FAQ

YOGA

1. What style of Yoga do you teach?

This Yoga practice is designed to help you find you’re fullest potential physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Your Hatha Yoga practice will be slightly different each class as will be your mind/body. It integrates mind/body awareness through pranayama (breathing exercises), asanas (postures) and meditation/relaxation techniques. For greater strength, flexibility and focus.

2. Hatha Yoga

The word Hatha comes from two beeja mantras “ha & tha”, represents the mind (mental energy) & “Tha” represents prana (the vital force). The Hatha Yoga asanas ar different to all other forms of exercise as they have a deep meaning and are of great value in the physical, mental and spiritual nature .

3. How is Yoga different to other exercises?

Yoga is a form of exercise based on the understanding that the body and the breath are intimately connected with the mind. Therefore, by controlling the breath and holding the body in a steady posture (asana), Yoga creates a deep sense of peace & harmony.Yoga is a means of balancing & harmonizing the body, mind and emotions allowing one to withdraw from the activities & chaos of the external world & find a quiet space within. Other forms of exercise work on the physical system only. Yogasana develops the physical, mental & spiritual personality.

4. What is the main aim of Yogasana?

The overall aim of yoga is to develop the physical, mental and spiritual personality.

5. Can anyone do Yoga?

Yes.   If you can breath, you can do Yoga.

6. What is the history of Yoga?

Yoga first originated in India around 6^th century B.C.  It is the known to be the oldest physical discipline in existence.

7.What is the meaning of Yoga?

Yoga means “union”. It is a state of union between two opposite forces. The union of mind and body, individual and universal awareness. It is the process of uniting opposing forces in the body and mind in order to realize the spiritual essence of being.

8. Is Yoga a Religion?

No. Hatha Yoga is a physical and psychological discipline that combines asana, pranayama and meditation as a means of contacting the “Self”, that higher “Self” which lies within each of us that is all knowing & full of wisdom.

9. What does Asana mean?

Asana is a body position, associated with the practice of Yoga, intended primarily to restore and maintain a practitioner's well-being, improve the body's flexibility and vitality, and promote the ability to remain in seated meditation for extended periods.

10. What is Pranayama?

Pranayama is more than simple breathing exercises and should only be attempted under the guidance of a teacher. Prana is the name given to the vital force. Prana pervades the whole cosmos. Prana is on everything, it is present in food, water, stones, animals, insects, plants and human beings.

11. What are some guidelines for performing asana?

• The stomach should be empty. (2-3hours before practice)
• Force or pressure should not be used, and the body should not tremble.
• Lower the head and other parts of the body slowly; in particular, raised heels should be lowered slowly.
• The breathing should be controlled.
• If the body is stressed, perform corpse or child’s pose.

12.Outline the physical benefits of yoga?

• Regulate the endocrine system improving hormonal secretions from all glands in the body. Through the proper functioning of the endocrine system disease organs can be repaired and rejuvenated and encouraged to carry out their normal activities.
• Brings about co-ordination of the muscles, bones, nervous system and respiratory system, circulatory and excretory systems.
• Makes the body strong and flexible.
• Improves the digestive functions and encourages the correct amount of saliva enzymes etc. to meet the bodily requirements.
• Bring about balance in the functions of the nervous system. The sympathetic system and the para-sympathetic system so the internal organs associated with these systems are also brought into balance.

13. Outline the mental benefits of yoga?

• Develops a strong mind enabling the practitioner to endure difficulties.
• Promotes a stable, well balanced, pleasant mental disposition.
• Improves concentration.
• Develops determination.
• Promotes confidence.
• Helps to awaken the psychic faculties which lie dormant in all humans.

14. Outline the spiritual benefits of yoga?

Asana prepare the body and mind for the spiritual practices of yoga as set out in the eight fold path of “Raja Yoga” as follows:

PRATYAHARA  -Withdrawal of the senses from the objects of sense pleasures.  This is also the first stage in concentrating or focusing the mind.

DHARANA – The practice of concentration.

DHYANA – The practice of meditation.

SAMADHI – The three previous stages lead to a state of oneness with the object of concentration.

The overall aim of the eight fold path of Yoga is to merge the universe or cosmic reality.

15. What do I wear to a Yoga class?

Comfortable exercise clothing that allows the body movement.

16. What do I need to bring along to a Yoga Class?

Own yoga mat, water bottle & a blanket or jacket to keep you warm for relaxation.

Namaste Sharon

Ref:  VIYETT Yogic history philosophy & culture, introduction to Hatha Yoga YIY006 1/10/2008