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For most people the word “yoga” brings to mind the image of a yoga model that appears on the cover of a yoga magazine in a pose that is almost impossible to get into for an average practitioner. Yoga is commonly practiced as a routine which helps in improving physical fitness and sometimes as a means to stress management. There is growing awareness that yoga can be effectively used as therapy in treating a variety of ailments, including hypertension, diabetes, heart conditions etc. In India, Baba Ramdev, whose daily TV show is hugely popular, has been very successful in promoting yoga as a therapeutic practice. Those who have been practicing yoga for a while can attest to the physical and physiological benefits that the practice brings.
While all the above mentioned benefits of yoga are certainly desirable, most people are ignorant about the true meaning and purpose of yoga. In sutra 1.2 Patanjali defines yoga as “the ability to control the fluctuations of the mind”. This brief and succinct definition was provided to us by Sage Patanjali, more than three thousand years ago, in the Yoga Sutras. In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali has provided a very scientific and practical exposition of the philosophy and practice of yoga. One very important section of the book describes what is commonly called “ashtanga yoga” or the Eight Limbs of Yoga which provides practical guidelines for achieving the goal of yoga, i.e., controlling the mind.
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In the ancient text on the practice of Yoga, "Hatha Yoga Pradeepika", six cleansing techniques have been prescribed: Neti: nasal cleansing, Dhauti: cleansing of the digestive tract, Nauli: abdominal massage, Basti: colon cleansing, Kapalbhati: purification and vitalization of the frontal lobes, and Trataka: focused gazing.
In this discussion, we will be focusing on one of the nasal cleansing techniques called "jala neti" (saline nasal irrigation). Jala Neti is a simple technique which involves using a special "neti pot" filled with warm, slightly salted water. The nose cone is inserted into one nostril and the position of the head and pot is adjusted to allow the water to flow out of the other nostril. Whilst the water is flowing through the nasal passages one breathes through the mouth. After half a pot has flowed in one direction, the water flow is reversed. When the water in the pot is finished, the nose must be properly dried.
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Let us continue our discussion on the backward bending poses and focus on the pose called Dhanurasana – धनुरासन -(Bow Pose). In the final position, the pose resembles a bow, ready to shoot an arrow.
Step-by-step
Round one:
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In today’s post, we will continue our discussion on the backward bending poses and focus on the pose called Shalabhasana – शलभासन -(Locust Pose). In the final position, the pose resembles the trunk of a locust.
Step-by-step
Round one – Ardha Shalabhasana (Half Locust Pose):
- Lie flat on the abdomen with the hands under the thighs, palms facing upwards. Optionally, you may make a fist with the two hands, keeping the fists together with the elbows stretched straight and tucked in.
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In the previous posts, we talked about the seated forward-bending poses. With this issue, we will start discussing some of the backward bending poses which are done lying down on the abdomen. We will begin this discussion with Bhujangasana –भुजङ्गासन -(Cobra pose).
The word “bhujanga” in Sanskrit means a cobra or a snake/serpent. In its final position, the pose looks like a cobra with its hood raised and hence the name. In many traditions, the serpent represents the tremendous power latent within the individual. In tantra, it represents the “kundalini shakti” which lies dormant at the base of the spine in the form of a serpent coiled three and a half times. In Hindu mythology it is respected and honored as a sacred animal, symbolizing the individual subtle force, intuition and wisdom. The double looped mathematical symbol for infinity is derived from the ancient symbol of the snake with its tail in its mouth, and is an expression of the continuity and eternity of life. By the practice of bhujangasana, we can realize and express not only all of the specific qualities of the serpent, but also its divine essence.
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In the previous post, we learned about one of the seated forward bending poses, Head-to-Knee pose. In today’s post, we will talk about another seated pose – The Seated Forward Bend. Pashchimottanasana –पश्चिमोत्तानासन– is a compound word in Sanskrit consisting of pashchim + uttaana + asana. “Pashchim” means the direction “West” as well as the back or the posterior. “uttaana” means to stretch or expand. So, literally the word implies that by practicing this asana, one can stretch and strengthen the spine.
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Many of my students look for instructions on some of the basic yoga techniques that we practice in the class so they can practice these at home. In order to fulfill this need, I will be presenting here, as and when I find the time, some specific aspects of yoga – asana, pranayama, meditation, diet or yoga philosophy. In this issue, we will look at one of the commonly practiced forward bending poses called “janu-shirshasana” (head-to-knee pose). However, before we get into the specifics, I would like to emphasize a few general guidelines related to yoga practice:
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One of the prominent yogis from India, Yogiraj Dr. Om Prakash ji, who was on a US visit last summer, presented a series of yoga sessions at the Hindu Bhavan Cultural Hall in Morrisville, NC. He highlighted the value of pranayama (breathing practices) in general as an integral component of any yoga routine. However, he specifically emphasized the importance of Kapaalabhaati and called it "sarvaroga nivarini" which literally means ‘(a practice) that can heal all types of ailments’. When practiced regularly under proper guidance it can bring about radiant health and provide other benefits at a more subtle level. Another very famous yogi from India, Swami Ramdev, who has shot to fame via his daily TV programs, calls it ‘the Sanjeevani’ which is an herb that can supposedly bring even a dead body back to life. This is based on a famous parable in Ramayana – "When Lakshmana was wounded, Hanuman flew to the Himalayas for the medicinal herb Sanjeevani. Unable to identify the Sanjeevani, he wrested the entire mountain from the land and carried it to Lakshmana". Based on these strong statements from prominent yogis of today, it is easy to see why it is important to include this practice in your daily yoga routine.
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I would like to talk about the Five Koshas today. The concept of the five koshas was originally given in the Taittiriya Upanishad to help us understand what is ‘self’ and what is ‘non-self’. The lack of ability to distinguish between self and non-self is termed "avidya" (ignorance) which is the main cause of human suffering ("klesha") (Patanjali yoga sutras 2.3 thru 2.9). It is our identification with the ‘mind-body complex’ that prevents us from realizing our true nature (the self) which is represented by our soul (Atma). Once we develop an understanding of the five koshas, it helps us slowly peel off these layers and bring us closer to our true identity. In this discussion, we will also apply these concepts to our Hatha Yoga practices.
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Video DVD
Yoga with Subhash (asana and pranayama)
- Basic asana sequence (~50 min) ($18)
- Pranayama/Meditation (~35 min) ($12)
- Set of above two ($25)
Video recording of special programs offered in the past
(Links to YouTube videos will be provided)
- 21-day yoga immersion - $40
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