Category
System of yogic sciences and spiritual technologies which offer different paths to the final goal of enlightenment. The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit root yuj meaning to join or to yoke. This is the philosophical basis of all yogic practices and has many levels of meaning - such as yoking ourselves to our practice; yoking our bodies and minds; yoking our prana into the central channel . . .
Physical Benefits
Promotes vibrant health and wellbeing as all physical body systems collaborate and cooperate with one another and can come to a state of balance and equilibrium.
Mental Benefits
Imparts crystal clarity of the mind resulting from yoking itself to the yamas (knowing what to give up) and niyamas (knowing what to take up). Quiets the mind, helps to prevent negative emotions, softens extreme ways of thinking, encourages tolerance and acceptance. Induces an unusual and blissful state which is yoked to a cessation of mental afflictions.
Subtle Body Benefits
Uninhibited flow of pranic energy in sushumna can result in highest state of samadhi from yoking the energies in ida - the left hand channel, and pingala – the right hand channel, into the central channel by reversing the flows of downward and upward moving winds to unite in sushumna.
Karmic Benefits
Yields the realizations that can lead to the highest goals of all forms of yoga – the union of a body that is pure light energy with the mind of an enlightened being – these can only come from having taken exquisite care of others. The fastest route is to yoke yourself to a Teacher who you believe has been there. Yearning to be free of dualities and impractical doctrines that don’t serve us plant the seeds which can ripen as the karma for equanimity.
Perform
Always search out a qualified yoga teacher. Look as long as you need to find not only a properly certified teacher of yoga asana (postures) OR one who has been practicing under the direct guidance of an authentic teacher for many years, but one who is also well trained in the various yoga scriptures such as the Yoga Sutras of Master Patanjali, Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Yogi Swatmarama, the classic Bhavagad Gita, Gheranda’s Samhita, Shiva Samhita, Hatharatnavali by Srinivasayogi and so on.
Follow the instructions of your carefully selected teacher to the letter. Our degree of compliance to our teachers’ instructions actually determines how much they are able to help us, and how powerful and effective their teachings will be. In other words, if we don’t do the deed, we won’t get the result! Just begin!
Meet yourself where you are, without judgment or criticism, and start practicing the non-judgmental state of union which is true yoga. A fervent desire to move beyond our current state of evolution and an absolute acceptance of where we are - both at once, without contradiction.
Balance an asana (postures) practice with other yogic practices that suit your predisposition and constitution, according to the instructions of your teacher.
Counterpose
The yogic sciences are ingeniously designed to balance one another and provide a perfect inbuilt counterpose system! Ask your teacher which is the perfect balance for you.
Tips from Deep Retreat
We recommend that you keep looking for a yoga teacher until you find the one who not only has the scriptural knowledge and skills, but also one with whom you have developed a heart to heart connection. This is important.
Any belief system or creed can get us enlightened if we have faith in our teacher, ourselves, and the teaching.
Avoid dogmatic thinking! Relaxation and fluidity in body and mind are the keys to success. There is a soft and yielding way to do asanas and to meditate, while still maintaining stability and integrity. Feel this from the inside out, rather than applying brute strength and gritting your teeth!
One of the important teachings of yoga is that nothing is all-or-nothing, while at the same time, everything is all-or-nothing. This cryptic phrase simply means that if our intention is pure and our motivation is firm and unshakeable, then we can reach all our goals even though our practice is imperfect.
Relax. Then, relax. Then, relax!
Cautions
Stay close to your teacher, in body and/or in spirit, and listen from your heart, carefully, to their instructions.