Yoga class for beginners...The first thing the beginner to Yoga will notice is the non competitive nature of Yoga, and yes of course, there will be some who are naturally flexible, having been practising for some time. What is important is that the ultimate aim of the teacher is to awaken the Guru (teacher), within the student. This means that the student becomes more Self-Response-Able and does not have to rely on too much support outside of themselves. Most classes will include two types of movement that is continuous and static. The continuous movements, usually gentle and flowing, will be for warm ups and preparing the body, before holding a posture. The so called ‘static’ pose requires focus and attention, and helps to bring together all the scattered energies in the body. |
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The movements are designed to bring balance and harmony to the body that is forward bends (flexing), side bends (Lateral flexion), and back stretching (hyperextension) and rotation. A balanced and toned musculature helps support the skeletal system and can be helpful in relieving lower back pain. Hatha Yoga is the type of Yoga which places its emphasis on movement and exercises for health. Yet this is an over simplification as Hatha cannot be divorced from other types, which form different parts of the holistic study which is Yoga. What is interesting as there is always something new to learn week by week and Hatha has its roots firmly established in thousands of years of practical experience, and its branches extend upward and outwards into every area of human experience? Sanskrit is the ancient spiritual language of Yoga and most teachers like to introduce the Sanskrit names of Postures, coupled with plain English and a demonstrate what needs to be done; so the occasional use of Sanskrit words should not cause any problems and only bring a little more light as the meaning of the words become clear. To give a couple of examples, the Sanskrit word Hatha, has two components, Ha meaning Sun and Tha Moon. The reference to the Sun is to light and initiative; and the Moon to inertia, as the Moon does not generate its own light and only reflects the light of the Sun. Therefore Hatha Yoga is about awakening to the light and intelligence within ourselves, and overcoming the inertia that can impede progress.
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Posture and Asana are two words used frequently in class, and usually have the same significance. However, there does need to be some clarification; exercise can refer to any form of physical movement, and postures can either be standing, sitting or lying, and a pose any particular stance; as in children’s Yoga when adopting the pose of a tree or a lion, etc. |
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| Asana is a Sanskrit word meaning seat and originally was a reference to one of the seated postures adopted for meditation, and now used extensively in the Hatha Yoga class. To use the word asana, implies use of the mind when adopting a posture, and can help channel feeling, by invoking calm and steadiness, as with the Tree Posture, or the strength and courage of the lion etc. Although now not in general use, the word asana can also be the small mat or rug upon which one sits during meditation. | ||
| Yoga Ethics It may seem strange reading about ethics in relation to what may seem to be Yoga exercises for health and yet they are the very foundation on which the whole structure of Yoga rests. What is unique about Yoga is that the Postures combined with periods of Relaxation, and breathing exercises, bring an increase of vitality to the body, and without a sound ethical philosophy, the energy generated can feed the lower nature and be counterproductive to Yogic aims and even prove harmful. High moral standards are linked to the Yoga practitioner and some like the Swamis or Yoga Monks remain celibate as indicated by their traditional orange robes. |
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