“Hath” or “Hatha” is a Sanskrit language word. Literal meaning of “Hath” or “Hatha” is “forcibly” or "with strong will or effort". “Hath” is made up of two letters “Ha” and “Th” of Sanskrit language. “Ha” means “Sun” or “Prana” energy and “Th” means “Moon” or “Apana” energy. Meaning of “Hath” in Yoga context is right balance of “Sun” and “Moon” energy in the body or right balance of “Prana” energy and “Apana” energy in the body. “Hath” Yog is more about physical body purification, Aasanas, Pranayaam and Meditation. Actually “Hatha Yoga” practices prepare you for “Raj Yoga”.
“Raj Yog” or “Raj Yoga” is the path of “self-realization” with attaining inner peace, clarity about mind and self-control. “Hatha” yoga and “Raj” Yoga are complementary to each other. They are not two different directions. “Raj Yog” is based on mental purification and Mind control. Here the emphasis is more on mental exercises rather than physical exercises.
As fifth limb of Yoga, “Pranayama” is very important part of “Yoga” practice. According to Rishi Patanjali “Pranayama” is – “Slowing of the unregulated movements of inhalation and exhalation by means of extension and expansion of breath” (2-49). Here at “Anadi Yoga Centre”, we pay special attention on the practice of “Pranayama”. We very much understand that the energy of “Mind” can never be disciplined without disciplining the energy of “Praan” - that is the very traditional concept. A lot of researchers have found that “Pranayama” techniques are beneficial in treating a wide range of stress related disorders and other mental and physical illnesses also. With all the precautions in this traditional practice, we orchestrate this wonderful limb of “Yoga” according to the need of common person.
“Meditation” is a very deep science and also very-very delicate procedure. We, at “Anadi Yoga Centre” take special care of educating our students about different techniques of “Meditation”. Traditionally, “To focus the mind on a single object of meditation” – is “Dharana”. This is 6th limb of “Yoga” practice. When this concentration of the mind is without any distraction or deviation then this is called “Meditation”. “Meditation” is 7th limb of “Yoga” which when matures at higher stages, becomes “Samadhi”. “Samadhi” is the 8th limb of “Yoga”.
“Mantra" is of one letter, one word or combination of words. When chanted with a peculiar sound with definitive style, “Mantra” makes great changes in the “Prana” and “Mind” energy. The very traditional definition of "Mantra" is - "mananat trayate iti mantraha" – means when brought to the Mind, “Mantra” makes free (the one who recites it) from suffering. Or in some other understanding “Mantra is the method of recitation of words which frees the mind from its own obsessive-compulsive thinking”. At “Anadi Yoga Centre” we have designed a curriculum of “Mantra chanting” with the best of collection which definitely brings positive and healing energy into students.
Philosophy and Anatomy
Philosophy means to understand the science, to understand the hidden or subtle which cannot be brought for practical by your senses. It is to see beyond your senses. Philosophy gives a holistic perspective of understanding about a subject or object. If you understand the science then you are not deceived by the happening and have better control physically and psychologically. You know the object thoroughly so you can use it intelligently. If you know the theory/philosophy then you can do the practical in much better way because now you know it in all possible perspectives. With the help of “Yoga Philosophy” a student gets to know the science of “Yoga” in a broader perspective with the clear understanding of how he is connected with this science of “Yoga”, what is the relevance of “Yoga” in deciding the goal-objective of life.
Yoga is a tool for uniting the mind and body, and it is important to know the inner workings of the body to understand the impact of asanas. When one does asanas with correct alignment and anatomical awareness, it becomes easier to achieve the full benefits of pranayama.
Knowing the anatomy and physiology of the body is an added benefit if you are a yogi or in training to become a yoga instructor. It is important to know which muscles and bones can sustain which type of injuries, which asana targets which muscle compartments and which poses can help different injuries or restrictions in your own body and for your students.
Having this kind of knowledge and body awareness will not only help improve you asana practice, but will help synchronize the breath and mind to decrease stress and improve mental health.
The psychological benefits of yoga are great for everyone. Yoga can help with emotional healing as well as resolving issues with self-confidence, relationships and more. The practice of yoga helps us work with the nature of the mind, the nature of being human, how emotions live in our bodies and how they affect our behaviours and our mind.
At Anadi Yoga Centre, we cover all of these subjects in our courses and more. We want our students to leave feeling confident and knowledgeable in not only asana practice, but all aspects of yoga.
Astanga Vinyasa Yoga
Astanga Vinyasa is a system of postures connected by the breath. It combines sequential, flowing movements with focused internal awareness. Through, self practice and self observation a non-judgmental attitude is cultivated. This peaceful quality is manifested by focusing on the flowing nature of the breath. The breath is the vehicle by which the body and mind are observed, purified and transcended.
UjjayiBreath: the starting point for any asana practice is the breath and for Astanga yoga the starting point of the breath is UjjayiBreath. Ujjayi is define as extended victory. By gently contracting the glottis area at the back of the throat, one can breathe in a controlled manner. This contraction creates a deep, sonoroussound, which increases the movement of the diaphragm and lengthens the spine. Initially, the sound of the breath may be a little exaggerated and raspy by over squeezing the glottis, eventually becoming both soft and steady. A soft, consistent sound aids the consistent flow of breath and helps to build heat in the body, ideal for any asana practice. The heat produced is not only conducive for stretching, but cleans and purifies the body through the sweat.
The Drishti: Drishti is often defined as “looking place” but leterallymeans“perception”. By keeping the gaze to the traditional drishti, pratyahara or withdrawal of the mind from external judgment is cultivated. Eventually a new perceptions takes place. Stay contact with here and now of bodily awareness, rather thanconstantly looking on the outside. Keep your consciousness within the field of your body and this inner awareness will unfold.
The Three Bandha: There are three principal badha. They are mula bandha, jalandhara bandha and uddiyana bandha. Mula means root, jalandhara means net in the stream, and uddiyana means to fly upward.
Mula Bandha: Pressing Yoni (perineum) and contract up the anus. By drawing the Apana(downward energy) thus, Mula Bandha is made. Pressing the heel well against the anus, draw up the air by force, again and again till it(air) goes up. Prana and Apana uniting into one in this way, gives success in Yoga, undoubtedly.
By purification of Prana and Apana, urine and excrements decrease. Even an old man becomes young by constantly practicing Mula Bandha.
Uddiyana Bandha: Uddiyana is so called by Yogis, because by its practice the Prana Vayu (air),flows in the Susumna. Uddiyana is so called because the great bird, Prana, tied to it, flows without being fatigued.
The belly above the navel is pressed backwards towards the spine. This Uddiyana Bandha is like a lion for the elephant of death. The portions above and below the navel, should be drawn backwards toward the spine. By practicing this one can undoubtedly conquer death.
Jalandhara Bandha: Contract the throat and press the chin firmly against the chest. This is called Jalandhara Bandha, which destroys old age and death. It stops the opening (hole) of the group of the Nadis (the energy channels), through which the juice from the sky (from the Soma or Chandra in the brain) falls down. It is, therefore, called the Jalandhara Bandha – the destroyer of a host of diseases of the throat.
In jalandhara Bandha, the indications of a perfect contraction of throat are, that the nectar does not fall into the fire (the Surya situated in the navel), and the air is not disturbed.