Yoga Faculty

From its Indian origins as far back as 4000 years ago, yoga has been continually
practised but it is only in the present century that its use has become more
widespread. Yoga has an effect on the whole person,combining the physical,
mental and spiritual sides. The word 'yoga' is derived from a Sanskrit word that
means 'yoke' or 'union' and thus reflects on the practises of yoga being total in
effect. For many hundreds of years in India, only a select few, such as
philosophers and like-minded people with their disciples followed the way of life
that yoga dictated. The leaders were known as 'yogis' and it was they who taught
their followers by passing on their accumulated knowledge. These small groups of
people dwelt in Yoga teacher training , or sometimes a yogi would live like a
hermit. Yoga has had quite far reaching effects over many hundreds of years in
India.

The basics of yoga were defined by a yogi called Patanjali who lived about 300BC.
He was a very well respected teacher and commanded great influence at that
time and his classification is one that is used now. He established the fact of yoga
being separated into eight different parts. The first two concern a person's
lifestyle, which should be serene with the days spent in contemplation, study,
maintaining cleanliness and living very simply and at peace with others. Anything
that involves avarice or greed or is harmful to others has to be avoided. The third
and fourth parts are concerned with physical matters and list a number of
exercises that are designed to promote peace and infuse energy into both the
mind and the body. The remaining four sections are concerned with the
advancement of a person's soul or spirit and mental faculties by being able to
isolate himself or herself from outside worries and normal life, contemplation and
broadening mental faculties with the ultimate knowledge known as somadhi.
Mentally, this is a complete change that gives final realisation of existence. Much

more recently, yoga became available in India to everyone, in complete contrast

to centuries ago.

Nowadays, the practice of yoga is not restricted to India alone, with millions of
people worldwide being followers. There are five different types of yoga teacher
training in dharamsala: raja, jnana, karma, bakti and hatha. It is this last system
that is known in the west and it involves the use of exercises and positions. The
other methods concentrate on matters, such as control over the mind,
appreciation and intelligence or a morally correct way of life. These other
methods are regarded as being of equal importance by the person completely
committed to yoga as a way of life. Many people have little or no spiritual feeling.
However, the basic belief in yoga is the importance of mental attitudes in
establishing the physical from exercise.

In yoga it is believed that the body's essence of life (prana), is contained in the
breath. Through a change in the way of breathing there can be a beneficial effect
on the general health. If a person is in a heightened, emotional condition, or
similar state, this will have an effect on the breathing. Therefore, if the breathing
is controlled or altered, this should promote joint feelings of peace or calm, both
mentally and emotionally. There is a variety of exercises and each promotes
different types of breathing, such as the rib cage, shoulder and diaphragm. Some
of the movements and stances in use were originally devised from the
observations of animals, since they appeared to be adept at relaxation and moved
with minimum effort. These stances which are maintained for one two minutes,
aim to increase freedom of movement and make the person aware of the various
parts of the body and any stress that may be present. It is not intended that they
be physically tiring or that the person should 'show off' in front of others. The aim
is to concentrate on self knowledge.

It is recommended to follow some simple rules when practising yoga. First use a
fully qualified therapist and practise daily if at all possible. It is always best that
yoga is undertaken before mealtimes but if this is not possible then three hours
must elapse after a large meal or one hour after a light meal. Comfortable clothes
are essential and a folded blanket or thick rug should be placed on the ground as
the base. Before commencing yoga have a bath or shower and repeat this
afterwards to gain the maximum benefit. If the bladder or bowels are full it is not
advisable to do yoga. Should the person have been outside on a hot or sunny day
it is not recommended that yoga is practised straight afterwards, as feelings of
sickness or dizziness may occur.
Yoga Faculty
SHOP 15-18,GR.FLOOR SHARADDHA ENCLAVE MOTERA ROAD
MOTERA, AHEMDABAD GUJARAT 380005
+918306767927
http://www.yogafaculty.com/