Martin Dojčár

Teacher

I live what I practise – spirituality.
I have been systematically engaged in the practice and theory of spirituality for the last 33 years. Professionally, I specialize in spirituality research and interreligious dialogue. I was privileged to participate in several research stays worldwide at Collegeville Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research, Bossey Ecumenical Institute, and Fulbright American Studies Institute.
An extensive list of my publications includes five scholarly books:

Spirituálny dialóg (TF TU, 2021
Self-Transcendence and Prosociality (Peter Lang, 2017)
Sebatranscendencia: antropologický model (Dobrá kniha, 2017)
Problém globálneho spolužitia: antropologické východisko (Veda, 2012)
Mystická kontemplácia: Oblak nevedenia & Ramana Maharši (Iris, 2008).

I am honored to serve as the Editor-in-Chief of the international peer-reviewed journal on spirituality Spirituality Studies.
It is my pleasure to give lectures and consultations on spirituality, and provide a private Meditation Program for motivated individuals.

Practice/Workshop/Lecture schedule:

10.00 – 12:00 | 17.00 – 18:30*

* – The schedule is subject to change during the event. A more precise timetable will be provided closer to the date.

Language

English

Title & Short Description of the type of Yoga Practice

How are Abhyasa and Vairagya Employed in the Inversion of Intentional Consciousness?

Morning workshops aim to relate abhyasa and vairagya to the main goal of yoga, which is described in the Yoga Sutras as “the inhibition of the fluctuations of the mind (intentional consciousness)” (Yoga Sutras 1:2) and is considered a precondition for the recognition of pure (non-intentional) consciousness (Sa. draṣṭuḥ). Since in yoga the inhibition, stilling or ceasing (Sa. nirodha) of the movements of the intentional consciousness (Sa. citta vrtti) is deliberately based on manipulation with the vital energy (Sa. prāna), the first six yoga angas will be explained as serving this purpose through continuous daily practice, both formal and informal. Emphasis will be placed on how they can be integrated in a complex way based on the understanding of their interrelationship. Selected methods and techniques from the inner prāṇāyāma, pratyahara, and dhāraṇā will be progressively demonstrated and practiced.
Afternoon workshops further develop the outcomes of the morning ones and aim to relate nirodha to the realization of non-intentional consciousness (Sa. draṣṭuḥ). The afternoon classes will focus practically on the transition from nirodha to non-intentional consciousness in formal and informal practice using methods and techniques from the dhāraṇā and dhyāna stages. Emphasis is placed on recognizing, concentrating on, and surrendering to the witnessing aspect of “ego” (Sa. ahaṁkāra) as a trait of non-intentional consciousness or our true Self.

Doc. Dr. Martin Dojčár PhD., serves as a Professor of Religious Studies at Trnava University and Editor-in-Chief of the Spirituality Studies journal. His research interests include yoga, comparative mysticism, and interfaith dialogue. He is a longtime integral yoga practitioner.

Federation: SYA Slovak Yoga Association