The Diplomate Program is an organized course of study that includes Mayan philosophy, cosmology and mystical knowledge.  It draws together traditional knowledge from the Itza Maya shamanic lineage, interpretations of Maya codices and glyphic inscriptions, and information from various disciplines of Maya research and scholarship.  This unique program revives long hidden yogic practices of the ancient Maya, who understood yoga principles and used yoga techniques.  It is called Yok’hah Maya.

The Mayan language has words for the central concepts of yoga. Yok’hah in Itza Maya derives from yok’ (above or on top of) and hah (truth). This means ascending to or being merged with higher truth. This is similar to the Sanskrit word yoga that means “yoked to God/ultimate Truth,” often interpreted as union with the divine.

Some Mayan equivalents for Sanskrit yoga terms are:

Chakra – Chakla

Kundalini – K’ulthanlilni

Pranayam – K’iik’

Mudra – Xock’ab

Hatha – K’u

Mantra – Manla

Karma – K’almal

There is much evidence that the ancient Maya knew and used yogic techniques. Close examination of figures depicted in Mayan codices, on stone carvings, and painted on pottery clearly demonstrate hand signs identical to mudras, poses that resemble hathas, and people sitting in meditation. Numerous images of breath scrolls and entwined serpent motifs suggest the Mayas used breath techniques (pranayamas) and understood kundalini. The invocation of vision serpents, often represented on stone stela, demonstrates that the Maya attained altered states of consciousness and interacted with other dimensions of reality.

The Diplomate Program in Yok’hah Maya includes classes, yoga techniques, meditations, ceremonies and visits to sacred Maya sites.  Each class includes examples of these Maya yok’hah techniques and practices: xock’ab (hand signs, mudras), kiik’ (breath control, pranayama), k’u (postures, hathas), manla (sounds or chants, mantras).  All these techniques serve to activate and focus k’ulthanlilni (kundalini) energy in the spine for expanding consciousness and supporting transformation. 

Yok’hah Maya brings control of body processes and refines innate spiritual capacities. It guides people to live in greater harmony with cycles of our Mother Earth, Father Sun and the cosmos. This connects us deeply with the beauty, powers and rhythms of the natural world. Continued practice and study brings expanded consciousness and the ability to envision in other dimensions, and reconnects us with cosmic source.