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 examines the stages of pregnancy, the changes in a …
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 …
‘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 … … …
This subject holds an overview of the internship program at Yoga Mandir. Internships allow successful applicants to work directly in the daily life of the Institute, attending, assisting and supporting the smooth running of the school. Internships are ideal for those living outside of Canberra who wish to come for a period of intense study, …
Yoga Mandir runs a program for teachers who tutor more junior teachers and trainees. The Tutor Program is an extension of the Reflective practice and Teacher Development program at the Institute. Tutors works closely with their student on a weekly basis and undergo supervision with their senior teacher (Alan Goode) on a regular basis. Tutors …
Students often struggle to engage with the yoga sutras of Patanjali finding the text dry and uninteresting. This subject introduces the sutras by covering their main themes to build a picture for those wanting to explore the subject in closer detail. Providing an overview and a stepping stone. This Subject is best completed are a …
This subject asks – What is Yoga? It identifies that conjunction and dissociation are central to an understanding of why we practice. The following quote is taken from BKS Iyengar’s Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Sutra 1:4. ‘When the seer identifies with consciousness or with the objects seen, he unites with them and forgets …
Remedial Assessment, considers issues pertinent to running remedial classes. This subject also proposes an approach to dealing with injuries in the student body of a school. Iyengar notes: ‘Yoga is a universal subject. As the physics and chemistry cannot change for Westerners or Easterners so also yoga cannot be changed. All the rules, regulations, principles …
Prashant Iyengar says ‘What is an ‘object’? An object is something which you can know, something which you can keep in front of you and watch. Yoga, as you are all aware, is something to know yourself with, and how do you know yourself? Basically, the point is that we identify ourselves with the mind …
‘Once you know the psychology and physiology of asanas, then you will be able to make a proper schedule of sequence of asana. It is a very subjective thing, it cannot be so generalised. It is a science, but it is not a rigid science; it is a fluid science, because it is subjective. It …
Prashant Iyengar writes ‘Teaching the body is a facet, which even a beginner has to evolve. But here, the ardent seeker teaches Trikonasana to the body, at times by the mind and at times by the breath’. the statement above recognises that learning is not merely the acquisition of points of detail about an asana. …
T-Ph10. Teaching from and to the body, mind and breath Read More »
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. The fluctuations are known as vrttis: changes, movements, functions, operations, or conditions of action or conduct in …
BKS Iyengar writes ‘There are seven frontiers to be integrated between the Seen (prakrti) and the Seer (purusa). They are integration of – the body, the senses, energy, mind, intellect, consciousness and soul, each realising its own individual identity. Proficiency in yoga will bring this seven fold knowledge. According to Patanjali the seven states of …
Yoga psychology acknowledges that whilst we exist as a physical entity, we are ultimately much more than our body. In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali has classified five layers or kosas to our existence. Our physical presence is undeniable but this is merely the outer layer. The second layer is the physiological form or energetic form. …
