Many people think about Yoga as a body practice and Buddhism as a mind practice. In this talk, psychotherapist, yoga and dharma teacher Michael Stone, will talk about the psychological and physical connections between yoga and Buddhism. Then we he will explore how these practice are both grounded in ethical commitments that plant the seeds for social action and cultural awakening.

The teaching of Yoga and Buddhism are based on a profound understanding of interdependence. When we have direct experience of how parts of the body and even our culture can begin communicating, we set the stage of a balanced and radical form of social engagement and compassionate action. 

Michael runs Centre of Gravity Sangha, a community of Yoga and Buddhist practitioners in Toronto integrating deep formal practice, urban life and social action. Michael teachers internationally on the intersection of meditation practice, yoga and situational ethics. www.centreofgravity.org

Suggested Donation: $10 

Following the talk there will be a book signing with Michael and Jill Satterfield.

MICHAEL STONE

Michael Stone is a psychotherapist in private practice, lecturer, yoga teacher and authour. He co-leads the Centre of Gravity Sangha, a community of Yoga & Buddhist practitioners in Toronto and travels internationally, teaching in academic, yoga studio and conference settings. Michael offers courses and retreat that focus on integrating yoga postures, breathing practices, meditation and textual study. His research and teaching explore the intersection of committed spiritual practice and social action.

Michael also teaches courses and workshops to clinicians (doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, palliative care workers, psychotherapists) that integrate Buddhist teachings and meditation practices with contemporary approaches to clinical work. He runs the well respected Leading Edge Mindfulness for Clinicians Course in Toronto as well as training retreats.

Michael's academic background includes studies in psychology, psychoanalysis, philosophy and comparative religion. He teaches yoga in the tradition of Krishnamacharya and his principal teacher is Richard Freeman. He has studied Ashtanga, Iyengar and other forms of hatha yoga in depth as well as sanskrit and Indian philosophy.

JILL SATTERFIELD

Jill Satterfield is the founder of Vajra Yoga & Meditation, a synthesis of yoga and Buddhism that combines meditation, yoga postures, visualization and contemplation practices. She is also the founder and Director of the School for Compassionate Action: Yoga & Meditation for Communities in Need, a not for profit that trains teachers to offer yoga, meditation and emotional support to at-risk youth, people suffering with chronic pain and illnesses, PTSD, and addictions. Jill turned to yoga 30 years ago in an effort to heal from a debilitating physical condition coupled with acute chronic pain.

In 1992, she extended her exploration of the integral relationship of the mind and body through the study of Buddhism. Through combining the two disciplines - yoga and Buddhism - she healed beyond all medical prognoses. Jill is on the faculty of Spirit Rock Meditation Center’s Mindfulness for Yoga Training and the Kripalu Institute’s Integral Leadership Program for young adults. Jill was scholar and teacher in residence at the Kripalu Center in 2004, and was named one of the four leading Buddhist and yoga teachers in the country by the Shambhala Sun Magazine. She has been teaching for the past 20 years.