What is Patanjalis Ashtanga Yoga?- Part(I)
June 7, 2008
The Sanskrit word ‘Yoga’ has two meaning, because it is derived from two roots - one is ‘yujir yoge’ and other is ‘yuj samadhou’. The root ‘yujir yoge’ means to join or to unite. Religious leaders accept this meaning because their philosophy is based on dualism. They always try to project an external God and become Gog’s representitives. By this they rule over their followers.
However the other root ‘yuj samadhou’ means to concentrate. Patanjali tried to preach that Yoga where mind is concentrated in order to realise the true self(svarup). Mind is concentrated when thoughts arising in mind is controlled through yogic practice. Total concentration(samadhi) is that state where mind is free from all worldly thoughts and a seer rests in his true self.
Patanjali’s Yoga is called ‘Ashtanga Yoga’ for it is divided into eight parts or limbs. These are - Yama(abstention), Niyama(discipline), Asana(posture), Pranayama(breath control), Pratyahar(withdrawal), Dharana(to hold), Dhyana(meditation) and Samadhi(concentration)(II.29). Yama and Niyama are the external limbs which are to be observed in social life, while others are the internal limbs which are to be practiced in order to concentrate mind.
YAMA(abstention)
Christian Yoga?
May 27, 2008
There is an interesting article in the September 5th issue of Time magazine. This particular article covers a spectrum of opinions about mixing Christianity with Yoga. Even, if you don’t agree with a single opinion, it’s a good read, as long as you remain objective.
Over the course of time, I have been lucky enough to teach, or practice, with someone from every known religious denomination; so the statement by a Professor Tiwari at the Hindu University of America, where he states that, "Yoga is Hinduism," is surprising, coming from a scholar. Possibly, this statement was taken out of context, but fundamentalism exists, to a degree, in every form of religion.
If some Christians want to practice Yoga to make a closer connection to God, who are any of us to criticize it? Isn’t one of Yoga’s purposes, the union of self with a Supreme Being? So what is the big deal?
Truthfully, many fundamentalists are all about division - keeping the masses divided, at war with each other, and preferably, in a "holy war." They fear the unity of mankind, letting go of power, and world peace. They don’t want to loosen their grip on their followers, so they squeeze a little more.
Will Yoga Help You Lose Weight?
May 18, 2008
I suppose it was only a matter of time before the mass marketing about diet and fitness and weight loss caught up with Yoga.
After all, Yoga is certainly going through a period of resurgance - not the first, as these things typically move in cycles as does most of the market.
Typically though, when you read about Yoga, the topic is peace of mind, spirituality, relaxation, meditation, perhaps physical conditioning and strength (both physical and mental).
This time though, the debate rests squarely on yoga’s ability to shed pounds in a society that is struggling with record levels of obesity on the one hand, and a severe “thin” image problem held by popular celebrities on the other.
A recent study started the heated debate by claiming a link between yoga and weight loss.
Specifically, the study found that middle-age people who practice yoga tended to experience gradual weight loss over a 10-year period, while those that did not practice yoga seemed to experience fairly substantial weight gain over the same period.
Since the study was released, a constant barrage of skeptics have pointed out flaws in the research that range from self-reported results to missing many other factors that may lead people to both practice yoga and have reduced weight.
Yoga is Self Improvement
May 9, 2008
After five thousand years of written documentation, Yoga may well be the oldest self-improvement system that ever existed. We don’t know what Yoga knowledge may have been lost before man started to record it. In the time period beyond 5,000 years a fair amount of knowledge would have been passed on by word of mouth, and as a result, some of it would be missing.
There are many different types of Yoga, but all of them contribute to mankind’s self-improvement. So, mankind has been a work in progress for thousands of years and has organized systems to constantly improve. Let’s look at some Yogic principles that are often recognized as "modern" self-improvements.
Activate your mind and body together through daily Yoga practice. The mind is more powerful than the sum of its thoughts and it must be controlled. The mind that is allowed to wander usually produces random and unproductive thought.
In varying degrees, most styles of Yoga tie the physical postures, proper breathing, and focused concentration, together, in one single session. This constant bonding of mind and body, creates inner harmony. This in turn, results in a productive mind-set. This gives the average Yoga student an advantage in productivity, organizational skills, creativity, and self-preservation.
Om Yoga Meditation: Why Yoga?
April 29, 2008
The following is an excerpt from the book “Om Yoga: Its Theory and Practice.”
Om is the Supreme Brahman. (Svetasvatara Upanishad 1:7)
He who utters Om with the intention ‘I shall attain Brahman’ does verily attain Brahman. (Taittiriya Upanishad 1.8.1)
The Self is of the nature of the Syllable Om. (Mandukya Upanishad 1.8.12)
Meditate on Om as the Self. (Mundaka Upanishad 2.2.3)
Liberation-Freedom
Yoga is all about freedom. Only a fraction of the earth’s population is formally imprisoned, but the entire human race is imprisoned in the earth itself. None are free from the inevitability of sickness, age, and death, however free of them they may be at the moment. The human condition is subject to innumerable limitations. Who really controls his life fully, attains all his goals, and knows no setbacks of any kind? No one. Om Yoga is the way to freedom from suffering and limitation. Regarding Om, the Yoga Sutras (1) simply say: "Its repetition and meditation is the way(Yoga Sutras 1:28). Even a superficial perusal of the Upanishads reveals that the meditation practice known and recommended by the Vedic Rishis (2), and later Patanjali and Krishna, (3)A Divine Incarnation (avatar) born in India about three thousand years ago, Whose teachings to His disciple Arjuna on the eve of the Great India (Mahabharata) War comprise the Bhagavad Gita.) was based on Om, the sacred syllable that both symbolizes and embodies Brahman, the Absolute Reality.
Discover How Yoga Will Help You Reach Your Goals ? Part 2
April 19, 2008
At this point, let’s break down the major components of a typical Hatha Yoga session, and see how each one will enable you to reach your goals. There are nine main styles of Yoga in India, but most of the popular styles, outside of India, are variations of Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga classes tend, among other things, to emphasize physical mastery.
Asanas are the physical postures, but depending upon the class, the postures may be held for different durations, such as: A half breath (an exhale or inhale), a few breaths, or a few minutes. Some classes are very active, with flowing movement, heated studios up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, and others are tranquil at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, all year long.
So there is a style of Yoga for every person, and you should be aware of what you are getting into before you start. You should also be aware that the doors are not locked, and if 105 degrees is too much heat, it is your call.
This past summer, in Arizona, a number of people died, due to excessive heat. If your body temperature reaches 105 degrees, you could possibly have heat stroke. What is your natural climate like? Please know your temperature tolerance and know that people are different.
Discover How Yoga Will Help You Reach Your Goals ? Part 1
April 10, 2008
Time is valuable and there are a number of successful methods for goal realization. Yoga will cross train your mind and body for maximum potential. Imagine being able to optimize your attitude in one hour, per day, or less. Every day, people attend Yoga classes for physical or mental health, and walk away with the tools, to be masters of their own destiny.
How is this possible? Regular attendance to Yoga classes, will result in a positive attitude adjustment for the student. Many of us walk around with a "perceived handicap." We blame everything for our set backs and lack of opportunities. Society, your boss, and your family, are all easy targets to blame, for lack of opportunities.
It is true that age, financial status, gender, and ethnic background, are factors in success. However, these factors can all be overcome by working toward your goal on a daily basis, and taking life one-step-at- a-time. Remember, that if you think you situation is a disability, it will be.
How can Yoga do anything for you? For one thing, you will appreciate life to it’s fullest. You will stop wasting time, by letting daily opportunities go by. Many of us have opportunities, but we think it won’t work, we don’t have what it takes for success, or we lack the drive to carry a plan through.
What is Self Mastery? ? Part 3
March 31, 2008
The next large component of self-mastery is mental health, and this is much trickier than physical health, due to many pitfalls that affect the mind along the way. The list of reasons why people fall prey to mental illness is so long; it could fill a large book.
Anyone can get a mental illness, as it crosses every social and economic boundary that exists. Some mental illnesses, such as Schizophrenia, seem to have marginal genetic factors, in that, it can "run in families," but studies don’t indicate why this occurs.
On the other hand, Schizophrenia sometimes seems to be brought on by conditions around us ? for example: the loss of a loved one and poverty. Therefore, let’s look at some methods for optimum mental health and prevention of mental illness.
Exercise helps your mind relax and deal with life’s daily stress. Exactly why this happens is not yet fully understood, but it does increase endorphin production, which makes you feel good. This does not make exercise the answer to all problems, but it is a factor in good mental health. When choosing exercise, pick something that you enjoy. Although, I would personally recommend Yoga first, that does not mean it will be an ideal exercise for you.
What is Self Mastery? - Part 2
March 21, 2008
To continue with our overview of the physical component of self mastery, it goes without saying that walking is a valuable aerobic exercise - but you have options. You can use a bicycle for nice days, or use indoor aerobic exercise equipment for use on inclement weather days.
My personal favorite is the elliptical trainer. Elliptical trainers allow you to cross train - they are very low impact exercise equipment - you use upper and lower body - and they don’t cause excessive wear in your joints. Elliptical trainers provide a weight bearing workout that tones muscle, adds to bone density, and burns more calories than an exercise bike.
Some of my clients have literally shed weight away with regular use of an elliptical trainer, Yoga classes, and a moderate diet. That leads into the next aspect of physical health: your diet.
Diet has to be moderate and something you can live with. If your diet causes you to be depressed, you can’t stick with it, due to your mental health. However, that doesn’t justify a "junk food" diet.
What is Self Mastery? - Part 1
March 11, 2008
Self Mastery, alone, sounds like a selfish term; but if you cannot help yourself, you will have limited ability to help others. Self mastery is the ability to make the most out of your physical, mental, and spiritual health. In other words, to be the best you can be.
As a result of your efforts, you will be able to help everyone around you. In order for you to change the world around you, for the better, you have to change yourself for the better, along the way.
You cannot sit on a mountain top waiting for perfection before you help your fellow man. The time to help is now, and we must look at ourselves as works in progress. Appreciate yourself for who you are, what you are, and what you have accomplished so far.
Appreciate your friends, family, and associates for who they are. Accept them, as they are, without expecting perfection. This is a common mistake for parents to make with their children, but it also happens in a variety of relationships. So, let go of demands on others - especially unrealistic demands.
