Posts Tagged ‘yogic philosophy’

Can Yoga Help Seniors With Memory Loss?

Wednesday, September 21st, 2011

yoga teacher trainingBy Faye Martins 

Can Yoga help seniors with memory loss?  Ancient Yogic texts indicate that “memory is holding on to that which has been known.” The ability to retain, assimilate, and recall data about past and present events varies among different people, but the issue is of special concern to senior citizens.  It is a life quality issue that we might find unimportant, until it happens to us.

Research has shown that stress and unhealthy lifestyles affect memory, and the Alzheimer’s Association predicts that Alzheimer’s alone will reach epidemic proportions as the baby boom generation ages. Although the loss of memory results from a variety of inter-related factors, there is some good news.

At one time, scientists thought the brain fully matured during childhood, but recent technology has shown that it can develop new neural pathways at any age. Neuroscientists say, “Neurons that fire together wire together.” When the brain repeatedly involves the same thought or action, it can rewire itself.

It is little wonder, then, that Yoga is becoming popular among seniors. Sanskrit manuscripts expressed many of the ideas that run parallel to modern medicine and the western scientific community is just beginning is just beginning to recognize many Yogic concepts, which are listed below.

• Yogic practice revolves around the idea that purification burns away old ideas and habits, leading to new ways of behaving and thinking. In Hindu philosophy, the burning away of old habits and perceptions, known as samskaras, prepares the mind for new ways of thinking and behaving. This ancient teaching is very similar to the neuron theory in contemporary science.

• The disciplines of controlled breathing, meditation, and physical postures taught in old Yogic philosophy serve in today’s studios as effective ways of increasing the flow of fresh blood and energy to the brain.

• Deep breathing increases energy (the flow of prana) and oxygen to the body’s cells, promoting good memory.

• Inversions provide the brain with an increased supply of blood and oxygen.

• Meditation improves focus, clears the mind of negative thinking, and reduces rumination. A mind that is free of worry and anxiety leads to a better memory.

• Chanting, japa, mantra and kirtan, restores vital life energy (prana) to the body, refreshing the brain and enhancing memory. The OM vibration and mantras work in much the same way.

The theory of neuroplasticity, meaning the brain’s ability to produce new cells, has one drawback. New brain cells need a stress-free environment in which to thrive. Amazingly, Yogis figured this out long ago. With systematic practice, Yoga has the potential to preserve the mind’s ability in the 21st century – much the same as it did thousands of years ago. For seniors, this is good news.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

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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!

What is the Foundation of Yogic Philosophy?

Sunday, May 15th, 2011

yoga certificationBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

The foundation of Yogic philosophy is based on a number of ancient Indian Vedic scriptures dating all the way back to 2500 BC, and possibly earlier. One of the early Hindu scriptures is the Rig Veda, a spiritual text, which was handed down over hundreds of years, orally, from generation to generation, until these scriptural teachings were written down in the early Vedic Period.

The Upanishads are a continuation of Vedic knowledge and are one of the primary sources of Yogic philosophy and instructions. These sacred scriptures date back from 1000 to 400 BC. The Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita (God’s Song) contained within, are also seminal Hindu scriptures that teach Yoga students how to incorporate the practice and wisdom of Yogic philosophy into everyday life. These scriptures date back to approximately 200 BC.

Maharishi Patanjali was a very wise Indian sage who compiled many of the prominent points from Holy Scriptures and formulated them into aphorisms, or tersely-phrased summaries of information (sutras). Maharishi Patanjali laid out a very comprehensive, orderly, and systematic way to achieving health, wellbeing, and oneness with God, through Yoga’s practices and the incorporation of Yogic philosophy into one’s daily life. The Sanskrit word “Yoga” means to yoke, or enter into union, and become absorbed into the divine essence of all creation. A Yogi or Yogini is a deeply committed student of Yogic philosophy and practices.

There are nine major branches of Yoga with slightly different approaches toward Yogic philosophy and practice. Some of these different branches emphasize entirely different aspects of Yogic philosophy, such as the practice of Bhakti Yoga, the Yoga of devotion to the divine, and Karma Yoga, the practice of attaining oneness with God through service to others.

The branch of Yogic philosophy, under which Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras fall, is known as Raja Yoga, or the Royal Path of Yoga. His Yogic system incorporates many of the elements of the other major philosophical Yogic branches. Ultimately, Patanjali’s Yogic philosophy is a system to control, or temper, the thought-waves of the mind.

In order to control the vrittis or thought-waves of the mind, so that the Yogic aspirant may enter into the essence of his or her own heart, Patanjali systematically enumerated eight limbs, or branches, of Raja Yoga in his Yoga Sutras. These branches include the practice of Yoga asanas, meditation, pranayama, behavioral restraints, dharmic guidelines for ethical living, pratyahara, dharana, and ultimately, resting in a state of pure bliss, or oneness with God, in Samadhi.

If a dedicated Yoga student follows Patanjali’s prescription toward samadhi, his or her life will be filled with divine love, wellbeing, and robust holistic health. Reaching a state of Samadhi, or complete absorption with God, may not be possible for many of us; but following Patanjali’s system of Yogic philosophy is sure to support a Yoga student in becoming lighter, happier, more peaceful, and healthier, in the meantime.

© Copyright 2011 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

To see our complete selection of Yoga teacher training courses, please feel free to visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/Teacher-Courses/

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

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

Yogic Philosophy: What Is Maya?

Monday, May 9th, 2011

become a yoga teacherBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Yoga practice is grounded in centuries of rich Yogic philosophy. Originally, the emphasis, for those who practiced Yoga in ancient India, was on thoughtful presence in meditation. The goal of Yoga was to reach a state of strict discipline of the mind, where Yogis could spend days or even years deep in contemplation. A little-known fact is that the Yoga poses (asanas), that have recently become popular around the world, were initially developed to support meditation practice, and were not themselves the point of practice. The idea was that if you were in control of your body, with strong muscles and clear focus, you would be much better prepared to sit still and harness your mind for longer periods of time.

The concept of “maya” also comes from Hindu philosophy. In Sanskrit, the language of the yogis, “ma” means “not” and “ya” means “that.” Literally, then, maya translates as “not that;” but the idea behind it is much more complex. For the ancient Yogis, the distinction between the universe and the self was an illusion. Due to the fact that we are so focused on our own desires, experiences, feelings, and thoughts, about the world, it is easy for most human beings to think of our lives as separate from everything around us. This separation can also lead to inflated feelings of importance, which, in turn, cause stress over family, work, finances, or other earthly concerns. The Yogis thought that by meditating, we could bridge this divide and truly recognize our presence in the universe. By recognizing and engaging with the unity of all things, we could reach a higher state of consciousness and transcend these temporary worries.

Within Yogic philosophy, maya represents the things that we think are real but are not. The most important of these is the perception that there is a division between one’s self and the universe, because our thoughts and feelings, also, belong to the great unity of all things. More frequently, however, maya is used to refer to the images we have in our minds of reality. Yet, as we experience the world through our sensory organs, we are able to construct an image of an apple, or the color pink, or a sweet smell. However, these images are just pale copies of reality that exist only in the mind – sometimes known as mind-objects. Through the meditation and physical discipline that come with a complete Yoga practice, we get closer and closer to the true reality of the universe.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

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

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!

Five Easy Steps to Practice Yoga for Inspiration

Tuesday, January 18th, 2011

Yoga teacher trainingBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Yogic philosophy is based upon living in the moment. In a Hatha or Vinyasa class, students are taught pranayama (Yogic breathing) to create a connection with the mind and body. This mind and body connection makes the Yoga practitioner mindful of life as it is right now.

What is the significance of being mindful or more aware of life? To many people, this Yogic jargon about awareness or mindfulness is a mystery. Is there an easy way to explain this? Yes, mindfulness or awareness can be easily defined as “appreciation.”

How many people take the time to appreciate the little things in life? How many of us take our relationships for granted? Unfortunately, it is human to take good relationships and situations for granted. It seems the more humans have – the more humans want.  Below are five steps to enhance inspiration through the practice of Yoga.

1. Waking up with gratitude should be easy for any of us. We can be happy and inspired by being thankful for all that we have. A bird wakes up with a song in his or her heart, and so should we. To focus on happy thoughts brings states of bliss and inspiration.

2. Stop to notice people, objects, or moments we usually take for granted. This could be as simple as enjoying a good laugh or stopping to appreciate nature. Over the years, children, pets, loved ones and friends deserve time for us to focus on them. If you take the time to notice, your life will change for the best.

3. Let go of judgment. Drop the comparisons to others. This happens in life and even happens in some Yoga classes. Competition will not disappear from our lifestyles, but we do not need to become obsessed with it. The drive for material competition can take happiness out of life.

4. We attract what we think. If we think about doom and gloom, we will attract like minded people. The same is true for inspiration. If we are inspired we will attract people who are kindred souls. A person who is positive will not be attracted by a negative personality and vice versa.

5. Appreciate the magic in life. In the course of life, we see miracles happen. Some people recover from illnesses, trauma, and near death experiences. Many adults are living full lives, who would not have survived without the medical technology we see today. This is just one example, but small miracles are happening every day. It is good to appreciate these magical moments in life.

Ultimately, we practice Yoga in every aspect of our daily lives.

© Copyright 2011 – Paul Jerard / Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our complete selection of Yoga teacher certification courses, please feel free to visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/Teacher-Courses/

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

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

Yoga Teacher Courses – Train the Mind with Yoga

Sunday, January 2nd, 2011

Yoga Teacher TrainingBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

When we hear the phrase, “train the mind,” what comes to mind? Do we think of a change in behavior, morality, or intelligence? Higher forms of Yoga, such as Raja, Bhakti, Karma, and Jnana, can help us train the mind. Within all forms of Yoga are meditation techniques to develop the mind, as well.

Behavior

When considering behavior, there is always room for individual improvement. Unfortunately, none of us is perfect. Our perception of the objects around us has much to do with our personal behavior. Our inherent reactions to objects, or events, are different from one person to another. Two people hear the same message, but the mind’s unique level of awareness brings perception into clarity.

No matter how hard we try, we cannot translate the same message, in the same way, as the person beside us. One example of this is being a member of a book club. The members read the same book, but the club organizes meeting sessions to discuss various interpretations and increase the membership’s scope of intellectual abilities.

Diversity in interpretation also happens within groups, which read and examine scriptures. In the United States, the Supreme Court consists of one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. With nine extremely educated justices to interpret the law or the U.S Constitution, there is almost always a difference of opinion.

Enhancement of Intelligence

The enhancement of intelligence is a result of training the mind through study. This may happen in any form of Yoga, but Jnana Yoga encourages the aspirant to attain unity, through self-analysis and the investigation of speculative thought.

To study will increase one’s intelligence about a subject, but to study the Yogic system will bring about enhanced intelligence with regard to life. Yoga is a science of life. The more time one devotes to the study and practice of Yoga, the higher the odds are for accomplishing one’s intended purpose in life.

To be “book smart” is not enough to reach success in life. It is the application of knowledge toward all phases of life that tests a theory. Yoga and Yogic philosophy have moved far beyond theory. Yoga therapy has been successful, but a scientist wants to know: “why.”

Scientists, and some skeptics, argue that Yoga must now be tested on the other side of the Earth in order to collect enough data as to why it works. With every little step, Yoga has eventually been embraced by science and medicine as a system that works.

Moral Codes

The most neglected part of Yoga teacher training courses is a closer look at Yama and Niyama. In the Yoga Sutras, Maharishi Patanjali names Yama and Niyama as the first two limbs of Yoga. Yet, Universal moral codes are often over looked. Advanced students, especially Yoga teachers, should know differently. If each person reflected on the Universal principles of Yama and Niyama daily, we would suddenly have world peace.

© Copyright 2010 – Paul Jerard / Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our complete selection of Yoga teacher certification courses, please feel free to visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/Teacher-Courses/

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

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

DISORDERS OF MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM (MRS)

Sunday, April 18th, 2010

By Dr. Rita Khanna

The male reproductive anatomy includes internal and external structures. Most of the male reproductive system is located outside the body. The external structures of the MRS are the penis, the scrotum, and the testicles. The internal organs of the MRS, called accessory organs, include vas deferens, ejaculatory ducts, urethra, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbo-urethral glands.

The functions of the MRS are:

• To produce, maintain, and transport sperm (the male reproductive cells) and protective fluid (semen)

• To discharge sperm within the female reproductive tract

• To produce and secrete male sex hormones

HOW DOES MRS FUNCTION

The entire male reproductive system is dependent on hormones, which are chemicals that stimulate, or regulate, the activity of cells or organs. The primary hormones, involved in the functioning of the MRS, are follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone. FSH and LH are produced by the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain.

FSH is necessary for sperm production (spermatogenesis), and LH stimulates the production of testosterone, which is necessary to continue the process of spermatogenesis. Testosterone is also important in the development of male characteristics, such as muscle mass and strength, fat distribution, bone mass, and sex drive.

MALE REPRODUCTIVE DISORDERS

• There may be some defects in the genitals, or in excep¬tional cases, genitals may not exist.

• The amount of spermatozoa in the semen, may be lesser than required, or may not be there at all.

• Physical incapacity or non-existence of procreation capacity or aversion.

• In the majority of the cases, one may not really find anything lacking in the procreation system of the male; but because of the mental tension, or due to advanced age, the procreation system may have lost interest.

• The most complicated problem of MRS is incapacity of the semen to procreate.

• Out of all the problems, one third are as a result of spermatozoa being almost nil in the male semen.

DETAILS OF THE CONTENTS OF SEMEN

Normal healthy semen has following details:

1. Quantity: between 2 to 5 ml (normal estimate is 3 to 5 ml)

2. Quantum of spermatozoa: 60 to 120 million per ml.

3. Motility: 80% to 90%.

4. Morphology: 80% normal (oval head, neck and tail)

5. PH: acidic.

6. Liquefaction: +ve

7. Fructose: +ve

SEMEN EXAMINATION

The only really satisfactory way to produce a semen sample, for examination, is by masturbation into a special container or in chemical laboratory. The reason for this is that most of the sperm in an ejaculate are in the first portion. If one wants to have a correct examination, and get correct chemical results, as well as get proper estimate of actual situation, it is essential that at least 4 to 5 days before getting the specimen for examination, there should be no wastage of semen. Similarly, one should not encourage the specimen of semen, brought in by use of a condom, which are lubricated with spermicides. It will kill sperms and will not have a correct examination.

Secondly, it is necessary that after the first examination of semen, a second sample should be obtained 15 days later, and after thorough examination, one should arrive at a definite decision. Only then, proper treatment should be obtained. The sperm in a specimen of semen gets affected both in quantity and in capability of procreation, if a person is habituated to take intoxicants like liquor, smoking, or chewing tobacco. Insufficient intake of nutritive food, too hot a climate, or staying in a place where it is tremendously cold, also affects.

OBSERVATION ON THE CHEMICAL CONDITION OF THE SEMEN

• In some cases, either both, or one testicle, may be under-developed or immature, or these may remain in the abdomen, only. This condition is known as cryptorchidism. In such cases, a male, although he has had a perfect conjugal and sexual partner¬ship, will be incapable of procreation. Under such circumstances, an operation could bring fruitful results.

• Varicoceles are tortuous dilated blood vessels in the scrotum (just like having varicose veins in the legs). These veins are dilated because the blood does not drain properly from them. These dilated veins allow extra blood to pool in the scrotum, which has a negative effect on the sperm production.

• One of the principal reasons for insufficient spermatozoa, in male semen, which could result in non-procreation, is high temperature in the internal secreting glands of male reproductive system.

• If there are glands or nodules, which hinder the forceful and speedy ejection of semen, this could also be one of the main reasons for incapability of procreation.

• There can be some hindrance or disease inside the tube of the gentile organ like urethritis, epididymitis, prostatitis, etc.

• It is also possible that some hindrance, or disease, in the testicles may result in plenty of blood coming out of the genital organ, which may result in weakness, and procre¬ation may not be possible.

• Persons who work in the vicinity of hot kilns, put on very tight underwear, or take a bath with extra hot water, have higher temperature of tes¬ticles (hyperthermia) than required. Over a period of time it can lead to sexual disorder, but can be treated by hypothermia (Abnormally low body temperature).

• Persons, whose quantum of spermatozoa is found lesser than required, can cure the same by this treatment of hypothermia. However, those who exhibit no sper¬matozoa are in the condition of azoospermia (no sperm count); hypothermia will not be of much use.

• For the treatment of hypothermia the special underwear could be used. It is called thermal underwear and is excellent for keeping the heat in your body and gives excellent comfort even in icy arctic cold weather conditions.

• On medical advice – if long term use of such underwear is being made then an appreciably big difference in number of spermatozoa would be possible. You can remove such special underwear only at time of having a bath or at the time of sexual intercourse; it is advisable to put on this special underwear for the rest of the period and for as long as possible. This is a non-chemical treatment. The underwear is easy to put on and is light in weight. No sexual disorder is created by its use, and this is widely recognized.

• If the prostate gland has grown to a huge extent, it can create disorganization of sexual life. It is likely that the male sexual life will be imbalanced. If a couple has no children, and if they are getting treatment, they should ensure that the personal lifestyle of the male should be analyzed, and the problems observed, therein, should be first solved.

• Check up whether sexual life has an ebb – as a result of having no children. It is essential that sufficient investigation should be undertaken for this cause. If a married couple remains childless for a pretty long period, there is a possibility of internal strife and insufficiency of coitus.

• Impotence indicates that one has to spend a long time in the erection of phallus, the genital organs may be completely inactive, the ejection of the semen may take longer time, or semen may not get ejected at all. Normally, such occurrences are more as a result of psychologi¬cal reasons, and it is advisable to get the solution to this problem by psychiatric treatment.

• Besides the above, patients suffering from diabetes, renal disease, trauma or consumption of strong medicines for longer periods may also get affected by impotency. One can go in for psychological treatment, Medical aids and medicines and vitalizing by mechanical means or by penile implants.

• If a person remains ever ready for sexual intercourse (libido), and indulges in abnormally excessive sexual activities, he may, in the long run, stop procreating.

• The male genital organ should essen¬tially be capable of full excitement so that the organ should remain absolutely straight and erect – then can only one enjoy the intercourse in a proper manner. If the genital organ is comparatively very short, it is known as microfilms. If the genital organ is having too many bends in it, this is termed hemi-hyper-trophy. The non-stimulation of the phallus is the main cause of impotence. People could have insufficiency of erection of the genital organ, due to mental fear, worry, trauma, diabetes, etc.

• Male procreation problem can also arise because of the addiction to alcohol, narcotics, tobacco, and anti¬hypertensive drugs.

YOGIC MANAGEMENT

Yogic philosophy maintains that most of the diseases are due to insufficient life force, either in the body as a whole, or a blockage of life force, to one part of the body. When the whole body has lowered life force, the result is a lowered vitality level, poor health, and susceptibility to infection. Yoga practice increases the working capacity of the body to a huge extent.

Yes, you can definitely correct your impotence, and also get stronger erections, if you practice certain Yoga poses regularly. These includes Surya¬namaskara (12 rounds) each morning at Sunrise, Trikonasana, Sarvangasana, Matsyasana, Halasana, Paschimottanasan, Bhujangasana, Shalbhasana, Dhanurasana, Chakrasana, Ardha-Matsyendrasana Yoga¬mudra, Uttitthpashchimottanasana, Padahastasana, Tolungasana, Mahamudra, Vajrasana, and Shavasana.

Regular practice of these Asanas can help to increase the blood circulation to the scrotum. This increased blood flow removes and remedies the biological, or chemical, imbalances that might be causing impotence.

In addition, the practice of Bhastrika Pranayama, Sukhpurvaka Pranayama, Yoganidra, as well as Meditation will help you to correct problems, such as premature ejaculation, and also help in better concentration.

CONCLUSION

It must be remembered that successful impregnation, fertilization, and subsequent pregnancy, always involves the cooperation and interaction of husband and wife as one. There are always cases of infertility in marriage. If the couple tries to have mutual understanding, goodwill, and equipoise, then the majority of the problems of procreation by males can be solved. For this reason, both partners are recommended to adopt a Yoga program and practice it together.

Keep patience – nothing is impossible!

AUM SHANTI

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Courtesy: Dr. Rita Khanna’s Yogashaastra Studio.

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Dr. Rita Khanna

Dr. Rita Khanna is a well-known name in the field of Yoga and Naturopathy. She was initiated into this discipline over 25 years ago by world famous Swami Adyatmananda of Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh (India).

She believes firmly that Yoga is a scientific process, which helps us to lead a healthy and disease-free life. She is also actively involved in practicing alternative medicines like Naturopathy. Over the years, she has been successfully practicing these therapies and providing succour to several chronic and terminally ill patients through Yoga, Diet and Naturopathy. She is also imparting Yoga Teachers Training.

At present, Dr. Rita Khanna is running a Yoga Studio in Secunderabad (Hyderabad, India).

Changing Your Destiny With Yoga

Monday, August 31st, 2009

Teachings of Yoga and the Fear of Success

Saturday, May 30th, 2009

yoga balanceBy Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

If one is in search of spiritual enlightenment, should he or she avoid success in all other matters? How many Yoga practitioners think that success is a bad thing? Abundance, success, and achievement are shunned by many Gurus. There is a logical reason for this, but there is also a drawback for all of humankind.

One of many reasons, for embracing poverty, is to practice Aparigraha (non- possessiveness). Yet, those who tell others to enjoy poverty, give this advice to keep greed “in check.” It is true that greed can make slaves of all of us. Chasing power and material wealth can be a never ending struggle.

Those who become consumed by covetousness are never happy – no matter how many possessions they have or how much power they hold. On the other hand, the fear of succeeding holds our entire species back. If all of us refused to advance ourselves, we would still be drawing on the walls of caves.

It is one of humanity’s greatest qualities – to explore, create, and become innovators. At this time, no other species on this planet can be so constructive or destructive. We have the ability to create the world of our dreams or our nightmares. It is up to us whether we succeed or fail.

The problem stems from one undeniable fact: Humanity will not sit still. If you look at our history, you could debate the crimes, wars, and injustice against humanity by human beings. The desire to progress, and the desire to suppress, has been in conflict since our humble beginnings. What logical method can we practice to train the mind and solve conflicts?

In a word, it is “Yoga” that has managed to cross every boundary of race, religion, gender, nationality, and social status.  Some fundamentalists will disagree, but not one of them wishes to create a world of peace, tranquility, or bliss.

They use race, religion, gender, nationality, and social status as dividing points to create anger and hatred. A fundamentalist is a person, of any religion, who rigidly embraces extreme political, philosophical, and social viewpoints.

The objective of all fundamentalist thought is to divide humanity into hostile warring groups. Yogic philosophy is the opposite of fundamentalist thought.

Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root “yuj,” which means to join, unite, or attach. The deeper meaning of Yoga is important because most of us want spiritual growth. The rewards of self-realization and truth, through concentration of mind, cannot be understated.

Therefore, success is a by-product of Yoga practice. Your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health, will improve with practice. There is no need to fear achievement because it cannot be prevented, when one lives a Yogic lifestyle.

© Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Yoga Teacher Certification. FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.” http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

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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

Is the Path Toward Prosperity Un-Yogic?

Monday, February 16th, 2009
Hatha Yoga Instruction

Hatha Yoga Instruction

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Since the humble beginnings of humankind, we have prayed for prosperity, abundance, and happiness.  Why have so many Yoga teachers scorned the path of prosperity?  Many people equate prosperity with material possessions.  Too much material abundance has created the desire for more and more possessions.

Consider these words by the Buddha: “To live a pure unselfish life, one must count nothing as one’s own in the midst of abundance.”  The clear problem with material prosperity is greed and selfishness.  The purest form of prosperity is a loving family, friends, and a trained mind.

At the time of this writing, the world economy is experiencing the largest collapse since the Great Depression.  In the second week of February of 2009, some U.S. bank executives gave testimony to Congress, under the spotlights, denying that they are raising credit card rates. 

In fact, they claimed credit card rates were being lowered.  Did you notice any of your credit card rates being lowered?  You see – large sums of money do strange things to some of us.  Somehow, money makes us forget that we should help each other.

The purpose of government-sponsored bank bailouts was to make credit available for small businesses and average people.  Yet, there are very few loans available.  Some of the same banks, who were given huge sums of money, have helped to create an economic environment, where many average people have migrated to the unemployment lines.

Should we stop praying for prosperity?  Is the path toward prosperity filled with greed, selfishness, lies, and larceny?  Consider these words from the Holy Bible located in Proverbs 11:24-25.  “One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.  A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”

This is an “age old” universal principle, which runs parallel to the concepts of karma and Yogic philosophy.  Our actions, words, and thoughts, create a boomerang effect.  Our non-actions and silence do the same.  If we can easily help someone, but turn them away, it will always come back to haunt us.

Do not give to others because of guilt.  Give because it is the right thing to do.  If you desire prosperity, and receive it, do not forget the poor souls who need help.  It is true – there are more open hands now than most of us can ever remember, but each act of sharing is never forgotten by those in desperate states of need.

© Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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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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