Study
What is Yoga
Yoga is a Sanskrit word which means union. It is a Hindu discipline of four paths of yoga, however in the West only one is generally well known and widely practiced – the physical and mind focusing path of Hatha & Raja yoga.
There are other forms of yoga which I endeavour to practice in my own Sadhana (spiritual practice). These are
- Jnana Yoga (Spiritual path of realisation through knowledge)
- Bhakti yoga (spiritual path of love and devotion)
- Karma Yoga (spiritual practice of “selfless action performed for the benefit of others’’).
The teachings that I offer are based on the fourth path of yoga.
Hatha & Raja Yoga
This is the yogic path of body and mind control. It is best known for practical aspects, particularly asana (postures) and pranayama (Breathing exercises). This path teaches ways of controlling the body and mind, including silent meditation, and its practices gradually transform the energy of the body and mind into spiritual energy. This path suits people who are looking for inner and outer transformation.
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Yama - restraints/ moral discipline
Details the actions a yogi should do. It advocates external and internal cleanliness, contentment, self-discipline, study of spiritual literature, and devotion to God. Together, the Yamas and the Niyamas form a highly moral code of ethical conduct. Following them makes the mind more positive and purifies it, ready for deep meditation.
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Asana - postures
The third step relates to posture. The 12 basic asanas and their variations prepare the body for meditative poses that are used in step six, seven and eight.
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Pratyahara - Withdrawing from senses and attachments
(so that you are able to sit with yourself and detached of all distractions too)
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Dhyana - meditation
Dharana leads to step 7. Meditation. This uninterrupted flow of thought waves has been compared to oil flowing in an unbroken stream from one container to another.
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Niyama - Positive Duties/Observations
Details the actions a yogi should do. It advocates external and internal cleanliness, contentment, self-discipline, study of spiritual literature, and devotion to God. Together, the Yamas and the Niyamas form a highly moral code of ethical conduct. Following them makes the mind more positive and purifies it, ready for deep meditation.
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Pranayama - breathing
The fourth step concerns control of prana of life energy. This is achieved by doing deep-breathing exercises, which include practicing breath retention.
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Dharana - concentration
In this step, concentration, the mind is fixed on and imagery of the will of shock to the exclusion of other thoughts. This is the key practice for yoga meditation techniques.
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Samadhi - blissful state
The final step happens effortlessly as, during meditation, the mind is absorbed into Absolute consciousness, beyond all the usual states of waking dreaming, and deep sleep.
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Yama - restraints/ moral discipline
Details the actions a yogi should do. It advocates external and internal cleanliness, contentment, self-discipline, study of spiritual literature, and devotion to God. Together, the Yamas and the Niyamas form a highly moral code of ethical conduct. Following them makes the mind more positive and purifies it, ready for deep meditation.
-
Asana - postures
The third step relates to posture. The 12 basic asanas and their variations prepare the body for meditative poses that are used in step six, seven and eight.
-
Pratyahara - Withdrawing from senses and attachments
(so that you are able to sit with yourself and detached of all distractions too)
-
Dhyana - meditation
Dharana leads to step 7. Meditation. This uninterrupted flow of thought waves has been compared to oil flowing in an unbroken stream from one container to another.
-
Niyama - Positive Duties/Observations
Details the actions a yogi should do. It advocates external and internal cleanliness, contentment, self-discipline, study of spiritual literature, and devotion to God. Together, the Yamas and the Niyamas form a highly moral code of ethical conduct. Following them makes the mind more positive and purifies it, ready for deep meditation.
-
Pranayama - breathing
The fourth step concerns control of prana of life energy. This is achieved by doing deep-breathing exercises, which include practicing breath retention.
-
Dharana - concentration
In this step, concentration, the mind is fixed on and imagery of the will of shock to the exclusion of other thoughts. This is the key practice for yoga meditation techniques.
-
Samadhi - blissful state
The final step happens effortlessly as, during meditation, the mind is absorbed into Absolute consciousness, beyond all the usual states of waking dreaming, and deep sleep.
Out of the eight limbs I focus on Asana, Pranayama, Dharana & Dhyana in my classes as these are possible to teach externally.
Yama, Niyama, Pratyhara and Samadhi are limbs that a student may observe themselves or experience internally.
Asana (postures)
Asanas rejuvenations the whole body. They work primarily on the spine and the central nervous system. The spine gains in strength and flexibility and circulation is stimulated, bringing nutrients and oxygen to all cells in the body. Asanas increase motion in the joints and flexibility in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They massage internal organs, boosting their function.
Pranayama (breathing)
Pranayama stimulates energy reserves of the solar plexus, vitalising the body and mind. Regulating the breath helps to store prana, laying down reserves of strength and vitality. Deep conscious breathing helps to conquer depression and stress, and controlling prana -by controlling the breath – can relieve symptoms of illness in a similar way to acupuncture.
Dhyana (meditation)
Positive thinking and meditation are the yogic keys to peace of mind. Meditation techniques calm the mind and enhance focus. Regular meditation promotes physical and spiritual, as well as mental, well-being. Before meditation, yoga practitioners clear the mind of negative thoughts and feelings using concentration and positive-thinking exercises.
