Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Yoga Means to Unite

Ashtanga taught by Jois is a form of Hatha Yoga which focuses on Asana (posture) and Pranayama (breath control).

The word Yoga itself has many translations but all of them ultimately mean to unite: to merge to the one, to tie things together. Focusing our thoughts in one direction, undertaking anything we do with purpose and clarity, and the ability to master any discipline is Yoga.

A primary objective of Yoga is change: to constantly improve what we do, the way we feel about doing it and the way we do it. To see with a deeper clarity and less cloud, to think with more focus and deeper concentration, and to do what we do with more intensity and direction is the final goal of Yoga.

The fundamental philosophy of Yoga stands as a real testament to the wisdom of the ages. Pattangali’s Yoga Sutra is totally in alignment with today's philosophy and psychology of life.

“When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds, your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great, and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be.

Pattangali.

Yoga’s simple message is, and has always been, one of truth. In order to connect with the higher power of life we need to practise listening. The practice of listening to our deeper voice requires us to clear the clouds and noise that disguises it.

Yoga is about living in the present. Yoga offers health and support for change. It also offers maintenance and growth in today's society within the conditions of our chosen lifestyles and in total harmony with all seven areas of life: health, wealth, success, relationship, social life, spirituality and mental capacity.

Few people wake up in the morning saying ‘I want less out of life’. They want more, and they want to do what they do better. Working from the heart, doing what we love and loving what we do—these are the ingredients of an inspired life. They are also the 5,000 year old Yoga messages, and they are being taught today as they were taught then.