Ashtanga Yoga, Buddhism & Human FlourishingWorkshop with Ellen Johannesen

Ashtanga Yoga, Buddhism & Human Flourishing

Workshop with Ellen Johannesen

29-31 May 2026

Stables Yoga Centre, York, United Kingdom.

We are thrilled to welcome Ellen Johannesen to Ashtanga York for this unique opportunity to explore the rich intersection of Ashtanga Yoga, Buddhist philosophy, and meditation.

Ellen is a KPJAYI Level 2 Authorized Ashtanga Yoga teacher with over 30 years of teaching experience. She also holds a Master’s degree in Tibetan Buddhism and Himalayan Languages, specializing in translation and interpretation. In this special workshop, Ellen will guide us through an integrated approach to practice, exploring how the wisdom of the Buddha aligns with the yogic path.Why Buddhism and Yoga?

Buddhism offers a practical path of transformation, deeply resonant with the goals of classical yoga. Founded on the principles of wisdom and compassion, it provides a wealth of tools to support human flourishing and personal fulfilment. These life-changing techniques are accessible to everyone, regardless of background or experience.

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Morning Mysore Classes

Our Mysore-style sessions create space for individualised support and self-paced practice. Whether you’re new to Ashtanga, an experienced practitioner, or navigating a challenging period in your practice, you’ll be met with care, insight, and encouragement.

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Workshop Sessions

These sessions will bridge sustainable Ashtanga technique with Buddhist meditation and philosophy, forming a path of embodiment and intention.

Ellen’s teaching style is grounded in the traditional Counted Vinyasa method, enriched by her playful, intuitive approach that draws on dance, somatic awareness, and applied anatomy.

With the body awakened through mindful movement, we will slow down and turn inward. Ellen will guide meditation practices focused on the Four Immeasurables – compassion, loving-kindness, joy, and equanimity – cultivating resilience, deep presence, and connection with all beings.

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This is more than a yoga workshop – it’s a rare opportunity to deepen your practice, expand your understanding, and nourish your capacity for awareness and compassion.

Ellen Johannesen CV

Ellen Johannesen, originally a professional dancer, has practiced and taught Ashtanga yoga for more than 30 years. She first visited Mysore and Pattabhi Jois in 1997 and was later Authorized Ashtanga level 2 by Sharath Jois. Ellen also completed a two-year Teacher Training med John Scott and started the first Mysore programs in Norway and Nepal. An increasing interest in Buddhist practice brought her to Bylakuppe, South India, where she spent almost three years in a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. She later moved to Nepal where she obtained a master’s degree in Buddhist studies and Himalayan Languages from Kathmandu University. Ellen presently teaches yoga and Buddhism internationally; she conducts retreats and pilgrimages throughout Nepal, and she has since 2020 run In-Depth Yoga 200/300hrs courses in Oslo, Norway. 

Program:

Friday
5.30pm-7.30pm
On Friday night we will do a practice inspired by the Moon Sequence, a complimentary sequence to the Ashtanga series that will prepare you for the weekend ahead: this sequence focuses more on hip opening and backbends, less on arm strength.

Saturday
10.30am-1.00pm
We will start the day with a short meditation followed by Mysore style morning practice.

Break

2.30- 4.30pm Technique class; what needs to happen physically and emotionally in order to transit with greater ease into backbends.

Sunday
9.00-11.00am We will start the day with a short meditation followed by Mysore style morning practice.

Break

12.00-1.00pm Philosophy Q&A; The role of the body: how is the body understood and used in classical yoga vs Hatha/Tantric practices?

Break

1.30-3.00pm Technique class; Bringing Hatha back into Ashtanga yoga.