What Are The Stages Of Yoga?

What are the Stages of Yoga?

In ashtanga yoga (eight fold path ) are the eight stages of yoga.

patanjali enumerates these as means for the quest of the soul.

1 YAMAS  (rules aimed at destroying our lower nature)

2 NIYAMAS  (rules at improving our individual nature)

3ASANAS  (postures aimed at controlling our body)

4 PRANAYAMAS (aims at controlling breath)

5 PRATYHARA (withdrawal of senses)

6 DHARNA  (concentration)

7 DHYANA  (meditation)

8 SAMADHI (union with god)

This is a wide path to begin with which everyone travels down.it it progressively gets narrower with fewer people reaching the end.

Yamas and the Niyamas controls yogis passion and

 emotions and keep him in harmony with his  surroundings

Asanas keep the body healthy and strong thus leads to freedom towards body consciousness.

When our vehicle(body) is fit we can achieve our goal in life

These first three stages are called bahiranga sadhana

Pranayamas and Pratayhara teaches us to regulate our

 breath and there by control our mind.

These satages control our senses .it helps free the senses frm desires .

These two are  stages of antaranga sadhana

Rest three which are Dharana Dhyana and Samadhi  is the stage of antaratma samadhi

The yogi in this stage does not look heaven ward for God .He knows God is within  being known as antaratma.

What is the difference between Yoga and Physical Exercises?

Physical exercise aims primarily at toning the body,building strength and stamina;the mind does not have to be engaged.Purely physical exercise can be done without thinking,even while listening to music or watching television.And there is not always a sense of balance:for instance a forward bend may not be counterbalanced by a back bend,resulting in a potential distortion in the body.

Yoga on the other hand is a wholesome way of life.It balances all the aspects of your life whether it's mental,emotional,spiritual or physical.The yogic way of life is not just some fad or cult phenomenon but a much deeper philosophy.The effects of practicing Yoga will not just give you benefits  at the physical level but also give you a wholesome sense of well being and general calmness that will enable you to meet life's innumerable challenges head-on.

What is Yoga (introduction)

What is Yoga?

The word YOGA is derived from YUJ means to bind,join attach.It also means UNION

It is a true union of our own will with god.

Its a unoin of all the powers of the mind ,body and soul.

One who follows the path of yoga is called a yogi or yogin.

YOGA FOR OBESITY

  "Corpulence is not only a disease itself, but the harbinger of others"

                                          -Hippocrates

                                           (Greek philosopher)

HI

The most important aspect of one's life may well be their appearance

Owing to the stressed-out and unhealthy lifestyle choices we make often,maintaining a high fitness level may seem impossible

for most............especially when it comes to losing weight.

Since way too much has already been said about obesity and since everyone is well aware of the fact that it is a major issue of the modern world

we shall immediately delve into the numerous ways in which Yoga and Pranayama can help you lose weight in the most healthiest way possible and also without any extra costs involved!

Of the many asanas that we can practised one of them is specifically aimed at strengthening the abdominal muscles and curing any problem you may be having with digestion.

It has many other 

benefits as well.........this asana is called 'Navasana' or the "Boat Pose"

Boat Pose (Navasana)

Benefited Parts:Intestines,liver,gall bladder,spleen,spine

Difficulty: ***

Technique:

1.Bring the legs straight up to a 45 degree angle, coming into the Boat Pose The torso will naturally fall back, but do

 not let the spine collapse.

2.Make a "V" shape with the body.

3.Bring the arms out straight in line with the shoulders.

4.Once you have established the pose, release the legs and torso simultaneously

y down towards the floor and hover a few inches above the floor. Come back up into the pose like a sit-up. Do this as many times as you can.

5.Come to lie on the back for a well-deserved rest!

Navasana

For more information on How to Lose Weight With Yoga click on the link given below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lM6Yu1Q6u8k

WHAT IS POWER YOGA?

Power Yoga:A combination of traditional yoga with dynamic exercises. Places demands on all of the muscles, boosting circulation and improving muscle tone.

Pranayama for Curing COUGH

             UJJAII

Sit in a comfortable Asana. Breathe in through both the nostrils forcefully, till the lungs are full and diaphragm is stretched. Then breathe out forcefully also, but see that the abdominal cavity does not blow up due to the air breathed in. Depending upon the capacity and health of an individual, this Pranayama can be done in three variable speeds viz. slow speed, moderate speed and at high speed. Individuals with weak lungs and heart should do this at a slow speed while performing Recak and Puraka A healthy individual and one used to doing it, should do it initially at a slow speed and then gradually increase the speed to moderate and then high. This Pranayama should be done for 5 to 10 minutes.

 

Benefits:
Diseases like cold, cough, allergy, asthma, respiratory diseases of all kinds, are cured. Lungs become strong and due to the heart and head getting adequate quantity of pure and fresh air, health is improved.

Tips for Glowing Skin

YOGA FOR GLOWING SKIN

HI 

As per my promise to all my students i am here to guide you for glowing skin if u follows these easy remedies believe me you wont need the facials at all.

Because of high stress , pollution ,summer on its way we all need to take good care of our skin 

Following are the tips

• Drink loads of water
• Friuts and vegatable juices
• salads like tomatoes cucumber raddish 
• one day in a week liquid diet(only buttermilk water melon citrus )

Time tested on my own self give a good massage of curds to ur face it works it will glow(wash with water no soap)

now i havent forgotten yogic remeady

do pranayams daily & do sitali daily it works 

Method to do sitali................

• Curl the tongue
• inhale through curled tongue
• Exhale through nose

TRATAK (Eye Exercise)

Method

Light a candle (or diya) in your meditation room or wherever you are comfortable, three to four feet in front of you. Sit in front of it. Remember, the flame should be at the level of your eyes so that you can see straight at it without being uncomfortable.

Posture

This is the most essential part of any meditation technique. Keep your spine erect so that inner energy can flow easily through the subtle channels of the body and render tranquility to the restless mind.

Sit with your legs crossed or in Padmasana. Sit gracefully, with poise.

Stage 1

This powerful technique of meditation is based on fixing one’s gaze at the flame of a candle or diya. The flame should burn steadily and it will do so only when we calm the air around it.

Begin with slow and deep breathing. As you inhale, let the stomach expand, and breathe out with complete contraction. While you breathe in this manner, keep a steady gaze at the flame.

Keep your eyes focused. Gaze at the flame, not the wick or the candle or the diya; just the flame. Let your vision be at the flame. If thoughts arise, simply ignore them; do not struggle to remove them. It is important to be wakeful and vigilant.

Stage 2

Imagine the flame is entering your body through your eyes and illuminating your inner being. At this stage, it is good to let the eyes close with ease. Now, try to imagine the same flame with closed eyes as you were seeing it with open eyes. If you are able to practice tratak without blinking your eye, it will be easy for you to see the flame with closed eyes.

If you are not yet able to experience the spreading illumination of the flame, open your eyes again, do tratak (fix your gaze at the burning flame), and then shut them. Gradually you will find that your gaze has grown more peaceful and tranquil.

Once you are established within, watch yourself separate from this body, and be distant from your mind. This distance will eliminate the clutter from the mind and mvake it silent, peaceful, and tranquil.

Tratak is a guided meditation technique which can help you improve your concentration, memory and intelligence. Studies have shown that Tratak meditation can significantly benefit in the following ways:

Increases concentration, memory, and mental power.

Develops the confidence, intelligence, and patience.

Increases work efficiency.

Improves motivational power and foresight.

Strengthens the will power and decision making ability.

Helps in getting rid of many mental, emotional, and physical ailments and diseases.

Reduces stress and tension.

Leads to Healthy and Balanced living.

KAPALBHATI

Namaste

Today we all will learn  what is kapalbhati?Benefits of kapalbati  . dos & donts ........................

What Is Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayama (Kapal Bhati Breathing Exercise):

Of the many wonderful pranayamas that Yoga gives us, Kapalbhati (aka Kapal Bhati) is one of my favorite breathing exercises.  It is not at all complicated to do and yet, when done even for a short time consistently, it’s benefits are undeniable.  If there was only one pranayama that you elected to do, Kapalbhati might well be the one to pick - it’s that good!

Who Should Not Do It?

If you're suffering from cardiac problems, nasal obstruction, cold any severe respiratory infection, it is advisable to consult your physician. It should also be avoided if you suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes or abdominal ulcers.

The Method

Although, the cleansing breath is remarkably simple, it is important that it is done properly.

Sit in a comfortable position with spine erect. You can sit either cross-legged or in any position that you feel comfortable. Breathe normally for about a minute. Once composed, you can begin. First, exercise the diaphragm by exhaling suddenly and quickly through both nostrils, producing a "puffing" sound. Don't focus on inhalation. It will be automatic and passive.

The air is exhaled completely from the lungs with a sudden, vigorous stroke while simultaneously drawing inwards the abdominal muscles. The breath should be expelled fully. Inhaling is automatic - the abdominal muscles will relax automatically. This exercise should be done in three rounds, each consisting of 11 strokes (for the beginner).

Each round should take about a minute. A little rest can be taken in between the rounds at your convenience. Throughout the exercise, the chest should be kept still without expansion or contraction. Only the diaphragm is used for breathing and not the upper chest.

Over a month, the number of strokes per minute can be gradually increased from 11 to about 30.

Wondering what this amazingly simple method can do for you? Read on...

The heat generated has powerful effects on the respiratory system as it purifies the nasal passage and the lungs. Even in cases of asthma, it removes spasm in bronchial tubes.

Kapalbhati works wonders on the mind - you will feel totally de-stressed and should experience a unique calmness with this process.

The mind becomes remarkably clear. Regular practice will lead you to higher levels of awareness.

The physical benefits include a tremendous stimulation of the digestive organs and the circulatory system.

This technique tremendously increases exchange of gases in the lungs. There is large-scale elimination of carbon dioxide and a huge absorption of oxygen.

Do this technique regularly (once or twice a day) and you'll be truly amazed at the results of this purification method. It is a highly effective method to clear the mind of toxins and negative emotions.

For maximum benefits, do the practice regularly, twice a day. This technique should be done on an empty stomach or at least 2 hours after eating.

Anuloma-Viloma(Alternate breathing)

Do u know why we have two nostrils?lets experiment this......hold ur finger just below the nostrils continue normal breathing .........notice which nostril is active ....most of the time its either left nostril or right nostril.one nostril works at a time .

Practice of Anuloma-Viloma Pranayama creates harmony in the working of two nostrils & quietens our mind.

technique:sit in a very comfortable pose .Take your right hand & fold the index & ring finger.thumb fourth & little fingers are staright.close the right nostril with thumb & inhale fully & slowly with the left nostril.now close the left nostrilwiththe little finger & exhale through the rightPAUSEthen inhale through the same nostril(right)close the right nostril& exhale through the left nostril .this completes one cycle.to start with do 3 cycles & gradually to 10 cycles every day

benefits:couteracts anxiety.calmns the mind.promotes good sleep

CAUTION;avoid this if u have heart trouble.

.

SIMPLE PRANAYAMAS

Simple ways to Pranayama

Pranayama -PRANA  means BREATH                     AYAMA   means  LENGTH ,EXPANSION
When the breath wonders (irregular) the mind also is unsteady.But when the breath is under calmed, the min too will be still,and long youthful life is acheived.Pranayama thus mean extension of breath or control.
Yoga prescribes various practices of pranayamas.
Benefits of Pranayama.Better blood circulation.Longevity ie  healthy life.Emotional control.Prevention to disease(many cases cure too).Increases concentration.Purifies blood.Cheerfulness.Increase in lung capacity.
There are in all three function of breathing
inhalation  (filling up)........................Puraka (sanskrit)exhalation(empting the lungs)........Rechaka (sanskrit)retention(holding the breath).........kumbhaka(sanskrit)Pranayam should be done in the morning on empty stomach.
if done in evenings there should be a gap of 4 hrs after lunch
Please check ur breathing first place ur hand on navel lightly .... breath in......expandbreath out.....contract
Basic pranayama are :
Pranayama  1Equalisation of Inhalation And Exhalation
Technique-Stand erect in a relaxed pose with feet a bit apart-Inhale slowly and continuosly gradually increasing count by one each week-Avoid quick and jerky movements-Do not strain the facial muscles or any part of the body-Do not constrict the nose to cause a sound-Concentrate on the gentle,uninterrupted and prolonged flow of breathing-Do this for 10 rounds,maximum 30 rounds between all pranayamas.
Benifits: Brings a pleasant feeling troughout the whole body
Help to calm the mindUses all three muscles.Releives tension.

*INTRODUCTION

Namaste,

This is my first blog n i hope to keep you regularly updated on upcoming yoga trends and detailed yoga postures as well as loads of useful tips to remain healthy always........

I'm a yoga instructor currently taking regular sessions in Bandra,Mumbai(India) and have started this blog to bring the wonderful experience of Yoga to every household around the world.

Our philosophy here at Antara Yoga is to bring about an all round healthy development not just through the practice of yogic postures but also through the understanding of its fundamental philosophies,because we believe that yoga can turn anyone into a wholesomely healthy person,thus the name-'Antara',which means,"change from within".

Hope to bring you many more posts.

Until then,Thank you.