Yoga : What Is Yoga?

(www.artofliving.org)

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The Yoga Way of Life!

Derived from the Sanskrit word yuj, Yoga means union of the individual consciousness or soul with the Universal Consciousness or Spirit. Yoga is a 5000 year old Indian body of knowledge. Though many think of yoga only as a physical exercise where people twist, turn, stretch, and breathe in the most complex ways, these are actually only the most superficial aspect of this profound science of unfolding the infinite potentials of the human mind and soul.

The science of Yoga imbibe itself the complete essence of the Way of Life, including - Gyan Yoga or philosophy, Bhakti Yoga or path of devotional bliss, Karma Yoga or path of blissful action, and Raja Yoga or path of mind control. Raja Yoga is further divided into eight parts. At the heart of the Raja Yoga system, balancing and unifying these various approaches, is the practice of Yoga Asana.

Art of Living Yoga

In a 10-hour workshop spread over 3-5 days, Art of Living Yoga is a healthy, rejuvenating and a joyful experience! It compiles a series of simple and complex yoga postures and breathing techniques, which help to bring about a balance in the body and mind. The program provides a multi-dimensional routine with includes Yoga postures, Breathing techniques, Yogic knowledge and Meditation, which gives the students a complete take home practice. It is a complete package for beginners as well as regular practitioners and has something for every one of all age groups.

Regular practices of asanas taught in the Art of Living Yoga workshop has brought about remarkable lifestyle changes in practitioners. People have felt relief from chronic illnesses and have observed behavioural changes. Participants and practitioners have reported feeling happier, reduced anxiety, increased tolerance levels, mindfulness, and experiencing an overall feeling of health with the techniques taught in the program.

Yoga for All

One of the beauties of the physical practice of yoga is that the poses support and sustain you no matter how old or young, or fit or frail, you come to your mat. As you age, your understanding of asana becomes more sophisticated. You move from working on the external alignment and mechanics of the pose to refining the inner actions to finally just being in the asana.

Yoga has never been alien to us. We have been doing it since we were a baby! Whether it is the Cat Stretch that strengthens the spine or the Wind-Relieving pose that boosts digestion, you will always find infants doing some form of yoga throughout the day. Yoga can be many things to many people. We are determined to help you discover your “Yoga Way of Life!”

Ayurveda: The Science of Life

Ayurveda is the world’s most sophisticated and powerful mind-body health systems. More than a mere system of treating illness, Ayurveda is a science of life!  It offers a body of wisdom designed to help people stay vibrant and healthy while realizing their full human potential. It uses the inherent principles of nature, to help maintain health in a person by keeping the individual's body, mind and spirit in perfect equilibrium with nature. Practicing Ayurveda also improves your yoga practice, a perfect win-win situation! This section brings you a wide range of Ayurvedic tips and suggestions for a healthier lifestyle.

Breathing Techniques (Pranayama) & Meditation (Dhyaan)

Pranayama is the extension and control of one’s breath. Practicing proper techniques of breathing can help bring more oxygen to the blood and brain, eventually helping control prana or the vital life energy. Pranayama also goes hand in hand with various yoga asanas. The union of these two yogic principles is considered as the highest form of purification and self-discipline, covering both mind and body. Pranayama techniques also prepare us for a deeper experience of meditation. Know more about various pranayama techniques in these sections.

Patanjali Yoga Sutras

This section lays an exclusive commentary by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on the ancient scripture,Patanjali Yoga Sutras, which will enlighten you on the knowledge of yoga, its origin and purpose. The goal of this rendition of the Yoga Sutras is to make the principles and practices of the Yoga Sutras more understandable and accessible. The descriptions of each sutra offered by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar attempts to focus on the practical suggestions of what can be done to experience the ultimate benefits of a yogic lifestyle.

Feeling held back due to a physical ailment? Are emotions taking a toll on your personal and work life? Fill in the form below to learn more about how yoga can aide you in overcoming issues naturally with minimum lifestyle changes.