Yoga For All

Best time to do yoga

2011-04-06T21:49:00.000-07:00

Best time to do yoga

The early morning is the best time to do yoga. The reason is

1. At this time, it is called as Brahmamuhurta, the spiritual energy level is high.

2. No internal and external disturbances

3. Naturally the stomach is empty, with loaded stomach, it is very difficult in practicing yoga

4. The freshness that you get while doing morning yoga can be experienced throughout the day. You always feel briskness during the day.

5. The level of stress decreases and can be felt during the day

6. You feel relaxations all the time

7. Morning time is always quiet and pure & fresh air circulates at this time.

However, you can schedule your time if you are not able to wake up at the early morning and regulate it to do your yoga practice at your scheduled time.

Best place for practicing Yoga and Meditation

2011-02-24T23:06:00.000-08:00

Best place for practicing Yoga

Yoga and meditation is an art of living for our body health and peace of mind. Where i have to do yoga and meditation is question for yoga learners or beginners. Sometimes, the our surrounding may not suit to do meditation, the better place to do meditation should be very pleasant and calm. Recently i visited Vevenkanatha Rock memorial, located 500 m from the mainland of Kanyakumari, India. Swami Vivenkanada swam this rock during the month of December 1892 and meditated deeply and got enlightenment, then became a reformer and philosopher. At this place, I meditated for about 10 minutes, I went deep meditation, mind became so peace. Such places are so natural where we can hear only the sound of waves. In my life, i would say, this is the best place for meditation. Few snapshots of this amazing Vivekanatha memorial,

During sunset

Vivekananda Memorial from Mainland

Drink Water on Empty Stomach and Stay healthy and Active

2011-01-22T01:32:00.000-08:00

Drink Water on Empty Stomach and Stay healthy and Active

I have recently recently received a mail from my friend which talks about the benefits of drinking water on Empty stomach. I would like to share the entire content of the mail which will definitely benefits all.

DRINK WATER ON EMPTY STOMACH

It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately after waking up every morning. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven a its value. We publish below a description of use of water for our readers. For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses the water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese med ical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases:

Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, ga str itis, diarrhea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and ear nose and throat diseases.

METHOD OF TREATMENT

1. As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water .....interesting

2. Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minutes

3. After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.

4. After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours

5. Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day.

6. The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.

The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure/control/reduce main diseases:

1. High Blood Pressure - 30 days

2. Ga str ic - 10 days

3. Diabetes - 30 days

4. Constipation - 10 days

5. Cancer - 180 days

6. TB - 90 days

7. Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment only for 3 days in the 1st week, and from 2nd week onwa rd s - daily.

This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times.

It is better if we continue this and make this procedure as a routine work in our life.

Drink Water and Stay healthy and Active.

This makes sense .. The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals ..not cold water. Maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!! Nothing to lose, everything to gain...

For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you.

It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed . It will slow down the digestion.

Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

Health problems and Spoiling Social values associated with Children of Working parents

2010-09-26T22:23:00.000-07:00

Health problems and Spoiling Social values associated with Children of Working parents:

A survey conducted reveal that Children’s of working parents are more likely volunteering to addict in internet sites such as playing online games, watching videos and chatting with friends. Some of them are online for long hours, even more than 5 hours. This results in health problems such as vision, obesity, poor memory and mental problems.

Their social interactions with real world are also significantly diminishing as they have more interactions social websites like facebook, orkut and so on. On the other hand, in single parent working environments, as they monitor the child’s activities, they guide them in proper ways and control their internet activities.

The working parents should take utmost care with their children to divert them to know the social values of real world and spend more times with them to relieve them from the above mentioned negative aspects.

Exercise Vs Yoga

2010-09-16T20:59:00.001-07:00

Exercise Vs Yoga

   I always inquired myself the difference between yoga and Exercises. Recently i have gone through an article from a news magazine. In that i clearly understood the differences. The glimpse of it is here
1. Exercise is catabolic which is capable of breaking down the energy
    Yoga is anabolic which conserve energy
2. Exercise is sympathetic stimulation
    Yoga is parasympathetic simulation
3. Yoga is always used as relaxation technique where this not same for exercise
4. Yoga always improves the blood circulation to Visceral organs like spleen, liver, kidney. Yoga uses breathing technique which squeezes the organs to increase the blood circulation. In yoga blood supply to the muscle is not increased.
    Exercises focuses on the muscular system that gets 70% of the blood supply.

Top 10 tips for creating interests in studies for kids

2010-08-10T23:38:00.000-07:00

Top 10 tips for creating interests in studies for kids

While I was searching on net tips for improvement in studies for my son, I got plenty of ideas and tips. There are number of parents in particularly mom struggling to give better study or enhancing study skills at kindergarten level for her son / daughter. Thought they (including myself) have used to create interest in studies, the final result has not given any fruitful result. I would like to share the following suggestions

1. Positive motivation: Kids may be given some positive motivations, for example, if you study or complete this lesson or pages, then I will give chocolates or interest of his son / daughter. This may boost his interest on studies. Later on, he may improve his concentration on studies

2. Negative motivation: Sometimes, as against the point 1, if you are not studying this lesson, I will not buy anymore ice cream or chocolates. In order get his likes, he would get interest on studies

3. He may be introduced on computer animations either online or offline related his study like Rhymes, Scrabble like word or math puzzles. There are number of such computer graphics related online learning materials are available. This has become very successful in my son’s study also. I have started taking him to solve the scrabble word puzzles, now he is very much interesting to solve the scrabble cubes.

4. Your son / daughter may be given chances to participate in science exhibitions, museums where he may be interested knowing things related to his study.

5. Tuition or special classes may be arranged for him, But this is not successful for many kids. However, this may not become an additional burden for parents with related to money or time.

6. Some kids may be interested in sports or play related activities, where he may be given more time to spend in these in between his studies

7. Some kids may be interested in drawings / paintings, where these type of activities may be given in between his studies

8. Parents may allot sometimes to spend with his kids where he may be self motivated for his study

9. Parents may read newspaper or subject related articles along with his kids where his reading habits will be improved

10. Concentrating on his health also will improve his studies ( One of my son’s teacher’s suggestions)

Best practice of Yoga for Beginners

2010-04-05T09:41:00.000-07:00

Best practice of Yoga for Beginners

For practicing Yoga, the primary thing to have a Guru (Yoga Master) and Follow their instructions. They guide us through some series of steps to do before and after Yoga practice. Yoga teachers also instruct us the Food habits to follow while doing Yogas.

If we are able to do Yoga with such a great Master, then it will be very helpful for us life long. Even there is any disturbance, it will automatically settle us to drive us to do yoga in all days. In My experience, i remembers all the Yoga asanas that i did with a Yoga Master.

Those asanas that i have not practiced with Yoga Master, i do not remember now. So the good practice for Yoga beginners is that do yoga with a great Yoga Master.

Mahashivarathri 2010 Live Webstreaming

2010-02-12T04:53:00.000-08:00

Mahashivarathri 2010 Live Webstreaming

Tuning our body's internal clock

2010-01-17T02:25:00.000-08:00

Tuning our body's internal clock

We normally set alarm clock to wake up at early morning or set alarm to remind our do's. Sometimes we can not follow the alarm. For example, I set alarm to wake up at early morning, say 5.30 am. Though the alarm rings at 5.30 a.m. i could not wake up. At the same time i wake up at times, a milker make a door bell rings at the early morning, then i immediately wake up for getting the milk pocket.
A second instant that i can recall is that i wake up early morning, say at 4.00 a.m. in order for catching up a train at 5.30. a.m. From the second instant, i infer that if there is a need of urgency or emergency our internal clock wake up at the scheduled time which is not a alarm clock.
So our mind can be used as a clock. If we are able to practice our mind clock to our all schedule then we need not have any external physical alarm or reminder for do's or don't do's

Feel better with Morning walk

2009-11-18T21:08:00.001-08:00

Feel better with Morning walk

I have again started my morning walk while i have recently shifted my home to new place. Most of the people in and around my area have daily walk. I join with them. This have made a total change on me. I am always feel better now a days. By Morning walk, i breadth open fresh air which make me to feel better.
And at the early morning, i can meet new people and feel and more comfortable. I walk just a 20 minutes walks and the whole day has become more tired free and feeling better. I have made my morning walk as a consistent practice.

Precautions to prevent Swine Flu

2009-08-16T21:46:00.000-07:00

Precautions to prevent Swine Flu

The swine flu is rapidly spreading world wide. It is time to take steps to prevent it. It is individual's responsibilities to keep away from this virus.
Top 10 prevention tips
1. Wash your hands frequently
Use the antibacterial soaps to cleanse your hands. Wash them often, at least 15 seconds and rinse with running water.
2. Get enough sleep
Try to get 8 hours of good sleep every night to keep your immune system in top flu-fighting shape.
3. Keep hydrated
Drink 8 to10 glasses of water each day to flush toxins from your system and maintain good moisture and mucous production in your sinuses.
4. Boost your immune system
Keeping your body strong, nourished, and ready to fight infection is important in flu prevention. So stick with whole grains, colorful vegetables, and vitamin-rich fruits.
5. Keep informed
The government is taking necessary steps to prevent the pandemic and periodically release guidelines to keep the pandemic away. Please make sure to keep up to date on the information and act in a calm manner.
6. Avoid alcohol
Apart from being a mood depressant, alcohol is an immune suppressant that can actually decrease your resistance to viral infections like swine flu. So stay away from alcoholic drinks so that your immune system may be strong.
7. Be physically active
Moderate exercise can support the immune system by increasing circulation and oxygenating the body. For example brisk walking for 30-40 minutes 3-4 times a week will significantly perk up your immunity.
8. Keep away from sick people
Flu virus spreads when particles dispersed into the air through a cough or sneeze reach someone elseâ€™s nose. So if you have to be around someone who is sick, try to stay a few feet away from them and especially, avoid physical contact.
9. Know when to get help
Consult your doctor if you have a cough and fever and follow their instructions, including taking medicine as prescribed.
10. Avoid crowded areas
Try to avoid unnecessary trips outside. Moreover, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Courtesy: Yahoo news

Realization of benefits of doing 1 Hour yoga

2009-07-08T22:35:00.000-07:00

Realization of benefits of doing 1 Hour yoga
If we do daily yoga for about 1 Hour as a daily practice either in morning or evening, the benefits are as
1. Can be so active
2. No tiredness during our work hours
3. More concentrating power
4. Energy flow smoothly in all parts of our body which keep us very dynamic
5. Completely removes negative thoughts
6. Make good relations with family and friends
7. In improves our creativity
8. Keep us in good diet
9. Keep away us from doctors
10. Complete Life style changes
I have been realizing these benefits.
If you have any other benefits feel free to comment for this post.

Yoga from KRYogaworld

2009-07-01T02:46:00.000-07:00

Yoga from KRYogaworld

I recently purchased one DVD from market which is about passion of Yoga. This yoga DVD is a basic series 1 among three series 1, 2 and 3. In, the Yoga master Kamal has given the steps for practicing yoga in such a way that we do it in real time in front a master. It is so amazing to do yoga by his way of teaching in this DVD. I have been regularly practicing it at the early morning. It makes me so brisk and bright and removes all sort of tiredness during the working hours. I have also very eager to get the remaining series. It has been a wornderful experience and a lot thanks to master Kamal.

Yoga with Mild back ground Music

2009-06-01T08:05:00.000-07:00

Yoga with Mild background Music

Daily Yoga practice makes us very healthy and brisk. I recently purchased a Yoga CD which teaches Yoga as if a real teacher teaches the Yoga Practice in step by step. I practiced it along with playing in DVD player. I noticed one thing in the DVD play. I heard Melodious music in the back ground which continuously relaxed me. Normally we do not play any music while doing yoga. Playing a background mild and melodious music while doing yoga reduces the distractions and diversion of our mind. This in turn increases our concentration power. It gives immense pleasure additionally while doing yoga. Those who are regularly practicing yoga can try it and find the difference.

Feel Fresh while doing Yoga

2009-03-04T20:43:00.000-08:00

Feel Fresh while doing Yoga

Doing Yoga regularly then the feel of freshness can be sensed within yourself. I missed doing yoga for some days, i could not feel the same freshness.

And also i felt some pains while doing my work. Even doing yoga for 10 minutes, we can get the freshness for the whole day. Thereafter i regularly do it either in the morning or evening or both timings. It also improves our confident level for doing any task during the day.

Rejuvenate With Diaphragmatic Breathing

2009-02-21T09:10:00.000-08:00

Rejuvenate With Diaphragmatic Breathing

Diaphragm is the chief organ controlling the breathing process in our body and is located just underneath the ribs. It separates the chest cavity from the abdomen. To breathe diaphragmatically, or with the diaphragm, one must draw air into the lungs in a way, which will expand the stomach and not the chest & no pressure should be felt in the lungs. When we inhale, fully and deeply, our diaphragm moves downward & the belly, lower ribcage and lower back all expand. When we exhale completely, diaphragm moves upward & the belly goes in. We take more oxygen inside & release more carbon dioxide with each breath. It helps to detoxify our inner organs, promote blood flow and pump the lymph more efficiently through our lymphatic system. Since lymphatic system is an important part of our immune system, it helps to harmonize our nervous system & a feeling of rejuvenation is experienced with this relaxed breath. Actually, it has a great impact on our overall health.

How To Cultivate Diaphragmatic Breathing
We'll do two Asanas to learn diaphragmatic breathing; these are Makarasana (the crocodile pose) & Shavasna. One can learn Diaphragmatic breathing in sitting as well as in standing posture.

Position To Practice Makarasana
Lie face down on the abdomen on the floor or on the bed. Keep your legs apart about 2 to 2 ½ feet, toes out to the sides; heels are in, facing towards each other. If it is not comfortable then bring the legs slightly closer & the tips of the big toes should touch each other. Now form a pillow with the arms by crossing the arms (place your right hand on the left shoulder, left hand on the right shoulder), Rest your forehead on your forearms. Keep the upper chest slightly uplifted from the floor, neck straight & let the shoulders relax. In this position, it is not possible to do chest breathing. Close your eyes and relax the whole body.

Technique
Take your attention away from all places & bring it to the place where you are lying down... Be aware of only the space your body is occupying from head to toe... now bring your awareness to the breath... Observe your breath without judgment as it moves in and out of the body... Breathe gently... slowly... smoothly. .. Let there be no jerks... no breaks ...in your breathing... Let it flow like a smooth stream... Let it slow down...While inhaling, feel your abdomen gently pressing against the floor or the bed... While exhaling, feel the abdomen release back toward the spine... Observe how that area gently touches the ground as you inhale... how it lifts from the ground as you exhale... Continue to observe the rise and fall of the stomach and navel area, with the gentle rhythm of your breathing... observe which muscles are moving to constitute that movement... When resting on your stomach and breathing in this manner, the lower back and the sides of the rib cage also expand... Attempt to release any muscle tension in the back to allow the breath to deepen... By observing that, learn to breathe correctly, so that you may always breathe in this manner... After 5 minutes or so, come out of the pose slowly & gently roll over & lie on the back in Shavasana.

Shavasana
Keep your feet apart about 3-4 inches, turn the toes sideways, arms are little away from the body, palms are facing upwards. Let the entire body relax. Continue breathing diaphragmatically as you were breathing in the Crocodile position... Breathe gently... slowly... smoothly... no jerks in your breathing... no break in your breathing... Observe the process of the diaphragm relaxing... contracting... observe the rise and fall of the stomach and the navel area... Now place your left palm in the center of your bosom and right palm on the stomach. Observe your left palm is still & your right palm is moving up & down on its own... after 1-minute or so, keep your left palm down with palm facing upwards. The right palm is still on the stomach. Feel the movement in your right palm for sometime...now keep the right palm down in its original position... Observe the flow of your breath, as though your breath is flowing through your whole body from top to toes and toes to top... Inhale a feeling of fullness, relaxation, peace and purity... Exhale all your tensions and stress. If you do these two exercises for 10-15 minutes each daily, you'll see lots of changes in your body & mind & you'll experience a new life.

Further Systematic Relaxation
Bring your attention to place where you are lying, Be aware of the space your body is occupying from head to toe, Be aware of only this moment in time & relax the whole body part by part. Let the different parts go limp as if you have no control over your body.

Sequence
Focus your mind on the forehead... eyebrows... eyes... nostrils... cheeks... jaw and the corners of your mouth... chin... neck... neck joint... shoulders... shoulder joints... upper arms... elbows... lower arms... wrists... hands...fingers... fingertips. ..
Now back from fingertips... fingers... hands... wrists... lower arms... elbows... upper arms... shoulder joints... shoulders... chest,... heart area... stomach... navel... abdomen... pelvis... thigh joints... thighs...knees... calf muscles... ankles... feet...toes...
Now in the reverse order up the body
Toes... feet... ankles... calves... knees... thighs... thigh joints... pelvis... abdomen... navel... stomach... heart area... chest... shoulders... shoulder joints... upper arms... elbows... lower arms... wrists... hands...fingers... fingertips...
Now back from fingertips... fingers... hands... wrists... lower arms... elbows... upper arms... shoulder joints... shoulders... neck joint... neck, chin... jaw & the corners of your mouth... cheeks... nostrils... eyes... eyebrows... forehead..
Stay in this position for some more time. Whenever you wish, get up. For that first turn to left side for few seconds then slowly sit up. You'll feel fresh, energetic & rejuvenated for the whole day.
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Courtesy: Dr. Rita Khanna's Yogashaastra Studio. A popular studio that helps you find natural solutions for complete health and detoxification.

Yoga ebooks downloads

2008-12-25T23:14:00.000-08:00

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

AURA Yoga Teacher training

2008-10-15T23:00:00.000-07:00

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

Yoga Practice in Time For More Effective

2008-08-26T06:52:00.000-07:00

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

Yoga definition universal

2008-03-27T01:52:00.000-07:00

Yoga
credit:Sri Swami Sivananda

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.

Prevent Heart problem A story , health advise

2008-03-21T23:58:00.000-07:00

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.....

JAPA YOGA, BHAKTI YOGA

2008-03-20T00:05:00.000-07:00

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

YOGA MEDITATION

2008-03-18T04:04:00.000-07:00

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.

Benefits of Yoga

2008-03-11T21:52:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-11T02:24:00.000-07:00

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.

Credit :http://erotic-ga-empowerment.blogspot.com/2007/11/chakra-system.html

MEDITATION EXERCISES

2008-03-05T01:05:00.000-08:00

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.

SAVASANA Corpse posture

2008-03-04T01:24:00.000-08:00

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

2008-03-04T01:17:00.000-08:00

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.

Paschimottana Asana and Chakara asana

2008-02-20T02:08:00.000-08:00

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.

Pavanamuktasana A and B

2008-02-19T00:40:00.000-08:00

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.

Merudandasana A, B

2008-02-15T01:48:00.000-08:00

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.

SURYANAMASKARAS FOR SOUND HEALTH

2008-02-14T01:05:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-14T01:04:00.000-08:00

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.

Yoga Practice - review1

2008-01-10T01:07:00.000-08:00

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.

UNIVERSAL PRAYER

2008-01-07T00:56:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-07T00:55:00.001-08:00

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.

YOGA FOR ALL

2007-10-16T03:32:00.000-07:00

YOGA FOR ALL

SOURCE: YOGACHARIYA T.G.CHIDAMBARAM, Kochi.
YOGA is generally understood to be a system of physical exercises for keeping the bodyfit. But many do not know that it is a therapy capable of curing many diseases. Scientists in India and abroad have done a lot of research on this aspect. The results are encouraging. Yogasanas have been found to be of great utility in tackling diseases which are yet to be fully tamed by modern medicine such as hypertension, heart disease and diabetes. Another advantage of Yoga therapy is that it is cost-effective.
The list of diseases for which Yoga offers relief is long. It includes common ailments such as gastric troubles, indigestion, piles, headaches, backache, hernia, arthritis, cholestrol-related problems, obesity, gynaecological problems, sexual difficulties, ulcers and spondylosis. Yoga has been found to be an antidote for problems of the mind such as fear, depression, anxiety, memory loss, stress, insomnia, drug addiction and short temperedness.
The practice of yoga instils discipline. As one starts doing the asanas, one begins to overcome anger and vengeful thoughts. As a consequence, stress becomes less. He develops qualities such as patience, tolerance, kindness and love. The gurus of Yoga claim that even criminals can be converted into useful citizens by making them practise Yoga and by systemizing their food habits.
Yogasanas are simple and can be done by people of either sex and of any age. But there are doubts and misconceptions among many regarding this ancients system. One myth is that Yoga is only for mendicants. Another is that celibacy is prerequisite for practicing the asanas. Another mistaken notion is that it is a part of Hindu religion and therefore unsuitable for believers of other faiths.
Some spread the falsehood that it is highly damaging for the body even to stop practice for a day; or that error in the way you breathe during exercises can be fatal.
Such rumours are spread by selfish people who want to monopolise the system. Risk of injury is very low in Yoga. There is no harm in learning the asanas with the help of a book which has descriptions and pictures. However, there can be doubt that a book cannot replace a teacher. And advanced and difficult asanas should be done only under the guidance of a guru.
Yoga has become popular in many foreign countries where people from all walks of life practice it. In Australia and Canada, Yoga has been introduced among jail inmates.
The technique of Yoga is capable of bringing not only health but the much-needed tranquility and contentedness to mankind. It is foolish not to make use of this God-given gift.
General Instructions
1. Yogasanas are to be practiced in airy places. It is good to reserve a room exclusively for practicing. It should be kept clean and free of dust.
2. The asanas may be done in an open space or on the terrace of the buildings if interruptions are unlikely.
3. They should be done in the mornings after ablutions. Those unable to practice in the mornings may do so in the evenings. If need be, one may practice twice a day.
4. Early mornings (between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.) and late evenings (4 p.m. to 8 p.m.)are ideal.
5. It is preferable to do the exercises with an empty stomach or a couple of hours after eating.
6. It is enough for men to wear shorts. Women should wear outfit which does not come in the way of exercises. 7. The students of Yoga should suspend practice temporarily if they catch a cold or fever or are affected by any other diseases.
8. There is no harm in regular students missing practice for a few days.
9. There is no harm if a person, who had been doing asanas for a long, stops them suddenly for some reason
10. Weight lifters, pugilists, gymnasts and boxers may not gain much by practicing yoga. But players of games like hockey and football will benefit from doing asana.
11. It may be preferable for alcoholics not to go for yoga. But those who kick the habit will benefit from it.
12. Tea, coffee and smoking should be minimised.
13. During periods, women should avoid doing asanas for three or four days. But they may do breathing exercises and Savasana.
14. Pregnant women will benefit from doing yoga twice a day. But they should avoid Dhanurasana and Naukasana which will strain the abdomen.
15. Yogasanas are simple. There is no harm if there are flaws in the method of doing asanas or breathing exercises. So, one may do these exercises just by reading and following the instructions.16. Yoga is not magic. There is no secrecy involved and it is a myth that practicing without guru will invite serious consequences.

YOGA FOR WOMEN

2007-10-12T03:15:00.000-07:00

Why YOGA: Yoga asanas tone up the internal organs of the body. Other exercises affect only the muscles outwardly. Yoga asanas improve mental power and help in controlling sense organs. Yoga practice is superior to other physical exercises. Yoga is multifarious- an art, a science, a philosophy, a culture and to a few a religion all in unison.
Why YOGA to Women: Women in the modern era faces a number of physical and mental disorders due to stress and tension such as headache, backache, low back pain, knee joint pain, weakness and the like. Her monthly periods are physically painful and disturb her emotionally. Excessive bleeding, stomach pain and backache makes her depressed. Women of middle age suffer from post-delivery problems, uterus problems, menstrual problems etc.

Medicines give only temporary relief and do not solve the problems completely. Health cannot be purchased. Yoga is a science of health. After marriage, some women add flesh to their bodies and grow fat and flabby and loose beauty. Regular practice of yoga keeps them slim, healthy and small. Yoga is for beauty. Some women become lean and anaemic after child birth. Yoga practices keep them strong. It is seen that the offspring of couples practicing yoga are healthy and clever. Hence for healthy generation Yoga is essential for women. If a woman practices yoga, the whole family will be trained in yoga.

Fruitful Benefits of Teaching Yoga

2007-09-28T01:42:00.000-07:00

Fruitful Benefits of Teaching Yoga
Job Satisfaction:

Every challenging occupation yields some sort of satisfaction, butthe fitness professionals industry had an amazing 85% jobsatisfaction rate according to an Idea Health & Fitness survey. In the same survey, 98% of those interviewed felt that "My workgives me a feeling of personal accomplishment."

Lack of personalsatisfaction is the most frequent reason why people leave a job. These statistics make it obvious that this is an extremelyharmonious atmosphere to work in.

For many of us who worked in the corporate world and shifted intothe health and fitness industry, the energy felt in a health club,ashram, or wellness center is similar to being on vacation.

There's always something to do, but the job itself is verygratifying. Rewards of Helping Family, Friends, Students, and Co-workers Your self esteem improves as you find solutions for the painmanagement of others, ailments, fitness, stress management,positive thinking, etc. The list goes on, as you continue your own journey of selfimprovement, but the feeling of gratification you get from helpingsomeone find the right path, is beyond words.

You will always remember: That student who reaches their ideal bodyweight, the physically impaired student who finds that they, too,can live a better quality life, and the student who leaves yourclass without the headache or backache they came in with.

Your Own Health

As a practitioner of Yoga, you have become more aware of your dailyups and downs. You monitor your breath, posture, moods, diet, andexercise on a daily basis. As a Yoga teacher, you are setting an example to your students andteaching them to live a quality life. This path will enable you tolive longer and live better.

There is no Shortage of Work

When the working world is in the "9 to 5" mode, you have manyopportunities with Corporate Accounts, The Fitness Industry, SeniorCenters, Medical Centers, Referrals, etc. This is when you canteach them, with any free time you have. Once I became totally self-employed, there were more daytimeoff-site Yoga teaching opportunities than I had time for in ageographic area that has many active Yoga teachers and studios. One of my best students, who became a Yoga teacher through ouron-site program, inherited an area that I could no longer servicedue to time restraints. The object is to contact them. I have mentioned this in previousnewsletters, but this is where your post cards come in handy if youdon't have a personal referral.

Continuing Education

Yes, learning new things keeps your mind stimulated and healthy. You will never tire of subjects to study, explore, and investigate. There are so many facets of Yoga, that one life span, is just notenough time to learn it all. It's not a race, but it is a journey. You will find friends,colleagues, and students who are on the same path. This makesgiving, receiving, and sharing a wonderful thing along the way. Time You will have time to stop, think, breathe, relax, or meditate. You can always fill your plate beyond its limits, but you no longerhave to.You can determine whether or not you will be stuck in trafficduring rush hour. You decide what hours you will work and whatdays you have off. You will come to the realization that your timeis your own.

Independence

Everyone wants control of their own life, but very few achieve it. Being in business for yourself, can help you control your owndestiny and that of your family.Sure there are limits to what one person can accomplish, but it isbetter to try than to have never tried.

Success

No matter what you want, if you write down your short-term andlong-term goals, you will make great progress toward them.You should keep these goals in a place where you can see them dailyand visualize yourself accomplishing your goals. You should bespecific about time frames and ethical methods used to meet them. You can even use them in meditation.Review your long-term goals at least once every season and everyyear.

Review your short-term goals daily. You will see yourselfmake rapid success in this way.Lastly, goals do not have to be material at all. For example: Youmay want to start teaching Yoga in a year, and the following year,get a part-time Yoga teaching position. This type of goal settingis realistic and beneficial to mankind. That is the key - If you choose a goal that will benefit others,you will surely achieve it.

Simple exercises with Great Benefits

2007-09-26T01:27:00.001-07:00

SIMPLE EXERCISES BUT WITH GREAT BENEFITS
General guidelines:

· In the beginning mentally prepare yourselves for doing these exercises-Mind set
· Be calm, cool and relaxed without any strain or stress.
· Concentrate your attention on what you are exercising – Awareness.
· Close your eyes whenever possible to ensure better awareness.
· Early morning (5-7A.M) and evening (5-7P.M) and before meals are the proper time.
· Have only loose clothes, - upper wear and underwear to permit free movement.
· Try to adhere to the same place and same time to practice.
· Select airy, neat, noise and pollution free place.
· Have a mat or sheet on the floor.
· Do these exercises without taxing the body too much- Do not be stiff.
· Do what is possible perfectly and not necessary to do all in one Go.Relax the system for a few minutes after each of these exercises – Relaxation /

The secret of a Fruitful life

2007-09-26T01:22:00.000-07:00

THE SECRET OF A FRUITFUL LIFE
The secrets of a progressive and fruitful life is to be inwardly ever linked with God, linked with the Cosmic Being.
When there is no connection, when you cut yourself off from the source of your being, then your life will be full of pain and suffering, misery and fear, and negativity will prevail.
If you want to put an end to this, the only way is to link yourself with God, who is your source, your origin. Keep that connection either through enquiry and discrimination, or through enquiry and discrimination, or through constant unbroken rememberance of God and devotion, or through meditation and continuosly thinking about Brahman, or through worshipfully dedicating all activities to Him. Then, day by day, your spirit will begin to unfold. It will grow, develop, progress, expand and you will attain divine experience.
So remember that seperation from God is the root cause of all human miseries. Put an end to this; seriously strive after that supreme state of being constantly in a state of oneness, attunement with the Supreme and overcome the sorrows of samsara.
May God bless you.
-SWAMI CHIDANANDA

Some Quotes

2007-09-26T01:19:00.000-07:00

Quotes: The only thing that stands in the way of your spiritual realization is your own mind or the ego. It is precisely in order to see that this obstacle is removed, and that one reaches the precious goal of human life that one comes to yoga.
Serve. Love. Give. Purify. Meditate. This is the central teaching. Make a firm determination to uproot selfishness. If each individual tries to fulfill the dictates of yoga in the fullest possible manner with perseverance and determination, then the declaration that man’s nature is Satchidananda will come out of the book and illuminate you in actual experience. You will be an ocean of bliss.
The path of Love is the right royal road that leads to the abode of immortality and eternal bliss- where time cannot exercise its destructive power, where illusion cannot show its face. Love is the clear and open way to God.
There is no virtue higher than Love; there is no treasure higher than Love; there is no knowledge higher than Love; there is no path higher than Love; there is no religion higher than Love. Because love is truth, love is God. This world has come out of Love, this world exists in Love, and this world ultimately dissolves in Love.
Take a broad view of things. Ignore the faults of others. Joyfully bear with the eccentricities of other people. Be great and noble minded in whatever you do.
Consider no one inferior to you. Praise others. See good in all. Treat the lowliest creatures with respect.
Bear insult patiently. Calmly bear injury, suffering, failures and disrespect. Do not be elated by praise, pleasure, success and honor.
Every moment remember that death awaits you. Never fail to fulfill your duties.
DO IT NOW-not tomorrow or the day after, but now itself. Opportunities come and go. Be vigilant. Use every opportunity for service. Don’t wait for something to come your way. Create opportunities for service. Be aggressive in doing good.
Don’t run after the shadowy toys of name and fame. Name and fame are illusions. They are mere vibrations in the air. Nobody can earn an everlasting name in the Maya plane. Care for the everlasting Reality only.
Give, give and give. This is the secret of abundance. Share what you have with others. Don’t be miserly. Delight in the joys of others.
Become a person of high moral principles. Live a life of righteousness. Its sweet fragrance will be all around you.
Realize the infinite bliss. You are born for higher things. A glorious brilliant future is awaiting you. Do not think of the past. Purify. Concentrate. Reflect. Meditate. March forward. Find thy rest in the Supreme Soul.
The Lord is everywhere. Feel His presence everywhere. His eyes belong to everything. His hands protect all. Trust in him. Take refuge in His sweet name. You need not despair. You need not be afraid of anything.
In this way you will march through the gates of immortality into the kingdom of God. You will achieve great success in this life.

SEVEN-FOLD SELF CULTURE BY SWAMI SIVANANDA

2007-09-24T23:17:00.000-07:00

SEVEN-FOLD SELF CULTURE BY SWAMI SIVANANDA
(a) An ounce of practice is better than tons of theory. Practise Yoga,Religion and
Philosophy in daily life and attain Self-realisation.
(b) These thirty-two instructions give the essence of the Eternal (Sanatana Dharma) in purest form. These are suitable for modern busy householders with fixed hours of work. Modify them to suit your convenience and increase the period gradually.
(c) In the beginning take only a few practicable resolves which form a small but definite advance over your present habits and character. In case of ill health, pressure of work or unavoidable engagements, replace your active Sadhana by frequent rememberance of God.

1. HEALTH CULTURE
1. Eat moderately, take light and simple food. Offer it to God before you eat. Have
a balanced diet.
2. Avoid chillies, garlic, onions, tamarind etc., as far as possible. Give up tea, coffee, smoking, betels, meat and wine entirely.
3. Fast on Ekadasi days, take milk, fruits and roots only.
4. Practice Yoga Asanas or physical exercises for fifteen to thirty minutes everyday. Take a long walk or play some vigorous games daily.

2. ENERGY CULTURE
5. Observe silence (Mouna) for two hours daily and four to eight hours on Sundays.
6. Observe celibacy according to your age and circumstances. Restrict the indulgence to once a month. Decrease gradually to once a year. Finally take a vow of abstinence for whole life.
3. ETHICAL CULTURE

7. Speak the Truth, Speak little, speak kindly, speak sweetly.
8. Do not injure anyone in thought, word or deed. Be kind to all.
9. Be sincere, straightforward and open hearted in your talks and dealings.
10. Be honest. Earn by sweat of your brow. Do not accept any money, thing or favour unless earned lawfully. Develop nobility and integrity.
11. Control fits of anger by serenity, patience, love, mercy and tolerance. Forget and forgive. Adapt yourself to men and events.

4. WILL CULTURE
12. Live without sugar for a week or month. Give up salt on Sundays.
13. Give up cards, novels, cinemas and clubs. Fly from evil-company. Avoid discussions with materialists. Do not mix with persons who have no faith in God or who criticise your Sadhana.
14. Curtail your wants. Reduce your possessions. Have plain living and high thinking.

5. HEART CULTURE
15. Doing good to others is the highest religion. Do some selfless service for a few hours every week, without egoism or expectation of reward. Do your worldly
duties in the same spirit. Work is worship. Dedicate it to God.
16. Give two to ten percent of your income in charity every month. Share what you
have with others. Let the world be your family. Remove selfishness.
17. Be humble and prostrate yourself to all beings mentally. Feel the Divine
Presence everywhere. Give up vanity, pride and hypocrisy.
18. Have unwavering faith in God, the Gita and your Guru. Make a total self-
surrender to God and pray : “Thy will be done : I want nothing” .Submit to the
divine will in all events and happenings with equanimity.
19. See God in all the beings and love them as your ownself. Do not hate anyone.
20. Remember God at all times or, atleast on raising from bed, during a pause in work
and before going to it. Keep a Mala in your pocket.

6. PSYCHIC CULTURE
21. Study one chapter or ten to twenty five verses of the Gita with meaning, daily.
Learn Sanskrit atleast sufficient to understand Gita in original.
22. Memorise the whole of the Gita, gradually. Keep it always in your pocket.
23. Read the Ramayana,Bhagavata, Upanishads, Yogavasistha or other religious
books or on holidays.
24. Attend religious meetings, Kirtans and Satsanga of saints at every opportunity.
Organise such functions on Sundays or holidays.
25. Visit a temple or place of worship atleast once a week and arrange to hold kirtans
or discourses there.
26. Spend holidays and leave periods, when possible, in the company of saints or
practice sadhana at holy places in seclusion.

7. SPIRITUAL CULTURE
27. Go to bed early. Get up at four o’clock. Answer calls of nature, clean your mouth and take a bath.
28. Recite some prayers and Kirtan. Practice Pranayama, Japa and meditation from five to 6’o clock. Sit on Padma, Siddha, or Sukha Asana throughout, without movement, by gradual practise.
29. Perform your daily Sandhya, Gayatri Japa, Nithyakarma and worship, if any.
30. Write your favourite Mantra or Name of the God in a notebook for ten to thirty minutes, daily.
31. Sing the Names of God (Kirtan), prayers, Stotras and Bhajans for half to one hour at night with family and friends.
32. Make annual resolves on the above lines. Regularity, tenacity and fixity are essential. Record your Sadhana in a spiritual diary daily. Review it every month and correct your failures.

20 Important Spiritual Instructions

2007-09-24T23:15:00.001-07:00

Twenty Important Spiritual Instructions:
1. Get up at 4.00 AM daily. Do Japa and Meditation.
2. Take Sattwic Ahara. Do not overload the stomach.
3. Sit on Padma or Siddha Asana for Japa and Dhyana.
4. Have a separate meditation room under lock and key.
5. Give in charity one-tenth of your income or ten paise per rupee.
6. Study systematically one chapter of Bhagavad Gita.
7. Preserve Veerya (the vital force). Sleep separately.
8. Give up smoking, intoxicating drinks and Rajasic Food
9. Fast on Ekadasi days or live on milk and fruits only.
10. Observe Mouna for two hours daily and during meals also.
11. Speak truth at any cost, speak little, sweetly.
12. Reduce your wants. Lead a happy contented life.
13. Never hurt the feelings of others. Be kind to all.
14. Think of the mistakes you have done (self-analysis).
15. Do not depend upon servants.
16. Think of God as soon as you get up and when you go to bed.
17. Have always a Japa Mala around your neck or in your pocket.
18. Have the motto- “Simple living and High thinking”.
19. Serve the Sadhus, Sannyasins, poor and sick persons.
20. Keep a daily spiritual diary. Stick to your routine.

Prayer

2007-09-24T23:13:00.000-07:00

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.

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

Introduction to Yoga

2007-09-24T22:52:00.000-07:00

INTRODUCTION TO YOGA
Yoga is a light which, once lit, will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter the flame.The practice of yoga aims at overcoming the limitations of the body. Yoga teaches us that the goal of every individual’s life is to take the inner journey to the soul. Yoga offers both the goal and the means to reach it.
Yoga is an ancient art based on an extremely subtle science, that of the body, mind and soul. The prolonged practice of yoga will, in time, lead the student to a sense of peace and a feeling of being at one with his or her environment.Good health results from perfect communication between each part of the body and mind; when each cell communes with every other. Although yoga is essentially a spiritual science; it leads to a sense of physical and emotional well being.
Asanas are based on the three basic human postures of standing, sitting, or lying down. But they are not a series of movements to be followed mechanically. They have a logic which must be internalized if the pose is to be practiced correctly. Most types of exercise are competitive. Yoga, although non-competitive, is nevertheless challenging. The challenge is to one’s own will power. It is a competition between one’s self and one’s body.
Yoga minimizes the impact of stress on the individual. Yogic science believes that the regular practice of asanas and pranayama strengthens the nervous system and helps people stressful situations positively. Yoga is the union of the individual self with the universal self. Asanas, one of yoga’s most significant tools, help the sincere student develop physically and spiritually. The ancient sages believed that if you put your whole heart into your practice, you become a master of your circumstances and time.
The mind is the vital link between the body and the consciousness. The individual can live with awareness, discrimination, and confidence only once the mind is calm and focused. Yoga is the alchemy that generates this equilibrium.
The basic tenets of yoga are described in the form of “eight limbs” or “steps” described by the sage,Patanjali.These are aphorisms, explaining the codes of ethical behavior which will ultimately lead to self-realization.
Prana is the life-force which permeates both the individual as well as the universe at all levels. It is at once physical, sexual, mental, intellectual, spiritual, and cosmic.Prana,the breath, and the mind are inextricably linked to each other.Yogic science recognizes that spiritual health is activated by a system of chakras or ‘nerve’ centres, said to be located within the spinal column. Cosmic energy lies coiled within these chakras and has to be awakened for self-realization.
The tradition of the guru, or master, and the yogi, or disciple, is an ancient one. All learning from generation to generation has been handed down this way. The guru must be compassionate, yet exacting. The yogi must be sincere and dedicated.Yoga asanas cover the basic positions of standing, forward bends, twists, inversions, back bends, and lying down. The 23 classic poses must be practiced with physical coordination, as well as intelligence and sincerity. An asana is not a posture which you assume mechanically. It involves thought, at the end of which a balance is achieved between movement and resistance.

Source: YOGA-B.K.S.IYENGAR

Swami Vivekananda proclaimed “Each soul is potentially divine.The goal is to manifest this Divinity within, by controlling Nature- external and internal. Do it either by work or worship, psychic control or philosophy, by one, or more, or all of these and be free. The systematic methodology of unfoldment of this inner potential Divinity, by moving towards Self-perfection is referred to as Yoga by Sri Aurobindo. Yoga is thus a process by which the Animal-Man ascends through the stages Man-Man, Super-man and the Divine-man. In this process, the limited, narrow, selfish thinking completely changes and takes the shape of an integrated, all-encompassing, selfless character expressed by equanimity. This state of Divinity or Self- perfection is the state of pure consciousness, maximum creativity and bliss. Hence, the movement towards THAT through Yoga is a delightful, blissful process. Since every individual or society is always striving to achieve greater happiness, bliss, creativity and higher mental faculties, Yoga clearly is the real solution, both for individual fulfillment and social harmony.
Divergent are the methods of Yoga. Unless one sees the underlying unity and harmony, one is apt to lose track amidst diversities. Once the insight into the ‘Unity in Diversity’ develops, the truth about the comprehensive nature of Yoga emerges. This central note of harmony was emphatically sounded in the speeches of Swami Vivekananda. He called for men with muscles of iron and nerves of steel, Sri Aurobindo laid stress on a comprehensive growth of personality at the physical, mental, intellectual, emotional and spiritual levels. The present course on Yogic practices is tailored for an all-round development of the personality to a certain extend.
First, some loosening and stretching exercises called Sithilikārana Vyāyāma are introduced which help to make the body supple and flexible so that they aid in Asanas that are designed to conserve the energies and transform them to subtle forms of mental energies. The asanas also provide a means to develop an inner awareness thus aiding in calming down the mind. The cleansing techniques, ‘Kriyas’, help to clean the respiratory, circulatory, nervous and digestive systems and bring about a balanced functioning of the body, thereby purifying the subtle “Nādis”. These techniques prepare the individual for practicing Pranayama, Asanas and Meditation.

This booklet of instruction introduces only some of the aspects and is by no means exhaustive. Through these practices one gets a preparatory training for pursuing higher techniques leading to states of increasing harmony and bliss.

YOGA: An Instruction Booklet, A Vivekananda Kendra Publication