The Beauty of Yoga 

The Sanskrit word yoga derives from the root word yuk, meaning to yoke or to join. Hence, the familiar meaning of yoga is union. The classical or traditional approach to yoga unites eight limbs, or aspects.  The first two limbs of yoga are the yamas and niyamas; these are the “shall nots” and “shalls” which form universal and individual practices of right living.  Since children generally learn yamas and niyamas from their parents, many yoga studios begin their   instruction with the third limb of yoga, the physical postures called asanas.  Along with asanas most students learn the fourth limb,  pranayama, which is the practice of expanding and controlling the breath.  Limb five is pratyahara, learning to control the senses; limb six is dharana, the practice of one-pointed concentration; and limb seven is    dhyana, also known as meditation.  With complete mastery of these aspects—behavior, body, breath and the mind—the practitioner finally reaches the eighth limb of yoga; the ultimate goal of yoga; the union known as samadhi or liberation.

Many students receive asana and pranayama instruction through the practice called Hatha Yoga.  This practice is named for the union of the energies of the sun (Ha) and moon (Tha).  The asanas taught in hatha yoga classes are based upon the resting poses of various beings in creation.  These poses were revealed in ancient times to the seers in India in their deepest states of meditation; they found that being in these poses brings comfort to the body and peace to the mind.  Pranayama, the control of the breath, is an integral part of asana practice.  The sun energy, Ha, flows on the right side of the body connected to the breath of the right nostril.  The moon energy, Tha, flows on the left side through the breath of the left nostril.  At the basic level, the practice of asana and pranayama impacts the physical body through stretches, pressure changes, expansion, and contraction, bringing balance in movement, in stillness, and in thought.   

On a more subtle level, the balancing of sun and moon energies in the body brings the energy to flow through the center of the body, the spine.  This union results in an internal transformative energy of fire that burns away negativity, revealing a healthy, purified self that is able to give, receive, and be Love.  When yoga is practiced at this deeper or more subtle level, the individual soul finds its own resting pose within the One from which we originate. 

The practice of Yoga is a science because whatever method a true teacher or instructor presents will definitely yield positive results.  That is, with sound instruction and proper repetition, the practice of Yoga will strengthen the body and enhance the will of the mind.  Good health, a strong pure body, and a positive determined mind are the best tools of life.  One can then enjoy a fruitful long life and accomplish all goals, both material and physical.  The practice of yoga leads the individual to become a true master of body and mind, not a slave to either.  Through that mastery, we come to realize the answer to the eternal question, “Who am I?”   

The yoga instructors here at Dhyanyoga Centers are all initiates of Kundalini Maha Yoga under the guidance of Shri Anandi Ma. As initiates, they have the direct current of the lineage flowing through them.

Come, try and experience the beauty yourself!