Archive for August, 2006

By Paul Jerard

Shouldn’t Yoga should be easy for everyone to understand? There are so many Yoga books, containing detailed, full color pictures and loaded with content.

At this time, it is easy to find audio books, DVD’s, and various video formats made by world famous Yoga teachers. The world of Yoga has changed from small classes, in a Yoga teacher’s home, to gymnasiums full of eager Yoga students.

This is a good thing – so who needs a private lesson when you can buy a Yoga video and learn from the masters? Learning Yoga should be a “piece of cake,” right? Wrong; as a matter of fact – Painfully wrong.

Yoga videos are great learning tools for “Yoga Teachers.” Sometimes, I use them at workshops for Yoga teacher interns, but we stop the film at certain points and cover intricate techniques. This gives a Yoga teacher, or an intern, a more complete understanding of the subject covered.

On more than one occasion, we have had a new Yoga student join because he or she was injured while practicing Hatha Yoga, with a video, at home. How is that possible? It is as simple as watching the television and cranking your neck to the side while practicing a Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana ) or Plow (Halasana).

Why would someone do that? Someone who is new to Hatha Yoga, and has had no formal guidance from a Yoga instructor, does not know better. Hatha Yoga is a safe practice, if you develop a foundation of knowledge by coming to Yoga classes and learning from a competent Yoga teacher.

If there is no Yoga teacher in your nearby area, use a Yoga DVD or video. Please watch the Yoga practice at least one time, completely, so that when you physically participate, you do not injure yourself. You should take notes and develop a safe practice, based on the easiest postures you see.

When you start to develop a Hatha Yoga home practice, never force your body to do anything. Always stay in the “comfort zone” and play it safe. In your spare time, read about contraindications for Yoga postures. This will help you expand your knowledge of Yoga and stay safe.

If you do have a Yoga teacher nearby, and get injured because you did not visit a class, or set up a private lesson – Shame on you. Whenever, you take a private lesson with a Yoga teacher, ask questions. That is what you are paying for.

If you are new to Yoga, and have a health condition, it would be wise to inform your teacher. It would also be in your best interest to take a private Yoga session. In the case of pregnancy, you should seek out a certified Prenatal Yoga instructor, if approved by your physician.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Become a Yoga Teacher

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FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/docs/Yoga-in-Practice-eBook.pdf

Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
Sister Blog: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/
On-Site Training: Sister Blog: http://www.riyoga.com
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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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By Jenn Courtney

The practice of yoga as outlined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali encompasses exercise, meditation and ritual for the whole body and spirit. The eight limbs of Classical Yoga address our relationships with others, with ourselves and with the Divine. The eight stages of the limbs of Classical Yoga are known as Ashtanga Yoga (ashta = eight and anga = limb) beginning with ethical conduct and progressing through asanas, breathing exercises; and finally meditation practices that lead to spiritual ecstasy and consciousness through self-realization and union with the divine. The eight limbs are described below:

Yamas

These five virtues govern our relationships with others and with our environment:Ahimsa – non-injury or non-harming

Satay – truthfulness

Asteya – nonstealing

Brahmacharya – Godlike conduct

Aparigraha – non-clinging/non-attachment

Niyamas

These five practices address our own appearance, deeds and thoughts, and govern our relationship with ourselves:

Shauca – cleanliness, purity, hygiene, grooming

Santosha- happiness, contentment

Tapas – yearning for reunion with God

Svadyaya- introspection, self-examination

Isvara Pranidhana- surrender and devotion to the Divine

Coupled with the Yamas and Niyamas are the following practices for the mind, body and spirit:

Asana – The practice of postures is the most widely recognized form of yoga in the Western World. In the East, asana is a smaller part of the complete yoga practice. The series of postures firms the body, focuses the mind and cools the spirit in preparation for meditation.

Pranayama – This practice of breathing exercises steadies the mind and cools the body in order for the yogi to master prana (life energy).

Pratyahara – The practice of Pratyahara engages the yogi in a meditation practice wherein the yogi withdraws their thoughts and senses from the outside world and focuses their gaze inward to the Self.

Dharana – The practice of Dharana exercises the mind in focused concentration; asanas quiet the body and pranayama quiets the breath and mind to bring the yogi through pratyahara to the practice of dharana.

Dhyana – Meditation. The yogi withdraws their consciousness from the outside world; the consciousness enters the soul.

Samadhi – Samadhi is englightment, self-realization combined with union with the Divine. The yogi experiences ecstasy, joy, complete openness and consciousness. The experience of Samadhi is outside the mind.

Namaste

Jennifer Courtney
aka Bendyjenn

http://www.yogayak.com

Become a Yoga Teacher

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Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/docs/Yoga-in-Practice-eBook.pdf

Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
Sister Blog: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/
On-Site Training: http://www.riyoga.com
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By Jenn Courtney

Yoga is the union of the mind, body and spirit expressed in motion, sound, meditation and community. This ancient practice of asanas (poses), meditation and gentle ritual will enrich your life and deepen your knowledge of your Self, while opening your spirit toward the world around you.

We recommend that you attend several live classes before you begin developing a home practice. Yoga studios will have all the equipment you require so you can try it out before investing in a yoga mat, blocks, bolsters and straps. Live classes offer the opportunity to learn proper breathing technique, which is crucial in the practice of yoga; live classes also give you the opportunity to develop proper posture and alignment, as the instructor will move about the class adjusting yogis/yoginis.

Many studios offer a one-week/one month trial at a discounted rate, taking advantage of these is a great way to introduce yourself to yoga. We also recommend attending at least two live classes per month in addition to your home practice . Again, live instruction is ideal for learning proper alignment and also provides an opportunity to meet people in your local yoga community.

Once you decide to develop your home practice you will need the following:

Yoga Mat – sticky yoga mats are best, you can also use a pilates mat if you prefer a thicker surface to stand on; some prefer to do yoga on a cotton blanket, it is entirely up to you. The important thing is that your feet do not slip all over your yoga surface.

Yoga Blocks – these foam blocks are used to modify poses, essentially bringing the floor closer to your hands to enable you to maintain proper alignment, which is much more important than how far you stretch. You may also sit on the edge of a block to properly align your pelvis during seated poses.

Blocks are recommended for beginners, but intermediate and advanced practitioners also find them useful for very challenging poses and days when you aren’t quite as flexible. We recommend that you start with two blocks. You can also use a stack of books about 3 inches high in lieu of blocks.

Yoga Strap – this is a thick cotton strap, similar to a Judo belt and is used to assist the yogi in challenging postures; most often used for hip opening poses and seated forward bends. Straps are also used for bound poses. The strap is held in the hands and usually wrapped around the foot, essentially acting as an arm extension. You can purchase straps at many yoga studios, online; or you can use a belt or a scarf.

Yoga Bolster – bolsters are cylindrical cushions about two feet long, usually filled with cotton. Bolsters are used for forward bending poses, for many restorative yoga poses, and as modification for certain relaxation poses (e.g., tucked under the knees during savasana).

You can purchase yoga bolsters online, many yoga studios will have bolsters available, and may be able to order them for you if there are no yoga supply retailers in your area. If you do not have a bolster, you may also use a stack of blankets.

Meditation Cushion – a zafu or meditation cushion is not necessary but it is a nice item to have, sitting on the edge of the zafu is ideal for proper pelvic alignment and ease of posture when meditating. If you do not have a zafu, a firm cushion or pillow will work as well.

It is always best to purchase good quality yoga props and supplies, but you can improvise with household items while you are developing your home practice.

Unlike other forms of exercise, yoga is an entire system of self-care that addresses the mind, body and spirit. There is no competition in yoga, especially with yourself; it is important to be aware that this is YOUR practice and YOUR time, you need only be present in the moment and the motion, surrender to the passage of time in this sacred space; accept yourself, breathe in love and joy.

Be aware of the breath, if you cannot breathe deeply and smoothly, ease your position in the pose – remember that there is no competition in this space, surrender to your body and breath. When you are preparing to move into a pose, be aware of your body, take the shape of the pose, delight in the forms your body takes, and luxuriate in the feeling of natural movement.

Modify the poses as you need to in order to maintain proper alignment and easy breath. Resist the urge to push further than the body wants to go, your body will move you deeper into the practice when it is ready. If you feel tired during your practice, sit back into childs pose and rest – do not rush, there is time. There is no pain in yoga. Breathe.

Namaste “the Divine in me honours the Divine in you”

Jennifer Courtney
aka Bendyjenn

http://www.yogayak.com

Become a Yoga Teacher

——————————————–
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/docs/Yoga-in-Practice-eBook.pdf

Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
Sister Blog: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/
On-Site Training: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–

By Paul Jerard

Stress is actually the number one killer of humans on the planet. Stress is a factor and cause of more physical and mental diseases than most of us can imagine. If you have any disease or ailment, stress will make it worse. If you are getting “stressed out,” it may bring on an ailment or disease.

Just look at what stress does to your blood pressure and heart. Cancer patients recover better when they are dealing with less stress. There are many reasons to worry, and none of us is without worry or stress. Too much stress can also cause an abrupt withdrawal from society and result in a possible depression.

Stress overload can cause job burn out, chronic fatigue, and nervous breakdowns. All of these conditions can result in long-term effects that can “sap” a person’s life energy, focus, and motivation.

Unfortunately, stress can also be caused by the ego, too much attachment to outcome, greed, jealousy, and hate. This is mentioned within the Yoga Sutras, by Patanjali, which has remained a timeless guide to human insight. Sometimes, we create our own stress and are our own worst enemies.

So, what’s the solution? Stress management programs are one answer. Have you ever noticed how many stress management techniques look like Yoga? To be honest, if something looks and sounds like Yoga; it’s probably “Yoga in disguise.”

I do not want to take away any credit, but Yoga is a 5,000 year old health maintenance system. You could call Yoga the “mother” of all health maintenance systems. Many of today’s health maintenance systems are “off shoots” of Yoga.

Hatha Yoga teaches you to stretch and strengthen your tense muscles, breathe correctly, relax, meditate and much more. Regular Yoga practice will help you develop your focus and turn stress “on its head.” As a result of Yoga practice, you will easily be able to handle life’s daily stress.

Whether the form of Yoga you practice is holding postures for a while, or flowing from one posture to the next, your body will be relieved of stress. Hatha Yoga sub-styles such as, Restorative Yoga and Iyengar Yoga, hold the Yoga Postures a bit longer than most.

The controlled breathing, practiced while holding a posture, enables the Yoga student to release stress, and walk away from a Yoga class feeling better than he or she did before the start of the class.

On the other hand, Hatha Yoga sub-styles that flow such as, Vinyasa Yoga, Power Yoga, and Ashtanga Yoga, have more movement, but the repetition of movement will also release stress from your body.

So, which is the best style for you? Most Yoga studios and wellness centers realize that students do not all “dance to the same beat.”

These movement-based Yoga classes differ from a gentle Restorative Yoga style. Each Yoga style has its own flavor, but a prospective student should talk to a Yoga teacher prior to the particular class. This is the wisest course of action, when considering your own goals.

Yoga is not a complete cure for stress, but it does cause the opposite effects of stress. Most Yoga students do find themselves living a calmer, more relaxed, and healthier life style as a result of practicing Yoga on and off the mat. This is why so many doctors recommend Yoga to their patients.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Become a Yoga Teacher

——————————————–
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/docs/Yoga-in-Practice-eBook.pdf

Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
Sister Blog: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/
On-Site Training: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–
FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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By Louise Clarke

Everyone can benefit from Yoga, regardless of age, weight, build or experience. The practice of Yoga is believed to lead to: stress reduction, increased energy and awareness, increased flexibility, focused mind and strong body.

There are many types of yoga, some with more emphasis on the physical part of the practice and some with a more spiritual approach, some that will make you sweat and some where you’d spend half a class holding the same posture. There is a type of yoga for anyone.

Yoga is an ancient proven tradition that exists for thousands of years and also one of the most ancient cultural heritages in India.

As a beginner in yoga the main peice of equipment you need is your body. Clothing should be practical, and comfortable. You can purchase yoga pants and tops, however it is not necessary. You may want to take a jacket, once you have finished the class, you make need it. Also take along a bottle of water.

When first joining a class, check if they will provide the yoga mat for you. As you get more advanced there are yoga props you can buy, however depending on the style of yoga practised, this may not be needed.

Whether it is a lesson plan, trying mantras, Hot Yoga, Gentle Yoga, a pro shop, or trying anything new, it is better to make mistakes than do nothing at all.

http://www.yogaprogress.com – For more yoga information and articles.

Become a Yoga Teacher

——————————————–
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/docs/Yoga-in-Practice-eBook.pdf

Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
Sister Blog: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/
On-Site Training: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–

By NamSing Then

Whatever that can mean today, Yoga in plain language means opportunity or luck. For example, if you inherit a legacy totally in an unanticipated way, it is your yoga that brought it your way. It is quite a common word in its usage, meaning luck, in India. Sample this: ‘He had a bad yoga; he lost his business in the storm’.

Then, How Come It Came To Be Known As A Different Exercise Cult?

It is quite simple. The four manifestations of yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, Raja Yoga, and Jnana Yoga, fundamentally preach different ways of attaining ‘salvation or moksha’ or the eternal freedom; freedom from deaths and lives; freedom from good and evil. Although there are deviations to all four main forms of yoga, there is a common thread binding them in an innocuous way. That it is the means of spiritual enlightenment.

Taking a cue from here, another relatively later manifestation called as ‘Hatha Yoga’, preaches the same thing as the other four, considered by ordinary people as difficult to practice, but emphasizes more on physical health.

Hinduism has a lot of literatures and treatises written on all four forms plus the Hatha Yoga. Patanjali, one prominent of them, is credited as being the proponent of yogasanas as yoga is known popularly today. The word yogasana is a conjugate word of yoga and asana. Yogasana combines the benefits of physical postures, in a scientific sequence, performed under extreme concentration on controlling the mind and breath, for physical benefits.

Yoga and Exercises

Yoga is a popular short word for yogasana after it reached west. Yoga is practiced after proper coaching like any other exercising method. Each step in any posture is defined and regulated to precision. When yoga is practiced, practitioners chant mantras which help practitioners hold the postures’ steps till the mantra ends. The steps can also be followed by chanting simple ‘OM’.

OM is believed to be the first sound the human being heard from the Creator. To chant OM, one needs to relax the mind beforehand and slowly chant for a length of time, which is entirely decided by the chanter to his or her entire comfort, which does not strain the lungs. The longest effortless single breath chant is the naturally needed length of OM. Change your yogasana step at the end of each OM and proceed further till end.

What we discussed is the simplest class of yoga. Breath control is equally important for yoga to benefit you in any way. Pranayama, which regulates the oxygen supplies to our blood, must be associated with yoga practice.

NamSing Then is a regular article contributor on many topics. Be sure to visit his other websites Hatha Yoga, Fitness and One Stop Information

http://www.yoga-foryou.info/hatha-yoga.html

http://www.fitness-foryou.info/sitemap.html

Become a Yoga Teacher

——————————————–
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/docs/Yoga-in-Practice-eBook.pdf

Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
Sister Blog: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/
On-Site Training: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

The calling to teach Yoga classes can reach into any of us, but what about obstacles which hold each of us back. A shy person may want to become a Yoga teacher, but how can he or she develop the voice of a Yoga teacher?

For an aspiring Yoga teacher, shyness is like a prison which stops him or her from life’s rewards. This person knows what to do, but feels serious anxiety when having to address a person or when having to speak in front of a group.

So what is a shy, but aspiring Yoga teacher to do, when confronted with this impasse? Should he or she give up the dream of becoming a certified Yoga teacher? Some trainers of Yoga teachers would agree, but the truth is there is a solution for the shy, but aspiring Yoga teacher.

Luckily, we are surrounded by recording devices. You can record your voice or film a mock Yoga class to develop your Yoga teaching skills. Watch the recording of yourself teaching Yoga, and later, practice along with the film or the audio recording. Then you can make corrections as you deal with the learning curve involved in becoming a Yoga teacher.

If you have some areas in your video or audio recording that need work; you will find a solution, but you must be patient with yourself. We are our own worst critics. This is just a part of the learning process in becoming a Yoga teacher. It is guaranteed that if you try, you will succeed, and you will not be let down.

Many of my best Yoga teacher training graduates spent their lives under estimating themselves, but found independence and a better quality life, teaching Yoga. The harshest judge many of us face on a daily basis is ourselves.

This is not an exercise in self-criticism, but a proven method for developing your Yoga teaching skills. Do not “beat yourself up,” but do take a constructive look at ways you can improve the range of your voice, cueing skills, and your Yoga lesson plan.

You should also seek out a trusted friend or an experienced Yoga teacher for constructive advice. Some Yoga teacher mentors will tutor you through any part of learning process.

Later, you may need at least one student and you can film your lesson plan in any open room. Some Yoga teacher interns have filmed a Yoga class outside, depending upon the season. Teaching Yoga in different settings will also build new found confidence.

You will learn to develop your own lesson plan. This is not acting, but a way to see your personality evolve into a Yoga teacher. This evolution of personality knows no boundaries. Most Yoga teachers are very confident and make the most out of enjoying life to its fullest potential every day.

To be honest, I was nervous when I taught my first Yoga class. I never thought I would be a public speaker, and I never considered that I would some day train Yoga teachers from every part of the earth. The raw skills are within all of us, but your dreams will not be realized without positive action by you.

Life happens, and hopefully, most of us change for the best. As a result, you will help others and have a tremendous feeling of job satisfaction, when you become a Yoga teacher.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Become a Yoga Teacher

——————————————–
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/docs/Yoga-in-Practice-eBook.pdf

Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
Sister Blog: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/
On-Site Training: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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By Paul Jerard

Yogic philosophy has many components and many similarities to classical western philosophy, yet Yoga still remains some what of a mystery. Is Yoga a threat to any of today’s Western religions or is it a compliment? Let’s take a close look at the component of forgiveness and see how the teachings of Yoga will improve your life for the best, regardless of your religion.

Why is it so hard for people to forgive themselves or others? It is easier today than it has ever been for people to shut off the outside world and play with “electronic toys.” Why should today’s children try to develop social skills or bonds with their peers? They have all they need or do they have everything?

Due to consumerism, today’s children are bored by all the toys, but they are stimulated by action with each other. Children who sit in front of the television often complain about boredom. When they play real games, go to a Yoga class, or participate in dance, music, or a sport; you see healthy and vibrant children.

The consumption of electronic gadgets has led adults and children to think about: “me, myself, and I,” more than ever. In this social climate, why should anyone forgive? Why should adults or children take a Yoga class, when there are so many more toys to play with?

Intolerance is a natural part of humanity, but consumerism has led to a self-centered path, where the world is wrong and I am right. It is easy to see how fundamentalism can weave its way into this social climate. Why forgive when you can get revenge? Why talk when you can sue?

This is why Yoga can help heal today’s world. Yoga teaches us about the law of Karma. Today we may say, “What goes around comes around,” but “what we sow, we shall reap” is a scarier thought. Karma is the law of cause and effect.

You can see the path humankind is on, but what can you do about it? It starts with each of us. Open your heart and bond with your children. Make time for family and friends. Shut the electronics off and work on your spiritual, mental, and physical health. Yoga is about good health in many different aspects.

We live in an electronic world, but we know it is not entirely healthy. We cannot run and hide from electronics, consumerism, and materialism when we are surrounded by it, but we can make wiser choices in our free time.

Yoga offers adults and children insight. This allows all of us to better ourselves and put past mistakes behind. We all make mistakes because we are human.

Forgiveness allows us to leave hate behind and spend our energy on more constructive pursuits such as enjoying time with your friends or family.

This is just one more reason why the universal principles of Yoga pose no threat to any religion. Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jews, and Moslems are taught the same or similar moral codes. We have to forgive each other and learn to live in peace.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Become a Yoga Teacher

——————————————–
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/docs/Yoga-in-Practice-eBook.pdf

Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
Sister Blog: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/
On-Site Training: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–
FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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By Rebecca Prescott

The popularization of yoga in the West by yoga schools influenced by the Yoga Sutras Of Patanjali (2nd century BC), have almost led to the origins of yoga being linked with Patanjali in the Western mind. In fact, the earliest illustration we have of yoga is from the Mohenjo-daro seals.

Mohenjo-Daro is the remains of an ancient city located in Pakistan, part of the Indus Valley civilization which existed along the Indus river and Ghaggar-Hakra river in north-west India and what is now Pakistan. Mohenjo-Daro’s parent city was Harrapa in India.

These civilizations have been dated from 3300 BC to 1300 BC. At one stage they were thought to have suddenly ended due to an Aryan invasion, though archaeologists now believe it was more likely due to climate change. Ultimately though, nothing is certain in the world of archaeology, at least until the next find, or developments in science.

The Mohenjo-daro seals show a figure standing on its head, and another sitting cross legged.

However, some see yoga’s origins as being from the Vedic shastras, or vedic religious texts, which are the foundation of Indian Hinduism. The Vedic texts were created from 500 BC, and the Rigveda is believed to have been completed by 1500 BC. The Rigveda is one of several principle early vedic texts. The Rigveda, Samaveda, and Yajurveda were used by the Brahmins, a caste that were usually priests, or allowed to be priests, in the days when the caste system originated.

A lot of these texts were concerned with sacrificial rituals. There are sacrificial prayers, incantations, and elements related to magic, to name a few aspects of the subject matter. These are now viewed symbolically, or philosophically, although they were presumably intended more literally at the time. But the word “yoga” was discussed in the RigVeda. In it, there is mention of ‘yoking’ our mind and insight to the ‘Sun Of Truth’ (David Frawley, a Vedic scholar).

Yoga is also discussed in the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna describes 4 types of yoga:

* selfless action – in following one’s soul path, one’s dharma, first and foremost, and without thinking of the outcome, the end result, or being motivated by self gain (Karma Yoga)

* self transcending knowledge (Jnana yoga)

* psycho-physical meditation (Raja yoga)

* devotion – loving service to the Divine Essence (Bhakti yoga) (Source – Wikipedia)

The Bhagavad Gita is believed to have been written between the 5th and 2nd century BC. In the Gita, the goal of yoga is the realization of Brahman, or the Divine Essence. Whilst the paths to achieve this for individuals may be different, the essence of coming to an unequivocable knowing of the Oneness of the Divine, and oneself within this fundamental reality, is the same.

“The Gita addresses the discord between the senses and the intuition of cosmic order. It speaks of the Yoga of equanimity, a detached outlook. The term Yoga covers a wide range of meanings, but in the context of the Bhagavad Gita, describes a unified outlook, serenity of mind, skill in action, and the ability to stay attuned to the glory of the Self (Atman), which is of the same essence as the basis of Being (Brahman).” (Wikipedia)

Read about the invocation to sage patanjali here. Learn more about kriya yoga, here.

http://www.yogatohealth.com/The_Influence_of_The_Invocation_To_Sage_Patanjali.html

http://www.yogatohealth.com/Kriya_Yoga_Techniques_And_The_Path_Of_Self_Mastery.html

Become a Yoga Teacher

——————————————–
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/docs/Yoga-in-Practice-eBook.pdf

Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
Sister Blog: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/
On-Site Training: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–

By Peter Crump

The history of Yoga is an interesting one indeed. It is not entirely clear in many respects, but much is well known about the history of Yoga.

It is thought that the word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word yog meaning union or yoke. This is thought to refer to the ultimate aim of Yoga, which is a union. That union is supposed to be the union of body and mind, reaching a state of higher mental being or spiritual awareness.

Yoga was originally a spiritual undertaking, designed for the improvement of the spiritual being. It is much more commonly practiced today for it’s relaxation and health benefits, and because it is a fun pastime, but it was originally a spiritual quest.

It is known for it’s physical exercises which in turn facilitate with increased flexibility. It can also be extremely useful to facilitate meditation. Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years.

Some Yoga devotees claim that Yoga history starts with a carving of a man sitting cross legged with outstretched arms which as found on a seal which itself is thought to be around 8000 years old.

And some see the beginnings of Yoga to be found in the old Hindu writings known as Vedic Shastras. This would put Yoga at around 4000 years old.

Yoga as a discipline of that name can be found in the Upanishads which gave life to the Bhagavad Gita. This is considered to be the original writings on Yoga and sets out clearly the basis for the self realization which was Yogas goal. It also sets out the 3 main branches of Yoga known as Karma, Jnana and Bhakti.

There are now many streams of Yoga. Most are most closely related to Hatha Yoga which is younger than some other forms, thought to go back around 700 years. The Swami Swatamarama set out the major tenets of Hatha Yoga in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and this form is followed by millions of Hindus as a way of life.

It is clear that the history of Yoga is not clear. That does not though detract from the fact that Yoga, particularly as practiced by more western adherents, is a relaxing and enjoyable pastime that has substantial health benefits. Whatever the history of Yoga, it is now practiced by many people in our society and is constantly growing in popularity.

If you’d like to see what Yoga is all about then give it a try. You won’t be disappointed.

To find out more about Yoga visit Peter’s Website The Good Yoga Guide at http://www.goodyogaguide.com/ and find out about Yoga Health Benefits and more including Yoga resources

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