How to Find a Good Yoga Studio?

The Word “Yoga means union between Jivatma and Paramatma (Individual Soul and Supreme Soul). Yoga is an ancient form of mental, physical, and spiritual exercises designed to bring the body, mind, and spirit into unity. The main components of yoga are the asanas (physical postures), the pranayamas (breathing exercises), and dhyana (meditation). Unlike some other forms of exercise, yoga does not require a lot of expensive equipment. A sticky mat and a balance ball are often all that is needed. But what about the place where you practice yoga; your yoga studio?

Chances are you will actually practice yoga in two places, the place where you take classes with others, and in your own home. The yoga studio in your own home need not be elaborate- it need not even by a separate room. Anywhere relatively free from distraction and clutter will do. If you work out using DVDs, you will want to have a television set and DVD player available. Request your children and spouse not to bother you while you are exercising or meditating.

How to find a Yoga Studio

It is a big challenge to find a good yoga studio where you will attend lessons. First, you need to find out if there are any yoga studios in your area. Check the phone book, or try yogafinder.com.The studio must be very close to your home or workplace. Or else, the trouble it takes to get to the yoga studio will become an excuse not to exercise.

When you visit the yoga studio for the very first time, pay attention to your instincts - Is your first impression favorable or not? Does the room make you feel peaceful or frantic? Is the temperature of the room comfortable? (Be aware that Power yoga involves working out in a heated room to increase flexibility and encourage the release of toxins.)

Is the staff friendly? If you don’t like your instructor, or if you don’t feel a rapport with him or her, ask if there is someone else you can work with. If not, move on to the next studio. You won’t get far with someone you don’t like or trust.

Next take a look at the other students. Do the other students seem to be at about your level of training, or are they far more or less advanced? Talk with them and see what they have to say about the yoga studio. Finding a yoga studio where you feel comfortable can be a challenge, but with these simple guidelines, you’ll soon find the right place and start learning yoga with confidence.

Varieties of Siddhasana: Earn The Yogic Power

1. Guptasana (Hidden pose):

The left heel is placed over the organ of generation. The right heel is also placed over the external organ of generation. The two ankles are in close apposition or contact. The right toes are thrust inside the hollow between the left thigh and left calf muscles. The left toes are covered by the right leg. Gupta means hidden. As this Yoga Asana hides well the organ of generation it is called Guptasana.

2. Vajrasana (Adamantine pose)

Sit on ordinary Siddhasana and do Yoni Mudra. It is called Baddhayonyasana. The description of Yoni Mudra is given along with other Mudras.

4. Kshemasana:

By sitting on Siddhasana if you raise your hands together up to your chest level, it is called Kshemasana. It is meant that you are praying for the Kshema (welfare) of the public. The palms must be facing each other.

5. Sthirasana (Firm post):

Some people call the ordinary Siddhasana as Sthirasana.

6. Muktasana:

Ordinary Siddhasana is known as Muktasana also.

Next Yoga: Siddhasana

Next to padmasana comes Siddhasana in importance. Some eulogise this Asana as even superior to Padmasana for the purpose of Dhyana (contemplation). If you get mastery over this Asana, you will acquire many Siddhis (powers). Further it was practiced by many Siddhas (perfect Yogins) of yore. Hence the name Siddhasana.

Even fat persons with big thighs can practice this Asana easily. In fact, this is better to some persons than Padma. Young Brahmacharis who attempt to get established in celibacy should practice this Asana. This is not suitable for ladies.

Technique

Place one heel at the anus (Guda), the terminal opening of the alimentary canal or digestive tube. Keep the other heel at the root of the generative organ. The feet or legs should be so nicely arranged that the ankle-joints should touch each other. Hands can be placed as shown in Padmasana.

Varieties of Padmasana

1. Ardha-Padmasana:

If you cannot place both the feet on the thighs at the very start, just keep one foot on one thigh for some time and the other foot on the other thigh for some time. After a few days’ practice, you will be able to keep both the feet on the thighs. This is half pose of Padmasana or Ardha-Padmasana.

2. Virasana:

Sit at ease. Place the right foot on the left thigh and the left foot underneath the right thigh. Lord Gauranga used to sit on this Asana for his meditation. This is a confortable posture. Vgirasana means hero posture.

3. Parvatasana (Mountain pose)

Do ordinary Padmasana. Stand on the knees and raise your hands above. This is Parvatasana. Keep a thick blanket on the ground and then do this Asana so that you will not injure your knees. In the beginning, for a few days, catch hold of a stool or bench till you get the balance. Afterwards you can raise the hands above.

Sit on Virasana and then raise the hands above and be steady. Some persons call this also as Parvatasana.

4. Sanasana (Equal post):

Place the left heel at the beginning of the right thigh and the right heel at the beginning of the left thigh. Sit at ease. Do not bend either on the left or right. This is called Samasana.

5. Karmukasana:

Sit on ordinary Padmasana. Catch hold of the right toe with the right hand and the left toe with the left hand, thus making a cross of your hands at the elbow.

6. Utthita Padmasana:

Sit on Padmasana. Keep your palms on the ground by your sides. Slowly raise the body. There should be no jerks. The body should not be trembling. Retain the breath as long as you remain in that raised position. When you come down you can exhale. Persons who cannot perform Kukkutasana can do this. The hands are kept by the sides in this Asana., but the hands are kept between the thigh and calf muscles in Kukkutasana. This is the difference.

7. Baddha Padmasana:

Some people call this pose Padmasana.

8. Urdhva Padmasana:

9. Lolasana:

10. Kukkutasana:

11. Tolangulasana:

Start Learning Yoga with Padmasana

Padma means Lotus. When the Asana is demonstrated, it presents the appearance of a Lotus, in a way. Hence the name Padmasana. This is also known by the name Kamalasana.

Amongst the four poses prescribed for japa and Dhyana, Padmasana comes foremost. It is the best Asana for contemplation. Rishis like Gheranda, Sandilya and others speak very highly of this vital Asana. This is highly agreeable for householders. Even ladies can sit in this Asana. Padmasana is suitable for lean persons and for youths as well.

Technique

Sit on the ground by spreading the legs forward. Then place the right foot on the left thigh and the left foot on the right thigh. Place the hands on the knee-joints.

You can make a finger-lock and keep the locked hands over the left ankle. This is very convenient for some persons. Or you can place the left hand over the left knee and then place the right hand over the right knee with the palm facing upwards and the index-finger touching the middle portion of the thump (Chinmudra).

General Instructions For Yoga

Four Asanas are prescribed for the purposes of Japa and meditation. They are Padma, Siddha, Svastika and Sukha.

You must be able to sit in any one of these four Asanas at stretch for full three hours without shaking the body. Then only will you get mastery over the Asana (Asana Jaya). Then only can you take to the practice of Pranayama (control of breath) and Dhyana (meditation). Without securing a steady Asana, you cannot further get on well in meditation. The more steady you are in your Asana the more you will be able to concentrate and make your mind one-pointed. If you can be steady in the posture even for one hour, you will be able to acquire one-pointed mind and feel thereby infinite peace and Atmic Ananda inside.

When you sit on the posture, think: “I am as firm as a rock. Nothing can shake me.” Give these suggestions to the mind a dozen times. Then the Asana will become steady soon. You must become as a living stature when you sit for Dhyana. Then only there will be real steadiness in your Asana. In one year by regular practice you will have success and you will be able to sit for three hours at a stretch. Start with half an hour and gradually increase the period.

If there is severe pain in the legs after sometime, unlock the legs and then shampoo them for five minutes and sit again on the Asana. When you advance you will not experience any pain. You will experience on the other hand immense joy. Practise the Asana both morning and evening.

After sitting in the Asana close the eyes and concentrate on the Bhrukuti or Trikuti (the space between the two eyebrows) or in the Anahata Chakra (the lotus of the heart). As the Trikuti (Ajna Chakra) is the seat of the mind, the mind can be quite easily controlled if you concentrate gently on this spot. Ekagrata (one-pointedness of the mind) supervenes quite readily. Concentration at the tip of the nose (Nasikagra Drishti) also has the same advantage, but it takes more time for the focusing of the mind. Those who cannot concentrate either at Bhrukuti or the tip of the nose may concentrate at any other outer point or inner Chakra of heart, head, neck, etc. Gazing at Trikuti (Ajna Chakra) is also called Bhrumadhya Drishti.

Keep the head, neck and trunk in one straight line. Stick to one Asana, either Padma, Siddha, Svastika or Sukha and make it quite steady and perfect by repeated attempts. Never change the Asana. Adhere to one tenaciously. Cling to it like a leech. Realise the full benefits of one Asana for meditation.

Yoga Poses

“Yoga Asanas” deals with 90 poses of the body with important bandhas and Mudras and system of Pranayamas, prescribed by the Yoga Sastras. Pranayama goes hand in hand with Asanas. The first two accessories of Yoga are Yama and Niyama. Asana is the third Anga of Ashtanga Yoga while Pranayama is the fourth Anga. The wise Rishis of yore had formulated these as aids to spiritual culture and preservation of a high standard of health, vigour and vitality.

Ordinary physical exercises develop the superficial muscles of the body only. One can become a Sandow with a beautiful physique. But Asanas are intended for the thorough exercise of the internal organs, viz., liver, spleen, pancreas, intestines, heart, lungs, brain and the important ductless glands of the body which are called endocrine glands, viz., thyroid and parathyroid at the root of the neck adrenals in spleen, pituitary and pineal glands in brain which play a very important part in the economy of nature, in maintaining health in metabolism and in structure, growth and nutrition of different kinds of cells and tissues of the body.

Generally after the age of ten or twelve these Asanas can be practiced. People of twenty or thirty years of age perform all Asanas nicely. Practice for a month or two will render all rigid tendons, muscles and bones very elastic. Even old persons can practise all Asanas. They can give up Sirshasana if they are not physically fit. There are persons of advanced age who practise Sirshasana also.

A Vedantin is afraid to do Asanas and Pranayamas on the ground that the practice will intensify Dehadhyasa and militate against his practice of Vaziragya. Though the two paths hatha Yoga and Vedanta are entirely different yet a Vedantin can harmoniously combine Pranayamas and Asanas to his best advantage. I have seen many Vedantins in a sickly condition with very poor physique and dilapidated constitution. They can hardly to and kind of intense Vedantic Sadhana. They may utter “Om, Om, Om,” mechanically through lips only. They have not got the strength inside to raise the proper Brahmakara-Vritti from the pure Sattvic Antahkarana. The body is closely related to the mind a weak, sickly body means a weak mind also. If the Vedantin does a little practice in Pranayam and Asanas to keep up his body and mind strong and healthy, he can do very good Nididhyasana and turn out efficient spiritual work. Though the body is Jada (insentient) and useless, yet it is an important instrument for Self-realisation. The instrument must be keep clean, strong and healthy. This body is a horse for you to take you to the goal. If the horse tumbles down you cannot reach the destination. If this instrument breaks down, you will not reach the goal of “Atma-Sakshatkara.”

What is Hatha Yoga?

The Word “Yoga means union between Jivatma and Paramatma (Individual Soul and Supreme Soul). The science that teaches the way of acquiring this occult knowledge is called Yoga Sastra. Hatha Yoga concerns with the physical body and control of breath. Raja Yoga deals with the mind. Raja yoga and Hatha yoga are necessary counterparts of each other. No one can become a perfect Yogi without a knowledge of the practices of both. Raja Yoga begins where properly practiced Hatha Yoga ends.

Hatha is considered to be a compound word formed of two syllables ‘Ha’ and ‘tha’; ‘Ha’ means the moon (Ida Nadi) and ‘tha’ means the sun (Pingala). These correspond to the breaths, which flow through the left and right nostrils. Hatha Yoga teaches the way to unite the sun and the moon, the Prana and Apana through the regulation of breath.

Hatha Yoga is conducive to health and longevity. Its practice regulates the action of heart, lungs and brain. It promotes digestion and circulation of blood. Kidneys, liver and all other internal viscera work efficiently. It removes all sorts of diseases.

Yoga For Beginners

It is a very big step to start doing yoga. It means doing exercises reguarly and making changes in your life that will help bring balance to your body, spirit, and mind. Many resources on yoga for beginners to help you get started is available. There are many sites devoted to the different kinds of yoga, and many sites offer specific advice on yoga for beginners.

Another excellent resource on yoga for beginners is your local or online bookstore. There are several books and DVDs available and are targeted specifically to help beginners get started with their yoga program. You may also buy or borrow from your library, one or two DVDs that walk you through a series of asanas, or postures.

A good book about yoga for beginners can show you pictures and give you written descriptions of some of the different postures. Books can also offer advice on different techniques for meditation and breathing.

Real World Resources Available For Yoga Beginners

The best way to learn yoga is to take a class. Yoga centers have become very popular, and you will find one near you. Yogafinder.com can help you find out if there is a center in your area.

Many gyms, spas, and health clubs offer yoga for beginners. If yours doesn’t, check with your local parks and recreation program or try your local community college. You might also ask your doctor for suggestions, or contact a local hospital. Many Hospitals offer yoga classes as part of their wellness programs.

The emphasis on harmony between the body, mind, and spirit, has made yoga very popular. There are many resources both on- and off line to help the beginning yoga student get started on a path to better health and greater tranquility.

Ashtanga Yoga : The History

Pantanjali’s yoga Sutras has the first mention of ashtanga yoga. The literal translation is “eight-limbed yoga.” Ashtanga yoga embraced eight spiritual principles including moral restraint, posture, breath control, and meditation.

However, as practiced today in the West, ashtanga yoga has come to mean something different. Today, ashtanga yoga is also sometimes referred to as power yoga. Its emphasis is less on the spiritual than on the physical ability to assume a set of complicated postures, such as the sun salutation, swiftly and gracefully. Ashtanga yoga places a strong emphasis on breathing techniques. Because breathing techniques provides a full-body workout, it has found favor among many athletes and other celebrities who must keep their bodies strong and flexible.

Ashtanga yoga requires many difficult movements. Amateurs and even professionals may inadvertently injure themselves by pushing too hard or by forcing themselves into a posture they are not sure how to do. Therefore, people wishing to try ashtanga yoga are advised to take several classes to master the principles before trying to practice alone. It is a good idea to purchase a yoga sticky mat or a rug to keep from slipping or falling while performing these postures. Some practitioners prefer rugs for doing ashtanga yoga, because the rugs absorb sweat better than mats do.

Celebrities Who Practice Ashtanga yoga

Ashtanga yoga is the darling of many celebrities who practice it for fitness. One such celebrity is singer and actress Madonna, who has been practicing ashtanga yoga since the early 1990s. Another one is model Christy Turlington. Other celebrities include actors Woody Harrelson and Willem DaFoe as well as athletes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Randal Cunningham.

Power Yoga Or Ashtanga yoga

Often, the terms ashtanga yoga and Power yoga are used interchangeably; however there are some slight differences between the two programs. Although power yoga is based on ashtanga yoga, it has been somewhat Westernized. For instance, the primary series of ashtanga yoga asanas can take over two hours. Power yoga has shortened this sequence considerably. Power yoga also utilizes a heated room to increase flexibility and allow students to sweat out toxins.

Ashtanga yoga has achieved the reputation of providing a formidable workout while still focusing on the principles of controlled breathing and mindfulness that has made yoga so popular. It is an excellent choice for the experienced athlete or even the beginner who is starting out in great shape. However, beginners who are not in good shape might be better served by starting out practicing the gentler Hatha yoga.