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Chanting, Philosophy & Practice with Lakshmish Bhat
This workshop is highly beneficial for all yoga practitioners, regardless of style or level, who wish to deepen their understanding of yoga beyond physical postures.
This immersive weekend workshop with Lakshmish Bhat offers a rare opportunity to study
yoga in its traditional and holistic form — where practice, chanting, and philosophy are woven together as one living path.
Each day is a 3 hour 15 minute session, including a short 15-minute break, and is divided into two complementary sessions: Chanting and Philosophy, with ample time for questions and discussion.
Schedule
Saturday & Sunday
April 25 & 26
10:00 am – 1:15 pm
Ganesha Puja: Wednesday 6:30pm - 8:00pm (entry free but please book your spot)
The first session focuses on the traditional chanting practices of Ashtanga Yoga, including among
others:
• Chanting of Primary Series asana names
• Finishing postures, vinyasa countings, and rhythm
• Ashtanga Yoga opening and closing prayers, with detailed explanations
• Selected prayers and bhajans dedicated to different deities, with their meanings
• Moral stories from the yogic tradition to illustrate philosophical values
• Japa practice (repetition of sacred mantra)• Open Q&A to support understanding and correct pronunciation
This session supports memorisation, devotion, clarity of sound, and a deeper connection to the
lineage.
The second session is dedicated to classical yoga philosophy, with teachings drawn primarily
from:
• Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā – Chapter One
• Key elements of the Yoga Sūtras
Topics may include:
• How yoga began and who introduced the yogic tradition
• The importance of paramparā (lineage) and the true meaning of Guru
• The three types of tapas
• Why yogic knowledge was traditionally kept secret
• Qualifications of a spiritual student
• How a yoga shala should be, and how practice should be done within it
• Behaviours yoga students should avoid, and qualities they should develop
• Understanding our weaknesses and methods to overcome them
• Explanation and benefits of key seated postures: Siddhāsana, Bhadrāsana, Siṁhāsana, and
Padmāsana
• When one may be called a yogi
• The role of moderate diet
• Foods yoga students should avoid and foods that are safe
• Lifestyle guidelines for yoga practitioners
• Who can practise yoga and how practice should be approached
• Why philosophy is essential to meaningful yogic practiceEach session concludes with Q&A, allowing space for reflection, inquiry, and integration.
Ganesha Puja – Open to All
Wednesday, April 22 6:30pm
Everyone is warmly invited to attend a traditional puja led by Lakshmish Bhat.
This gathering is free and open to all, offering a chance to come together in devotion and
community, regardless of workshop participation.
Pricing (SGD)
• Full Weekend (2 days):
• Regular price: 180 SGD
• Single day drop-in: 120 SGD
Ganesha Puja: Free of charge for everyone. Donations during the ceremony are welcome.
About the teacher:
Lakshmish Bhat is the principal chanting and Sanskrit teacher for students practicing at
Sharath Yoga Center (SYC) in Mysore, India, where he has been teaching for several decades.
He has worked closely with Sharath Jois and has been an integral part of the shala, guiding
thousands of students from around the world in the correct chanting, pronunciation, and
understanding of traditional yogic texts and prayers.
Deeply rooted in the paramparā of Ashtanga Yoga, Lakshmish Bhat’s teaching reflects a rare
continuity of knowledge — combining devotion, discipline, and clarity — preserving the living oral tradition of yoga as it has been passed down through generations.
