigned readings, reflective journal prompts and peer study groups we'll dive deeper together, and together we'll evolve. 

Advanced Enrollment (USE CODE "ADV_ENROLL" ends March 15, 2022)
$2950 $2550

Returning Students Advanced Enrollment* (ends March 15, 2022)
$1950 $1550

*Returning students can email [email protected] to complete registration.

Enroll Now

Payment Plan

$550 deposit + 12 monthly payments of $200 = $2950
Advanced enrollment rate is not available with payment plan option. $550 deposit is non-refundable.

Enroll with payment plan

TALK SERIES

 

Spiritual expats, philosophical refugees, somatic explorers, and prospectors of the subtle body, you are formally invited to a rough but inspired mishandling of crucial philosophical themes, sure to be of enduring interest to the irrepressible part of you that seeks.

Expect to be roused, incited, provoked to rediscover Hatha Yoga, by listening more deeply to the wild intelligence of your own breath.

As a prelude for Into the Depths, this series is designed to give you a taste of that magical program.

                WATCH THE REPLAYS

 
 
 
 
 

T  E  S  T  I  M  O  N  I  A  L  S 

 

TESTIMONIALS 

 

"The curriculum was a well-rounded and effective methodology to yoga asanas, yoga philosophy, Buddhist psychology and meditation practice. The reading materials were a great collection of sacred texts and contemporary literature. The weekly live discussion was lively and inclusive. Ty taught through his experience and knowledge of high caliber. It was like running into a stream of wisdom that deepened the way I practice yoga."

Hai Hoang
(USA)

"This course has been supportive in so many ways, my practice, spiritual growth, and reflection on ordinary day-to-day experiences. It has opened interest and curiosity on many ideas and themes we discussed and read; I have had great reflections internally and also conversations at home and with friends around many of the topics we explored. I really had no expectations coming in; it has been a beautiful exploration of the mind and spirit."

Johnann Cristobal
(Guatemala)

 "I have been a student of Ty Landrum for several years now. From the beginning of the pandemic I took his online primary and secondary series lead classes and other courses like The Breath of Ashtanga and Into the Heart. Loved them all and found them beneficial and inspiring.

As an educational program, Into the Depths is in a class by itself. My experience has been transformative, life changing and deeply nourishing. The lectures, the readings and the asana videos are illuminating and thought provoking. I will be participating in the next offering by Ty and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in serious, insightful inquiry."

Bob Ligon
(USA)

"I embarked on this course thinking that I would learn a bit more about asana and pick up some yoga philosophy. What has actually occurred is a soul-searing experience of radical self-reflection and compassionate introspection. What’s occurred is a connection with people around the globe who ask questions similar to mine and have a similar passion for self-knowledge. What’s occurred is an exposure to dozens upon dozens of authors, philosophers, yogis, Buddhist monks and kindred spirits. What’s occurred is a connection and deep respect for this teacher, Ty Landrum, who has been candidly open, wildly intelligent, and simply masterful in his ability to listen, engage and teach."

Rachel Wood
(USA)

"The Into the Depths course is an incredible journey. Be prepared to at some point find yourself knee deep in your emotional or spiritual mud. And trust that you have the best possible guide by your side, one who deeply cares. Your fellow course participants turn into your friends, really good ones. You won't mind spending evenings on Zoom to discuss the new material and you will look forward to every Saturday's talk. The downside: philosophical and mystical concepts from all arenas - not only Classical or Hatha Yoga - will keep you awake some nights or follow you into your dreams. But that's okay. Then gradually the mud will disappear. And you will realize that what you have been standing on all along is ... well, come and see for yourself!”

Franziscka Weidlich-Schill
(Germany)

"Into the Depths with Ty Landrum is the ‘né of the né’. I can’t remember where I first learned the term “né” during my yoga studies, but its loose translation is “central point”. I have been on a quest for yoga’s pith and most poignant instructions ever since. This course is just that. In every Into the Depths live class, recorded talk, asana instruction, reading, pranayama offering, Ty shares quintessential life hacks to help each of us connect to the né of the né in our own hearts, which, as we experience through practice, is the né of the né shared with every heart. Through this course, I have found a sense of peace and spaciousness that I wish upon every being from all of time."

Rachel Josephs
(USA)

"This course is fantastic, one of the best decisions I have made. I was able to learn so much about myself, about my environment and how my practice can support my life. It is exhausting, tearful but above all liberating. Thank you very much, Ty, for this opportunity  to learn from you and for your dedication. It changed my life and deepened my practice so much."

Berenice Hohenstein
(Germany)

"Ty's 'Into the Depths' is a profound experience diving deep into yoga in all its complexity. The course brings countless aspects together: philosophical reflections; understanding the human psyche and how it influences our perception of ourselves and the world. As students we are beautifully guided into analysing our practice, not just through the lens of traditional yoga philosophy, but also Buddhism and other schools of thought. The result is an amazing experience into our very souls."

Pedro Frazao
(Brazil)

"I have been practicing Ashtanga for 20 years, and I feel very privileged and lucky to have had the opportunity of attending Into The Depths. The course was really beyond all the usual parameters of how yoga philosophy is usually taught. I especially loved that the course created many bridges between Eastern and Western philosophy, and the breadth and variety of readings offered. I could not help but to buy a few of the books! I loved that we were asked us to use our lived experiences and to apply the questions about the nature of reality to our own lives. It was not just about abstract ideas. 

Our Saturday sessions were incredible in bringing together people from all walks of lives and every corner of the world who are very sincere and committed in trying to understand what we are really doing when we are practicing yoga. The sessions have felt very welcoming and open: everyone could say and ask anything. I have learnt a lot not just from the course content and structure, but from everyone's contributions. 

I also found the asana video instructions really valuable,  and they have supported in deepening the experience of the embodied practice. 

The course made me fall in love with the art of yoga even more... We still have a few weeks to go and I am really curious and excited about what will happen…"

Silvia Petretti
(Italy)

"I’m grateful for this opportunity to spend an entire year learning from Ty and all the yogis in our online sangha.  The course has changed the way I experience my practice, and dare I say life more broadly. I gained more perspective into the interconnectedness of the world and, through the balanced breathing technique (taught in the very beginning of the class!), experienced insight into the movement of energy in asana practice. I also learned to approach life with more lightness (still practicing that one :) ).

On a more practical side, the clear highlight for me was the weekly discussions with Ty and the group, which were really engaging; I appreciated how we all took the time to break down new and sometimes difficult concepts from the readings. I was touched by the way everyone in the group was open and honest, even though most of us never met in-person.

Overall, I highly recommend this course to anyone who is interested in going deeper into their yoga practice and create meaningful connections with like-minded yogis from all over the world!"

Oana Balmain
(Canada)

 "This course and Ty’s teachings have drastically changed the way I relate to practice, and more importantly highlights deep truths of how I relate with myself and others. He initiates conversations and inquires on how to apply many philosophical and psychological concepts into ones direct experience, and he has an eloquent way of describing these concepts that cuts away any false perceptions that we may get stuck in for many years throughout the path of growth. I feel this course has cut off years of striving within this process, and I now see what an actual embodied asana practice feels like… which contains openness, grace, and reverence. It’s incredibly inspiring to see and feel the change that has occurred within myself over the past year, and the incredibly open and vulnerable dialogue that has occurred between the participants."

Pete Cole
(USA)

 "I signed up for this course because I accidentally came across a video of Ty about the breath on youtube. Something deep resonated with his approach. I thought this Ty person might lead me to a deeper understanding to the questions about life. Questions I did not even realize I could have! And I’m so happy I joined. It’s a journey to open, to receive, to investigate, to let go and to give. Even if it might take the rest of my life to sink the richness and depth of Ty’s teaching into my being. It is truly beautiful."

Kaat Zoontjens
(Netherlands)

 "This course is absolutely brilliant. Ty guides us deeper and deeper into ourselves with such care, such beauty and reverence. The journey is perfectly curated. The weekly readings that Ty has so thoughtfully selected, weave together texts and thinkers that have profoundly opened my mind and heart. Our weekly classes are filled with conversation that is vibrant, intimate and allows for a deep exploration that continues far beyond the hour and a half. Group pod meetings bring even more intimacy and depth. This course is changing my life. I have such gratitude."

Mia Hatgis
(USA)

 "Although at times overwhelmed by its richness of content, I love the structure, abundance and depth of the Into Depth program. I am grateful for Ty’s effort to make the content available online - both on philosophy and asana practice - providing a holistic perspective on yoga. It’s definitely changing the way I practice and teach yoga to the better."

Christian Kramer
(Germany)

 "Go for it if you’re looking for far more than a yoga course. Ty can teach you proper alignment and how to find space and stability in any asana, but most importantly, he can teach you how to find space into your mind.  Through asana practice you’ll experience the possibility to create different shapes with your body and through the theoretical lessons and meditations you’ll be able to see many different perspectives of the reality, and at the same time you’ll learn how to maintain a lucid and peaceful approach to life.
Going into philosophy talks and readings can be difficult and intense, but any time I found myself doubtful and dense, I’ve discovered in the peer pods a very effective and helpful tool, since it’s possible to share experience, questions and insights with other people that are on the same path with you, and that creates also a beautiful and fulfilling sense of community.
I would definitely recommend this course, from the depths of my heart!"

Giulia Citerrio
(Italy)

"The Into the Depths Program is fundamental for people who wants to practice yoga or teach yoga from a place of clarity and in-depth. This is a multidimensional  (re-)discovery of yoga. Not only will you learn with precision where to put the foot or the hand; or how to marry prana and apana. You will also be guided by Ty Landrum with gentleness and yes, cleverness, and creativity,  to become an explorer on your own, navigating far beyond slogans, thinking out of the box. This is deep, this is beautiful. And totally reliable. A quite unique source of infinite knowledge. One door opening after the other. Isn't that yoga after all? 

Thank you Ty."

Patricia Ascari
(Switzerland)

a note from your guide...

 

This program has exceeded all of my expectations. The level of engagement, the devotion of the community, the scope of transformation among the participants, all of this has been astonishing.  A sure sign of the success of the program is that most current students want to continue, want to take another pass through the wilderness of the soul with the support of our community.  And like the experience of yoga, the second pass will be unprecedented, different, refreshing and new.

So I am thrilled to announce the second iteration of Into the Depths, my experimental yearlong immersion into the reflective and contemplative side of yogic practice and philosophy. There are no requisites here, no exams, no accreditations, but something finer and more profound—an invitation to dive deep into the inner tradition of yoga with an amazing community of sincere seekers from around the world, who are ready to embrace the confusion, the heartache, and also the sublime wonder of being alive. If this pulls on the strings of your heart, you are absolutely welcome to join.

Over the next couple of months, I will be giving a series of philosophical talks designed to prime you for the course, and answer any questions that you might have about its content and purpose. The talks are all free, and you can enroll for them here.

warmly,
Ty

C  O  U  R  S  E    O  V  E  R  V  I  E  W

 

Hatha Yoga follows an archetypal pattern of awakening, one that leads from isolation and despair to the quiet bliss of communion with the creative forces that shape us from within. In traditional texts, this pattern is symbolized by the rousing of kundalini, and her burning ascent through the central axis of the body from the pelvis to the crown. This course traces the pattern that the image represents, through reflection on the various constituent phases of consciousness.

The course spans 40 modules, arranged into 8 phases representing 8 different phases of the process of Hatha Yoga. As we pass through these phases, we explore the physiology, psychology and phenomenology of meditative experience.

Module 1

T O U C H I N G   T H E   G R O U N D

We begin by coming back into the body, and a finding a sense of ease, not only with the organs and tissues, but within the deeper supportive structure of the psyche itself. Here we contemplate trust and renunciation, as well as embodied presence in awareness. We begin the foundational practice of mediation, as attention to what is.

Module 2

B A L A N C I N G   T H E   B R E A T H

Here we find balance in the body through the breath. We begin to explore the various opposing energies that we work with in Hatha Yoga. Most notably, we explore the subtle forces of prana and apana, and contemplate their interpenetration through techniques of balanced breathing. We learn to see this contemplation as one of the central concerns of asana and pranayama.

Module 3

K I N D L I N G  T H E  F L A M E

This phase is about rousing the energy of spiritual aspiration, by contemplating the difference between ordinary and extraordinary modes of living. Drawing from ancient and modern sources, as well as our immediate experience, we contemplate the concepts of creativity, practical necessity and authenticity, as well as the vexed notion of “living our truth.”

Module 4

T H E  B U R N I N G  A S C E N T

In this phase, we turn to more difficult themes. This module is about bringing the heat of awareness up from the depths of the psyche, and allowing old and stale things to burn. Here we reflect upon the Four Noble Truths, not only as central teachings of Buddhism, but as central teachings of the Yoga Sutras as well. We contemplate the nature and source of suffering, and also the possibility of transcendence.

COURSE OVERVIEW

Hatha Yoga follows an archetypal pattern of awakening, one that leads from isolation and despair to the quiet bliss of communion with the creative forces that shape us from within. In traditional texts, this pattern is symbolized by the rousing of kundalini, and her burning ascent through the central axis of the body from the pelvis to the crown. This course traces the pattern that the image represents, through reflection on the various constituent phases of consciousness.

The course spans 40 modules, arranged into 8 phases representing 8 different moments of the process of Hatha Yoga.

Module 1

TOUCHING THE GROUND

We begin by coming back into the body and a finding a sense of ease, not only with the organs and tissues, but within the deeper supportive structure of the psyche itself. Here we contemplate trust and renunciation, as well as embodied presence in awareness. We begin the foundational practice of mediation, as attention to what is.

Module 2

BALANCING THE BREATH

Here we explore the various opposing energies that we work with in Hatha Yoga and contemplate their interpenetration. We learn to see this contemplation as one of the central concerns of asana and pranayama.

Module 3

KINDLING THE FLAME

This phase is about rousing the energy of spiritual aspiration, by contemplating the difference between ordinary and extraordinary modes of living.  Drawing from ancient and modern sources, as well as our immediate experience, we contemplate the concepts of creativity, practical necessity and authenticity, as well as the vexed notion of “living our truth.”

Module 4

THE BURNING ASCENT

In this phase, we turn to more difficult themes.  This phase is about bringing the heat of awareness up from the depths of the psyche, and allowing old and stale things to burn. Here we reflect upon the Four Noble Truths, not only as central teachings of Buddhism, but as central teachings of the Yoga Sutras as well.  We contemplate the nature and source of suffering, and also the possibility of transcendence.

Module 5

B L I S T E R I N G   I N S I G H T

In this phase, we climb to the pinnacle of our contemplative path.  This phase is all about untangling ourselves from the delusion of separate self.  Here we contemplate what are called, in Buddhism, the “three characteristics:” suffering, impermanence, and emptiness.  We practice some traditional analytical meditations on emptiness, and contrast them with modern reflections on emptiness from modern natural science and post-modern philosophy. 

Module 6

M E L T I N G

In this phase we turn to the devotional side of yoga, the side that explores the deep longing of the heart for intimacy with the divine.  We explore yogic practices such as the Brahma Viharas that help us connect to this longing within ourselves, and guide us deeper into meditative inquiry.  Here we contemplate the wisdom of the middle-path between theism and atheism, by exploring our own conceptually uncluttered experience of the divine, and we learn to see our yogic practices as various forms of prayer.

Module 7

O P E N I N G   T O   B L I S S

In this phase, we contemplate the descent of grace, as the answer to the deepest spiritual longing of our hearts.  We contemplate the metaphor of nectar pervasion and the psychodynamics behind it, and we turn to recognize the bliss of being, beyond the excitation of the senses.  Then we surrender our spiritual fantasies about drowning in bliss to consider the profound invitation of Tantric yoga, to participate completely in the deep revelry of life.

Module 8

S H A R I N G

In this phase, we reflect upon the natural response to spiritual illumination, which is loving attention to other beings. We consider the true meaning of learning, both in yoga and in life, and we consider what is involved in supporting others on their process. We lean to appreciate the importance of being fully present with others and learning with them.

Module 5

BLISTERING INSIGHT

In this phase, we climb to the pinnacle of our contemplative path.  This phase is all about untangling ourselves from the delusion of separate self.  Here we contemplate what are called, in Buddhism, the “three characteristics:” suffering, impermanence, and emptiness.  We practice some traditional analytical meditations on emptiness, and contrast them with modern reflections on emptiness from modern natural science and post-modern philosophy. 

Module 6

MELTING

In this phase we turn to the devotional side of yoga, the side that explores the deep longing of the heart for intimacy with the divine.  We explore yogic practices such as the Brahma Viharas that help us connect to this longing within ourselves, and guide us deeper into meditative inquiry.  Here we contemplate the wisdom of the middle-path between theism and atheism, by exploring our own conceptually uncluttered experience of the divine, and we learn to see our yogic practices as various forms of prayer.

Module 7

OPENING TO BLISS

In this phase, we contemplate the descent of grace, as the answer to the deepest spiritual longing of our hearts.  We contemplate the metaphor of nectar pervasion and the psychodynamics behind it, and we turn to recognize the bliss of being, beyond the excitation of the senses.  Then we surrender our spiritual fantasies about drowning in bliss to consider the profound invitation of Tantric yoga, to participate completely in the deep revelry of life.

Module 8

SHARING

In this phase, we reflect upon the natural response to spiritual illumination, which is loving attention to other beings. We consider the true meaning of learning, both in yoga and in life, and we consider what is involved in supporting others on their process. We lean to appreciate the importance of being fully present with others and learning with them.

COURSE STRUCTURE


On Mondays we release a new set of materials including:

• talk (30 min long)

• asana tutorial (about 30 mins)

• reading list (about 60 mins of reading)

• journal prompts for reflection

On Saturdays we talk together about the material.

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM CET. These are discussion sessions, where we talk about what we read or practiced. We meet 40 times in all.  

You meet with your study group each week at an arranged time.

Study groups are optional, but highly recommended, because current students love them. 

All live sessions will be recorded and reposted.

The recordings will be added to the course page within 24 hours, so you can watch them later if you can't make it live.

 

ENROLL

COURSE STRUCTURE


On Mondays we release a new set of materials including:

  • talk (30 min long)
  • asana tutorial (about 30 mins)
  • reading list (about 60 mins of reading)
  • journal prompts for reflection


On Saturdays we talk together about the material.

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM CET.  These are discussion sessions, where we talk about what we read or practiced. We meet 40 times in all.  


You meet with your study group each week at an arranged time.

Study groups are optional, but highly recommended, because current students love them. 

All live sessions will be recorded and reposted.

The recordings will be added to the course page within 24 hours, so you can watch them later if you can't make it live.

ENROLL

G L I M P S E S   F R O M   T H E   2 0 2 2   C O U R S E

GLIMPSES FROM THE 2021 COURSE

 
 
 

Meet Your Guide


Ty Landrum learned yoga from pain and heartache, loss and confusion, old books, lost tapes, full moons, long bouts of silence, cold winds, simplicity, forgiveness, surrender, and the caring words of a few good friends.

He draws inspiration from children, saffron, sage, carob, almonds, chocolate, wise women, gnarled old men, olive trees, deep rivers, steep mountains, quaking aspen, honeybees, love songs, sunrises, laughter and deep breath.

Ty has an unwavering love for this unique somatic discipline, which he began practicing back in 2005. Drawing on his formal background in philosophy (PhD University of Virginia), Ty has an unusual power for illuminating the internal dynamics of yoga. He sees yoga as conscious participation in archetypal patterns of human development, which he is ever drawn to explore.

Many inspiring people taught Ty about yoga, but the deepest and most lasting imprints have been made by Jennifer Eliot (his first teacher), David Garrigues (his second), Mary Taylor and Richard Freeman (his most recent), to all of whom he is forever grateful. These teachers all did something remarkable, which is to disappear, and allow the spirit of yoga to stand forth from within.

Ty now shares his love of yoga in studios and retreat centers around the world. His passion is to share the brilliance of yoga with anyone who wants to learn.

QUESTIONS

Don't see your question answered here? Reach out to us anytime at [email protected]

                

Request a Facetime call with Leila

 

Questions? Schedule a live call or FaceTime session with alumna, Leila A. Fortier to answer all of your questions about Into the Depths.