What is Yoga?
The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit root “yuj”, which means “to yoke” or “ Union.” Yoga is a scientific system developed in India dating back 5,000 years. Yoga is the science of mind, body and spirit. It is a process of self-inquiry and discovery with the ultimate goal of union with our true self and highest power. Doing the breath work and physical practice is only one aspect of yoga. It begins the journey inward, starting at the physical level. Yoga keeps us physically healthy and balanced; creating equanimity to live in peace, good health and harmony with ourselves and others.
What is the Eight Limbed Path of Yoga?
Approximately 200 AD, Patanjali transcribed the foundations of yoga philosophy in The Yoga Sutra. This revered text describes the restlessness ways of the mind and provides an eight-step blueprint for calming it’s fluctuations so as to enjoying lasting presence and peace.
At the core of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra is an eight-limbed path that forms the structural framework for one’s yoga practice. Upon committing to all eight limbs of the path it becomes self-evident that no one part of the path is elevated over another. There is no hierarchy, each branch is an element of the whole.
Patanjali’s Eight Limbed Path:
- Yamas: Universal ethical principles that allow us to be at peace with ourselves, family and community - Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahamacharya (abstinence), Aparigraha (non-hoarding),
- Niyamas: Rules of personal conduct Saucha (purity), Santosa (contentment), Tapas (heat/self discipline), Svadhyaya (self-study), Isvara Pranidhana (dedication to God)
- Asana: (yoga postures) Designed to help make the body strong, flexible and relaxed. Asana strengthens the nervous system and refines our process of inner perception.
- Pranayama: is the science of breath control. It consists of breathing exercises especially intended to meet the body’s needs and keep it in vibrant health. It is also a very important tool used for preparing to meditate. Types of pranayama: Dirgha Pranayama (3-part breath); Ujjayi Pranayama (constrict throat); Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostrils); Khapalabhati (creates heat).
- Pratyahara: drawing of one’s attention inward.
- Dharana: focusing attention and cultivating inner perceptual awareness. The process of focusing/ concentration of the mind.
- Dhyana: Meditation. Concentration is increased so that the whole mind encompasses the object and contemplates it unwaveringly. The act of cultivating clarity.
- Samadhi: Absorption in the infinite. Integration of all limbs. Living in an awakened state
Is Yoga a religion?
Yoga is not a religion. It has no creed or fixed set of beliefs, nor is there a prescribed godlike figure to be worshipped in a particular manner. Religions for the most part seem to be based upon the belief in and worship of things (God or godlike figures) that exist outside oneself.
Yoga is a system of techniques that can be used for a number of goals, from simply managing stress better, learning to relax, and increasing limberness all the way to becoming more self-aware and acquiring the deepest knowledge of one’s own self.
The American Yoga Association says that “the common belief that Yoga derives from Hinduism is a misconception. Yoga actually predates Hinduism by many centuries. Ancient seals unearthed in the Indus Valley provide clear evidence of widespread Yoga practice earlier than 3,000 B.C.E. The techniques of Yoga have been adopted by Hinduism as well as by other world religions.”
The practice of Yoga will not interfere with any religion. Many students who have practiced Yoga intensively for many years continue to follow the religious traditions they have grown up in or adopted without conflict.
What is Ujjayi breathing?
Ujjayi is your victorious breath! It is a breathing technique that makes a continuous whispering (ocean like or Darth Vader like) sound in your throat. The throat is slightly constricted, slowing the inhale and exhale, allowing more time for the oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange process.. Practicing this technique also generates internal heat and the sound gives our mind something to focus on. If you are unclear in how to practice Ujjayi breathing, please request more details from any teacher.
What is Om/AUM?
Om translates to mean YES! It is universal and with the sound OM we say everything. While there are many different interruptions of the meaning of Om, we at Rancho Cordova Yoga: Body Investment Studio, relate most to the following description taken from Heart of Yoga by TKV Desikachar: Om is made up of A, U, M and a symbol representing resonance. In Sanskrit A is the first letter of the alphabet. The second aspect is the U stands for continuity & connection, and M is the final consonant in the Sanskrit alphabet. So getting from A to M through U represents everything that can be expressed in letters & words. Following M, the sound carries on a while. This sound has no alphabetical symbol to represent it. So it is said that OM is not only that which can be expressed in words but also that which cannot be expressed in words.
What does Namaste mean?
The word Namaste (Pronounced Nah-Mah-Stay) is literally translated as “I bow to you”. We say Namaste to honor one another. It means I honor the place in you in which the entire universe dwells. I honor the place in you which is of love, of truth, of light, and of peace. When you are in that place in you, and I in that place in me, We are one.
