about Tantric Vinyasa Yoga
The word VINYASA (Sanskrit) stems from the root word NYASA which means "to place" and the prefix VI in this case means "in a special way". This could refer to placing your arm in a special way while in triangle pose, or it could mean placing a sequence of postures in a special way to reach a desired result. For example, a desired result could be a sequence to help improve digestion, relieve back pain or reduce chronic fatigue.
The word TANTRA (tantric is an adj. which describes something coming from tantra) is made up of two words: TANOTI and TRAYATI. Tanoti means "to expand, to stretch, to extend", while the word trayati means "to liberate or free". Therefore Tantra (tan+tra) means to expand one's experience and awareness of everything, to extend the frontiers of apprehension beyond the material, and hence to attain spiritual knowledge and liberation. Another definition of Tantra is "to weave".
Wow! That's some serious stuff. How do we do that? The main difference you'll notice in a Tantric Vinyasa class is that they include something called ADHIKARA. Simply put, adhikara means "progression" and "a sensitivity to the subtle realms". There will be a little guidance on alignment. Also there will be a smooth pace to the class to build a little heat, improve flexibility and strength, however, it won't stop with the physical body.
Through "weaving" in certain breathing and meditation techniques "in a special way", we will build this "sensitivity to the more subtle forces" which is called PRANA or the vital life force. The ancient Yogi's believed through learning to control the prana, you also learn to control the mind. You will leave a Tantric Vinyasa class feeling like you've cultivated vital life force and also a clear mind.
About Jim
Jim began his studies in Yoga, Tantra and Ayurveda in 1997. He was experiencing hip pain and decided to see a friend who was a physical therapist. The therapist told him that tight hamstrings were the cause of his hip pain and Jim decided to take an introductory yoga course. Not only did this solve the hamstring trouble but he learned that Yoga was concerned with much more than the physical.
For the next three years, Jim bounced around from one yoga studio to the next, until he met Paul Weitz, a teacher at Moksha Yoga Center in Chicago. Two classes a week turned into five classes a week as well as weekend workshops with top teachers from across the U.S. who stopped in at Moksha.
Jim then completed Moksha's teacher training with Daren Friesen, traveled to Ukraine for a two-month intensive training with master teacher Andrey Lappa and assisted Gabriel Halpern in his therapeutic classes at The Yoga Circle.
In 2002, Jim met his teacher, Rod Stryker. Rod was in Chicago to conduct a 21-day intensive training. Rod's teaching included everything Jim feels Yoga to be: asana, pranayama, mudra, bandha, kriya, mantra, meditation and elements of Ayurveda. He attended the morning practices and met with Rod one-on-one.
Since then, he completed and now assists in several teacher trainings in Rod's Para Yoga lineage. Jim is also a popular presenter at conferences, workshops and retreats in the U.S. and abroad.
Testimonials
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“Jim Bennitt is one of my most senior students and assists me for many modules in my Master Teacher Training Program. Jim is an outstanding student and teacher. He has a remarkable grasp not just of the fundamentals of the physical aspects of yoga, but a thorough understanding of the sciences and theory behind it including Veda, Tantra, and Yoga.”
– Rod Stryker, Teacher -
“Little writing has to be said when a person or their service are recommended... therefore I write to the point: an absolute and indisputable truth; I stand behind Jim’s skill, technique, honor, and yoga commitment — his yoga abilities are match by few... and if you could sift through the many you would have wished to have met Jim sooner. I didn’t take Yoga before Jim Bennitt, and I wouldn’t continue Yoga unless it was from from Jim Bennitt. Words cannot encompass the preciousness he devotes to Yoga, his teacher facilitation spectrum from the beginner student to master level yoga practitioner is unmatched!”
– Esther Jeles, Student -
“Jim Bennitt always provides a well-timed and balanced practice — one which includes asana, pranayama and meditation. He is one of the most clear and wise teachers I have ever learned from. Any student who attends his class will break through any preconceptions he or she holds about their abilities or strength. His knowledge of the science of yoga is vast, profound, and grounded and he offers the wisdom cleanly and simply. Any attentive student will be served ten-fold by sharing his practice. I am grateful to have had four years of continuous study with him. Because of this I can attend any public practice of any lineage and I can practice with stability, a good sense of humor, and strength. The integrity of his teaching serves my daily personal practice and I am able to continue on the path without injury or misconceptions.”
– Amy DeFigueiredo, Student