Selected answers to the Yoga:Step-by-Step corresspondence course

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Question: What is Yoga Marga?

Marga means path. For the Yogi this means following the principals of Yoga Drishthi (Yogic view) and the Yamas (moral restrictions) and Niyamas (ethical observances). Whatever the path, it will require the 8 noble concepts as enunciated by the Buddha 2500 years ago.

· Correct understanding

· Correct aims

· Correct use of speech

· Correct conduct

· Correct mode of livelihood

· Correct effort

· Correct intellectual activity

· Correct contemplation

 

Question: Do all paths reach the same goal?

The paths are many but the goal is one.

 

Question: What is the Eight Fold Path?

The Eight Fold Path is what is referred to as Raja or Ashtanga Yoga, as prescribed by Sage Patanjali. It is a step-by-step process by which one can learn to control the mind to eventually achieve the ultimate goal of unity with the Universe. The eight limbs are the following:

· Yamas (moral restrictions)

· Niyamas (ethical observances)

· Asanas (Yoga postures)

· Pranayama (control of vital energy)

· Pratyahara (removing the senses from the sense objects)

· Dharana (concentration)

· Dhyana (meditation)

· Samadhi (cosmic consciousness)

 

 

Question: Detail Chanda Nadi and Surya Nadi Asana and Pranayama.

Surya Nadi Asana and Pranayama

· Lie on left side of body, cradling head in the left arm

· Draw right knee up, place the knee to floor and hook the right foot behind the left knee

· Palm of the right hand is placed over the middle diaphragm

· Breathe deeply until you are aware that you are breathing through the right nostril

 

Chandra Nadi Asana and Pranayama

· Lie on right side of body, cradling head in the right arm

· Draw left knee up, place the knee to floor and hook the left foot behind the right knee

· Palm of the left hand is placed over the middle diaphragm

· Breathe deeply until you are aware that you are breathing through the left nostril

 

 

Question: Review the meaning of the terms samskaras and Vasanas.

Vasanas are our desires. Samskaras are the impressions on the subconscious made by our desires. Samskaras drive us from birth to birth in an attempt to satisfy our countless desires. The more we satisfy our desires, the deeper the impression made in the subconscious, therefore deeper the Samskara.

 

Question: Why is the Nirodha from these tendencies necessary?

In order to achieve cosmic consciousness and to stop the cycle of rebirth, one must learn to remove the senses from the sense objects and control the mind by consistent spiritual practice (Sadhana).

 

Question: Detail Anunasika Pranayama.

On the first day:

· Inhale deeply and retain for a few seconds

· The breath is blasted out through both nostrils with short bursts of air until lungs are empty

· Repeat six times consecutively

· Close left nostril using the right hand

· The breath is blasted out through the right nostril

· Repeat up to 6 times consecutively

· Close right nostril

· The breath is blasted out through the left nostril

· Repeat up to 6 times

· The breath is blasted through both nostrils 6 more times

· On the second day, do a second round of right, left and double nostril breathing immediately after the first round

· On the third day, do three rounds and so on up to the sixth day, when six rounds are done

No added benefit of continuing on beyond 6 days, as the cleansing will have taken place by then

 

Question: Describe Surya Pranayama Mudra and its benefits.

· Sit in a comfortable position, at dawn.

· Draw hands at chest in Namaskar Mudra.

· Inhale and move hands slowly forward towards the sun, turning the palms outwards until only the thumbs touch, sun in between.

· Retain the breath and let the sun rays enter through the nerve terminals of the hands

· Exhale and return hands to chest in Namaskar Mudra.

· Hold this position while suspending the breath.

· Start with a count of 8x4, then increase as you are able to 24x12, 32x16.

 

 

Question: When and where is the best time to do Prana Mudra?

· Outside facing sun at dawn is the best time and place to do Prana Mudra. If you do it inside, try to face East with a small disk or a replica of the sun as something to look at.

 

 

Question: Describe briefly the Shakti Jnana Kriya and its benefits.

Shakti Jnana Kriya (The Tingle)

Lie in Shava Asana, do rhythmic breathing. Put all mental concentration into the big toe, thinking only about the toes until they seem to increase in size because of your concentrated awareness. A tingling sensation will be felt in the body parts where you concentrate. This is the life force or Shakti of the body that you are feeling After you are aware of this tingling sensation in the toes, let this sensation spread to the feet upwards to the ankles, lower legs, calves, knees, etc. When your whole body is tingling, concentrate on the point between the eyes. Concentrate on the tingle in this brain center until total relaxation takes over the whole body.

 

 

Question: What is Yoga one-pointedness?

Most of us are one-pointed about negative things; anxiety, worry, jealousy, hatred… Through various Yoga practises one can transfer this negativity into positive elements. The ideal Yogic state is to be one pointed of mind and merge into Universal oneness. There is no one single Yogic method of achieving one-pointedness but rather through various practises: Hatha Yoga (concentrates on body), Mantra Yoga (single syllable sound or Bija mantra), Yantra Yoga (geometric Mandalas associated with psychic Chakras), Pranayama (Breath control), Karma Yoga (Selfless Service), Bhakti Yoga (Devotion), Raja Yoga (mind

control).

 

 

Question: Why good posture?

One cannot advance to the higher aspects of Yoga if one cannot sit properly. Keeping your back straight is part of good sitting and standing postures. If the spine is straight then prana flows freely up the Nadis and energy centres, which results in good physical and mental health. Good health is something you want to carry around with you all the time, not only during class. Most postural defects can be corrected through the proper use of Asanas and Pranayamas. In myself I have seen a tremendous difference in my posture since I’ve started doing

Yoga.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yogacharya Dr.Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani

Chairman : Yoganjali Natyalayam and ICYER

25,2nd Cross,Iyyanar Nagar, Pondicherry-605 013

Tel: 0413 - 2622902 / 0413 -2241561

Website: www.icyer.com

www.geocities.com/yognat2001/i_am_here

 

 

 

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