What is yoga?
Yoga is as old as civilisation. The word yoga is derived from Sanskrit and means to bind, join, attach and yoke. Yoga means to direct one’s energy in search of the Ultimate truth. Its goal is to transcend and conquer one’s mind in order to experience spiritual integrity. It does that by systematic training of body, mind and senses, breaking habitual and instinctive behaviour and cultivating one-pointed awareness.
Yoga is a complete science with firm foundation in philosophy and art. It is one of the orthodox systems of Indian Philosophy. Earliest written references to yoga are over 3000 years old and it is known to have existed long before that. The work "Yoga Sutras", often described as the yoga bible, is a compilation that describes the sum of yogic knowledge and was written sometime between 500 and 200 B.C. The author, Patanjali was a renowned sage who produced treatises on grammar and medicine (ayurveda) as well as yoga. Patanjali describes 8 stages (or limbs, astanga) of yoga. The stages are interlinked and through practice will lead to greater awareness.
In the West, the stage of yoga that is most widely practiced is that of Asana (which means posture). Through asana we learn increased awareness of the body and to maintain a healthy and strong state. The aim is make the body steady and to prepare the practitioner for other stages of yoga.
The 8 stages as described by Patanjali are:
- Yama (our approach to our environment and the world)
- Niyama (personal attitude and self-discipline)
- Asana (posture work)
- Pranayama (breath control)
- Pratyahara (control and withdrawal of the senses)
- Dharana (concentration)
- Dhyana (meditation)
- Samadhi (culmination of yogic practice, Liberation, Bliss)
The first 5 limbs are the disciplines of yoga while the last 3 are it's attainments.
Why Yoga?
The demands of everyday living create an urgent need for healthy ways of combating physical and mental stress. From the very beginning, you will notice greater relaxation and calmness, increased freedom of movement, improved balance, concentration and alertness. These can be felt even after one session. It is these practical and immediate benefits that will inspire further practice.
Yoga strengthens and provides benefit to the following areas:
- Heart and circulation
- Respiratory system
- Digestive system
- Muscular-skeletal structure
- Brain and nervous system
- Mind and emotions
- Hormonal and endocrinal system
- Immune system
- Both Womens' and Mens' Health Issues
… And the beauty of it all is that yoga āsana can be done by and benefit everyone!
“Regular practice of yoga can help you face the turmoil of life with steadiness and stability”
Why Iyengar Yoga?
Developed by B.K.S.Iyengar of Pune, India, the Iyengar method places emphasis on correct alignment and precision. This emphasis ensures that the use of the body demanded by the yoga postures is safe and not harmful. To that purpose, props are used so that even a complete beginner can benefit from the yoga postures. It respects the laws of structural anatomy, movement and develops awareness or “the intelligence of the body”.
Everyone can practice Iyengar yoga. This safe method of working can be adjusted to the needs and ability of the practitioner - allowing for very dynamic work through to a more considered, slow-paced practice. It is also considered a therapeutic form of yoga and remedial classes are provided within the method.
Each Iyengar yoga class is different. This brings variety to the practice and avoids conditioning.
B.K.S. Iyengar is one of the world’s leading and most respected living teachers of yoga. He is personally responsible for the introduction of hatha yoga to the West and his teachings have been hugely influential. Iyengar says himself that ‘ true alignment means that the inner mind reaches every cell and fibre of the body’. This means a sense of outer and inner balance exists where the physical body and mental plane are integrated.
“Yoga is an art, a science and a philosophy. It touches the life of man at every level, physical, mental and spiritual. It is a practical method for making one’s life purposeful, useful and noble” B.K.S. Iyengar
What should I wear to my yoga class?
Wear loose clothing that is comfortable to stretch in. Wear t-shirts and leggings or shorts. You’ll be working bare foot.
Can I eat before my yoga class?
It’s advisable not to have a large meal up to 2 hours before your yoga class. If you have to eat try to keep it light and atleast 1 hour before your class.
Can I drink water during the class?
We advise that you don’t drink during the class. It activates the digestive system which effects your breathing. A glass of juice after the class is a good idea if you’ve perspired during the class.
