Yoga

Hatha Yoga

Hatha Yoga, sometimes called physical Yoga, is what most Americans think of when they hear the word “Yoga.” Hatha Yoga focuses on a series of asanas, or postures, and on pranayama, or breathing.

Asanas are meant to prepare the body to stay in one position for long periods of meditation. They are also intended to purify and regulate the flow of energy through the body. There are more than two hundred different asanas that address every area of the body.

Benefits of Hatha Yoga

We do not take advantage of the other benefits that Hatha yoga can give to us. It is a form of yoga that if done properly, can heal you in the most holistic way possible. Hatha yoga does evolve from its physical exercises. It is these exercises that begin and promote the mind and soul healing. No matter why you are participating in yoga, you can receive all of these benefits. The only way you can recognize them or use them to your benefit is to practice the other side of yoga, meditation. If you are unaware that these features, they will be of no use to you. When practicing yoga, you need to be aware of everything going on within you. Pay attention to yourself and you will instantly be able to see the changes that are going on within you.

Tantra yoga

Tantra yoga is one of the several different types of yoga; it is a holistic approach to the study of the universe from the point of view of the individual. Tantra is a living system which is designed to promote rapid growth towards enlightenment.

There are many sciences which are included in Tantric Yoga, including that of astronomy, astrology, numerology, physiognomy, physics, chemistry, alchemy, Ayurveda, psychology, mathematics, geometry, and more.

Benefits of Tantra Yoga

There are so many benefits that can be obtained by performing these various physical exercises. Some of these include improved prostate functioning and enhanced and improved sexual performance. Another benefit is improved sexual stamina when engaging in sexual intercourse.

Bhakti Yoga

Bhakti is a Yoga of devotion or complete faith. This faith is generally in the God or supreme consciousness in any of the forms. It may be Lord Rama, Krishna, Christ, Mohammed, Buddha etc. It may be a Guru for his disciples.

Important thing is the person interested in following this path should have very strong emotional bond with the object of faith. The flow of emotional energy is directed to this object. Mostly people suppress their emotions and that often reflects in the form of physical and mental disorders. This Bhakti Yoga releases those suppressed emotions and brings the purification of inner self.

Benefits of Bhakti yoga

The principal fruit of Bhakti is Jnana – the ultimate knowledge – the realization of the Brahman within.

Nevertheless, Bhakti also enhances the quality of life in the world. Bhakti softens the heart and removes all adverse emotions like hatred, lust, anger, greed, etc. It infuses into the heart a love of all beings. This generates a peace of mind that even great persons like Sankaracharya, even after realizing the Lord, covet.

Yoga is the ancient Hindu tradition of practicing different physical and mental exercises to keep human body sound and healthy. Yoga involves various breathing exercises (pranayaam) and different body postures called aasanas. To practice yoga when we take so much care in selection of yoga mats, than there must be similar cautious approach in selection of yoga bags too. Yoga bags are very helpful in packing essential yoga accessories like yoga mats, props, cushions and yoga clothing. Principally, yoga bags are used to accommodate mats. Yoga mats remain protected, clean and unruffled when they are inside a yoga bag.

Yoga bags are unlike general bags that we use while traveling or doing other activities, but they are specifically manufactured for the purpose of keeping yoga mats and other items. They must be made of the material that doesn’t hamper the texture or the surface of inner articles. Cotton, nylon, silk and linen are the fabrics that are predominantly used in manufacturing of yoga bags. Efforts are on to make bags in eco-friendly plant fibers so that harmony of the environment is kept undiminished.

The size of the yoga bags is an important feature to be addressed. They are sometimes made in size that can accommodate two mats or more. Depending upon the folding size of the mat – rolled over or parallely folded- yoga bag is chosen. A yoga bag has to be equipped with well stitched shoulder straps so that the bag can be comfortably carried to the desired place. Straps should be attached to the bag firmly so that it can bear the weight of the things kept in the bag. These bags must have a quality zipper to hold the things tightly. In most of the bags we find side pockets also where we can keep some valuable things. Side pockets can also have zippers.

For all kind of informational and commercial lead on Yoga bags please visit Yoga Bags Store

The practice of Yoga, before the it was introducted to Europe & America had been practiced in areas around and in India for a long time, and stone seals can place yoga to be in existence even in 3000BC. Yoga experts have been teaching thay by stretching and moving your body into various positions, you can strengthen your muscles, joints and ligaments and may also help you to relieve many different aches and pains as well. Practising Yoga for back pain has been accepted by many chiropractors and back specialists as a valid treatment for back pain. Practicing Yoga can also help to relieve stress.

One word of caution is that before you begin yoga for back pain, you should consult with your doctor to make sure you don’t make matters worse. Once you have the go ahead, then you can sign up for yoga classes where you can learn to do proper back stretches and exercises to help relieve your back pain once and for all under expert guidance.

When you first sign up for a yoga class, make sure you talk to your instructor about your back pain. Tell them that you’re using yoga for back pain so that they won’t cause you to contort in ways you shouldn’t. You should always start off easy and you should refrain from doing more advanced positions until you know you’re capable and until you know that it won’t exacerbate your pain.

What are the Common Causes Of Back Pain

Back pain can be caused by a number of situations, from slipped discs to damaged muscles or ligaments. However, back pain can also be caused by the following:

infections,bone spurs Tumors.

When you practice yoga for back pain. The pain is reduced by stretching and strengthening the spine. You must also remember to exercise proper posture as this can relieve your back pain even when you’re not practicing yoga.

A good Starting Point

A good yoga position to try to help your back pain is the cobra, to try this:

Lie on your front, with your head facing forward.

Place your hands on either side of your body as you would if you were doing pushups.

Push with your hands, while keeping your waist on the floor, and lift your upper torso off the ground.

Keep your face forward, not up, make sure that you are stretching your back slowly.

The cobra yoga position for back pain has been known to help a lot of people but it can also hurt you if done incorrectly. That’s why it’s so important to listen to your instructor before trying any position you’re not sure of.

As I have mentioned before you do any yoga to help with your back pain, discuss it with your doctor, and ensure the yoga instructor is properly qualified. You should be able to find a yoga class or school in your area in the yellow pages. Today many health clubs or YMCA’s offer yoga classes.

I am often asked by beginners about how to evaluate a Yoga Teacher?

The following is the “CALM check list.” These factors are basic criteria that your Yoga Instructor should meet before you continue on to a second Yoga class.

CALM gets it name from four main factors: Communication, Assist, Listen, and Modification. For the right Yoga teacher, you should be answering with a “yes” to all questions.

• Communication: Does your Yoga teacher talk to you, and other students, in a manner of mutual respect? Can you ask a question during class time?

Does your teacher show compassion for you and other students? Does your Yoga teacher take the time to lead you through a guided meditation or relaxation? Meditation and relaxation are major aspects of Yoga practice.

There are Yoga teachers who just want to get “their workout” done. Beware of Yoga teachers, who are so important, they don’t have time for you.

Some students love this air of superiority and, unfortunately, some people love abuse. If you want to learn Yoga, you need an open line of communication with your Yoga teacher.

• Assist: Does your teacher care about your form? Will your teacher give you a verbal or physical assist during your Yoga class? Are props encouraged in your Yoga classes?

Some students never have major problems with alignment and some do, but if your teacher doesn’t give verbal cues, what does that tell you?

• Listen: Does your Yoga teacher take the time to listen to your feedback? Is your teacher “in the moment” with the class?

Once in a while, there is a Yoga instructor who runs, “The-it’s-all-about-me-show.” You are not going to learn anything from this type of teaching. Beginners will be put at risk, trying to keep up with a seasoned Yoga teacher who doesn’t explain anything.

• Modification: Does your Yoga teacher allow modifications and props? If your teacher discourages props, you are in the wrong place.

Some students will need props for life depending upon their range of motion. Just because a teacher can do a posture without props, doesn’t mean every student can.

Summary: Stay away from abusive Yoga teachers, and if you are attracted to abuse, there is always professional help. Some students crave “the stern, but loving parent” types. They will push you harder, but how much pushing do you really need?

Respect is a two way street, and you deserve as much respect as your Yoga teacher does. Let common sense be your guide. You should feel good after a Yoga class, and you might even feel muscle soreness days after a vigorous class.

Make sure your Yoga teacher meets the above criteria before making a commitment.

Yoga Sutras

Yoga is an art of discipline that was developed by an Indian Hindu named Patanjali. He wrote a book on yoga in Sanskrit over two thousand years ago. Yoga sutras comes in many forms specially designed to suit different types of people. Therefore, some forms of yoga have gained popularity significantly.

The word “yoga” derived from the Sanskrit word “Yuj”, which means to yoke, and is typically translated as union, integration, attach, join, or unite. Thus, it is the union and integration of every part of a human being, from the innermost to the external.

The yoga sutras are considered to be a collection of yogic thoughts that is largely raja yogic in nature. In yoga sutras, Patanjali suggests eight steps that are the basic principles of yoga practice to calm one’s mind and unite with the infinite.

The yoga sutras are the physical activities that focus on the body, meditation and the mind. Yoga sutras combine the yoga practices to provide an overall sense of physical and mental health.

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras – Ashtanga Yoga

Here are the eight yoga sutras to look at and learn a little about each one.

* Yama – abstentions

* Niyama – self-purification and study

* Asana – posture or pose

* Pranayama – breathe control

* Pratyahara – sense control

* Dharana – concentration

* Dhyana – contemplation

* Samadhi – veridical meditation

Yama and Niyama

The first two yoga sutras, yama and niyama, are ten good logical guidelines for bringing spiritual consciousness into a social perspective to lead a healthier, happier life. They both cope with moral and ethical issues.

They are the fundamental laws to direct the actions of humanity. These yoga sutras help us in respecting the principles of this life, in balancing our inner intensification with outer restraint. Following these principles of yoga sutras means leading a life in a better way, about making it possible to understand and connect with the divine. Thus they lead us to a conscious life.

Asana

Asana refers to the different postures that can be practiced to reinforce the body physically. It is treated as yoga postures in accord with one’s inner consciousness. A Regular practice of this yoga sutra helps to keep our body fit, controls levels of cholesterol, normalizes blood pressure, reduces weight, and recovers heart performance.

Pranayama

Pranayama is a multiple term ‘prana’ and ‘yama’, which means the maintenance of prana in a healthy way throughout one’s life. It is the control of our breathing through yoga exercises. Regular practice of pranayama helps to control the prana in and around us. Thus it leads to a state of inner peace.

Pratyahara

Pratyahara is achieved when all of your senses are withdrawn from the outside world. It is necessary to practice pratyahara for reaching the three meditative stages: dharana, dhyana and samadhi. It is a yoga technique through which you are focusing, on what is going on within your body.

Dharana

Dharana, this one of the yoga sutras centers on your concentration. It’s to help you in developing a one-mindedness that, special concentration techniques to enable you to focus only on your inner world.

Dhyana

Dhyana is translated as meditation, when the mind gains the ability to maintain its concentration without getting diverted. You unite with your inner self and image of concentration. You use the time to reflect on your special qualities.

Samadhi

The last one of the yoga sutras is Samadhi or total absorption, is the capability of becoming one with the true self and unites into the object of concentration. Reaching Samadhi is the ultimate aim of all yoga practitioners of classical yoga. It means “union with the supreme.” For yoga devotees, this is the supreme goal.

It is the identification with static reality. It requires a dedicated practice to achieve the perfect yoga sutra. It takes ample of dedicated practices on concentration, contemplation, and meditation to let you on the way to the final sutra of Samadhi. With this one of the yoga sutras, you develop a great amount of determination and will power.

Most people turn to yoga for asanas, the postures. They are seeking the ways of relaxing, increasing their flexibility and practicing yoga exercises that isn’t tiresome. In Asana, the yoga postures are needed to be firm and pleasant.

It may also take some time for them to feel that way, as there are some postures that are not easy or comfortable to perform at initial stages. So, at this stage, you can make use of supports in order to feel steady and pleasant. Make use of props, such as a pillow to allow more comfort.

You should make challenge of yourself until you feel comfortable with the first postures you learn. It is necessary for you to find a stable and comfortable place within you in order to discover your true potential. The inner center is where all action should originate.

Ultimately, you are able to relax and meditate. While practicing yoga sutras and it’s going smoothly, you’re already half way there. The feeling of success makes you recognize that all things are possible. So, better challenge yourself at the moment in order to discover your quiet, peaceful inner peace.

It is not surprising to those of us who are long time yoga practitioners that the popularity of this profound spiritual science is now exploding on a world wide scale. Unfortunately though some of the authenticity and truths about yoga are being lost and some myths are creeping in with regard to what yoga is and how it is to be practiced. In this article I will look to clear up what I find to be the top 5 myths about yoga.

Top 5 Myths About Yoga:

1. Yoga is a Form of Physical Exercise:

This is perhaps the most common view of yoga. That it is a form of physical exercise. This certainly needs to be clarified and I am going to provide some details about true yoga practice in order to do this.

Yoga is actually has 8 parts to it, with the physical aspect being just 1. These 8 parts, include yoga dos, yoga don’ts, physical exercises (asana), breathing exercises, sense control, concentration, meditation and divine union.

So you can see from above that although the physical aspect of yoga, which is called asana, is an important part of yoga, yoga as a whole is certainly more that just a series of postures and movements. Yoga is essentially a spiritual science whose objective is to still the mind of thoughts, so that the truth of Oneness hidden behind the waves of the mind can be clearly seen and embraced.

2. Yoga is a Religion:

The other extreme and incorrect view on yoga is that is it a religion. Commonly yoga is considered part of Hindu religion, but yoga is not a religion. It is a time tested spiritual science with the goal of revealing the true nature of reality. As indicated above, yoga practice is a step by step process with the end goal of calming down the thought waves in our mind and thus prevent them from distorting the truth.

3. To Practice Yoga You Must be Vegetarian:

There is a notion floating around that in order to practice yoga you must not eat meat and be a vegetarian. This is not true. Although there are tremendous benefits to being vegetarian and this is being more and more validated by the mainstream medical community, there is no requirement of vegetarianism in order to practice yoga.

One point I would like to add here is that, vegetarianism is consistent with the non-violence which yoga advocates and it certainly would be to your benefit to reduce meat intake, nevertheless, you don’t have to be vegetarian in order to be a great yogi.

4. You Need to be Initiated by a Guru:

I have also come across this notion that many believe you need to be initiated and have a guru in order to learn and practice yoga. This is not true. According to yoga, the true guru is within and although it would be to your benefit to learn yoga from an accomplished teacher, this is not a requirement.

5. You Have to be Flexible to do Yoga:

Not so. No doubt yoga will improve your flexibility, along with your strength, balance and overall health, but in order to practice yoga you do not have to be flexible. Yoga is designed to be practiced by all.

Different bodies have different degrees of flexibility and in this case one size does not fit all. For most of the complex yoga posture which require great flexibility to do, there are plenty of modifications which allow you to get the same benefits for those who are less flexible. In fact one of the original reasons I took up yoga because I was not flexible and wanted to improve this aspect of my physical dimension.

Summary:

So there you have the top 5 myths about yoga. Essentially, what these myths do is prevent people from taking up this wonderful science. So if you feel you will have to change faiths, find gurus, stop eating meat or are too inflexible to take up yoga practice, you are wrong. Don’t pass up the wonderful opportunity to learn and practice this amazing science, which helps you discover your true divine and eternal nature.

The emphasis, in most Hatha Yoga classes, is on the physical body. As I have explained to some of my colleagues, “Some form of union is better than no union at all.” This indicates something ancient Yogis knew thousands of years ago. The path of Hatha Yoga will be much easier to follow than the paths of Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Jnana Yoga.

There are many styles of Yoga, but let’s look at some of the main Indian Yoga styles and their approach to unity. There are many other Indian Yoga styles, and no disrespect is intended by not mentioning them. Many styles of Yoga do use components found in other styles, so each style has many facets. Meditation is one of the most common facets found in almost all forms of Yoga.

Bhakti Yoga: Is unity through devotion, love for God, or loving service. This is the most widely practiced form of Yoga within India. However, Yoga practiced for devotion to God is practiced by many religions. These Yoga classes are most often sectarian in nature and include members with one religious belief.

Bhakti can also be misplaced when a person gives too much devotion to material gain and temporary worldly pleasures. The Bhakti Yoga practitioner knows that the true path, toward a connection with God, is through loving service and devotion to God. The “holy man” who preaches hate, is not a Bhakti Yoga practitioner.

Pope John Paul II could have been considered an example of a Bhakti Yoga practitioner. Within a spiritual country, such as India or Saudi Arabia, you will also see many examples of Bhakti Yoga. Although, many Saudis might not agree with the description, they are devoted to Allah (God). Many Moslems will travel a great distance for a Hajj or Umrah. This is an example of loving service to God.

Sometimes devotion can be to a prophet, saint, or Guru, who is living or not, but most often devotion, dedication, and love toward God, Brahman, Krishna, Allah, Jehovah, Yahweh, or a Supreme consciousness is the central idea. In truth, mankind has spent far too much time waging war over the name of God.

Jnana Yoga: Is unity through knowledge, but this is much more than intellectual pursuit. Jnana Yoga is a method to turn knowledge into pure wisdom. Knowledge is not always practical or pure wisdom.

Today, many children have access to multiple forms of media, so they are knowledgeable, but are they very wise? Children are young and need time to develop wisdom. How many times have you met a person who was “book smart,” but lacked common sense in daily decision making? Awareness, logic, and pure wisdom are cultivated through meditation, self-analysis, self-realization, and developing a deeper connection with God.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Many of us need time to “find ourselves,” and some of us never do. How can Yoga help a “lost soul?” Can Yoga really be a guide to better mental health? Where do you start to “pick up the pieces” and practice Yoga for self-reconciliation?

Judging by the number of social workers, school teachers, psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors, who take Yoga teacher certification courses, the public at large is dealing with the mental healing aspects of Yoga already. Yoga offers a chemical free form of relief for mental anguish and is a reliable alternative therapy.

This is not to claim that Yoga is going to be a miracle cure for depression, but Yoga practice has no harmful side effects when practiced safely. This is why you should choose a Yoga teacher carefully.

Your Yoga teacher is a knowledgeable guide to many avenues of health. A Yoga teacher is not just another exercise instructor, but someone who has in depth knowledge of holistic health.

What about mental and spiritual health? How can you learn about this aspect of Yoga? Many Yoga studios do not have classes for this need. This is why you have to shop around, and you may only be able to get private sessions for this type of Yoga training or Yoga therapy.

Why is this type of Yoga so hard to find? Yoga has been introduced on a massive scale to cultures who measure everything for results, pounds, inches, and calories. This mind-set has made Power Yoga and Hot Yoga popular, even when middle-aged and inactive students should be more cautious.

How do you calculate mental or spiritual health? The truth is – these two aspects of heath are just as important as physical health. It is easy to spot a person who has a severe mental illness, but you would be “hard pressed” to notice milder forms. Yoga can be an aid to many of the mild forms of mental illness and attention disorders that affect our society today.

At some point in life, we may all feel a little down, but severe depression is a serious condition and can lead to many other mental and physical problems. Depression can also lead to premature death.

Therefore, if you are feeling chronic depression, seek out a professional counselor, doctor, psychiatrist, or psychologist. Friends and family will help, but only you know how much pain you really feel. One last thought: Pain cannot be calculated by using a measuring tape.

Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Yoga is series of different practices that started in India over 5000 years ago. Recently, the popularity of yoga has exploded in the Western world.

The word Yoga, when used in the West usually refers to the practices of Hatha yoga which consists of a series of physical postures called Asanas, breathing techniques, called Pranayama, and meditative techniques. These techniques, working together help the practitioner unite body, mind and spirit.

In fact the root meaning of yoga comes from the Sanskrit word “yukti” which means union.

Much of the popularity of yoga stems from the fact that there is both anecdotal and scientific research that supports its ability to improve or even heal many ailments such as arthritis, asthma, heart disease, stress-related diseases, high blood pressure, anxiety, and mood disorders. Even now, there are over 60 research studies being conducted with respect to yoga therapy for a wide variety of ailments including breast cancer. Yoga therapy is also often used as a means for pain management.

A daily or even a weekly yoga program can help an individual improve their general health as well.

Yoga has many physical benefits.

For example, it improves flexibility, muscle strength, and muscle tone. The breathing aspect of yoga also has a positive impact on the respiratory system, by improving breathing and promoting stress reduction. Yoga also increases body awareness which can lead to better posture and more self confidence.

The beauty of yoga is that it is accessible to all levels of fitness and all ages. A wide variety of programs exist, and there are many different schools of yoga to meet differing needs. In addition, learning yoga is very accessible. There are a wide variety of books available that teach the various postures. There are also a wide variety of DVD’s that can be used to learn or develop a personal yoga practice. Many of these books and DVDs are often targeted to meeting a particular need.

For instance, there are yoga programs focused on losing weight, or reducing stress, or increasing strength, just to name a few. There are over 200 different postures that can be combined to develop a fully personalized experience. In addition to books and DVDs, most cities have yoga studios offering classes or even community centres, continuing education programs, and fitness clubs, where one can experience yoga.

The other advantage of yoga is that it can be practiced just about anywhere. All you really need to practice yoga is to wear comfortable loose clothing and a space approximately 2 feet by 5 feet. Most yoga classes utilize a yoga mat, since many of the postures take place on the floor and the meditation techniques either require sitting cross-legged or lying down. There is also optional yoga equipment available such as stretch straps or yoga bricks, which help some practitioners with certain postures.

If you are new to yoga, and want to experience some of the health benefits for yourself, or just increase the tranquility in your life, it is easy to begin. Go to your local library and borrow some yoga books and DVDs.

If you prefer to attend a class, most community classes are relatively inexpensive and sometimes there are even free classes available. Finally, you could check your TV listings. Many of the lifestyle channels have a program or two that offers an introduction to yoga.

Originally, the meditation techniques of yoga were developed primarily as a spiritual practice amongst the polytheist religion of Hinduism, in the Indian sub-continent, around 6000 years ago. In India, or to devout Hindus, success in yoga would ultimately mean that they have escaped the birth and rebirth cycle and become an immortal soul. Today, especially in western countries, the practice of yoga is associated with the benefits that can be derived from standard meditation and its exercises, as much as its other spiritual values. Having said that, yoga does exert a spiritual influence on those who choose to try it and go on to develop their interest in practicing yoga.

There are many different styles and techniques of yoga that you could start with. Quite often for a beginner the style they start with is dependent on the version being taught in local classes for yoga. By the way, if you didnt already know it, a teacher of yoga is called a guru – which generally means teacher – and anyone practicing yoga is known as a yogi. Despite there being many forms of yoga they all seek to enable the yogi to be able to control their mind. Whilst it takes much practice and many years to arrive at this point people do start taking yoga classes because they wish to be able to relax their minds and overcome stress.

Many people nowadays are attracted to yoga because of the stresses and strains of modern living and that at times, in order to carry on coping, we need to find time to mentally relax. Yoga refers the technique of being able to eliminate mental tension at will by being able to slip a second; training your unconscious to slip in and out of the reality we live in. This re-energizes the mind so we can once again face and cope with our reality, without feeling mentally fatigued. Of course, theres no easy route to being able to do this.

The practice of meditative yoga includes; adopting a healthy diet that doesnt put stress on your body, performing exercises to enable your body to relax, learning to take better control of your breathing and purifying your body so that your mind can then relax. In your yoga class you will at least learn to let go of your cares and connect with your higher self, which is widely known as a highly liberating experience for anyone feeling stressed out, depressed or even just a bit down in the dumps.

Meanwhile, until you can begin your yoga classes you might want try a simple technique on your own. Find somewhere thats quiet and calm and just sit down comfortably without strain and close your eyes. Take three deep breaths, and then return your breathing to its normal rate. Next you simply try to clear your mind of all thoughts and sounds. How long that moment lasts is not important and in the beginning you will find it hard to maintain mental silence, but try doing this easy meditation technique daily to help clear your mind and unwind from a stressful day.