About Yoga
The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit root yuj meaning to yoke or harness, to merge, join or unite a healthy body with a calm focused mind. Yoga helps to integrate body and breath, breath and mind, mind and heart. Yoga is for the mind.
Authentic yoga is and has been respected as a spiritual practice for thousands of years. Like anything beneficial which stands the test of time, Yoga has been around for at least 5 millennia (evidence is found from the Indus-Sarasvati civilisation 3,000–1,800 BCE). It has been said that Yoga is for all regardless of age, wealth or religion.
Yoga can also be defined as a marg, a path for SELF realisation, a chance to reconnect with ourselves bringing our mind and actions under control through right knowledge (jnana), action (karma) and devotion (bhakti).
A holistic yoga practice influences how we live and how we treat ourselves and others through our thoughts, words and deeds. Cultivating friendliness, compassion and joy for ourselves and others. Promoting equanimity in our mind, speech and heart.
"What we need is a good heart, a disciplined mind and a healthy body" - The XIV Dalai Lama -
About Ashtanga Yoga
Ashta-anga Yoga, meaning eight limbs of yoga, is a practical and philosophical method for bringing the mind and senses under control. Practised correctly, with dedication and consistency, Ashtanga Yoga can lead to better general health, clarity, focus and peace of mind.
Whether new to yoga or wishing to refine your practice at Yoga Yeronga, you will be guided through mindful progressive stages (vinyasa krama), with respect to your current circumstance, stage and level of ability (sva bhava bhumika adhikara).
You'll learn:
● A suitable series of postures (yoga-asanas) with appropriate alignment.
Understand how to enter, set up, hold and exit each asana in a safe and effective manner; develop breath-connected movements (vinyasa) with ujjayi breathing and a steady gaze (drishti); how to engage internal muscular controls (bandhas); practise breathing techniques (pranayama), and quieten the mind through the practice of concentration (dharana)
● Being mindful of your intentions and how you practise cultivates awareness and focus.
When you settle into a steady practice, a certain feeling, mood or intention (bhav) is brought into each breath and posture. With perseverance and consistent practise, over time the body gains strength and mobility, our mind and senses are stilled. A mindful awareness develops, improving the inter-relationship between body, mind and heart, yourself and others
● To maintain integrity
in an Ashtanga Yoga practice, all of the eight limbs—Yamas, Niyamas, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi—need to be studied and practiced not just physical posture (asana). This means living honestly with humility and gratitude, showing respect and consideration for all beings, cultivating inner stillness through self-reflection, watching the nature of your mind and quietening the senses
● To improve the quality of daily life,
building on a foundation of the yamas (moral observances) and niyamas (individual restraints), together with physical postures, the practice of Ashtanga Yoga becomes a practical experience enhancing serenity of mind, positive actions and service to others.