You may hear of people who have done Yoga and did not like it and prefer another, more athletic activity, such as running or tennis. However, when was the last time you heard someone say, "I do not like Yoga because it encourages and inspires negative thoughts, emotions, and feelings." The answer is probably never, because Yoga strives to inspire the opposite reaction.
We often think of meditation as a Hindu or Buddhist practice, but meditation has been practiced for centuries by people from many religions. Among these religions, meditation has also been practiced by Jews, Muslims, Roman Catholics, and Protestants, for the purpose of a deeper spiritual experience.
Hatha Yoga training sessions in the west, contain Christians, Jews, Moslems, Hindus, Buddhists, and others, practicing Yoga in harmony. Intolerance is put aside, and Yoga practitioners appreciate each other as equals. This is the way it should be. The path of intolerance is full of ignorance. Intolerance breeds hate and polarization. Who cares what religion your neighbor is? Especially, if he or she is responsible and has a moral code of conduct. While religious leaders are arguing over interpretations, the power within our governments is being undermined by those who would have our children believe in nothing.
So, where do you find a sage? You could possibly find one in Yoga teacher training, but please remember that a sage is usually a mentor...
By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500 When choosing a Yoga instructor program, you have to determine what it is that you want to get out of it. Do you want a comprehensive Yoga instructor's course or a quick Yoga instructor diploma to teach Yoga classes? Are you looking for continuing education credits for the Yoga Alliance [...]
By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500 Recently, I received an Email from a colleague about local Yoga students and their desire to "skip" meditation. It seems some Hatha Yoga students find it appropriate to get up and leave before meditation starts. In the area, where he is located of the western United states, no Yoga studios [...]
By Javier Fuller The ordinary teaching is to sharpen your intellectual abilities. In yoga, your efforts are to break the mind-barrier, transcend and seek entry to the zone of silence. So, very high skills are required to equip oneself, to become a yoga teacher. You will find many types of yoga teacher training courses. But [...]
By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500 There is a philosophy, which claims: If you give something away, and people find a value in it - they will react positively to your kindness, with repeat business. This is all well, and good, but the major fast food chains seem to be the only businesses to profit from [...]
By Megha Brahmankar What is Yoga? Is yoga a religion? Has it been "proved" that Yoga is good for you? What are the benefits of yoga? When should a patient take Yoga Treatment? Which are the diseases that can be cured by Yoga? How many styles of yoga are there? Will yoga help me to [...]
Therefore, look at your strengths and be honest with yourself about what your goals really are. There have been many successful Yogis, and some spiritual leaders, who had the clothes on their backs as their only possessions. They did not pursue material wealth, but instead, helped others until their last day.