‘In the third chapter of Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Swatmarama states that as long as the breath and prana are still, the chitta is steady and there can be no discharge of semen. In time the sadhaka’s increased vigour is sublimated for higher and nobler pursuits. He then attains the state of urdhva-retas, one who has …
In Light on Pranayama BKS Iyengar writes: ‘The prefix ‘ud’ means upwards or expanding. It also conveys the sense of pre-eminence and power. ‘Jaya’ means conquest or success, and, from another point of view, restraint. In ujjayi the lungs are fully expanded, with the chest thrust out like that of a mighty conqueror’. Iyengar BKS Light on Pranayama p.123 Having …
‘The five afflictions which disturb the equilibrium of consciousness are: ignorance or lack of wisdom, ego, pride of the ego or the sense of ‘I’, attachment to pleasure, aversion to pain, fear of death and clinging to life’. Iyengar BKS, Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. p.111 ‘These endless cycles of fluctuations are known …
The Specialist-Scoliosis program is one of a series of specialist programs offered within the institute. The specialist programs are developed to assist students with specific needs to develop greater confidence in their practice and to equip them with techniques and modifications such that participation within the practitioner Yogasana courses and Led practice programs is possible. …
The Specialist-Neck & Shoulder program is one of a series of specialist programs offered within the institute. The specialist programs are developed to assist students with specific needs to develop greater confidence in their practice and to equip them with techniques and modifications such that participation within the practitioner Yogasana courses and Led practice programs …
The Specialist-Back & Hip program is one of a series of specialist programs offered within the institute. The specialist programs are developed to assist students with specific needs to develop greater confidence in their practice and to equip them with techniques and modifications such that participation within the practitioner Yogasana courses and Led practice programs …
The Specialist-Knee program is one of a series of study areas offered at Yoga Mandir. The specialist programs have been developed to assist students and teachers to develop greater confidence in their practice when working with specific needs. It has also been designed to equip them with a variety of practical techniques and modifications that …
‘Bhastrika means bellows: air is forcibly drawn in and out as if using a pair of bellows. In all other types of pranayama inhalation sets the pace, the pattern and the rhythm for exhalation, but in bhastrika exhalation sets the force and the pace. Here both out and in-breaths are vigorous and forceful. The sound …
‘Kumbha means a pot which can be full or empty. Kumbhaka is of two types. It is either (a) a pause between an in and an out breath or (b) between an out and an in breath. It is the art of retaining the breath in a state of suspense. It also means the withdrawal of the intellect …
BKS Iyengar writes: ‘Loma means hair, the ‘ vi’ denotes disjunction or negation. Viloma means anti-hair or against the natural order of things. In viloma pranayama inhalation or exhalation is not a continuous process, but one that is interrupted by several pauses. For instance, if one complete inhalation were to take fifteen seconds, then in …
‘In pranayamic inspiration, diaphragmatic contraction is delayed until after the conscious contraction of the muscles of the anterior and lateral abdominal wall. These muscles are diagonally connected to the ribcage above and the pelvis below’. Iyengar BKS. Light on Pranayama p.23-24. This subject is presented in parts and contains articles, videos, and quotes. It is …
Patanjali tells us that the Sadhaka (student) will encounter the Antarayas or obstacles as they proceed in practice. The obstacles to practice are named as disease, inertia, doubt, heedlessness, laziness, indiscipline of the senses, erroneous views, lack of perseverance and backsliding. Antarayas Intensive focuses on practice (Sadhana) as a means of overcoming obstacles (Antarayas). It …
Welcome to this subject on pregnancy From conception to birth, a woman’s body undertakes an amazing process of fertilisation, implantation and the development and growth of her baby (or babies). Whether first, second,(or more) pregnancy, each body will react differently to each individual pregnancy. This subject is delivered in 2 parts Online resource material Workshop …
Abhyasa and Vairagya describe the dual pathways of action and renunciation. This subject is an introduction to the important role they play within practice and teaching. In the opening chapter of the Yoga Sutras Patanjali indicates Abhyasa/ Vairagya (Action and renunciation) as a practice for those who are supremely intense in their efforts. This subject …
In Light on Pranayama BKS Iyengar writes Bhramara means a large black bumble-bee and this pranayama is so called because during exhalation a soft humming sound like that of a bumble-bee is made. The best time to perform it is in the silence and quiet of the night’ The subject is in 5 parts and applies the …
BKS Iyengar writes that: ’We all breathe, but how many of us do so correctly, with attention? Bad posture, an ill-shaped or caved-in chest, obesity, emotional disorders, various lung troubles, smoking and uneven use of the respiratory muscles, lead to improper breathing, below one’s capacity. We are aware of the discomfort and disability which then …
‘Among the eight limbs, the first two limbs, yama and Niyama, are often neglected by the practitioner. However, every practitioner must remember that first and foremost, yogic practice is built on these two pillars. Yama (restraints) and Niyama (observances) make the sadhaka (practitioner) physically, mentally, morally and spiritually fit to continue Yoga practice … … …
Abhyasa and Vairagya describe the dual pathways of action and renunciation. This subject examines the important role they play within practice and teaching. In the Yoga Sutras Patanjali gives the two general means of practice. In the opening chapter he indicates Abhyasa/Vairagya (action and renunciation) for those who are supremely intense in their efforts and, …
‘The five components of yama are called ‘mighty universal vows’, as they are not confined to class, place, time or concept of duty. They should be followed unconditionally by everyone, and by students of yoga in particular, irrespective of origin and situation, with a reservation concerning cultural phenomena such as religious ceremonies, vows and vocations …
