Christianity and Yoga

11/05/10 to 11/08/10

Taught by Brother Rolph Fernandes •

Course Details

St Francis' understanding of the teaching of Jesus led him to be the person we know and love. We will reflect on his prayer life which was very similar to the early fathers and mothers of the Christian Church.

Most of all, St Francis is a man for all times, how he was Yogi in the true sense of the word and we can learn through 3 main teachings of his life in relation to today:

1) The importance of prayer and meditation in his life.

2) How he served those less fortunate than himself...the outcasts,.the lepers. and his re-action towards the war....crossing over to speak with the Sultan.

3) What was his attitude towards wealth and accumulation of goods.

Curriculum

We would like to reflect on things that occured in the time of St Francis, economy crisis, the war (he lived during the Crusades). What was his attitude towards these things and what can we learn for today?

Shortly before St Francis died, on looking back on his life, he explained what was the main event which changed his heart, he said that from then on "all that was bitter, turned into sweetness"

This event was also the main reason which inspired Francis, in a time of war, to cross over the lines and seek dialogue with the enemy of his time.

The Great Master Swami Sivananda said that Saint Francis was an illustrious saint.

Swami Chidananda said that St Francis was a great Christian Yogi!

Brother Thomas of Celano who was a brother contemporary, disciple and biographer of St Francis was asked by the Pope Gregory ix to write the life of St Francis and he completed the First Book in 1229. It was mainly from his writings that we discover what was at the heart and mind of this saint. He wrote:

"He was serene of mind, sweet of disposition, sober in spirit, raised up in contemplation, zealous in prayer, and in all things fervent. He was constant in purpose, stable in virtue, persevering in grace, and unchanging in all things. He was quick to pardon, slow to become angry, ready of wit, tenacious of memory, subtle in discussion, circumspect in choosing, and in all things simple. He was unbending with himself, understanding toward others, and discreet in all things.

He was a most eloquent man, a man of cheerful countenance, of kindly aspect; he was immune to cowardice, free of insolence, he called all creatures brother, and in a most extraordinary manner never experienced by others, he discerned the hidden things of nature with his sensitive heart, as one who had already escaped into the freedom of the glory of the sons of God. "

Cost

Tuition: $125 plus accommodations for 4 nights OR $35 to attend for a day of the program.

Arrival and Departure

The course will begin at 8pm on Friday, November 5 with Satsang, and will end Monday, November 8 by 3pm.

We recommend that you spend at least a few days at the Yoga Farm before the start of your course. This allows your body and mind to rest, re-energize and be nourished by the ashram environment. You can then bring your study feeling relaxed and refreshed. You may also wish to stay for some days after the end of the course to allow the learning from your study to integrate more fully into your consciousness within the supportive environment of the ashram. If you decide to arrive early and stay longer, please register for the Yoga Vacation Program for those additional days. Please see the calendar of events for guest programs on offer around the time of your visit.

What to Bring

Slip-on shoes, loose comfortable clothing, writing materials, meditation shawl or blanket, yoga mat, flashlight.

All books and materials are available in our boutique.

Reservations

To reserve a place for this course, please register online or email yogafarmregistration@sivananda.org. Then please call to give us your credit card deposit and confirm your reservation.

A deposit paying for your first night's stay is required for your reservation. Please note that in case of cancellation, no refund will be given. A credit note for other programs at the Yoga Farm (valid for one year) will be given.

Tuition Discounts

Seniors (60+) 10%

TTC Graduates 10%

About Brother Rolph Fernandes
Brother Rolph Fernandes is an international meditation and Interfaith teacher, native from Trinidad and citizen of Canada. He was a Franciscan monk for 43 years during which time he was mandated by the Franciscans as their Inter-Faith representative for the Canadian branch of their Order. Rolph was sent by the Order to attend the Parliament of World Religions in 1983 and also international conferences in Melbourne, Australia, in Rome, Paris and Sarajeivo. Rolph visited India twice and met with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1971 and received empowerment from His Holiness The Karmapa. In 1981 to 1982 he lived in Shantivanam ashram in India, under the guidance of Fr.Bede Griffiths and also took retreat in a cave in the Himalayas. During his visits to India, he has visited many living Masters such as Ma Ananda Mayi. He founded in 1987 in Montreal, "the Peace Prayer in the Spirit of Saint Francis" and was the main organizer of the event for 10 years. In 1993, he organized the "Interfaith Gathering " in Montreal to host the visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Rolph now lives on his own and has been sharing his experience in Inter-faith Dialogue and also lecturing on Franciscan spirituality as seen in that light. He lectures on " Yoga and Christianity" , "Yoga and the Spirit of Saint Francis" , "Meditation", "Meditation Techniques of Eastern and Western Traditions". He also gives talks on his research between mystics of both Christian and the tradition of India. Rolph sees St Francis as a saint of all times and as such , he seeks to show how St Francis lived through the difficulties of his time as an example for us today. In 2004, Rolph was ordained as an Interfaith minister in NY, and now he serves at AA retreats, Aids clinic, and do personal spiritual counseling. He believes strongly in the strength of a community and in the importance of a personal connection with God, supported by prayer and meditation. Rolph@rogers.com