Ashtanga: The Eight Limbs Yoga

Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga is the path of systematic analysis and control of the mind. Compiled and codified by Patanjali in Yoga-sutras, they can be divided into eight limbs.

1. Yama
a) Ahimsa: Non Violence, Non injury (Physical, vital and mental planes).

b) Satya: Truthfulness, non-telling of lies.

c) Asteya: Non-stealing, absence of theft.

d) Brahmacharya: Chastity/celibacy, sublimation of the sexual energy and controlling the sensory organs.

e) Aparigraha: absence of greed and wanting more.

2. Niyama
a) Shoucha: Purity (internal & External).

b) Santhosha: Contentment.

c) Tapas: Austerity

d) Swadhyaya: Self –study or Study of spiritual scriptures.

e) Ishvara-pranidhana: worship of the lord or surrender of the ego to the divine energy.

With Yama and Niyama the aspirant will form a high moral character and ethical conduct. The mind is uplifted and purified for deep meditation.

3. Asana - Steady pose

For spiritual practice, as for any other pursuit in life, a healthy and strong system is also essential. Steady mind presupposes steady body. The variety of postures will make the body-mind system tuned, fit and focused.

4. Pranayama – Control of the Vital energy

The physical nerves and as well as the energy channels must be pure and strong enough to withstand various mental phenomena and dis orientations that can occur during the practice. In the process of turning inward, old negativities may surface. To balance the internal functions and make the body-mind instrument strong enough to unfold the connection within Pranayama techniques are practiced.

5. Pratyahara – process of moving within

It is a process of withdrawing the sensory organs from their respective subjects.

6. Dharana - Concentration

Concentrating the mind upon either an external object or an internal idea, to the exclusion of all other thoughts is termed as Dharana.

7. Dhyana - Meditation

Meditation is defined as an unbroken flow of thought towards God to the exclusion of other sensual perception.

8. Samadhi – Supra conscious state

It is sublime beyond description: beyond the mind to grasp. Samadhi transcends all ordinary, sensory experience as well as time, space and causation. Samadhi represents the goal of all existence. It is the goal which all living beings are moving towards.

To learn more about Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjali, to learn complete Yoga Sutras, to deepen your practices of Yoga (Philosophy and Practice) sign up for International Yoga Teacher Training Courses at Samyak Yoga which is a Yoga Alliance USA, registered Yoga school. 

for more details visit, http://www.samyakyoga.in 

Intensive Hatha Yoga Retreat with Samyak

‘EXPLORING PRANA’ – An intensive spiritual retreat on Hatha Yoga.

Hatha Yoga, the sacred knowledge propounded by Lord Shiva, is a system of Yoga in which we can experience a wonderful balance between physical practice, vital enhancement and mental control. Hatha Yoga is grounded firmly by focusing equally on Asanas/Postures (Physical), Pranayama/Control of breath (Vital) and Dhyana/Meditation (Mental). The Sanskrit word Hatha represents energy pairs and its practice is to bring a balance between Body and Mind.

Our workshop ‘Exploring Prana’ will focus on all aspects or limbs of Hatha Yoga viz. Yogic Kriyas, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Bandhas and Mudras. ‘Prana’, the Life Force or Life Energy is the key to gain mastery over our different aspects of Life. In our sessions we will move through a set of asanas, Sun salutations and Moon salutations and Kriyas to purify our physical existence. To gain control over breath and Mind, participants will learn a variety of Pranayama and Meditation techniques.

‘Exploring Prana’ will stimulate all physical systems, will enhance the Vital capacity and provide mental clarity with emotional stability. What else does a human require more than this for a holistic living and a sense of well-being? This is a perfect opportunity to empower your life and enjoy every moment of existence.

Retreat Fee includes:

1. All Sessions

2. Retreat Participation Certificate

3. Retreat Manual, Notepad & Pen

4. Kriya Kit for Yogic Cleansing.

5. Two SAMYAK YOGA T-shirts

6. SAMYAK YOGA bag

7. DVD of Retreat pictures and videos.

8. Yoga mat for practice in the premises.

9. One massage session.


Retreat Fee Excludes:
1. Medical assistance

2. Travel Allowance Samyak Yoga

3. Food & Accommodation

 Note: 

· Participation in all the sessions is encouraged and recommended.

· Apart from above mentioned classes, there will be a meditation session organized on the sea shore.

· There will also be a session on Kriya (Yogic Cleansing Techniques).

· In case of any critical medical history, SAMYAK TEAM must be informed.

· Maximum number of participants -12.

· Course Fee : $180USD (Full retreat fee)


Date: 29/12/2012 to 04/01/2013                                                

Venue: Samyak Yoga Shala
Indian Dreams, Light House Beach, Kovalam,
Vizhinjam P.O. Trivendrum, 695 521.
Kerala, South India.

Ashtanga: The Fundamentals to know before you take the mat...

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga is a system of yoga founded by Sage Vamana in his Yoga Kurantha, rejuvenated by Krishnamacharya, popularized by K. Pattabhi Jois, and which is often promoted as a modern-day form of classical Indian yoga. Pattabhi Jois began his yoga studies in 1927 at the age of 12, and by 1948 had established an institute for teaching the specific yoga practice known as Ashtanga (Sanskrit for "eight-limbed") Yoga.

The following are the fundamentals of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga which the practitioner should know, though the essence will reveal itself with dedication and regular practice

Vinyasa

The term vinyāsa refers to the alignment of movement and breath, a method which turns static asanas into a dynamic flow. The length of one inhale or one exhale dictates the length of time spent transitioning between asanas. Asanas are then held for a predefined number of breaths. In effect, attention is placed on the breath and the journey between the asanas rather than solely on achieving perfect body alignment in an asana, as is emphasized in Hatha yoga.

The term vinyasa also refers to a specific series of movements that are frequently done between each asana in a series. This viṅyāsa 'flow' is a variant of Sūrya namaskāra, the Sun Salutation, and is used in other styles of yoga beside Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. A standard vinyāsa consists (for example) of the flow from caturaṅga, or plank, to caturaṅga daṇḍāsana, or low plank, to ūrdhva mukha śvānāsana or upward-facing dog, to Adho Mukha Svanasana, or downward-facing dog.

Breath:

The breathing style used in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is Ujjayi which is a relaxed diaphragmatic style of breathing, characterized by an ocean sound which resonates in the practitioner's throat. Throughout a practice, this specific breathing style is maintained in alignment with movements. The steady cycle of inhales and exhales provides the practitioner with a calming, mental focal point. Additionally, viṅyāsa and Ujjayi together create internal heat, which leads to purification of the body through increased circulation and sweating.

Bandha:

Another major principle of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is the bandha, or muscle locking/contraction, which focuses energy in the body and is closely tied to the breath. There are a variety of bandhas. The bandha is a sustained contraction of a group of muscles that assists the practitioner not only in retaining an asana but also in moving in and out of it. The Mūla Bandha, or root lock, is performed by tightening the muscles around the pelvic and perineum area. The Uḍḍīyāna Bandha, often described as bringing the navel to the base of the spine, is a contraction of the muscles of the lower abdominal area – this bandha is considered the most important bandha as it supports our breathing and encourages the development of strong core muscles. Jālaṅdhara Bandha, throat lock, is achieved by lowering the chin slightly while raising the sternum and the palate bringing the gaze to the tip of the nose.

Drishti

Drishti or focused gaze, is a means for developing concentrated intention. The most common is Ūrdhva, or upward gazing, where the eyes are lifted, with the spine aligned from crown to tailbone. This technique is employed in a variety of asanas.

There are, in total, nine drishtis that instruct the yoga student in directing his or her gaze. Each asana is associated with a particular drishti. They include:

§ Aṅguṣṭha madhyai: to the thumb

§ Bhrūmadhya: to the third eye, or between the eyebrows

§ Nāsāgrai: at the tip of the nose (or a point six inches from the tip)

§ Hastagrai: to the palm, usually the extended hand

§ Pārśva: to the left/right side

§ Ūrdhva: to the sky, or upwards

§ Nābhicakra: to the navel

§ Pādayoragrai: to the toes

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is different from many yoga classes wherein order of asanas is completely predefined. A practice will comprise four main parts: an "opening sequence," one of the six main "series", a back-bending sequence, and a set of inverted asanas, referred to as the "finishing sequence." Practice always ends with shavasana. The opening sequence begins with 10 Sun Salutations and then several standing asanas. Next, the practitioner will do one of the six main series, referred to as follow:-

1. Primary series (Yoga Chikitsa),

2. Intermediate series (Nadi Shodhana)

3. Advanced A, B, C, or D (Sthira Bhaga) series level.

Newcomers to Ashtanga Yoga practice the primary series, after learning the standing sequence. The Primary Series is the most important series as it forms the basis of the entire system. Practitioners may advance to more difficult series over a period of years or decades, but the goal of this style is not to learn the more difficult asanas but rather to learn to maintain internal focus throughout the practice.

Daily or regular practice is highly emphasized in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Ashtanga Yoga is traditionally taught in Mysore style (supervised self practice, named after the city in India where Ashtanga originates), where each student moves through the practice at his or her own pace and level. An individual with an established Ashtanga practice might take between an hour and two hours, depending on his or her own personal speed, but a beginner will likely have a shorter practice.


Here is the Video of Ashtanga Vinyasa Sun Salutation B which is practiced after Sun Salutation A.


Keep Practicing... All is Coming.....

see n listen what this famous ballet dancer-Jasmine from Germany has to say about SAMYAK YOGA's Teacher Training Course

12 Qualities to be a Great Yoga Teacher

By Yogi Rakesh

A yogi is the one who tries to implement the eight limbs of Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga) into his life. Here are the few qualities inevitable for a Yoga Teacher to imbibe in order to become a great Yoga Teacher.
1. Walk the talk: teach the postures on which you have spent hours on the mat. If you try to teach something you have just read in a book without a solid understanding, the teaching doesn’t translate into students. Try to talk which you practice in your life and practice what you speak in front of your students.

2. Faith in your Practice: Have Faith on your Yoga practice. Every time you step on the mat have faith on your practice and believe that it reflects in your teaching.

3. Courage: Yoga teachers are fearless. And as a teacher you need to be. For those of us that have a fear of speaking in front of groups, being a yoga teacher puts us face-to-face with that fear but we do it anyway. Take out the fear of being watched by many eyes, talking to a group etc from your mind.

4. Be Punctual: Starting and finishing the classes in time is one of the important aspects of teaching. Never make it late to the class and of course, never cross the time limit of the class. Try to be 10 mins prior to the class and greet the students and create a friendly atmosphere for new students. Remind your students often before or after class that you are available to answer their questions.

5. Passion for learning constantly: Your practice and teaching has to evolve constantly. Read more about Yoga, its practice and philosophy. As you push yourself to the next level, your classes will get more authentic and creative. The way you teach in the first year has to be different from the next year. Constantly learn more and adapt yourself for new doors of life.

6. Smile fully: You know how it looks when someone fakes a smile? A great yoga teacher is willing to really smile and you can feel the warmth. Grow this inner glow into your mind by smiling fully, freely and often.

7. No need of Approval: Do not expect every single student to appreciate you and you class. The need of approval will put you in a place where you go on feeding your ego and it is inversely proportional to your teaching of Yoga.

8. Be Creative: Try to be creative in everything you do. Creativity can be working for non-profits, teaching children, serving people that are facing many different kinds of physical and emotional challenges and much more. You can also be creative in the expression of the sequence in the classes, the way you manage the classes, the way you offer modifications and the inspiring thoughts you share.

9. Be Flexible: Being yoga teacher is not only being flexible physically, but being flexible mentally too. Do not possess a rigid approach about how we are, who we are, how the students are. Let the students make mistakes and show the emotions. Your approach to think on their feet will drag your students closer to you.

10. Be Humble and Honest: Be ready to say “I don’t know” if you don’t know. Be humble about your knowledge and speak positively about other teachers, yoga styles which will build a positive perception towards you.

11. Make eye contacts: Convey your messages by making eye contacts during the class and even outside the class too. It leads to a deeper relationship with the students and makes them closer to you.

12. Happily dissatisfied: You do not need to be perfect. Learning is a lifetime process. Be happy with what you have. But try to improve yourself in directions, your leaning, teaching style, the presentation, the appearance etc. Be content and try to explore more ways to improve yourself.

Note!!: Yoga doesn’t end with the mat. It’s a lifestyle. Therefore always make sure that you are in the path of progress!!!

About Yogi Rakesh  

Yogi Rakesh is a Certified Ashtanga Yoga Teacher and RYT 200 HR with Yoga Alliance. He is the founder of Samyak Yoga and Academic In-charge, which is the best destination for Yoga Teacher Training in India. He holds masters in Yoga and Spirituality, Masters and Mphil in Sanskrit, apart from his root in Veda Vijnana Gurukulam, an ancient learning center for Yogic and Vedic studies. In his yoga teaching Rakesh combines the Eastern yogic wisdom with the Western anatomical knowledge to explain how students can activate their body's own healing mechanisms.

To reach him, click here http://www.samyakyoga.in

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