FAQs
What is the basic philosophy of yoga?
Yoga is the complete science of life that originated in India many thousands of years ago. It is the oldest system of personal development in the world and encompassing body, mind and spirit. The ancient yogis had profound understanding of man’s essential nature and if what he needs to live in harmony with himself and his environment. The yogic philosophy perceives the body as a vehicle, the mind as the driver, the soul as mans true identity and action, emotion and intelligence as the three forces which pull the body vehicle. In order for there to be integrated development these forces need to be in balance. Taking into account the interrelationship between body and mind, the yogis formulated a unique method for maintaining this balance-a method that combines all movements that you need for physical health with the breathing and meditation techniques that ensures peace of mind. By practicing mindfulness, or just conscious breathing, you will begin to notice the positive ways it can ripple into your life.
Yoga is the complete science of life that originated in India many thousands of years ago. It is the oldest system of personal development in the world and encompassing body, mind and spirit. The ancient yogis had profound understanding of man’s essential nature and if what he needs to live in harmony with himself and his environment. The yogic philosophy perceives the body as a vehicle, the mind as the driver, the soul as mans true identity and action, emotion and intelligence as the three forces which pull the body vehicle. In order for there to be integrated development these forces need to be in balance. Taking into account the interrelationship between body and mind, the yogis formulated a unique method for maintaining this balance-a method that combines all movements that you need for physical health with the breathing and meditation techniques that ensures peace of mind. By practicing mindfulness, or just conscious breathing, you will begin to notice the positive ways it can ripple into your life.
What are the the retraints and observances of a yogic lifestyle and how can I integrate these into my life?
Compiled by the sage Pantajali in the Yoga Sutras, the eight limbs of Raja yoga, are a progressive series of steps of disciplines, which purify the body and mind, and ultimately leading the yogi to enlightenment.
The Yamas, or restraints are divided into five moral injunctions, aimed at destroying the lower nature; non violence; truthfulness in word, thought and deed; non stealing; moderation in all things; and non possessiveness. The Niymas or observances are also divided into five. Fostering positive qualities they consist of: purity; contenment; austerity; study of scared texts; and constantly living with an awareness of the divine presence. Asanas are the postures and Pranayama is the breath. Pratyahara means drawing the senses inward in order to still the mind, in preparation for Dharana or concentration. Dharana leads to Dyhana or meditation, culminating in Samadhi or super consciousness.
Just by being aware of these yamas, already helps you in witnessing, without judgement, when you feel yourself breaking these. They are not there as something to strictly live by, but just to merely recognise and notice how you feel if you do adopt them in your life. There niyamas, serve more as reminders on how we can stay on the path. They give us insight into how we can live a high vibration lifestyle, and what we need to integrate into our lifestyle in order to do so.
Compiled by the sage Pantajali in the Yoga Sutras, the eight limbs of Raja yoga, are a progressive series of steps of disciplines, which purify the body and mind, and ultimately leading the yogi to enlightenment.
The Yamas, or restraints are divided into five moral injunctions, aimed at destroying the lower nature; non violence; truthfulness in word, thought and deed; non stealing; moderation in all things; and non possessiveness. The Niymas or observances are also divided into five. Fostering positive qualities they consist of: purity; contenment; austerity; study of scared texts; and constantly living with an awareness of the divine presence. Asanas are the postures and Pranayama is the breath. Pratyahara means drawing the senses inward in order to still the mind, in preparation for Dharana or concentration. Dharana leads to Dyhana or meditation, culminating in Samadhi or super consciousness.
Just by being aware of these yamas, already helps you in witnessing, without judgement, when you feel yourself breaking these. They are not there as something to strictly live by, but just to merely recognise and notice how you feel if you do adopt them in your life. There niyamas, serve more as reminders on how we can stay on the path. They give us insight into how we can live a high vibration lifestyle, and what we need to integrate into our lifestyle in order to do so.
What are the chants sung in the class and what do they all mean???
There is an opening and closing chant sung in each class. The opening chant helps in raising the vibration for the class and developing a good relationship between the teacher and the student. The closing chant includes mantras for peace and protection. The words and translations are below for your perusal. But just remember that with sanskrit it is not so much about the meaning of the words, because the language was created by how the sounds vibrate in the energy body. So by merely listening to this ancient language, you are healing parts of yourself in your energetic field. It is powerful. This combined with intention, can exponentially help you with your healing journey.
There is an opening and closing chant sung in each class. The opening chant helps in raising the vibration for the class and developing a good relationship between the teacher and the student. The closing chant includes mantras for peace and protection. The words and translations are below for your perusal. But just remember that with sanskrit it is not so much about the meaning of the words, because the language was created by how the sounds vibrate in the energy body. So by merely listening to this ancient language, you are healing parts of yourself in your energetic field. It is powerful. This combined with intention, can exponentially help you with your healing journey.
MAHA MRITYUNJAYA MANTRA:
Om Trayambakam Yajaamahe
Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam
Urvaarukamiva Bhandhanan
Mrityor Mukshiya Mamritat
X3
Om. We worship the three-eyed One (Lord Siva) who is fragrant and who nourishes well all beings; may He liberate us from death for the sake of Immortality even as a cucumber is severed from its bondage to the vine.
Om Trayambakam Yajaamahe
Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam
Urvaarukamiva Bhandhanan
Mrityor Mukshiya Mamritat
X3
Om. We worship the three-eyed One (Lord Siva) who is fragrant and who nourishes well all beings; may He liberate us from death for the sake of Immortality even as a cucumber is severed from its bondage to the vine.
PEACE MANTRAS:
Om Sarvesham Svasti Bhavatu
Sarvesham Shantir Bhavatu
Sarvesham Purnam Bhavatu
Sarvesham Mangalam Bhavatu
Om. May auspiciousness be unto all. May peace be unto all. May fullness be unto all. May prosperity be unto all.
Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah
Sarve Santu Niramayaah
Sarve Bhadrani Pasyantu
Maa Kaschid-Dukha-Bhag-Bhavet
Om. May all be happy. May all be free from disabilities. May all look to the good of others. May none suffer from sorrow.
Asato Maa Sat Gamaya
Tamaso Maa Jyotir Gamaya
Mrityor Maa Amritam Gamaya
Om. Lead me from the unreal to the Real, from darkness to Light, from mortality to Immortality.
Om Purnamadah Purnamidam
Purnaat Purnamudachyate
Purnasya Purnamaadaaya
Purnamevaa Vashishyate
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
Om. That is whole. This is whole. From the whole the whole becomes manifest. From the whole, when the whole--if negated--what remains is again the whole. Om. Peace, peace, peace.
Om Sarvesham Svasti Bhavatu
Sarvesham Shantir Bhavatu
Sarvesham Purnam Bhavatu
Sarvesham Mangalam Bhavatu
Om. May auspiciousness be unto all. May peace be unto all. May fullness be unto all. May prosperity be unto all.
Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah
Sarve Santu Niramayaah
Sarve Bhadrani Pasyantu
Maa Kaschid-Dukha-Bhag-Bhavet
Om. May all be happy. May all be free from disabilities. May all look to the good of others. May none suffer from sorrow.
Asato Maa Sat Gamaya
Tamaso Maa Jyotir Gamaya
Mrityor Maa Amritam Gamaya
Om. Lead me from the unreal to the Real, from darkness to Light, from mortality to Immortality.
Om Purnamadah Purnamidam
Purnaat Purnamudachyate
Purnasya Purnamaadaaya
Purnamevaa Vashishyate
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
Om. That is whole. This is whole. From the whole the whole becomes manifest. From the whole, when the whole--if negated--what remains is again the whole. Om. Peace, peace, peace.
DHYANA SLOKAS (GAJANANAM):
Gajananam Bhutagaanadi Sevitam
Kapittha Jambu Phala Saara Bhakshitam
Uma Sutam Shokavinaasha Kaaranam
Namaami Vigneshvara Paada Pankajam
I prostrate myself before the lotus feet of Vigneshvara (Ganesha), the son of Uma, who destroys sorrow, who is served by the host of angels, who has the face of an elephant, who partakes of the essence of kapittha and jambu fruits.
Shadananam Kumkuma Raktavarnam
Mahaamatim Divya Mayura Vaahanam
Rudrasya Sunam Surasainya Natham
Guhaam Sadaaham Sharanam Prapadye
I always take refuge in Guha of six faces (Subramanya), who is of deep red color like kumkuma, who possesses great knowledge, who has the divine peacock to ride on, who is the son of Rudra (Siva), and who is the leader of the army of the devas (gods and angels).
Yaa Kundendu Tushaara Haara Dhavalaa
Yaa Shubhra Vastraavritaa
Yaa Vina Varadanda Mantita Karaa
Yaa Shvetaa Padmaasanaa
Yaa Brahmaachyuta Shankara Prabhritibhi
Devaihi Sadaa Pujitaa
Saa Maam Paatu Saraswati Bhagavati
Nishesha Jaadyaapahaa
May the Goddess Saraswati, who wears a garland white like the kunda-flower, the moon and the snow, who is adorned with pure white clothes, whose hands are ornamented with the vina and the gesture of blessings, who is seated on a white Lotus, who is always worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu, Siva and other gods, who is the remover of all inertness and laziness, protect me.
Om Namah Shivaaya Gurave
Sat-chit-ananda Murtaye
Nishprapanchaaya Shaantaaya
Sri Sivanandaya Te Namaha
Sri Vishnudevanandaya Te Namaha
Salutations to Guru Shiva, who is the embodiment of Existence-Knowledge-Bliss Absolute, in whom worldliness does not exist, who is ever peaceful. Salutations to Sri Sivananda, Salutations to Swami Vishnu-devananda.
Om Sarve Mangala Mangalye
Shive Sarvartha Sadhike
Sharanye Trayambake Gauri
Naaraayani Namostute
Naaraayani Namostute
I salute the three-eyed Divine Mother Narayani, who brings auspiciousness and who fulfils all the desires of the devotee (both spiritual and material).
SHANTI MANTRA:
Om Saha Naavavatu, Saha Nau Bhunaktu
Saha Viryam Karavaavahai
Tejas Vinaa Vadhi Tamastu
Maa Vidvishaavahai
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
Om. May that protect us both, teacher and pupil. May that cause both to enjoy the bliss of liberation. May we both exert to find out the true meaning of the scriptures. May our learning be brilliant. May we never quarrel with each other. Om. Peace, peace, peace.
Gajananam Bhutagaanadi Sevitam
Kapittha Jambu Phala Saara Bhakshitam
Uma Sutam Shokavinaasha Kaaranam
Namaami Vigneshvara Paada Pankajam
I prostrate myself before the lotus feet of Vigneshvara (Ganesha), the son of Uma, who destroys sorrow, who is served by the host of angels, who has the face of an elephant, who partakes of the essence of kapittha and jambu fruits.
Shadananam Kumkuma Raktavarnam
Mahaamatim Divya Mayura Vaahanam
Rudrasya Sunam Surasainya Natham
Guhaam Sadaaham Sharanam Prapadye
I always take refuge in Guha of six faces (Subramanya), who is of deep red color like kumkuma, who possesses great knowledge, who has the divine peacock to ride on, who is the son of Rudra (Siva), and who is the leader of the army of the devas (gods and angels).
Yaa Kundendu Tushaara Haara Dhavalaa
Yaa Shubhra Vastraavritaa
Yaa Vina Varadanda Mantita Karaa
Yaa Shvetaa Padmaasanaa
Yaa Brahmaachyuta Shankara Prabhritibhi
Devaihi Sadaa Pujitaa
Saa Maam Paatu Saraswati Bhagavati
Nishesha Jaadyaapahaa
May the Goddess Saraswati, who wears a garland white like the kunda-flower, the moon and the snow, who is adorned with pure white clothes, whose hands are ornamented with the vina and the gesture of blessings, who is seated on a white Lotus, who is always worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu, Siva and other gods, who is the remover of all inertness and laziness, protect me.
Om Namah Shivaaya Gurave
Sat-chit-ananda Murtaye
Nishprapanchaaya Shaantaaya
Sri Sivanandaya Te Namaha
Sri Vishnudevanandaya Te Namaha
Salutations to Guru Shiva, who is the embodiment of Existence-Knowledge-Bliss Absolute, in whom worldliness does not exist, who is ever peaceful. Salutations to Sri Sivananda, Salutations to Swami Vishnu-devananda.
Om Sarve Mangala Mangalye
Shive Sarvartha Sadhike
Sharanye Trayambake Gauri
Naaraayani Namostute
Naaraayani Namostute
I salute the three-eyed Divine Mother Narayani, who brings auspiciousness and who fulfils all the desires of the devotee (both spiritual and material).
SHANTI MANTRA:
Om Saha Naavavatu, Saha Nau Bhunaktu
Saha Viryam Karavaavahai
Tejas Vinaa Vadhi Tamastu
Maa Vidvishaavahai
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
Om. May that protect us both, teacher and pupil. May that cause both to enjoy the bliss of liberation. May we both exert to find out the true meaning of the scriptures. May our learning be brilliant. May we never quarrel with each other. Om. Peace, peace, peace.
