Understanding Yoga #2: Ashtanga Yoga

So which yoga should one practice?

In order to achieve universal consciousness (Samadhi) one needs to prepare the body and mind towards it. Hatha yoga/Astanga yoga are two of the traditional practices to prepare the body and mind while Gyana yoga is a way to enhance one's knowledge to understand life and beyond.

These techniques can be practiced simultaneously and compliment each other to help the Yogi to achieve his goal.

When one decides to begin practice, consistency and discipline are very important.

Ashtanga Yoga

Sage Patanjali also known as the 'Father of Yoga' compiled 195 aphorisms (sutras). These serve as framework for integrating yoga into daily routine in order to lead an ethical life. In the 29th sutra, he has mentioned the limbs of the eight fold path.

yama niyama asana pranayama pratyahara dharana dhyana samadhayo 'shtavangani ||29||
यम नियमासन प्राणायाम प्रत्याहार धारणा ध्यान समाधयोऽष्टावङ्गानि ॥२९॥

Yama -        Respect for others
Niyama-      Respect for yourself
Asanas-       Harmony with your body
Pranayama- Enhancing your energy
Pratyahara-  Balancing your emotions
Dharana-     Overcoming thoughts
Dhyana-      Contemplation
Samadhi-     Bliss

Each fold(limb) has been described individually in other sutras.

Ashtanga yoga is the most commonly adopted practice of yoga.

Watch this space for more on the kinds of Yoga. Also, follow Krisattva Wellness on Facebook and Instagram for updates on all things relating to yoga and wellness.

Today Is International Yoga Day. Here's Why We Needed A Day To Be Dedicated To Yoga.

Why is 21st June chosen as International Yoga Day? India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi had urged the international community to adopt 21 June as International Yoga Day. The UN has passed a resolution declaring June 21 as International Yoga Day (World Yoga Day).

Photo Credit: Joel Nilsson (Uploaded by High Contrast) via Wikimedia Commons

Every year in Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice falls on June 21. It is the day when the day is longest and the night is shortest. It is the day when the earth is at its closest distance from the sun, on its orbit.

From the perspective of yoga, the summer solstice marks the transition of the sun from Uttarayan to Dakshinayan, according to the ancient Vedic Calendar. It is mentioned in the vedic books that this was the day when lord Shiva first taught yoga to his disciples. The knowledge of yoga first descended from Shiva on this day, marking this day as the birth of yoga.

At first, I wondered why. Why do we need a day to mark this ancient Indian practice of yoga? And then I thought, why not? Just like our birthday, a day when we celebrate our existence on this earth, we can also dedicate one day to celebrate this ancient tradition, which was so beautifully designed to enhance the physical, mental and spiritual health, thus uplifting our soul. This day will help people revive their interest and practice of yoga. It will also help bring together people to practice, like they did this morning, in large numbers. When one practices in groups, the group energy helps to elevate each practitioner's mood and spirit.

Photo credit: yogaparaprincipiantesonline.com

I generally wind up my class with this shloka from the Upanishads -

Aum poornamadah poornamidam poornaat poornamudachyate
Poornasya poornamadaya poornamevaavashishyate

(Aum, that is complete, this is complete, from completeness comes completeness
If completeness is taken away from completeness, only completeness remains.)


This state of completeness can be attained with consistent practice of yoga. So, let us all take a positive step towards regular practice of yoga.

Yoga- An art of the Body and Mind

There are many forms of exercise to maintain fitness and keep in shape. But, yoga is one form of practice that is not considered an exercise; in fact, it is a practice of the body to co-ordinate with the mind to become one with the soul. The postures are called ‘Asanas’. Learning and teaching yoga is an art. There is a bonding between the teacher and the practitioner to explore the art of evolving to unite with the soul. After the basic rules of discipline of self, the body is ready to grow in the practice of Asanas.

Every asana is derived from nature and the teacher helps the practitioner attain the posture with ease and as per their capacity, reminding him always to avoid competition and instead improve the postures according to his body flexibility, though a healthy competition is good. Each posture is an art where the body takes form of the animal, bird or other beings in nature that they are derived from. While holding the posture, each and every related muscle, nerve, organ in context is stimulated and stretched, resulting in improvement of elasticity, strength and toning. Once the body gets stretched and opened out, blood, oxygen and nutrition supply improves a great deal. This helps the body overcome minor and major discomforts and makes its co-ordination with the mind easier. This also prepares the practitioner for pranayamas.

Pranayamas are breathing techniques that one finds easier to practice once their body is flexible and they can sit in upright posture without discomfort. ‘Prana’, is that vital energy, which is also called the Life Force. Disciplined breathing is the key here. Three locks (bandhas) of the body are very crucial during the practice of pranayamas. Here, the mind enjoys better oxygen supply and the body, too, benefits with abundant oxygen supply and smoother blood flow to various parts of the body. This enhances the health of the body and mind, making them more co-ordinated for union with the supreme self.

Next is the bridge - between the physical and the spiritual self. Bridging the two selves is very important, as this brings the required balance.

Dharana - steadiness of the mind. It can only be achieved with practice.

Dhyana - steadiness of the mind for longer duration. The capacity to disconnect with consciousness. This, too, requires practice and patience.

Samadhi - The ultimate bliss. Nothingness. It’s definitely attainable, an art every person is born to achieve!