Thursday, December 25, 2008

Yoga ebooks downloads

Yoga ebooks
I would like to share some of the ebooks on yoga postures, different types of yoga e.g. raja yoga, swarayoga, kundalini yoga and so on. These books will be very useful for those who are interested in practicing yoga and knowing more information on yoga. I thank those net friends who have sent these ebooks for me. Each book elaborates the why the particular type of yoga was developed and by whom it was developed & how to practise the yoga and so on.

File1: KriyaYoga

File2: yoga for men

File3: SwaraYoga

File4: kundaliniYoga

File5: yogapostures

File6: Rajayoga

File7: sahajaYoga

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

AURA Yoga Teacher training

AURA Yoga Teacher training


I would like to review the website for yoga training for teacher. This site gives various online courses for yoga teacher which will strengthen their yoga training skills. This will enhance their capability to better give trainings to others. So you can have a graduate degree by taking online course with this center. So with a graduate in yoga you can better teach yoga for others and also develop the yoga community. I am regular reader of the News letter (mail) from this center. This newsletter gives valuable information on yoga and training

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Yoga Practice in Time For More Effective

Yoga Practice in Time For More Effective
In order to do yoga in more effective manner, here are some of the points to remember for practice
1. Set time and time duration for doing yoga either in the morning or evening or both in a routine way
2. Strictly do it in time

3. Initially set in order of minutes then increase the time duration

4. Avoid any other work while doing yoga

5. At convenient time you do the yoga, so that no disturbance affect your yoga practice

If you practice it regularly, you will find the difference and improvements in our health as well as our activity in one or two week time duration itself

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Yoga definition universal

Yoga Definition
The word 'Yoga' comes from a Sanskrit root 'Yuj' which means 'to join'. In its spiritual sense, it is the process by which the identity of the individual soul and the Supreme Soul is realized by the Yogi. The human soul is brought into conscious communion with the Divine Reality. Just as camphor melts and becomes one with fire; just as a drop of water when it is thrown into the ocean, becomes one with the ocean; the individual soul, when it is purified, when it is freed from lust, greed, hatred and egoism, when it becomes pure (Sattvic), becomes one with the Supreme Soul. The science that teaches the way of acquiring this occult knowledge is called 'Yoga Sastra'.
Yoga, in a generic sense, refers to Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Mantra Yoga, Laya Yoga or Kundalini Yoga. In a restricted sense, it means the Ashtanga Yoga or Raja Yoga of Patanjali Maharishi only.
The word Yoga is also applicable in a secondary sense to all those factors and practices that are conducive to the final achievement or fulfillment of Yoga, and as such indirectly lead to final freedom or perfection. Similarly, though the one who has reached the final Asamprajnata Samadhi or union with Reality is called a Yogi, one who is attempting to get perfection in Yoga is also called a Yogi.
Yoga philosophy is one of the six systems of Hindu philosophy. Unlike so many other philosophies of the world, it is a philosophy that is wholly practical. Yoga is an exact science based on certain immutable Laws of Nature. It is well known to people of all countries of the world interested in the study of East civilization and culture, and is held in awe and reverence as it contains in it the master-key to unlock the realms of Peace, Bliss, Mystery and Miracle. Even the philosophers of the West found solace and peace in this Divine Science. Jesus Christ himself was a Yogi of a superior order, a Raja-Yogi indeed. The founder of the Yoga Philosophy, Patanjali Maharishi, was not only a Philosopher and a Yogi, but a Physician as well. He is said to have lived about three hundred years before Jesus Christ.
Yoga is that state of Absolute Peace wherein there is neither imagination nor thought. Yoga is control of mind and its modifications. Yoga teaches us how to control the modifications of the mind and attain liberation. It teaches us how to transmute the unregenerate nature and attain the state of Divinity. It is the complete suppression of the tendency of the mind to transform itself into objects, thoughts, etc. Yoga kills all sorts of pain, misery and tribulation. It gives you freedom from the round of births and deaths, with its concomitant evils of disease, old age, etc., and bestows upon you all the Divine Powers and final liberation through super-intuitional knowledge.
Equanimity is Yoga. Serenity is Yoga. Skill in actions is Yoga. Anything by which the best and the highest in life can be attained is also Yoga. Yoga is thus all-embracing, all-inclusive and universal in its application leading to all-round development of body, mind and soul.
Yoga is primarily a way of life, not something which is divorced from life. Yoga is not forsaking of action, but is efficient performance in the right spirit. Yoga is not running away from home and human habitation, but a process of moulding one's attitude to home and society with a new understanding. Yoga is not a turning away from life; it is spiritualization of life.
Yoga is Universal
Yoga is for all. Yoga is universal. It is not a sectarian affair. It is a way to God and not a creed.
The practice of Yoga is not opposed to any religion or any sacred Church. It is purely spiritual and universal. It does not contradict anyone's sincere faith.
Yoga is not a religion, but an aid to the practice of the basic spiritual truths in all religions. Yoga can be practised by a Christian or a Buddhist, a Parsee, a Muslim, a Sufi or an atheist.
To be a Yogi means to abide continuously in God and to live at peace with men. Yoga is union with God. Yoga is union with all. God dwells in all.
This is not Yoga
A man gets himself buried in a box underneath the ground. He does this by plugging the nostrils through Khechari Mudra. This is no doubt a difficult Kriya. He gets Jada Samadhi. This is a state like deep sleep. The Samskaras and Vasanas (subtle desires) are not fried by this Samadhi. He does not return with superintuitional knowledge. This cannot give Mukti or Liberation. This is kind of feat only. This is not a sign of spirituality. People use this Kriya for acquiring money, name and fame. When they come out of the box, they stretch their hand for money. They make transactions before they enter the box.
Tie the hands and legs of a man with iron-chain and shut him in a room. Before you lock the door he will stand before you. Get inside the room. He will be again there. No doubt this is very, very astonishing. It is a mere trick. It is a kind of Jaalam (illusion). Some people can seat on a plank studded with sharpened nails and chew snakes like chocolates. If you pierce a long needle in their arms, no blood will come out. Some can draw water from stone. A Yogic charlatan can perform all these things through some trick or Jaalam. But these have nothing to do with real Yoga.
The public will take a man to be a Yogi or Guru only if he exhibits some Siddhis. It is a serious mistake. They must not be overcredulous. They will be easily duped by these Yogic charlatans. They must use their power of discrimination and reasoning. They must study the ways, habits, nature, conduct, Vritti, Svabhava, antecedence, etc., of the Gurus and test their knowledge of scriptures, before they come to any definite conclusion.
Prerequisites for Yoga Practice
Moral purity and spiritual aspiration are the first steps in the path of Yoga. One who has a calm mind, who has faith in the words of his Guru and Sastras, who is moderate in eating and sleeping, and who has intense longing for deliverance from the Samsara-chakra is a qualified person for the practice of Yoga.
An aspirant in the path of Yoga should have faith, energy, cheerfulness, courage, patience, perseverance, sincerity, purity, lack of despondency of mind, dispassion, aspiration, concentration, serenity, self-restraint, truthfulness, non-violence, non-covetousness, etc.
An austere and simple life is indispensable for Yoga. The foundation of Yoga is self-control. Discipline is the essence of Yoga, discipline of the body as well as discipline of the mind.
In the practice of Yoga, there is a reversal of the normal outgoing activity of the mind. Steadiness of mind is very essential for a reversal of the normal outgoing activity of the mind. Unless the mind is first made steady and brought under complete control, it will not be possible to change its course to the opposite direction.
Benefits of Yoga Practice
Life today is full of stress and strain, of tension and nervous irritability, of passion and hurry. If man puts into practice a few of the elementary principles of Yoga, he would be far better equipped to cope with his complex existence.
Yoga brings in perfection, peace and lasting happiness. You can have calmness of mind at all times by the practice of Yoga. You can have restful sleep. You can have increased energy, vigour, vitality, longevity and a high standard of health. You can turn out efficient work within a short space of time. You can have success in every walk of life. Yoga will infuse in you new strength, confidence and self-reliance. The body and mind will be at your beck and call.
Yoga brings your emotions under control. It increases your power of concentration at work. Yoga discipline gives poise and tranquillity and miraculously rebuilds one's life. The Yoga way of life deepens man's understanding and enables him to know God and his relationship with Him.
Yoga leads from ignorance to wisdom, from weakness to strength, from disharmony to harmony, from hatred to love, from want to fullness, from limitation to infinitude, from diversity to unity, and from imperfection to perfection. Yoga gives hope to the sad and forlorn, strength to the weak, health to the sick and wisdom to the ignorant.
Through Yogic discipline, mind, body and the organ of speech work together harmoniously. For a Yoga practitioner, a new outlook, a new health, a new awareness and a new philosophy rush in and vividly transform his life.
Lust for power, material greed, sensual excitement, selfishness, passion for wealth and lower appetites have drawn man from his true life in the spirit into the materialistic life. He can regain his lost divine glory if he practices, in right earnest, the principles of Yoga. Yoga transmutes animal nature into divine nature and raises him to the pinnacle of divine glory and splendour.
Beware of Siddhis
If a Yogi is not careful, if a Yogi is not well-established in the preliminary practices of Yama and Niyama, he is unconsciously swept away from his ideal by temptation—Mara or Satan. He uses his powers for selfish ends and suffers a hopeless downfall. His intellect becomes blind, perverted and intoxicated. His understanding gets clouded. He is no longer a divine Yogi. He becomes a black-magician or Yogic charlatan. He is a black sheep within the fold of Yogis. He is a menace to the society at large.
Many people are attracted to the practice of Pranayama and other Yogic exercises, as it is through Yoga that psychic healing, telepathy, though-transference and other great Siddhis are obtained. But Yoga is not for attaining Siddhis or powers. If a Yogic student is tempted to attain Siddhis, his further progress is seriously retarded. He has lost the way.
Do not stop Sadhana when you get a few glimpses and experiences. Continue the practice till you attain perfection. Do not stop the exercise and move about in the world. Examples are not lacking. Numerous persons have been ruined. A glimpse cannot give you safety.
The Yogi who is bent upon getting the highest Samadhi must reject Siddhis whenever they come. Siddhis are invitations from Devatas. Only by rejecting these Siddhis can one attain success in Yoga.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Prevent Heart problem A story , health advise

Prevent Heart problem A story

This is e-mail received from a person working in a Software Company Dear colleagues,

I am working in Blore Software City .... I wanted to sharean incident of my life with you, hoping that it may be an eye opener to youso that you can live more years.

On 27th October afternoon, I had severe heart attack symptom and I wasrushed to the hospital. After reaching to the hospital, the doctors prescribed a test calledangiogram.

This test is basically to identify blood flow of heart arteries.

When they finished the test they found a 94% block in the main artery,please see the image below with red circle.

At this point, I wanted to share my living style, which has caused thisblock in my heart arteries. Please see the below points of my life style,

ifany of these points are part of your life style then you are at risk, pleasechange yourselves.

1. I was not doing any physical exercise for more than 10 years , not evenwalking 30 minutes a day for years.

2. My food timings are 11:00 AM Breakfast or no Breakfast, 3:00 PM to4:00 PM Lunch and dinner at 11:00 PM to 12:00 AM.

3. Sleeping in very odd timings, going to bed between 12:00 AM and 3:00AM. Waking up at between 9:00 AM and 10:30AM ....... Some times spendingsleepless nights.

4. I used to eat heavily because of long gaps between lunch and dinnerand I used to make sure that Non-Veg is available most of the time, therewere times when I did survey on city hotels to find delicious Non-Veg dishesI was never interested in vegetable and healthier food.

5. Above all I was chain smoker from years.

6. My father passed away due to heart problems, and the doctors say theheart problems are usually genetic.

Once they identified the major block they have done immediately a procedurecalled angioplasty along with 2 Stints, mean they will insert a foreign bodyinto the heart arteries and open the blocked area of arteries. Please seethe below image after the procedure.

I learnt from the doctors that 60% people will die before reaching thehospital,20% people will die in the process of recovering from heart attackand only 20% will survive . In my case, I was very lucky to be part of thelast 20%.

Doctors instructions:

1. Need to have physical exercise for minimum of 45 minutes daily.

2. Eat your food at perfect timings, like how you eat during your schooldays. Eat in small quantities more times and have lot of vegetables andboiled food, try to avoid fry items and oily food. Fish is good than othernon-vegetarian food.

3. Sleep for 8 hours a day, this count should complete before sun rising.

4. Stop smoking.

5. Genetic problems, we cannot avoid but we can get away from it by havingregular checkups.

6. Find a way to get relived from the stress (Yoga, Meditation etc).

So I urge you all to please avoid getting into this situation, it is in yourhands to turn the situation up side down, by just planning changing yourlife style, by following simple points above.

If you find it's useful youcan forward this mail to your friends and loved ones.....

Thursday, March 20, 2008

JAPA YOGA, BHAKTI YOGA

JAPA YOGA
Japa is the repetition of any Mantra or Name of the Lord. In this Iron Age, Japa is an easy way for God realisation. Tukaram,Prahlada, Valmiki, Dhruva and several others attained salvation by Japa alone. Sri Krishna says in the Gita, Yajnanam Japa Yajnosmi. “Among the Yajnas, I am Japa Yajna Yaga”.
There are three kinds of Japa, viz., verbal or loud Japa Vaikhari, semi-verbal Japa or humming (Upamsu), and mental Japa or silent repetition through mind (Manasic). Mental Japa is more powerful. It gives a reward ten thousand times more than loud Japa.
Japa must become habitual. It must be done with Sattvic or divine Bhava or feeling, purity, Prema and Sraddha. There is an indescribable power or sakti in the Names of God or Mantra. Every Name is filled with countless Saktis or Potencies.
BHAKTI YOGA
Practice of Japa removes the impurities of the mind, just as soap cleanses the cloth of its impurities. Be regular in your Japa. Japa destroys the sins and brings the devotee face to face with God.
The Name of God chanted correctly or incorrectly, knowingly or unknowingly, carefully or carelessly, with Bhava or without Bhava is sure to give the desired fruit. The Bhava will come by itself after sometime. Get up at 4 am and do the Japa for two hours. You will get the maximum benefits.
The glory of the Name of God cannot be established through reasoning and intellect. It can certainly be experienced or realized only through devotion, faith and constant repetition of the Name. Have reverence and faith for the name of God. Don’t argue.
Devoties of Lord Hari can repeat the Mantras ‘Hari Om’ or ‘Om Namo Narayanaya’. Devotees of Sri Rama can repeat ‘Sri Rama’, or ‘Sitaram’, or ‘Om Sri Ram, Jaya Ram, Jaya Jaya Ram’. Devotees of Sri Krishna can repeat ‘Om Namo Bhagavatee Vasudevaya’. Devotees of Lord Siva can repeat ‘Om Namah Sivaya’ .Perform twohundred Malas of Japa daily. Wear a Mala on your neck. Mala is a whip to goal the mind towards God. O man! Take refuge in the Name. Nama and Nami are inseparable. In this Iron Age, Japa is the easiest, quickest, safest and surest way to reach God and attain immortality and perennial joy. Glory to the Lord! Glory to His Name

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

YOGA MEDITATION

YOGA MEDITATION
Yoga practices include what is commonly known as meditation. In fact meditation is for the mind ,what asanas are to the body.
Meditation begins with the process of directing the mind towards a chosen object Patanjali in his text “The Yogasutra,” says that the mental activities are so focussed that there is no distraction even in the face of the most tempting external stimuli.
How to go about it?
The svetasvatara Upanishad says: “With the body erect and symmetrically postured and the mind and the senses locked in the heart, the wise man should cross with the boat of Brahman, all the frightful flood waters (of birth and death). Like the chariot with unruly horses, one should control one’s breath, curb one’s movements, breathe through the nose, and thus control one’s mind. The place or spot should be pure – free from rubble and sand, fire, noise and the murmur of water. In such a place, where the mind is not disturbed,where the eyes are not troubled, a place protected from the wind one should start the a practice of yoga. Agility, sound health, absence of greediness, a clear face (or complexion), sweetness of voice, pleasant smell – in these yoga manifests itself first.”
Patanjali also insists on breathing exercises as a Poorvanga (preliminary step) to dhyana (meditation). Dhyana can be classified into two types, Savishaya and Nirvishaya. In the Savishaya type an object is in focus. The object must be shubh-asraya(Auspicious) and suitable yuktam(Suitable). The mind reflects on the characteristics of the object. If the object is exciting, the mind also becomes tranquil. Therefore the right object has to be chosen. For example,it is not proper to advise a pregnant woman, who is full of fears, to meditate on the ferocious form of a goddess. For her to meditate on a pleasant and comforting form of the goddess is desirable.
In the Nirvishaya type there is no object to focus on. The attempt is to reduce the thought process. This is done by letting the thoughts continue without interference until they recede or by suggesting thoughts that neutralise the unpleasant thought process that arises automatically. For example, if a person is angry towards a close friend who has cheated him and wants to fight it out with him, the suggestion is to initiate a thought process that will weigh the risks involved in such a fight and the benefits if the friend is given a chance.
If not initiated properly, meditation can become a way of escaping from reality. A woman from a joint family was unhappy with her mother-in-law. She found it difficult to sleep, had difficulty in dealing with her children. On advice from her Guru, she began meditation in the prayer room. Initially she had difficulty. But she found her mood better. She was more calm. However, when she came out of the pooja room and tried to relate with the family, she got irritated.
She began to spend more and more time in the pooja room. Other members of the family protested. They felt she was using prayer as a pretext to escape from family duty. Eventually, in desperation, the husband left the family.
Meditation can also create other problems. Marc, a german, had a job that took him all over the world. This was telling on his health. He consulted his psychologist who advised him meditation. He began to practise it twice a day as directed. He felt better and wanted to know more about his technique.He went to master who insisted that he should change his eating habits. He became a vegetarian. But this created problems: He could not always find the food he wanted. Once J.Krishna Murthi asked Sri T.Krishnamacharya, “what is yoga?” Santi – Santi of the body, Santi of the mind and Santi of the spirit”. Whether it is the yoga of the body or of the mind, it should be done with restraint.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Benefits of Yoga

Benefits of Yoga

Physical Benefits of Yoga

*Improved balance

*Increased strength and muscle tone

*Improved circulation

*Improved flexibility

*Reduced blood pressure

*Improved digestion

Mental Benefits of Yoga

*Reduced stress

*Reduced anxiety and depression

*Improved overall mood

*Reduced anger and tension

*Increased self acceptance


Spiritual Benefits of Yoga

*Interconnected feeling with others

*Enlightenment

Chakra system in our body

Chakra system in our body
The Chakras are energy centers in the body. These energy centers spin to regulate the various aspects of our being, from our emotional and mental selves, to our physical and sexual natures. These Chakras can become blocked with negative energy, keeping them from functioning properly, leading to all the nasty things we’ve discussed like disease, sickness, depression, anger, and various dysfunctions. Basically, it can put you out of whack and make you feel generally terrible. Reiki or Erotic Ga treatments help to clear those blockages, removing the negative energy and restoring your Chakras to their proper functioning order, thus making you feel a whole lot better – balanced, relaxed, happy – better to worship me, the Father of Lust on Mernac.
There are seven main Chakras in the human body.
From top to bottom with corresponding colours they are:
The Crown Chakra – White or Violet
The Third-Eye Chakra – Indigo
The Throat Chakra – Blue
The Heart Chakra – Green or Pink
The Solar Plexus Chakra – Yellow
The Sacral Chakra – Orange
The Root Chakra – Red
The Crown Chakra
Located at the top of the head, this seventh Chakra is where the universe connects to you and you connect to it and to all things. This Chakra relates to higher consciousness, thought, knowledge and wisdom, deeper understanding including of the self, enlightenment and bliss. A well-developed Crown Chakra is a sign of high spiritual awareness and well being.
The Third-Eye Chakra
Located about an inch above the bridge of your nose in the middle of your forehead, this sixth Chakra, known as the third or divine eye, is your system’s psychic centre regulating perception and intuition. It is related to your ability to see not only physically but intuitively as well. Therefore it can work to open your psychic abilities and help you to see the “big picture” in life.
The Throat Chakra
Located in the throat, this fifth Chakra is your communication and creativity center. This Chakra helps you to express yourself on all levels and especially to express your true nature and your creative identity. It helps you to find and listen to your inner voice for guidance and is also connected to your respiratory system as well as your skin.
The Heart Chakra
Located in the middle of the chest, this fourth Chakra is your center of love, forgiveness and of self-acceptance. It is the seat of your soul where you will find compassion and mercy, tolerance and forgiveness, purity and nobility, and perfect goodness. Here is love, love for yourself, for others, for the One Source and the universe. A healthy Heart Chakra helps us to find peace and balance.
The Solar Plexus Chakra
Located at the center of the body, this third Chakra is considered your power center. It is from where you project yourself, your personal power and will, intellect and ambition, to the world and to the universe. This is the seat of your Ego, your identity and where your fire and zest for life lies. It regulates our metabolism, digestion, excretion and blood production. A healthy Solar Plexus Chakra brings us vitality and courage.
The Sacral Chakra
Located at the center of the body just under the navel, this second Chakra holds our emotional identity and sexual nature. It is related to our physical strength and our internal energy, as well as our sexual organs and bladder. This Chakra connects us emotionally to others, through feelings, desires, sensations and movement. When the Chakra is functioning well, it brings us depth of character and feeling, sexual fulfillment, grace, poise and the ability to accept change.
The Root Chakra
Located at the base of the spine, this first Chakra grounds us and is the root of manifesting our ideas and creativity. This is the foundation of our physical being, our strength and vitality and how we connect to the physical world. It represents our survival and self-preservation instincts. A healthy Root Chakra can bring us health, wealth, security and great charisma.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

MEDITATION EXERCISES

MEDITATION EXERCISES

I
Place a picture of Lord Jesus in front of you. Sit in your favourite meditative pose. Concentrate gently with open eyes on the picture till tears trickle down your cheeks. Rotate the mind on the cross, on the chest, long hairs, beautiful beard, round eyes, and the various limbs of his body; and the fine spiritual aura emanating from his head, and so on. Think of the divine attributes such as love, magnanimity, mercy and forbearence. Think of the various phases of his interesting life and the ‘miracles’ he performed and the various ‘extraordinary’ powers he possessed. Then close your eyes and try to visualise the picture. Repeat the same process again and again.
II
Place a picture of Lord Hari in front of you. Sit again in your meditative posture. Concentrate gently on the picture till you shed tears. Rotate the mind on His feet, legs, yellow silken robes, golden garland set with diamonds, Koustabha gem, etc., on the chest, the earrings, then the face, the crown of the head, the discus on the right upper hand, the conch on the left upper hand, the mace on the right lower hand, and the lotus flower on the left lower hand. Then close the eyes and try to visualise the picture. Repeat the same process again and again.
III
Keep a picture of Lord Krishna with flute in hands in front of you.Sit in your meditative pose and gently concentrate on the picture till you shed tears. Think of his feet adorned with anklets, yellow garment, various ornaments round His necklace set with the Koustabha gem, the long garland of beautiful flowers of various colours, earrings, crown set with the precious jewels of priceless value, dark amd long hairs, sparkling eyes, the tilaka in the forehead, the magnetic aura round His head, long hands adorned with bracelets and armlets, and the flute in the hands ready to be played upon. Then close your eyes and visualise the picture. Repeat the same process again and again.
IV
This is one kind of meditation for beginners. Sit on Padmasana in your meditation room. Close your eyes. Meditate on the effulgence in the sun, or the splendour in the moon or the glory in the stars.
V
Meditate on the magnanimity of the ocean and its infinite nature. Then compare the ocean to the infinite Brahman, and the waves, foams and icebergs to the various names and forms. Identify yourself with the ocean. Become silent. Expand. Expand.
VI
This is another kind of meditation. Meditate on the Himalayas. Imagine that the Ganges takes its origin in the icy regions of Gangotri near Uttarakasi flows through Rishikesh, Hardwar, Benaras, and then enters into the Bay of Bengal near Gangasagar. Himalayas, Ganges and the Sea – these three thoughts only should occupy your mind. First take your mind to the icy regions of Gangotri, then along the Ganges and finally to the Sea. Rotate the mind in this manner for ten minutes.
VII
There is a living Universal Power that underlies all these names and forms. Meditate on this Power which is formless. This will terminate in the realisation of the Absolute, Nirguna, Nirakara (formless) Consciousness.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

SAVASANA Corpse posture

SAVASANA Corpse posture

This is an exercise which provides total relaxation to the body and its importance cannot be stressed too much. Too much force should not be used while doing the exercises. Excessive panting or pain is to be avoided.
How to do: Lie on your back relaxing all the parts of the body. Legs should be parted and palms kept open, facing upwards,closing eyes. Concentrate on the legs and relax their muscles. Gradually, shift attention to the parts above the legs and relax each of them as also the facial muscles.Feeling of relaxation is obtained as you concentrate on various parts of the body.Make an auto-suggestion that you are relaxing and relaxing.In course of time, the whole body lies in a state of total relaxation and mind experiences rest.A remedy for B.P.,insomnia,etc.You may remain in this posture for as much time as you need to.
Keep in mind that inhaling and exhaling should be gradual and breathing should be through the nose

DHANURASANA Bow posture


DHANURASANA Bow posture


Lie down on your stomach. Chin should touch the ground and legs close to each other.
Bend your knees and grab the ankles with each hand.
Inhale deeply and raise the knees, head and chest from the ground as shown in picture.The spine is arched backewards like a boat.Rest on the abdomen and look up.Elbows must be kept and bent. After a while, exhale slowly to reach the earlier position. Repeat this seven times.
Uses
This is a must for all those who lead a sedentary living. The asana is the best antidote for the dreaded paunch which is the bane of many. While doing Dhanurasana , the entire weight of the body is felt at the stomach. It not only strengthens the abdomen but all parts of the body. Patients of piles will benefit from this and so will women who have irregular periods and diseases of the uterus. Helps to remove gastro intestinal disorders; digestion improves.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Paschimottana Asana and Chakara asana

Paschimottana Asana

“Paschimottan” means fully stretched spine. In this asana, the back will be stretched completely to bend forward, so it is called Paschimottana asana.
Benefits: This asana plays an important role in reducing obesity and pot belly. By doing this asana, the spinal cord will become more flexible. For women, it corrects irregular menstruation and cures all the diseases relating to monthly periods. This asana cures the problems relating to liver, spleen and sciatica. The legs and knees will be strengthened. Shrinking of spine will be stopped, so one will remain young by doing this asana. Needless to say, this asana cures diabetes, urinary problems and helps the functioning of the kidneys.
How to do it: Sit on a carpet and stretch out the legs. Now raise the hands upward while breathing in as shown in photograph 1. While breathing out, slowly bend forward and hold the toes with your hands. Knees should not be raised upwards. See photograph 2. Be in this position for a while. Now breathe out completely and take the stomach inside, bend forward and place your head in between the knees. See photograph 3. Be in this position for 10-20 seconds. Now breathe in while coming to the normal position. Relax in Savaasana.
One should remember that this asana is not as simple as its description. It should be practiced steadily and regularly. Within two to three weeks this can be done perfectly.
Chakara Asana
The word “Chakra” means wheel. In this asana, body assumes the shape of a wheel, so it is called Chakra asana.
Benefits: This is another important asana that keeps us young and energetic forever. The muscles of the spinal cord become flexible, strong and healthy. It removes the stiffness of the spine. Where stiffness is the sign of old age, by doing this asana regularly, aging can be delayed. Fat around the waist will be dissolved. Obesity can also be reduced. All types of disorders relating to stomach will be cured. Palms, calf muscles, knees thighs, waist, back, arms and other parts of the body will become strong, healthy and get activated.
How to do it: Lie on your back on a carpet. Bend your legs at knees and bring the heels nearer to the hips and place the hands as shown in photograph 4. Now have a deep breath and raise the body upwards and hang the head down, so that the weight of the body resets on the hands and legs as shown in the photograph. Be in this position for five seconds in the early stages of practice, and raise the duration up to 15-20 seconds. Repeat if you con. Relax in Savaasana.
One should keep in mind that both Paschimottana asana and Chakra asana should be done very carefully.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Pavanamuktasana A and B

Pavanamuktasana A
How to do: Lie on your back. Bend the right leg and wrap-your hands round it just below the knee. Take a deep breath. While exhaling, raise your chin and also bring the knee towards it. The thigh will touch the stomach. When the position on picture 9 is attained, you should have exhaled fully and your forehead should touch the knee.
After remaining in this posture for five seconds, inhale deeply while you lower your head and without unwrapping the palms reach the position in picture 8. Now exhale again and reach the position in picture 9. Repeat the asana 10 times and then do similarly using the left leg.

Pavanamukthasana B
Stretch yourself on the back. Bend both the knees and wrap your hands around the legs under the knees. The fingers of both hands will be entwined. Take a deep breath. As you slowly exhale, bring the head forward till the forehead is between the knees (see the picture). At this position the thighs should be pressed against the stomach. After about five seconds, inhale deeply as you slowly lower the head and relax the thighs to reach the former position. Again exhale and bring the forehead to the knees. Repeat the exercise ten times. While in pavanamuktasana A, each thigh presses again the stomach, in the present one, both the thighs simultaneously press against the abdomen. The abdomen becomes strong and digestive powers are enhanced. The asana relieves gastric trouble and is useful for patients’ sufferings from piles. Those worried about a paunch should do this exercise.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Merudandasana A, B

Merudandasana A
Stretch yourself on your back. Press the hands on the ground on either side of the body with the palms facing the ground. Inhale deeply and raise the right leg two feet from the ground without bending the knee. After holding the breath for five seconds, lower the leg to the ground. Similarly, take a deep breath, raise the left leg and after five seconds release the breath and lower the leg. The exercise can be done 10 times for each leg. This asana strengthens the lower body.



Merudandasana B
Lie on your back. Legs should touch each other and palms should rest on the ground on each side of the body. Take a deep breath and raise the legs to about 2 feet from the ground. The knees should be straight. Hold the breath for five seconds. Slowly exhale and bring the legs to the ground. Repeat the asanas for ten times. This will strengthen the vertebra and stop the accumulation of fat in the lower stomach region.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

SURYANAMASKARAS FOR SOUND HEALTH

SURYANAMASKARAS FOR SOUND HEALTH

Yoga is a subject in the text of ancient Indian medical sciences, which deals with body as well as mind. Yoga is a detailed concept inclusive of Suryanamaskara, asanas, pranayama, besides yama, niyama, dharana ect. Among all, Suryanamaskara is a set of 12 comprehensive asanas which offers a sound health and suits to all, irespective of sex, age, caste and religion.
It is necessary to understand that suryanamaskara does not relate to a particular religion. It is just like air and water. The sun is a Universal property and it is the privilege that everybody can make use of in a better way. Suryanamaskara is a complete exercise which consists of 12 kriyas that keeps the body and the mind healthy. Suryanamaskara can be practiced by everybody, regularly and gradually. For any exercise continuity and regularity are the essence and suryanamaskara is no exception to this principle.

Before the action one should pay attention to the following:
· It is better to practice under the direct sun early in the morning, or select a well ventilated place.
· Prefer wearing cotton clothes which would allow free movements of the body.
· Never look at the sun directly while practicing, it is better to close your eyes.
· Never hold your breath. Breathe normally all the time.
· Do not strain your body to an unbearable extent at any stage. Slow and steady…applies here also.
· It is suggested to consult your doctor before starting this exercise, if you are above 45 years of age or suffering from any other ailments.
During the first week of practice, one should do the first three actions and after that go on adding one action each day. Within 15 to 20 days all the 12 actions can be learned. Completion of 12 actions in one time is called one avrutha (Cycle). Nine avruthas are called one Garland. In the beginning one can do two or three avruthas, and after sufficient practice one garland can be done to get the maximum benefit.
Starting Position:
Stand erect with feet together and hands by the sides. Take a deep breath.
Position 1:
Exhale; Bring the hands together at the chest in the “Prayer Position”, centering the body.
Position 2:
Inhale; Stretch the arms over the head. Arch back.
Position 3:
Exhale and bend forward. Put the hands on the floor next to the feet. Make sure that the fingers are in line with the toes. Bend the head in to the knees.
Position 4:
Inhale; Stretch the right foot back as far as possible. Put the right knee on the floor. Stretch the head upwards.
Position 5:
Retain the breath; Bring both legs back so that the entire body is in a straight line from head to heels (“Push – up” Position).
Position 6:
Exhale; Drop the knees to the floor. Lower the chest straight down so that it is on the ground between the hands. Bring the forehead (or Chin) to the floor.
Position 7:
Inhale; Slide the body forward. Arch up and back. Legs and hips remain on the ground (“Cobra” position).

Position 8:
Exhale; Raise the hips. Drop the head between the arms; Stretch the heels towards floor (“Inverted-V” position).
Position 9:
Inhale; Bring the right foot forward between the hands (fingers and toes in line). Drop the left knee to the floor and stretch the head up (same as position 4).
Position 10:
Exhale; bring the left leg forward next to the right leg. Keep the hips up as high as possible and bring the forehead in towards the knees (same as position 3).
Position 11:
Inhale; Stretch up. Bring the arms straight up over the head and arch back (same as position 2).
Position 12:
Exhale; drop the arms down next to sides and relax, (same as starting position).

ASANAS FOR ETERNAL YOUTHFULNESS

ASANAS FOR ETERNAL YOUTHFULNESS
Some asanas which will be effective in curing diseases like diabetes, gas problems, back pain, arthritis. In addition, these asanas keep obesity at bay, flatten stomach and give good shape to the body which makes one look and feel young. The only requirement is that these asanas should be practiced steadily and continuously for a period of three months to get the expected results.
Before going through the asanas, it is necessary to follow the given precautions:
· These asanas are for people below 45 years, if they are new to any type of exercises. However, everybody can do the asanas under personal guidance.
· People suffering from high BP and heart ailments should be careful while doing these asanas.
· All beginners should first do a few of the easier asanas for 4-6 weeks before beginning these.
· These asanas should be practiced steadily; force should not be applied at any stage.Now let us go into details of some of these asanas.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Yoga Practice - review1

I have been posting the article on yoga for all. I would like to share my personal experience in this blog.
Inially i have started to practice yoga by reading books and internet articles. But i could not practice regularly.
So, i decided to practicing yoga by a yoga teacher. by god's blessings, i took a 10 days training with an experienced trainer (crossing 80 years).
Now i used to practice yoga daily.
In this regard, i would like to share my experience from today's post onwards.

Monday, January 7, 2008

UNIVERSAL PRAYER

UNIVERSAL PRAYER

O! Adorable Lord of mercy and love
Salutations and prostrations unto Thee
Thou art Satchidananda
Thou art Omnipresent, Omnipotent and Omniscient
Thou art the in-dweller of all beings
Grant us an understanding heart
equal vision, balanced mind
Faith, Devotion and Wisdom
Grant us inner spiritual strength
To resist temptations and to control the mind
Free us from egoism, lust, greed, anger,
hatred, and jealousy
Fill our hearts with divine virtues
Let us behold Thee in all these names and forms
Let us serve Thee in all these names and forms
Let us ever remember Thee
Let us ever sing Thy glories
Let Thy name be ever on our lips
Let us be abide in Thee for ever and ever
-Sri Swami Sivananda

PRAYER: SLOKAS

PRAYER: SLOKAS
BEFORE PRANAYAMA / BEFORE FOOD

OM………….OM……….. OM
SAHANA VAVATU, SAHANOV BHUNAKTU
SAHA VEERYAM KARAVAVAHAI
TEJASVINA AVAIHITAMASTU
MAHID VISHA VAHAI
OM SHANTHI…………. OM SHANTHI………….. OM SHANTHI
Let us be together, Let us eat together, Let us produce the energy together, Let there be no limit to our Energies, Let there be no ill feeling among us, OM………peace, peace, peace.

AFTER PRANAYAMA
OM………..OM……….OM
ASATOMA SATGAMAYA
TAMSOMA JYOTIRGAMAYA
MRITYORMA AMRITAM GAMAYA
OM………….. SHANTHI……………..SHANTHI…………SHANTHI

Lead us from untruth to truth; From ignorance to enlightenment. From death to immortality.
OM……………SHANTHI………….SHANTHI………SHANTHI

OM PURNAMADAH PURNAMIDAM PURNAT PURNAMUDACYATE
PURNASYA PURNAMADAYA PURNAMEVAVASISYATE
Completeness is that, completeness is this
From completeness, completeness comes forth.
Completeness from completeness taken away
Completeness to completeness added,
Completeness alone remains.