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Sivananda Yoga - An ancient tradition
Sivananda Yoga is an ancient form of yoga that is now becoming recognized and revived as its practice embraces the current needs of our society. When Yoga was introduced to the Western World in the 1970's it was common that only the asanas (exercises) and a little bit of breathing were adopted. This patternhas continued in the practice of yoga in the West.
However, these are only part of the philosophy and essence of yoga. To fully embrace the practice of yoga andreveal the benefits all of the practices of Yoga must be embraced, including Vedanta- the knowledge of the self.
In this era, where depression, will be the second largest killer after heart disease by 2020 'a mind imbalance' it istimely to reflect on the ancient tradition of Vedanta - to know the mind..
Vedanta
The beauty of Vedanta is that it transcends dry philosophy and mere intellectual concept. Vedanta is an actual life experience, a philosophy in practice.
Through Vedanta classes students gain an understanding of their Selves and in this process gain insight into recognizing and managing their thoughts. This leads to harmony, clarity and wisdom.
So what is the path of Sivananda Yoga?
The strength behind Sivananda Yoga and Swami Shivananda's (1887-1963) teachings is his contribution to the world in reviving the tradition of the Yoga of synthesis, integrating the four paths of yoga into a well-balanced Sadhana and the teachings of the formal doctrines of Yoga which emphasizes the following aspects of yoga
- Proper exercise: Asanas
- Proper Breathing: Pranayama
- Relaxation: Savasana
- Proper Diet: Vegetarian.
- Positive thinking- meditation, Vedanta and Dhyana.
Each of these doctrines is an essential component of Sivananda yoga.
Asanas
The Sivananda system of yoga is based on Hatha yoga with an insight into the role of sequencing and coordinating asanas known as the Rishikesh-Asanas.It revolves around frequent relaxation and emphasizes full yogic breathing.
A class typically starts with every practitioner resting in Savasana and begins with repetitive rounds of Surya Namaskara followed by 12 asanas that work progressively through the organ/meridian/chakra system. The class then proceeds flexibly for each group under the guidance of the teacher.
The depth of the Sivananda Yoga practice results in an extremely supple and healthy body. The style is suitable for people of any age or ability with the ability to extend each individual to their full potential.
Pranayama
Full natural yogic breathing is emphasized and taught. As most people use only a fraction of their lung capacity for breathing and have various breathing disorders time is taken in a Sivananda class for students to discover their full natural breath before moving to Pranayama.
The two main Pranayamas taught in the Sivananda tradition are Kapalabhati and Anuloma Viloma.
Attending a Sivananda classintroduces you to the essence and depth of Yoga practice.
You will practice the invigorating and balancing asana sequences, balanced with the experience of delving into Savasana -complete relaxation, the pranayama as a natural extension of full yogic breathing and the vedanta classes, the completion of mind, body and spiritual practice.