We have Yoga sessions by four teachers. They are as follows:
- Bijal Doshi (6 Sessions) – July 1 to July 6 – 8am to 9am Pacific Time
- Priti Khara (2 Sessions) – July 3 and July 4 – 7am to 8am Pacific Time
- Shantilal Parakh (3 Sessions) – July 2 and July 3 – 9am to 10am Pacific Time And July 4 – 9am to 10:30am Pacific Time
- Ajay Jain (1 Session) – July 6 – 7am to 8am Pacific Time
- Avni Talsania (1 Session) – July 2 – 7am to 8am Pacific Time
Bijal Doshi
Bijal Doshi is an internationally recognized and esteemed Yoga Exponent, Entrepreneur, Trustee, Jeweller, Philanthropist and Office Bearer in several Women’s Organizations. She is the President of WICCI, National Yoga Council. Ever since she started teaching many health & wellness specialists, Clubs and corporates have sought her insights and expertise. Her patronage includes celebrities and a wide online following. Bijal’s Yogdivine Bollywood yoga dance video has crossed 1 MILLION VIEWS on YouTube. Bijal is known for her passion for originality, unique approach, and inspirational styles that embodies physical, spiritual, and mental strength. Pranayam sequences and integrated lesson plans, including Therapeutic Asanas and Ashtanga flow are regularly Demonstrated to her students.
Sessions by Bijal Doshi of YogDivine.com
1. Introduction to Yoga and Pranayam (Breaths of Glory)
A PowerPoint presentation followed by Pranayam in Daily Life.
Thursday 1st July, 2021 from 8 AM – 9 AM
2. Therapeutic Yoga
Asanas for reversing health problems with Breath control and Awareness.
Friday 2nd July, 2021 from 8 AM – 9 AM
3. Sun-Salutations / Suryanamaskar with Mantra chanting
A guided sequence of twelve asanas resonating the breath with sun mantra chanting.
Saturday 3rd July, 2021 from 8 AM – 9 AM
4. Bollywood Yoga
A sequence of asanas blended into graceful movements on Bollywood medleys.
Sunday 4th July, 2021 from 8 AM – 9 AM
5. Yoga with a Twist & Pranayam
Between one breath and the next is life. A session not to be missed.
Monday 5th July, 2021 from 8 AM – 9 AM
6. Meditation: The Jain Way
The goal of this session is to bring a fusion of observing thoughts via Ashrav, Samvar and Nirjara through Chakra meditation.
Tuesday 6th July, 2021 from 8 AM – 9 AM
Priti Khara
My name is Priti Khara.
I live in Los Angeles.
I am in the fitness world for last 30 years.
I am a Life Coach.
Are you feeling lonely?
Have you smiled today?
Would you like to lose weight?
Are you ready to unburden yourself and ready to Forgive?
Come join me for a Total Mind and Body Rejuventing experience. I will hold your hand and help you Internally and Externally to get you strong and confident.
We will warm up with Garba
Exercise with Pilates and Yoga Asanas.
We will do some internal cleansing thru Pranayama.
We will wind down with Forgiveness Affirmations
Sessions by Priti Khara
1. Saturday 3rd July, 2021 from 7am to 8am(PST)
2. Sunday 4rd July, 2021 from 7am to 8am(PST)
Shantilal D. Parakh
SHANTILAL D. PARAKH is an internationally-known yoga teacher, reflexologist, metaphysician and healer. He served for many years as the Vice-Chair of the International Mahavir Jain Mission Canada, having been appointed directly by the Chair and Founder, Acharya Sushil Kumar. Though he was educated in the sciences from IIT Bombay, he has been practicing yoga for over 50 years and has been reading palms and working on the hands and feet for over 45 years. Shanti has also won championships in Hatha Yoga.
Introduction
All tīrthaṅkaras of all eras engaged in yoga and meditation, through which they attained kevalajñāna and ultimate liberation. Āsanas, prāṇāyāma, mantra, and dhyāna are all part of the integrated system of Jaina Yoga. There is only one true purpose to Jaina Yoga – to reduce or remove physical limitations so that we can sit stably, undisturbed and uninterrupted, for increasingly longer periods of time in sāmāyika, pratikramaṇa, pūja, or dhyāna. By practising Jaina Yoga, we remember the Tīrthaṅkaras, are continuously inspired by them, and can make progress towards reaching their exalted state.
These are meant to be participatory sessions and all viewers are strongly encouraged to participate. Please wear loose-fitting clothes and sit on a yoga mat or carpet. You will get maximum benefit from attending all three sessions in sequence, but, as the sessions are independent, you will benefit from attending even one or two sessions.
All sessions will feature Shantilal D. Parakh as the main practitioner/instructor, accompanied by one or two students.
Companion volume (all proceeds will be donated to JAINA)
Tīrthankarāsana: A Work on Jain Yoga, Motilal Banarsidass Publications, 2019
Available on amazon.com, amazon.ca, amazon.in, exoticindiaart.com and numerous other online
platforms. Also available from the author at www.shanti-yoga.ca
Sessions by Shantilal Parakh
1. Friday, July 2nd – Session 1 (1 hour) – 9am to 10am(PST)
Āsanas and mantras dedicated to the Tīrthaṅkaras from Lord Rṣabhadeva to Lord Śitalanātha
2. Saturday, July 3rd – Session 2 (1 hour) – 9am to 10am(PST)
Āsanas and mantras dedicated to the Tīrthaṅkaras from Lord Śreyāṁsanātha to Lord Munisuvratanātha
3. Sunday, July 4th – Session 3 (live 1 hour, Q&A session 30 min) – 9am to 10:30am(PST)
Āsanas and mantras dedicated to the Tīrthaṅkaras from Lord Naminātha to Mahāvīrsvāmi, plus āsanas and mantras for the Namokāra mantra
Mr Ajay Kumar Jain
Since 2018, after getting training from 108 Muni Shri Pranamya Sagar Ji Maharaj ( Sishya of 108 Sant Shiromani Acharya Shri Vidya Sagar Ji Maharaj) Mr. Jain has been doing and conducting Arham Dhyan Yog. He has conducted many Arham Dhyan Yog Sessions at different places on pan India basis. Mr. Jain was a speaker in Global Wellness Forum – 2020. The presentation of Arham Dhyan Yog which is based on Jain Philosophy and Methodology, was well received at the forum. He was awarded the Top 10 GWF- Best Excellent Performance Award- 2020 Since the declaration of lockdown by the Government of India, Mr. Jain has been conducting online Arham Dhyan Yog Classes on daily basis from 5.30 am to 6.30 am without any charges on a global basis and various participants are also from USA and London. On 27th March, he has already completed 365 classes in one year and more than thousands of people have been benefitted physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Physical problems such as knee joints, backbone, cervical problems, thyroid, sugar, overweight, high blood pressure, etc. have been fully cured. Emotional problems such as anger, anxiety have been resolved. Mental and Spiritual progress: Concentration level of all participants has increased. They are feeling calm and can easily meditate for an hour with 100% concentration.
Arham Dhyan Yog Session Content:
- How to attain peace?
- How to energize and balance the chakras?
- How to energize our inner soul?
- How to keep our body fit physically, mentally and emotionally?
- How to attain the goal of our life?
Sessions by Ajay Jain Arham Dhyan Yog
1. Tuesday, July 6th from 7am to 8am(PST)
Avni Talsania
Avni Talsania has a double Masters, MSc in International Management and a MSc in Yoga from S-VYASA (Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana) where she has done an in-depth study of Yoga Sutras, Yoga Therapy for diseases, Sanskrit texts, Physiology, advanced techniques and more. She has worked at an Arogyadhama (Alternative Healing Hospital) where patients with various diseases from Arthritis, Schizophrenia, Cancer, and many more come to be treated with yoga therapy and Ayurveda. She is also certified as a Brain Gym Instructor.
Avni grew up in New Jersey as an achiever in Track and Field, and was the highest performing female athlete in her London College Team, but due to her deep spiritual calling she merged her passion for athletics and spirituality. With the inspiration of her Sadguru, Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai, she became an advanced yoga teacher with schooling from the two yoga capitals of the world, Mysore and Rishikesh (500-hour RYT Yoga Alliance International). With His blessings and the advance authentic training in Yoga, she has found immense satisfaction in aligning her personal passion with spiritual evolution.
Additionally, she advanced in spirituality and Jain studies at the Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur, expanding her knowledge base with thousands of hours of satsang on various religious texts. Her forte is being both dexterous in asana practice and even more in-depth in her theory of yogic philosophy and Jain religion, being able to break down complex philosophical concepts into practical and impactful lessons for the urban yogi in the 21st century.
She has conducted workshops and sessions for corporations like Microsoft, Four Seasons Hotel, IBM, TATA, Aditya Birla Capital, Times of India, Yoga International (USA), General Mills, High Street Essentials, Cure Fit, Sarva Yoga, and has been featured numerous times in Vogue India, Mumbai Mirror, DNA and other press publications.
Video 1: HUMBLE: Beginner Yoga for Legs (25 Minutes)
A striving yogi always remains humble, in recognition of the infinite soul power which he has yet to experience. In this beginner class, Avni will guide you through the steps of Surya Namaskar and the basic standing and seated postures. The first step in a yoga practice is loosening the lower body, including hamstrings, ankles, knees, and quadriceps. This extremely gentle yoga session is for all ages and abilities (even 60+ and yoga newbies.) Advanced practitioners should also feel welcome to come to this class as a restorative and healing session.
Video 2: Yoga for Improving Posture and Releasing Back Pain
Yoga Therapy for Back Pain & Poor Posture - Join Avni as she guides you to calm your nervous system, reduce pain and fatigue, and strengthen the spine, improving posture in a joyful manner. Head, neck, and shoulders – no this is not a massage, it’s even better! 80% of the population will experience back pain at some time in their lives and it can be debilitating. Conventional pain relief medications cause uncomfortable side effects- so that's where people turn to yoga. According to a study at Harvard journal, yoga therapy can reduce pain and improve function in people with chronic low back pain. Yoga uses gentle stretching exercises to rectify damaging posture and increase spinal strength and mobility to reverse the disease.
Minaxi Choksi
The Art of beautiful handwriting is reviving into a Meditative Artform. The period of perfect fonts is becoming too static and too mechanical without creativity. The printers miss the ligatures and the human element. The art of imperfection is the new Mantra, and its popularity was proven in the 2019 JAINA Convention. Mina Choksi returns to the JAINA Convention to teach us this relaxing art form.
Mina Choksi is a fine art and graphic designer who has over 12 years of training in calligraphy. She is the current director of Kala Circle at the Jain Center of Southern California, has won numerous awards, and has presented at exhibitions and workshops from around the world.
She is trained in various mediums like watercolors, oils, charcoal, ceramics, glass, metal but currently her emphasis is mainly Calligraphy in Latin and Devanagari.
Sessions by Mina Choksi
1. Saturday, July 3rd from 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM PST
2. Sunday, July 4th from 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM PST
3. Monday, July 5th from 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM PST
List of Materials to bring to the class
July 3:-
A 11“ x 14” or similar size card stock or copy paper.
2 sharpened 2B or soft pencils.
Ruler, eraser, sharpener and masking tape.
July 4th: Fusion Brush and Rustic Calligraphy following items are recommended :
1. 11″ x 14″ watercolor paper ( hot or cold press)
2. 1/2″ or 3/4″ masking tape
3. Manila Folder
4. 1/4 ” Flat brush
5. 1″ Flat brush
6. Instant coffee
7. 1 water container
8. 1 small mixing cup with spoon
9. ruler
10. pencil
11. eraser
12. old rag / paper towels
13. Old credit card
July 5th: Mixed Media Book Marks
1. 11″ x 14″ watercolor paper
2. 1/2 ” masking tape
3. Instant coffee
4. pencil, ruler, eraser,
5. watercolors
6. watercolor pencil
7. micron pens, brush pens or fine point markers
8. scissors
9. hole punch
10. woolen yarn optional
11. 2 water containers & 1 mixing cup
12. Soft rag
Mona Gandhi
Cooking and food plating has been a way of expressing one’s inner self. A recipe is just a recipe until you pour a little bit of passion, heart and love into it.
Mona Gandhi, a culinary artist who enjoys sharing her talents with the community, was first drawn to food as a kid in her mother’s kitchen. She was born and raised in Mumbai but was exposed to a world of cuisines. Mona became the first Kitchen Queen for her award winning eggless tiramisu. She continues to share her talent with the community through her eggless desserts in support of Jain principles and values. In addition, she has had a few of her recipes published and has participated in several cooking demos at various social events, including the Jain Center. Creativity is her forte and she tries to bring a unique perspective in each and every one of her dishes. Not only is her food delicious but it also stands out with vibrant colors and beautiful plating.
Currently, Mona is the liaison for the Culinary Arts Program at the Jain Center of Southern California.
Sessions by Mona Gandhi
1. Saturday, July 3rd from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM PST
Preksha Meditation Session by Samani ji
Preksha meditation [Preksha Dhyana] is a popular meditation technique of Jainism. Preksha is one of India’s most ancient techniques of meditation which was practiced by Bhagawan Mahavira 2600 years ago.
Preksha dhyana is the system of meditation engaging one’s mind fully in the perception of subtle internal and innate phenomena of consciousness. It was formulated by Acharya Mahaprajna. It is the combination of knowledge from ancient religious books, modern science and experience.
Preksha Meditation is the practice of purifying our emotions and our conscious (chitta) and realizing our own self. Preksha Meditation is a technique of mediation for attitudinal change, behavioral modification and integrated development of personality. It leads to a life, which is balanced, blissful and full of peace; free from stress and enlightened in all respects. It helps to connect with your soul at its most profound level, achieving a state of super consciousness and increased concentration.
Samani Jinapragya ji
Samani Jinapragya ji is a senior disciple of H.H. Acharya Shree Mahashramanji.
She has deep knowledge of philosophy, Jain Aagams, Jain Tatva Gyan and History. She has lectured nationally and internationally on different aspects of “Jainism”, “Non-violence and peace”, “Happy, Harmonious and Healthy life through Preksha Meditation and Yoga”.
- Holistic Preksha healer. Conducting Preksha Therapy Camps for Psychosomatic diseases
- Practitioner of Preksha Meditation and Mantra uplifting Spirituality
- Innovative orator
- Taught Science of Living at many schools and colleges in India and lead the training sessions on behalf of JVBI as a visiting professor
Samani Kshanti Pragya ji is a disciple of H.H. Acharya Shree Mahashramanji.
She has deep knowledge of Jain Agams, Jain Tatva Gyan, and History. She has lectured nationally and internationally on different aspects of Jainism and has conducted Preksha Therapy Camps for Psychosomatic diseases. She is a practitioner of Preksha Meditation and Mantra uplifting Spirituality.
She has a master’s degrees in Prakrit evam Jainagam and English literature. She teaches Prakrit and Sanskrit languages at JVB Orlando. She has taught Science of Living, Jainism, Non-violence & peace in India and lead the training sessions on behalf of JVBI as a visiting professor.
At present, she is an Assistant Professor at JVBI Ladnun. She is translating a book “Dasavaikalik Choorni” written by Agatsyasinh Sthavir (A Prakrit commentary on ‘Dasavaikalik Sutra’)
Samani Kshanti Pragya ji