Yoga provides each
one of us with the opportunity to discover that pure self, that pure blissful living being.
VIYETT YOGA TEACHER TRAINING
THE ORIGINS OF YOGA
The exact origins of yoga are not known however, yoga is known to be the oldest physical discipline in existence. Through archaeological excavations made in the Indus Valley at Harappa and Mohenjodaro now in modern Pakistan many statues have been found of deities depicting Lord Shiva and Parvati performing yoga postures. Shiva is said to be the founder of yoga and the embodiment of pure consciousness and Parvati (Mother of the universe) was his first disciple. It has been estimated that yoga could have been in existence for 10,000 years or more.
According to mythical tradition, yoga began at the beginning of human civilization when man first realized his spiritual potential and then began to refine these techniques and develop the discipline. As yoga began to evolve ancient Sages all over the world slowly developed the science of yoga. In ancient times yoga techniques were passed on from Teacher or Guru to disciple by word of mouth. Through personal experience realized Yogis and Sages were able to guide sincere students along the correct path helping the disciples avoid any confusion or misunderstanding.
THE MEANING OF YOGA
The word Yoga has it roots in the Sanskrit language. Yoga means 'union', it is a state of union between two opposing forces or polarities. In yoga these two opposing forces are termed Shiva and Shakti. Shiva is the male principle and represents (pure consciousness). Shakti is the female principle and represents (vital energy). It may be easily understood if we equate these forces with the Yin and Yang.
Shiva - Male - Yang
Shakti - Female - Yin
These two forces Shiva and Shakti may also be explained as the union of body and mind, the union of individual awareness and universal awareness. Yoga is the process of uniting opposing forces in the body and the mind in order to realize the spiritual essence of our own being.
Hatha Yoga is a form of exercise based on the understanding that the body and the breath are intimately connected with the mind, therefore by controlling the breath and holding the body in a steady posture for a period of time, yoga creates a deep sense of peace and harmony within oneself. Yoga is a means of balancing and harmonizing the body, mind and emotions allowing one to withdraw from the activities and the chaos of the world and find comfort and a quiet space within. To achieve this state of harmony yoga uses movement, breath, posture, relaxation and meditation to establish a healthy and harmonious vibrant and well balanced approach to living.
The underlying purpose of all the different aspects of a yoga practice is to reunite the individual self with the Absolute or pure consciousness. To unite with this unchanging reality liberates the Spirit from all sense of separation, freeing it from the illusion of time space and causation. It is solely due to our own limited understanding that we are not able to discriminate between the real and the unreal, which prevents us from realizing our true nature.
It is said that the human Spirit often perceives that something is missing or lacking in our lives, a void, something that cannot be filled, and we keep searching for that something, but can never seem to find it. We search for happiness, material wealth, love, name, fame, and we constantly seek out change in our lives but we are all too often looking in the wrong places. True joy and happiness is our real nature, some say it is our birth right, we cannot experience this everlasting happiness because it is only to be found within, not in the external world.
Yoga provides each one of us with the opportunity to discover that pure self, that pure blissful living being.
ABOUT HATHA YOGA
Hatha Yoga is a physical, mental and Spiritual culture dating back to Vedic time. To experience yoga is to experience oneness and unity with the inner being. Yoga is a state of integration, if practiced regularly it brings about radiance and freedom. Yoga is union or a reintegration of ourselves with our 'True Self' the higher being that resides within each of us and is unquestionably the greatest human goal.
Hatha Yoga aims to integrate body, breath, mind, food, the senses, personal habits, social interactions, the environment, it aims to bring about peace and harmony to all levels of one's being. Hatha Yoga can provide us with the opportunity to achieve this balance through the practice of asana, pranayama, mudra, bandha, relaxation and meditation practices.
'Industry Leaders in Yoga Education and Training"
Shantipath
Lead me from the
unreal to the real,
From darkness
to light,
From death to immortality.
May all beings
be happy,
May all beings attain oneness,
May all beings attain fulfillment,
May all beings
be peaceful,
May all beings
be free.
Om Shanti