Yoga in the Age of Technology.
September 4, 2010
Though ancient in origin, Asana (physical postures) have taken on added importance in our modern times. With the advancement of technology, it has never been easier to be coaxed into a sedentary lifestyle. The resulting tightness and weakness of our muscular-skeletal systems has resulted in unnatural body mechanics, poor posture and innumerable orthopedic issues.
Meanwhile, our minds have never been busier – consumed by sense-stimulating objects and the desires they promote. As our bodies move less, our minds run faster. With the advent of the wireless technology that fits in our pockets we can call, see or hear almost anything or anyone at any time. With much of the world’s information at the touch of a button, we retain the illusion that we are safe and connected. For most people the only remote place that remains is within. “Know thyself” we do not.
In a society that moves as fast as ours, Yoga has a special allure. Why? Because it has the capacity to bring us in touch with our true, eternal nature. The practice of Yoga provides us with a valuable recuperating mechanism. It is not meant be approached with an outward, competitive mind. Instead, a heightened state of attention should be focused inward. Through precise movements and mental focus the Yoga practitioner can reverse this detrimental trend towards sedentary living and dissatisfaction.
Pranayama
November 24, 2009
Pranayama is the 4th limb of the Eight-Limbed / Ashtanga Yoga system of Patanjali.
“Purification is the keynote of Hatha Yoga, and the foremost practice of purification is Pranayama.”
”When the breath wanders the mind is unsteady. But when the breath is calm, the mind too will be still, and the yogi achieves long life. Therefore, one should learn to control the breath.” -Hatha Yoga Pradipika
“When you inhale, you are taking the strength from God. When you exhale, it represents the service you are giving to the world.” -B.K.S. Iyengar
“Inhale and God approaches you. Hold the inhalation, and God remains with you. Exhale, and you approach God. Hold the exhalation, and surrender to God.” -Krishnamacharya
1
Yoga is Practice, Not Theory.
November 2, 2009
“Knowledge comes alive only thru practice.” –Upanishads
“Whether young, old or too old, sick or lean, one who discards laziness gets success if he practices Yoga. Success comes to him who is engaged in the practice; for by merely reading books on Yoga, one can never get success. Success cannot be attained by adopting a particular dress. It cannot be gained by telling tales. Practice alone is the means of success.” – Svatmarama, Hatha Yoga Pradipika
“Anyone who practices can obtain success in yoga but not one who is lazy. Constant practice alone is the secret of success.” -Svatmarama, Hatha Yoga Pradipika
“Practice is the instrument of liberation, O Goddess. Bookish scholarship is not such an instrument. Scholarship (shastra) is everywhere readily available, but practice is very difficult to accomplish.” – Vina-Shikha-Tantra
“Yoga is 99% practice and 1% theory.” -Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois
“If we practice the science of yoga, which is useful to the entire human community and which yields happiness both here and hereafter – if we practice it without fail, we will then attain physical, mental, and spiritual happiness, and our minds will flood towards the Self.” -Sri K. Pattabhi Jois
“Do your practice and all is coming.” – Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois
“Before you’ve practiced, the theory is useless. After you’ve practiced, the theory is obvious.” -David Williams
“No one is wise by birth, for wisdom results from one’s own efforts.” –Krishnamacharya
“Practice is the repeated effort to follow the discipline which gives permanent control of the thought waves of the mind. Practice becomes firmly grounded when it has been cultivated for a long time, uninterruptedly, with earnest devotion.” –Yoga Sutras
“Achievement comes through effort.” –Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
“It is what you are inwardly that matters. Your inner peace and joy you have to earn. It is much more difficult than earning money. No university can teach you to be yourself. The only way to learn is by practice.” –Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
“The obstacles to wisdom are deeply affected by practice.” –Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
Eat Less, Live Longer.
September 24, 2009
Sri Krishna
In separate studies caloric restriction has also been shown to increase the lifespan of worms, flies and mice, leaving David Sinclair, a gerontologist affiliated with Harvard University to conclude: “If caloric restriction does not extend human lifespan, we are an exception on the planet.”
Of course this does not mean we should starve ourselves. Here again ancient yogic sages offer valuable and timely advice:
“Yoga is not for the man who overeats, or for him who fasts excessively. It is not for him who sleeps too much, or the keeper of exaggerated vigils. Let a man be moderate in his eating and his recreation, moderatley active, moderate in sleep and wakefulness.” – Sri Krishna / The Bhagavad Gita
1
