yoga is like music
the rhythm of the body,
the melody of the mind
and the harmony of the soul
create the symphony of life"
BKS Iyengar
What is Yoga?
Patanjali's sutras: "Yogas Chitta Vritti Nirodha - yoga is the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind."
Yoga is a profound system of holistic health which originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It was first put into written form as the Yoga Sutras, by the author Patanjali. Since the original treatise was in Sanskrit, there are many translations and interpretations. Yoga is defined in the sutras as having eight limbs or branches. It is the third limb "Asana", which refers to postures or Yoga poses that most people perceive as Yoga. The study of asana, meditation and breathing techniques is called Hatha Yoga.
Patanjali's sutras: "Yogas Chitta Vritti Nirodha - yoga is the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind."
Yoga is a profound system of holistic health which originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It was first put into written form as the Yoga Sutras, by the author Patanjali. Since the original treatise was in Sanskrit, there are many translations and interpretations. Yoga is defined in the sutras as having eight limbs or branches. It is the third limb "Asana", which refers to postures or Yoga poses that most people perceive as Yoga. The study of asana, meditation and breathing techniques is called Hatha Yoga.
The practice of Yoga is also an extraordinary means
to achieve physical and mental well being.
The purpose of yoga is to bring you to your true and authentic self
The word “yoga” means joining or connecting. It’s an ancient holistic tradition that unites body, mind, and spirit - bringing these into harmony and balance. Hatha yoga is a mindful practice which focuses on physical strengthening, flexibility and detoxification of the body. Hatha yoga also focuses the mind and allows you to be more in charge of your thought process. Present moment awareness and compassion are practiced throughout many classes. Breathing and meditation practices are introduced.
Some of the many benefits of practicing Hatha yoga are:
- reduction of stress and anxiety
- lower back pain relief
- improved flexibility
- increased stamina and energy
- toned and strengthened muscles
- better posture
- improved circulation
- better digestion
- weight loss
- a stronger immune system
- and a myriad of mental benefits such as the experience of clarity, focus, happiness
In addition, research has shown that yoga helps manage or improve a wide range of conditions including: arthritis· asthma· high blood pressure· carpal tunnel syndrome· chronic fatigue· depression, diabetes· headaches· heart disease.
Yoga is also the perfect partner to your existing exercise program or favorite sports activities. Whether you love playing golf or tennis, jogging, weight lifting, biking, or skiing, yoga will enhance your performance! And, it doesn’t require expensive equipment. Yoga is appropriate for all ages and can be modified according to your age, physique, and health profile.
The eight limbs of Yoga: via Patanjali's Sutras
The first four stages of Patanjali's ashtanga yoga concentrate on refining our personalities, gaining mastery over the body, and developing an energetic awareness of ourselves, all of which prepares us for the second half of this journey, which deals with the senses, the mind, and attaining a higher state of consciousness.
1. Yama: restraints, ethics, societal guidelines, your attitude toward others ~ non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, continence and moderation in all of our activities and non-greed
2. Niyama: observances and internal practices that develop inner strength, your attitude toward yourself ~ purification, contentment, self-discipline, self-study, devotion
3. Asana: In the yogic view, the body is a temple of spirit, needing care and concentrated poses for preserving vital energy
4. Pranayama: “life force extension” using breath as energy
5. Pratyahara: withdrawal of the senses, directing our attention internally.
6. Dharana: focused mind, concentration of the citta upon a physical object, such as a flame of a lamp, the mid point of the eyebrows, or divine image
7. Dhyana: meditation, undisturbed flow of thought around the object of meditation, ultimately a state of being keenly aware without focus.
8. Samadhi: achieving the higher consciousness, oneness in meditation, bliss. The meditator comes to realize a profound connection to the Divine, an interconnectedness with all living things. With this realization comes the "peace that passeth all understanding"; the experience of bliss and being at one with the Universe.
The first four stages of Patanjali's ashtanga yoga concentrate on refining our personalities, gaining mastery over the body, and developing an energetic awareness of ourselves, all of which prepares us for the second half of this journey, which deals with the senses, the mind, and attaining a higher state of consciousness.
1. Yama: restraints, ethics, societal guidelines, your attitude toward others ~ non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, continence and moderation in all of our activities and non-greed
2. Niyama: observances and internal practices that develop inner strength, your attitude toward yourself ~ purification, contentment, self-discipline, self-study, devotion
3. Asana: In the yogic view, the body is a temple of spirit, needing care and concentrated poses for preserving vital energy
4. Pranayama: “life force extension” using breath as energy
5. Pratyahara: withdrawal of the senses, directing our attention internally.
6. Dharana: focused mind, concentration of the citta upon a physical object, such as a flame of a lamp, the mid point of the eyebrows, or divine image
7. Dhyana: meditation, undisturbed flow of thought around the object of meditation, ultimately a state of being keenly aware without focus.
8. Samadhi: achieving the higher consciousness, oneness in meditation, bliss. The meditator comes to realize a profound connection to the Divine, an interconnectedness with all living things. With this realization comes the "peace that passeth all understanding"; the experience of bliss and being at one with the Universe.
