Science of Yoga
General Information about Indian Traditional Ashtanga & Hatha Yoga
Naomi L. Mazy C.M.T & R.Y.T
After years of personal study in Eastern Philosophy and Yoga practice. I traveled to Nasik, India and became certified at Yoga Vidya Gurukal in Traditional Ashtanga & Hatha Yoga, from the Swami Satyanada Saraswati Lineage; the founder of the Bihar School of Yoga. This Great Spiritual Tradition was originally founded by Adi Shankaracharya, who was born in the 8th century AD, and propogated the philosophy of Advait Vedanta. For more history on the lineage please visit their website at yogapoint.com
Namaste to All. Namaste, Namaskar or Namaskaram is a greeting or salutation from India that means, “I bow to you” or more descriptively, "I respect that divinity within you that (divinity) is also within me." Sanskrit is the ancient language used in mantra chanting and yoga poses (asana).
There are various forms, traditions, and levels of yoga practice. There are also many misconceptions about what yoga practice entails. Yoga originated from India a long time ago, and has been past down from generation to generation, Guru to disciple, and now has gone global!
As yoga has reached the West, there are many people who decide to create their “own” form or twist in yoga practice, atleast in a physical sense. Each form of yoga has its place in some ones path through life. Yoga can benefit everyone in some way. Whether you want to practice strictly for physical gain, or greater mental concentration, emotional cleansing, or spiritual and conscious awakening. Yoga is there to help guide you and facilitate awakening to your Self.
There are many misconceptions about yoga. One being: is yoga aerobic or anaerobic? It is anaerobic! The goal is to slow the heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and bring the body into a state of balance. We are also looking to release the spine so the dormant Kundalini eneregy can move up. (this is a vast and important topic in all yogic tradions and various other traditions- it is worth researching) Yoga asana (poses) are only a small aspect of yoga. They prepare and cleanse the body physically on a gross level, and as you increase your practice you naturally become more mentally alert and consciously aware on various levels. Then deeper meditation comes into play.
Another common question is: Do I have to be super flexible to practice yoga? No! Many people have an idea that because they are not flexible they can’t come to class. It is honestly more important to be mentally flexible! You will become more flexible through practice, but you will become flexible more than just from a physical standpoint. There is a shift, a transition within and without, that grows and evolves as you deepen your sadhana (practice).
There are also two extreme views: that yoga is too difficult or too easy. Yoga is too be simply studied in its true form. Yes there are beginner, intermediate, advanced classes, and even all levels classes. You should attend the ones that are appropriate for you. Maybe you aren’t sure which class or tradition is best for you. Well experience, trial and error, and exploration are the best means to find that answer.
Beyond asana practice there is a whole philosophy. Therefore studying Yoga in its true form is going beyond just the physical practice. My classes consist of: Ashtanga & Hatha Yoga, Meditation and Mantra. Along with various other knowledge I have picked up along the way, from various teachers, books, and sadhana experiences. You never stop being a student and you never stop growing in yoga. Yoga must be approached with an open heart and mind.
What does Ashtanga mean? Ashtanga means eight-fold path. It is a way of living. Maharishi Patanjali is considered the highest authority in yoga. He wrote the Yogadarshana or Yoga Sutras. Swami Muktananda describes it best, "The Yoga Sutras do not contain theories that involve intellectual reasoning or controversial disputes, they are simply a pratical treatise on the science of yoga."
1) Yama- Social disciplines
2) Niyama- Self disciplines
3) Asana- Posture
4) Pranayama- Breathing control
5) Pratyahara- Withdraw from senses
6) Dharana- Concentration of the mind
7) Dhyana- Meditation
8) Samadhi- Union with God, the divine, liberation or enlightenment.
Ashtanga is also know as Patanjal Yoga and Raja Yoga.
What is Hatha Yoga? Hatha means balance of the physical and mental energies.
“Ha” is the Pingala Nadi or sun principle. “Tha” is the Ida Nadi or moon principle.
A Nadi is an energy channel and is associated with the chakras. (this is vast subject!) The mission of Hatha yoga is too balance these two Nadi’s. Yogi’s, among others, believe that every dis-ease in the body is created by a mind and body imbalance. We hold emotions within and many other things that we are not even aware of. We must peel away the leayers to relieve the nature of our true Self.
These are the contents of Hatha Yoga:
1) Shatkarmas- 6 cleansing techniques. Neti, Dhouti, Basti, Nouli, Kapalbhati, and Trataka. Removes toxins in the body, blockages in nadis, awakens psychic faculties, and brings homeostasis to the whole body.
2) Asanas
3) Pranayama
4) Mudras- 10 psychic gestures (including mental attitudes)
5) Bandhas- Energy locks. Throat, Root, and Abdominal lock.
Some of the most important yoga practices without asana practice are: Bhakti, Karma, Jnana, and Mantra Yoga. The focus on self-less actions, wisdom, devotion, compassion, indiscriminate love, and opening the heart center!
Things to know about practicing Asana properly & safely:
1) Move into and out of asanas slowly!
2) Controlled, steady, comfortable movements.
3) Focus on the breathe.
4) Steadily release the asana and flow into the next one in the same manner.
5) Always listen to your breathe and your body. Release the asana slowly if there is discomfort or your breathing becomes choppy.
6) Don’t push yourself beyond your limits. Follow the reality of your body in that moment!
7) Yoga is said to “heal all disease if done properly or create all disease if done improperly!
8) Practice daily with respect; explore different teachings, philosophies, teachers, and simply enjoy every moment along the blissful path of Yoga!!
Swami Muktananda says the following about yoga and the physical practice in his book, Light on the Path: "Nowadays, many hospitals are filled with sick. Why? The primary reason is that most people today lead a disorderaly and irregular life. Those who lead a life in conformity with the rules laid down in the science of health are immune to suffering and paying visits to physicians. A sound body and good health are of utmost value. They are real wealth. Regular habits and a balanced way of life are yoga put into practice. Yoga teaches there regulations and a way of life that is very conducive to good health. Thus, yoga chases away all one's weaknesses. It creates heaven on earth by transforming all ugliness into celestial beauty. Yoga therefore is a peerless friend of both the worldy-minded and the spiritually inclined. It should be practiced daily, and with respect."
~ Hari Om Tat Sat~
