Claire Missingham Jahnavi Devi Yog School

Beginning in the Vedic age, women expressed in poetry and song their philosophical perceptions and their quest for the divine. In doing so, women often flouted social rules, enriching Hindu spirituality while asserting the independence of faith. Jahnavi/Claire has a particular interest in the ancient feminine divine and enjoys bringing these texts alive as inspiration to contextualise the sacred philosophical texts for modern yogis.  

You will learn the ancient philosophy of a wisdom path, a multidimensional theology and ethos, that explores liberation, creativity, and practical application of knowledge into Sadhana and life. We will explore the traditions, texts and theological path of the Goddesses/Shaktiya/Mahadevi , which is still a major branch of Hindu spiritual life.  The great feminine in Hindu religion has always been held in high esteem as the source of power, the Shaktiya that runs through our bodies (regardless of gender) and all of nature. Sanskrit Mantras connect us to this divine feminine energy to increase its energy and potency. We study the imperative Devi Bhakti, and discuss the relationship between some individual goddesses and the Great Goddess (Mahādevī).

This study group offers 5 sessions of study and self-directed reflection, reinforced by a list of suggested reading material and suggested homework each week.  The sessions proceed both historically and thematically, from the earliest stages of Goddess worship in the Yog texts society to the present, evolving the understanding of Goddess illumination in Hindu philosophical thought, and how you can use, discuss and teach with inspiration from the sacred texts and how they will support and bring peace to your Yog practice or teaching hereon.

 27th March 7pm GMT ~ Informal Introduction to the texts and area of study for those who can join live. Book list prep. Course begins April 3rd. 

Class One:  3rd April 2024 ~ 

 Introduction to the Mother Goddesses: The philosophy of female goddess presence and importance in Santana Dharm. Mahadevi is the fountain pouring the essence of creativity, power, a consciousness that infuses the cosmos. How and why and when to work with these energies regardless of gendered specificity of the devotee. 

Class Two: 17th April 2024 ~ 

Saraswati and her associated forms | Lesser known mantras | Meditation | How and when to perform personal pooja. Asan forms + techniques and mythical stories for Yog. Texts, stories and poetry for the Devi. 

Class Three:  24th April 2024 ~

Kali / Durga and their depth of and her associated forms | Lesser known mantras | Meditation | How and when to perform personal pooja. Asan forms + techniques and mythical stories for Yog. Texts, stories and poetry for the Devi. 

Class Four: 1st May 2024  ~

 Ganga Maa. The stories associated with Ganga Maa, the importance in society, relative to the personal | Ganga Strotam + Mantras | Asan forms + techniques and mythical stories for Yog. Texts, stories and poetry for the Devi. 

Class Five: 8th May 2024 ~  

Lakshmi and her associated forms | Lesser known mantras | Meditation | How and when to perform personal pooja. Asan forms + techniques and mythical stories for Yog. Texts, stories and poetry for the Devi. 

Referenced texts include: 

• Devi Bhagavata Purana 
• Devi Mahatmaya 
• Mystical Verses of Lalla 

Course layout: 

• 5 x 75 minute Asana + Theory Classes 
• Study at your own pace
• PDF’s, study resources, book lists and course readings
• Learn associated Mantras properly with correct pronunciation and application in pooja, sadhan + festivals
• Learn of the female poetesses live and work who historically have brought the feminine experience to light such as Lalleswari.
• Once enrolled you have access to the PDF with each week focus, the texts we are using and further readings. 

Your Swadyaya, at your pace!