Archive for the 'Yoga' Category
WHAT IS YOGA AND WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?
By Margaret (Saraswati) Kruszewska
Origins of Yoga
No person or place can claim that they invented yoga. We can, however, consider the origins of yoga by studying the following sources: written references in sacred books (the most important being the Vedas), practices that have evolved in schools and communities that formed around influential teachers (called gurus), and depictions of yogic poses in ancient art.
What Is Written
You will not find any ancient book describing the yoga postures that you might do in a yoga class today. Despite a popular belief in the yoga community that our current system of yoga is based on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras (written down some time between 200 B.C.E. – 300 C.E.), the actual yoga poses are never described in this text. The Yoga Sutras are a collection of short lines written down by Patanjali that provide a philosophy for the later development of yogic practices. The 195 short sutras (lines) explore certain beliefs about how our mind and senses work in the world.
Yoga as we know it today, is not described in the Vedas either. Vedic texts consist of four or five sacred books, the oldest being the Rg Veda which dates to 1500 B.C.E. References to prana and the importance of breath appear in the later sacred texts of the Upanisads.
More detailed written instructions on meditations and visualization practices appear in later Buddhist texts. The idea of stilling the mind and creating a comfortable steady sitting pose is mentioned in all of these written references.
Philosophical commentaries, such as those written by Sankarahcarya, appear around the 8th century which create many debates and schools of thought about the physical world and the nature of our existence in it. In medieval India, yogic principles are further delineated into the practices of hatha yoga (the strengthening and cleansing of the physical body), raja yoga (the control of the mind), jnana yoga (the seeking of knowledge), bhakti yoga (the devotion of emotions to the divine) and karma yoga (the ability to act in the world). The role of karma yoga is more fully explained the famous text, the Bhagavad-Gita.
Guru Lineages
In more recent times, the poses and practices became more fully developed by gurus who interpreted Vedic passages and commentaries and blended them with existing oral knowledge and rituals within specific communities. That is why there are many different schools of yoga, with many possible ways of understanding and defining what is considered yoga.
For example, the physical practice of the asanas (postures) in hatha yoga has become more important than other aspects of yoga for practitioners outside of India. However, most of today’s leading yoga instructors have been taught or influenced by the teachings of gurus from India namely B.K.S. Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, T.S. Krishnamacharya, Swami Sivananda, T.K.V. Desidkachar and Indra Devi.
Bhakti yoga, as expressed through kirtan and puja devotional ceremonies which usually focus on a deity such as Durga, Siva or Vishnu have become more prevalent within yoga communities and are now practiced by non-Indian devotees also. Contemporary spiritual leaders and saints such as Amritanandamayi (Amma) travel internationally serving practitioners through their darshan appearances.
Images of Yogic Postures
Although written history is often favored over evidence of yoga in paintings, drawings and statues, art reveals that yogic postures may have existed well before written explanations. Also, many of these pre-history depictions show a female body in yogic postures whereas much of the later brahmanical (controlled by the priests called brahmans) practices excluded women from sacred rituals and practices.
These images also suggest the clear connection between plant and animal forms in yoga postures which later acquire such names as the Cobra, the Tree and the Eagle. Considering that many of the philosophical thoughts about yoga were written down in very recent times, these pre-history images become even more significant. Images also point to similar practices that already existed in Africa well before Vedic times in India.
CONSIDERING A NEW YOGA TEACHER OR YOGA CLASS
By Margaret (Saraswati) Kruszewska
Try the Class Yourself
Recommendations for a yoga teacher from a friend may be good but you must check the class out for yourself. What works perfectly for a friend may not be a good fit for you. Even if you know what school or style of yoga you prefer, classes vary according to the individual teachers and their own educational and training backgrounds.
Yoga Teachers Aren’t Just the Best Yoga Students
You will be trying many yoga postures that may feel daring and so you will need to feel secure in the yoga instructor’s know-how. Yoga teachers are also always practitioners although they may not necessarily be the most limber or strongest in a hatha yoga class. Just because someone is able to do advanced yoga postures does not make them a good teacher. A different set of skills are needed to teach yoga.
A yoga teacher should possess the wisdom of a scholar, the compassion of a beloved, the intuition of a fierce mother and an attitude of love and devotion for teaching.
How to Choose the Best Yoga Teacher for You
When you take your first yoga class with a new teacher or even just talk to them before class, note their attitude toward you and other yoga students.
Does the teacher try to get to know your physical needs? Does she ask you about any health concerns or restrictions? Does he notice any struggles you may be experiencing?
Experienced yoga teachers become very good at being able to “read” tensions in the physical body. Usually they can suggest a variation more suitable for the student.
Does the teacher really see and hear you? Inexperienced teachers frequently resort to “performing” poses for students or exclude students who are not at their level. A yoga class forms a group energy so that every person’s presence is felt and acknowledged as being important to that day’s session. A highly skilled teacher is capable of keeping an eye out on you even in very large classes. This is how teachers keep their classes fresh and alter their sequences or instructions according to each class.
Does the teacher adjust the level of class according to the size, experience, and mood of the class? Each class should have the feeling that it has been personalized and meaningful. Even if they are teaching the same basic sequence every session, as many schools do, they are able to bring new awareness to the poses each time.
Is the teacher respectful of your physical, emotional and spiritual boundaries? A yoga session is a safe, sacred space. Any “hands-on” adjustments should be done with consent and, more importantly, with loving kindness in their hands and hearts.
You are receiving the energy of the teacher so be aware how you feel under their guidance. Trust is developed over a period of time but frequently you will know after one session that the teacher’s approach will not support your work. This may become apparent through a tone of voice the teacher uses or how they treat others in class or their lack of concentration during class. Of course yoga teachers do have bad days too – so always allow for the human factor!
Is the instructor allowing for your own process to occur? Unfortunately, some yoga instructors view their classes as platforms to voice their opinions on everything. Sometimes this occurs because they are nervous and want to keep the energy of the class going but if you notice after the second or third class that they are still “preaching” chances are they’ll continue this way. Sometimes this is entertaining but it also crowds out your own inner voice and observations.
Yoga Teachers or Yoga Buddies
It is unrealistic for a student to assume that their yoga teacher will become their new best friend. Although it’s not uncommon for friendships to form, keep in mind that the yoga teacher may be working with hundreds of bodies and souls in the course of their work. You’ll be blessed if you’ve found one whom you consider to be your friend but don’t assume that it will be reciprocated and don’t look for a new friend when considering a new yoga teacher.
Yoga Teachers’ Training
Finally, a word on the credentials and accreditation of yoga teachers. No standard review board or licensing organization exists for yoga teachers. Each yoga organization or school does have its own requirements varying from complete immersion in yoga community life to designating a certain number of hours assisting a senior yoga teacher in hatha yoga classes.
The Yoga Alliance has attempted for many years to establish standards for certifying yoga teachers but it remains a controversial subject within the community. A main issue is who (or what school) will determine what forms a proper teachers’ training program. Most of the key teachers in the last century have come from India, where yoga is not necessarily the physical hatha form that has become most popular in North America. Testing a teacher’s knowledge of anatomy and physiology is easier than proving a mastery of yogic techniques and wisdom. Furthermore, the teacher-student arrangement in India, one of the main ways of transmitting knowledge of yoga, can be very different from Western approaches to learning.
How Yoga Continues
The spirit of yoga has survived because it remains highly adaptable and becomes relevant to a specific community. Usually, the longer a teacher has taught and practiced yoga the more developed are her teaching skills.
Notice how devoted the teacher may be to their responsibilities to the students. This is an often a better indicator of their teaching abilities than how many teachers they’ve studied under or where they have studied their techniques of yoga.
Ask questions. Listen to your insights and impressions. Know your intentions. And have fun looking for your yoga teacher!
M. Kruszewska©2007
YOGA STYLES AND SCHOOLS
A Guide to Popular Names in Yoga
Part 2
By Margaret “Saraswati” Kruszewska
Yoga has continued to change as teachers blend styles according to their training and experiences with the practices in their communities. Below is a list of yoga forms more recently popularized by yoga instructors and/or spiritual leaders.
Ananda
Founded by Swami Kriyananda and based on the teaching of Yogananda, this organization emphasizes service and community work as path to enlightenment.
Anusara
Created by John Friend who trained with Iyengar and continued his practice and studies with the Siddha Yoga community under Gurumayi . Emphasizes strength of upper body through hand stands and triangle variations. Can be identified by use of specific languages such as “lifting the heart” and “spiraling thighs.”
Bikram
A specific sequence developed by Bikram Choudhury that is done in an extremely heated room – having the effect of warming and therefore relaxing the muscles and producing sweat which cleanses and purifies. The 26 posture routine does not vary and is quite rigorous physically.
Jivamukti
Developed by Sharon Gannon and David Life whose influences include Pattabhi Jois, Sivananda, and various philosopher-gurus such as Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati. Both instructors were performing artists and their teachings reflect their experiences in the dance and music scene of New York City.
Kripalu
Integrates Eastern philosophy and Western psychology into the practice. Frequently emphasizing restorative poses and connection of thoughts with body. Stephen Cope is the well-known teacher and author from this community which promotes a holistic approach to yoga including healing arts, meditation and knowledge from all spiritual traditions.
Mysore Style
The Ashtanga sequences done in a group setting but each person is doing their own level under teacher supervision.
Power Yoga
Offers a more athlete-centered routine as developed by either Beryl Bender Birch on the east coast or the Baptiste family. Baron Baptiste’s fitness driven Power Yoga was shaped by his famous body-building yogi parents. Characterized by dynamic repetitive vinyasa sun salute sequences, he takes a boot camp approach with swift, athletic moves that appeal to mainstream gym settings. His sister, Sherri Baptiste, has developed a yoga routine with weights. Power Yoga as developed by Beryl Bender Birch focuses on use of asanas by athletes, especially for runners.
Shadow School
Developed by Shandor (Zhander) Remete, one of the forms is named Nata Yoga and is inspired by the images of the Dance of Shiva. The “karanams” movements resemble more of a martial-arts yoga with slow, movements through warrior poses and sun salutes.
Siddha Yoga
Founded on the teaching of Swami Muktananada, whose current spiritual leader, Gurumaji Chidvilasananda heads the SYDA Foundation. The organization runs hundreds of retreat centers including the largest in upstate New York. Initiates focus on meditation practice, chanting and community service work.
TM-Transcendental Meditation
Founded by Maharishi Maha Yoga, the most influential organization in popularizing meditation techniques as medically proven practices that reduce stress, promoting health well-being and peace in communities. The Iowa based Maharishi University offers courses rooted in the Vedic knowledge of enlightenment.
Viniyoga
Instructions are individualized in the form of Yoga Therapy popularized by Gary Kraftsow who continues in the traditions of Desikachar and Krishnamacharya.
Vinyasa Flow
A non-stop flow of sequences blending Ashtanga, Iyengar and Viniyoga postures often done with music.
M. Kruszewska©2007
YOGA STYLES AND SCHOOLS
A Guide to Popular Names in Yoga
Part 3
By Margaret “Saraswati” Kruszewska
Yoga refers to many different paths of realizing a union with the divine. Hatha yoga, most popular with non-Indian yoga practitioners, is merely one of many approaches. Hatha yoga emphasizes the physical body as the starting point in building a spiritual practice. The names on this list are all forms of yoga practice that may or may not include the practice of physical asanas postures.
Bhakti Yoga
The devotional path of worshipping the divine, performed mainly through puja rituals, chants and invocations of deities.
Buddhist Yoga
Metaphysical approach based on Buddhist scriptures that prepares practitioner for Buddhist meditation techniques.
Hatha Yoga
Any practice based on the physical postures of asanas. Almost all yoga classes in the West are hatha yoga classes. Differ from yoga practices that instead emphasize meditation, pranayama and devotion.
Jnana Yoga
The yoga of knowledge. Identifying oneself with the Ultimate Divine instead of with one’s body or mind. Sometimes described as the path of the philosopher or sage.
Karma Yoga
The practice of selfless service to community. Most frequently used to describe unpaid volunteer work or offerings of work without attachment to results and for the good of all.
Raja Yoga
Emphasizes self-control of one’s mind by living according to certain ethical practices (such as ahimsa, non-violence), restraints and observances, meditation and pranayama techniques of regulating the breath as described in the eight-fold path by the scribe Patanjali.
Tantra Yoga
Ecstatic practices enacted with the belief that being fully engaged with the physical, material world activates the power of sakti energy. Can be experienced through extreme or altered states including through sex, food, intoxicants, ritual, dance, art, nature and societal taboos.
M. Kruszewska©2007