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Yoga Q&A
Q: What classes and types or styles of Yoga are taught at GYA?
A: Beginners/General, Experienced and Specialised Classical Hatha Yoga classes. Specialist Yoga classes include Restorative, Pregnancy, Over 55's and Relaxation & Meditation. Hatha Yoga is a form of Raja Yoga. Raja Yoga is regarded as the Royal Path of yoga and known as the scientific path or the science of the mind.
Q: Why is Raja Yoga known as the scientific path?
A: Because all its practices and techniques aim to release the dormant psychic potential within the human personality. Its foundation is well researched and it is an approved, safe and practical system of concentration and control of the mind to bring enduring peace.
Q. Who compiled the research and results and when?
A. The yogi sage Patanjali (who lived around 200 B.C.) compiled the findings of the ancient Yogis into what is known as the Yoga Sutras. This is a text that explains the workings of the mind and also provides a system for controlling the restless mind. The system is an eight stepped path which is known as Ashtanga and this is the basis for all classes at GYA.
Q: Can you describe the system?
A: Ashtanga, meaning ‘eight limbs', is an aspect of Raja Yoga which comprises:
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Yamas − These consist of the ethical precepts of non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity and non-covetousness.
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Niyamas − These are personal practices to be observed. They are cleanliness of mind and body, contentment, burning determination, study of the self and surrender of all thoughts and actions to the divine. The Niyamas facilitate the establishment of discipline in daily life.
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Asanas − These are the Yoga postures. They are described as having the effect of steadiness and joy. Long, disciplined and continued practice is required and is necessary to attain mastery of the asana.
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Traditionally there are said to be 840,000 asanas, corresponding to the full potential of our human movement. After Patanjali’s time the systematic practice of asanas died out in India. However, in recent years the range and depth of the asanas are becoming known again through the work of B.K.S. Iyengar and other modern yogis.
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Pranayama − This is the art of Yoga breathing. It consists of the regulation and refinement of the inhalation, exhalation and retention of breath. Pranayama should be learnt only after a degree of proficiency has been gained in the asanas.
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Pratyahara − This is the drawing in of the senses from the external world to the internal self.
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Dharana − This is uninterrupted concentration, with the mind focused steadily on a particular point or object.
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Dhyana − This is meditation. The subject and object of focus or concentration draw near each other to become one.
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Samadhi − This is a transcending state beyond meditation. A state of bliss and truth. This occurs through a culmination of Yoga practice and is rarely attained.
A SHORT HISTORY OF YOGA
Yoga is said to have first appeared in India and other parts of the world around 5,000 years ago. Archeological excavations made in the Indus Valley, in Harapa and Mahanjedaro uncovered images of Lord Shiva, said to be the founder of yoga, and Paravati, his first student, in various postures and meditations.
Some traditions say that yoga was a divine gift received by the ancient sages and offered to humanity as a means of discovering its real nature. Others have suggested that yoga emerged as a direct result of observing nature and the natural laws and attempting to achieve the same perfect balance.
Originally. yoga was kept completely secret, passed on by word of mouth from teacher to disciple. The great sage Patanjali was the first person to put the knowledge into a condensed form and this was later recorded in written form. He created the 'Eight limbs of Yoga", which have served as an ideal and undisputed guide ever since and which highlight the need to control the mind and desires. Another leading light on yoga was Swatmarama who wrote the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. His particular emphasis was on body control as the ultimate means to control the mind.
Today yoga continues to be a unique and powerful means of enhancing and developing the body, mind and emotions, just as it was all those years ago. Modern yogis, such as Ramakrishna, Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi, have become living examples of this practice in the modem world. Yoga has stood the test of time and will continue to prove itself as an aid to self-development for generations to come. Why? Because it works!
HOW DOES YOGA WORK?
Yoga can alleviate many of the problems we face today. The postures keep the body tension-free and the controlled breathing keeps the emotions balanced and clear.
There are six main groups of yoga postures: standing, inversions, twists, back bends, forward bends and side bends.
Standing: Improves the efficiency of your muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, reproductive, endocrine and nervous systems.
Inversions: Balance your endocrine system and metabolism and can enhance your thinking power and revitalise your internal organs.
Twists: Aids your digestion and can help relieve back pain whilst at the same time improve your intercostal breathing.
Back bends: Invigorate you and can encourage you to breathe deeper.
Forward bends: Improves your blood circulation, aids your digestion and calms your emotions.
Side bends: Stimulates your major organs of your liver, kidney, stomach and spleen.
In a yoga practice, your body gently and skillfully is manoeuvred in all directions. Consequently, every one of your muscles is stretched and toned.
When practicing yoga your internal organs are massaged, squeezed, and expanded, improving their general function. Your skeletal system is flexed, extended, rotated and twisted, creating greater joint mobility. You are encouraged to work for your spine to maintain a healthy, upright and pain free condition. Your circulation will improve and your breathing capacity and elasticity of your lungs is enhanced.
YOGA practice can include Posture work, Breathing techniques, Cleansing exercises, Relaxation and Meditation.
TO HELP YOU ENJOY YOUR YOGA PRACTICE WITH US WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO FOLLOW THE GUIDE BELOW
Clothing: Wear shorts or yoga pants and top, or a tracksuit that is comfortable with room to move. No footwear is required for the practice.
Hygiene: Please be clean and tidy and in particular make sure your feet are clean - this will help to keep the mats and equipment clean.
Health: Please inform your teacher of any health concerns, previous or current injuries or illnesses before the class commences. You will also be required to disclose any of these conditions in writing on the registration form before the class commences. Please check with your doctor if you are taking any medication which could adversely affect your Yoga practice. Should you feel any acute or chronic pain during the class, please stop the practice immediately and inform the teacher.
Eating and Drinking: Do not drink caffeine or alcohol, or eat a large meal approximately two hours before attending a class as this can make you feel very uncomfortable.
While drinking water before class is advised, it is strongly recommended not to drink water during the class as this can interfere with the body's natural cooling system.
Mobile phones, pagers and watch alarms: Please switch off any electrical sounding devices before entering the class for the benefit of your fellow students. Sudden noises can be very disturbing to the nervous system.
For Women: Please inform your teacher if you are pregnant, early post natal or if you are menstruating. Inverted poses and those requiring strong exertion or great energy are not generally recommended during menstruation. During this time alternative postures can be instructed if you prefer.
Relax.... Smile.... Breathe.... Enjoy!
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