The essence of Yoga & Meditation is about a very simple thing...your happiness. Yoga is not just physical fitness training. It is an authentic holistic tradition inclusive of contemplation & meditation. Its aim is for you to achieve your fullest potential in life, since you possess a storehouse of immense happiness within you! It's not essential to be young & supple to practice Yoga & Meditation...all that is needed, is a desire to be happy. "
- Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda
Yoga is an ancient science of living that incorporates gentle exercise, breath control (breathing practices called pranayama) and meditation. The physical foundation of yoga is a series of structured poses (asanas) performed with breath awareness.
Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions, misunderstandings and 'so much rubbish' concerning this very ancient science. Yoga originated in India. Men of learning (Rishis) went up into the Himalayan mountains to discover the secret to healthy wholesome living. They did this through the practice of meditation and observance of nature. They devised the Yoga system, which aids physical, mental and spiritual well-being. It never was, and isn't a religion, but rather it is a healthy way of living; promoting fitness of the body and the mind through gentle exercise, by regulating diet, and by calming the mind and thought processes with meditation and relaxation. Anyone, from the very young to the elderly, can benefit from the practice of Yoga.
Yoga brings a greater faith and a greater clarity into life. Its diet is simple and nourishing, its ways are the ways of peace, compassion and a positive attitude to life. There are many branches of Yoga including: Raja, Hatha, Manthra and Kundalini Yogas. Most Australian teachers are Hatha Yoga practitioners.
Yoga practices include:
1. Asanas or postures
These are not gymnastics or body building exercises. They are 'states of being' in which you remain steady, calm, quiet and comfortable with your physical body and mind. Asanas can be used for curative or health reasons. By gently exercising the muscles, massaging the internal organs and toning the tissues throughout the whole body, health is wonderfully improved.
2. Pranayama or breath control
This technique can be defined as a series of breathing exercises aimed at stimulating and increasing the vital energy in the body and directing it to a particular area for various purposes. Extra oxygen is introduced and toxins removed. Few people breathe correctly, and consequently under-utilise their lung capacity.
3. Dhyana or meditation
With regular practice, meditation calms the mind, relieves stress and leads to one-pointedness and equanimity. It brings peace and harmony, which may be enjoyed throughout the day.
4. Yoga Nidra or deep relaxation
The importance of total relaxation cannot be stressed enough. The whole body, the mind and respiration are brought into a state of complete relaxation. When practiced properly, one session of Yoga Nidra is equivalent to four hours sleep.
This site offers numerous essays and articles on Yoga, including:
You'll also find links to Yoga Teachers, and other related Yoga Sites. Check out the site map to get a complete list of articles.
You''ll also find information on our Corporate Yoga and Office Yoga offerings in Melbourne here.
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