tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14421227640793182552024-03-13T22:57:27.950-07:00The Art of YogaThe Official Blog Site of Maya Yoga SamudraaMaya Yoga Samudraahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007572361739591837noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442122764079318255.post-20219520344089352622010-12-12T03:05:00.000-08:002010-12-12T03:23:27.367-08:00Breath Is Life<span style="font-size:85%;"><em>by Shareeza SS Faruqui</em><br /><em></em></span><br /><em>For breath is life, and if you breathe well you will live long on earth.<br /></em>~ Sanskrit Proverb<br /><br />Breathing is life. It is one of our most vital functions. Pranayama promotes proper breathing. In a Yogic point of view, proper breathing is to bring more oxygen to the blood and to the brain, and to control Prana or the vital life energy. Pranayama also goes hand in hand with the Asanas. When Asanas are performed with proper Pranayama, the benefits of the postures are more profound and activate the body from within.<span id="fullpost"><br /><br />What is Pranayama? Pranayama is to restrain or regulate the act of breathing. It is this regulation or restraint that is known as Pranayama. Pranayama are yogic techniques that establish control over the movements of the Pranic forces in the body.<br /><br />This brings us to the question of what is Prana? Simply put, Prana is Energy. Prana is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “Breath”. However, it means so much more than its dictionary definition of “air that is inhaled and exhaled”. Prana is understood as the vital, life-sustaining force of every living being. Prana is the vital energy in all natural processes of the universe.<br /><br />As mentioned above, “Prana” is the Sanskrit word for “Breathe” and “Ayama” is the Sanskrit for “Pause”. Together, “Pranayama” is a pause in the movement of breath.<br /><br />Why is there a need to pause the movement of breath? There are almost 200 physical and psychological symptoms that can be attributed to improper breathing. They can vary from sighing or yawning repeatedly to dizziness, chest pain, headaches, pain in the neck or shoulders, feeling listless, distracted, unable to sleep, having difficulty concentrating and many more. Breathing is the link between the body and the mind, thus the regulation of breath helps condition both. When the breathing is poor, our bodies react.<br /><br />Therefore, purpose of Pranayama is two-fold. It brings harmony to the entire body system and gives complete mental control. According to the ancient Scriptures, the control of Prana causes equality of vision over all. It generates happiness and deters the mind from being tempted by sensual objects arising in the mind itself. It seems that we are our own worst enemy! It helps regulate needs, wants and desires. It brings about the union of the self with the higher force.<br /><br />However, before we can delve into the many Pranayama techniques, we must first learn to breathe properly. By practising the art of breathing as taught by the Yogi’s, you will realise how poorly you have been breathing.<br /><br />Find a quiet place in a well ventilated room. Sit down on a comfortable surface such as a yoga mat or rug, in any seated posture. Place your hands on your knees in “Chin Mudra”. Chin Mudra is achieved by touching together the tips of your thumb to your index finger, while keeping the middle, ring and little fingers open. Relax your shoulders and neck. Close your eyes. Inhale through your nose for the count of 4 and exhale for the count of 8. Keep your concentration on the base of your nose. Concentrate on your breathing. Do this for about 10 minutes.<br /><br /><p></p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549753364419400418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbZYe5RpQV7P1ssFCSPNxOmlYiZ4vVUrNmb54Nw63irclEI4OFdqGn6aFAsPzleqTthBHfbJTDPgoePRSZBcucJT2hwXJPxAXx_UPPf4LFlJJrV6WZPqdnGpnYaQFBvb6iVDhy_9_/s320/BT_0130_resize.JPG" /><br />Consistent practise of this beginner Pranayama will leave you feeling refreshed. It will also help clear any nasal and respiratory congestion.<br /></p></span>Maya Yoga Samudraahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007572361739591837noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442122764079318255.post-51949554493430407582010-10-17T20:50:00.000-07:002010-10-19T22:19:52.148-07:00Gratitude - What it means to be Grateful<span style="font-size:85%;"><em>by Shareeza Faruqui<br /></em></span><br /><em>Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul</em><br />~ Henry Ward Beecher<br /><br />Gratitude as defined by Dictionary.com as being the quality or feeling of being thankful. Wikipedia explains gratitude, thankfulness, or appreciation as a positive emotion or attitude in acknowledgment of a benefit that one has received or will receive.<span id="fullpost"><br /><br />I’m sure many of us have read or watched the movie “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne. The popularity of “The Secret” created a whole new category in self-help and empowerment books. All these authors were focused on a single law, which is the Law of Attraction.<br /><br />In Yoga, the Law of Attraction is one of the Laws of Nature. I learnt about these laws in a yoga retreat organised by Datin Suleiha Suguna, the Principal of Maya Yoga Samudraa in 2006. However, she explains that there is one more element that is more important than the Law of Attraction or the other laws of nature.<br /><br />This element is Gratitude. Nothing can happen without gratitude. Gratitude is a mental attitude that draws the mind closer to the source of all things. This source is referred to by many expressions; the Supreme Being, Higher Power, the Creator or God. The more we fix our minds to God when good things come, the more good things we will receive.<br /><br />Being grateful is breaking free from the shackles that bind us to the material world. Recent studies have shown that people who are more grateful have higher levels of well-being. They are happier, less depressed, less stressed and more satisfied with their lives and social relationships. They are more able to cope with difficulties and are able to think more positively.<br /><br />My husband is recovering from a dislocated hip sustained in an auto accident. I remember the call I received from him the morning of the accident. He called me from the hospital in pain. That call shocked me to the core. All sorts of things came to my mind, but when I arrived at the hospital and saw him in the trauma ward, I was grateful. I was grateful that my husband was alive and my children still had their “Baba”. Immediately, I felt calm. In an instant a negative became a positive and I was able to make all the necessary arrangements.<br /><br />Gratitude is something that can be included into your daily practises so easily. When you get up in the morning, instead of jumping out of bed and rushing to the toilet, take a moment to be grateful for the day, for your family and for yourself. In posture 1 of the Surya Namaskar, when you hold the palms of your hands together, take a deep, slow breathe in and express your gratitude. Before you do your breathing, meditation and even your postures, take a moment to be grateful.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529230077423459730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgEbl2O_J7hejx9QgRdIrlygWLIOU1EfddcaV7mpl6zHUaKxiaUixe_PvpBXpgIcrPnyglp-_VXIWl245_2_iSEMOZZiAI8GtIlM68DRXZ6tjRsiG2qiGou7rhSXyhxa-Y9yyVTLNI/s320/IMG_2911.JPG" /> <p align="left"><br />For those who find themselves lost for words, I’ve included a stanza from Ralph Waldo Emerson. Let this be your verse until you can give voice to your innermost thoughts: <br /></p><p align="center"><br /><em>“For each new morning with its light,<br />For rest and shelter of the night,<br />For health and food, for love and friends,<br />For everything Thy goodness sends.”<br /></em>– Ralph Waldo Emerson<br /><br /></p></span>Maya Yoga Samudraahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007572361739591837noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442122764079318255.post-14613699039294624542010-09-27T16:36:00.000-07:002010-09-27T17:09:31.142-07:00Mindset Matters!<em><span style="font-size:85%;">by Shareeza SS Faruqui<br /></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tX7nl02PyGhyphenhyphenljuVztIrxziX5ZolTcTFzd7nELtP5b70z-zRWvXffj4jpD-mpPa8c8toRyz7s45Nj1XgrjTjnunJj8fOPBrIYZahiktJ5DgJGr5-lhRjjFpJLU6SfkNqsCfuq6pw/s1600/IMG_9929.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521747831754116754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tX7nl02PyGhyphenhyphenljuVztIrxziX5ZolTcTFzd7nELtP5b70z-zRWvXffj4jpD-mpPa8c8toRyz7s45Nj1XgrjTjnunJj8fOPBrIYZahiktJ5DgJGr5-lhRjjFpJLU6SfkNqsCfuq6pw/s320/IMG_9929.JPG" /></a> <div><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></div><div></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><br /><br />If you have attended one of Datin Sue’s yoga classes at Maya Yoga Samudraa, there would be a big chance that you would have been the recipient of a lecture on the mind and its powers! Datin Sue firmly stresses to one and all the importance of positivism and having the correct mindset. There is truth in the adage <em>“Where the mind has gone the body shall follow!”</em><span id="fullpost"><br /><br />We’ve all heard of the term “mind over matter”, and I’m sure many of us have read the book “The Power of the Subconscious Mind”. Both speak of the powerful tool that the mind is. However, I’m not going to go into definitions and scientific terminology here. If definitions are required, that’s what Google is for! This article would be more of a personal account stemming from observations and personal experiences pertaining to the power of the mind.<br /><br />I have been for a number of years trying to live on a more positive plane. The ride has been bumpy at best, but tolerable. It was only in 2009 when given the opportunity to put all this positivism and correct mindset to the test. Yes, I always seem to be putting all that I’ve learnt to the test! But then again if I don’t, how do I know that what I learnt is correct! Anyway, let’s get back to the subject of this article. After several personal experiences, I have come to firmly believe in the power of positivism and the correct mindset. Let me relate these experiences to you.<br /><br /><strong>Experience #1:<br /></strong><br />In June 2009, much to my joy, I found out that I was pregnant after YEARS of trying. After the excitement, my thoughts immediately went to the birthing process. In delivering my first child, I was in labour for 6 hours and received 3 painkiller injections, once during the 1st stage of labour and twice during the 3rd stage of labour. I always thought that 3 painkiller shots were one too many. For this pregnancy, I wanted 2 things. First, I wanted to reduce my dependency on painkillers and secondly, I wanted to cut my labour by half! I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking I’m probably mental to want to control my delivery. On a different day, I would have agreed with you, but I was eager to see if all this positivism and correct mindset mumbo-jumbo works!<br /><br />From day one of my pregnancy I kept this mantra in my head and repeated it over and over. The 1st was “I will have a quick labour” and the 2nd was “I will have a pain-free delivery”. It was decided that my second pregnancy will also be induced because of the reducing amount of amniotic fluid. I insisted on having a natural birth.<br /><br />On the delivery day, I woke up bright and early, sent my elder son to school and it was off to the hospital to have my second baby. By 8am they had completed all the induction procedures and I was good to go. I felt the 1st contraction 15 minutes later at 8.15am. As time went by, the contractions got stronger and stronger. However, I was comfortable experiencing each contraction. I remember the nurses would come into the delivery suite and ask me if I’m ok and if I needed any painkillers. I turned them down. After a while, they kept coming in every 15 mins to check on me, each time asking if I wanted a painkiller shot. One nurse even looked at my husband for confirmation! By 10.30am I felt the pushing contraction. At this point I called for the nurse to tell her I felt the need to push. Here, I requested for a painkiller shot, not so much to numb the pain but to let me be able to conserve energy for the work that was too come. And it was hard work. I was in the final stage of labour for 30 mins. According to the nurses, my baby had a big head and wasn’t getting past the bone. I remember at this point I was very frustrated and tired. However, once the head was out, it was a breeze!<br /><br />Wow! Writing about this is really taking me back to the day. Although, the last stage of labour was more difficult than that of my first child. This labour was a breeze. I actually achieved what I had set in my mind for this delivery. The labour was relatively pain-free. It was very tolerable. I took only 1 painkiller shot and I was done in 3 hours.<br /><br /><strong>Experience #2<br /></strong><br />My older boy, Mirza sat for his public exams on 21 Sept 2010. A month prior to his exams, he had gone to see his Amama (Grand Ma), Datin Sue and asked her to help him with some breathing exercises for his exam. He asked her to help teach him some yogic techniques that would help him in his concentration and focus for the coming exams.<br /><br />Amama readily taught him several yogic techniques to help him prepare for his exams. All I know is that these techniques involves some meditation, positivism and having the correct mindset. I’m sorry, even I’m not privy to the specifics of these techniques.<br />After 1 week of practise, Mirza comes home thrilled! He was in the middle of his UPSR (that’s the public exam he’s sitting for) trial exams. He shows me his Science Paper and his grade had improved by 25 marks, effectively giving him an A for the paper.<br /><br />On the day of his exams, I was amazed at how calm and collected he was. On the way to school he told me “Mama, I’m going to kick this exam in it’s a%$!” I was more of a basket-case than he was! His exams are over and all we have to do is to wait and see how he did in his exams. I’m keeping my fingers and toes crossed.<br /><br />Having the correct mindset is so important in everyday life. Even when I’m doing yoga to lose weight, Datin Sue tells me to have the correct mindset. She says “Tell yourself you’re going to burn that fat”. Having the correct mindset is also about being aware of what you do. It is this awareness that makes a difference. When you do something with awareness, the results manifest themselves quicker and last longer.<br /><br />In conclusion, having the correct mindset and positive attitude is crucial. It gives you wings and lets you fly!</span>Maya Yoga Samudraahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007572361739591837noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442122764079318255.post-68806993811274104472010-08-09T21:42:00.000-07:002010-08-09T23:44:47.734-07:00Love What You Do<em>by Shahrean Merican</em><br /><br /><em><strong>Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well</strong></em><br />- Vincent van Gogh<br /><br />At the start of this year, my husband and I decided to take up martial arts as an attempt to develop a hobby together. While I would have preferred Salsa dancing, I knew how much he wanted to learn martial arts, so I decided I would be the one to compromise for a change.<span id="fullpost"><br /><br />I was a little apprehensive about doing martial arts as it just wasn’t something I enjoyed. Since I had already put that thought in my head before I even started, true enough, a couple of weeks into the class and I was ready to quit. I just couldn’t get the techniques or coordination right! Unfortunately or fortunately (as I look at it now), we signed up for a 12 month contract and so I had no choice but to drag myself to classes twice a week.<br /><br />I then thought to myself, the same way I am giving up too soon is how some individuals are with Yoga. How often do I see students come and go with excuses to not continue their practice. I now know exactly what it feels like to try something and get frustrated that you are not getting it right. To want to give up too soon just because I ‘think’ I can’t. So, how can I expect my students to stay motivated and be patient with their practice when I don’t incorporate the same attitude in every aspect of my life?<br /><br />The moment I realized this, I changed my attitude. I started to really listen to the instructor, focused on every move and gave it my all. I would even practice at home so that when I return to class, I would be more confident. Gradually, the classes became more enjoyable and I was actually happy. I even passed my first test and am proud to now be a yellow belt. On the day that I was receiving my new belt, the Master at the centre delivered a short speech and the last sentence he said completely reinforced my perspectives. He said:<br /><br /><strong>Do not do what you love, love what you do.</strong><br /><br />This made so much sense. We are always seeking to do things that we enjoy and complaining about the ones we don’t. How often do we whine about our lives and envy others who have jobs they love, a loving marriage, a beautiful home etc. Life is all fine and dandy when we are doing what we love but the moment the going gets tough, we get frustrated, angry and want to quit. This is no way of living simply because life is never always going to give you what you love.<br /><br />Hence, we need to learn to love and embrace every experience in our lives whether we ‘think’ we like it or not. Challenges help us grow and evolve. Face these challenges with love and it will no longer be an obstacle. Since that day, I try to make every effort to love whatever I do. I have stopped searching for experiences that I love but rather to love every experience that I have.<br /><strong><br />Did You Know? </strong><br />Yoga and Martial Arts are both traditional ancient arts that share fairly similar philosophies. Practiced correctly, the two practices develop discipline, flexibility, body – breath awareness, concentration and strength of the body and mind. These similarities have given me the added advantage with both my practices.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="fullpost"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0eC6Ve1B7B1a98wLE-Uh14h-Ag0Dq7MlL_Sj25NTHC_khPUP4Tip3AHCt8nnLe3DcccyUuf9HVqkplGPgIEvYKipAFtirUgjhnj16IK7r_SSKJigd3bpjNpQ21ULes97Knkym6tUc/s1600/BT_0099_resize.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0eC6Ve1B7B1a98wLE-Uh14h-Ag0Dq7MlL_Sj25NTHC_khPUP4Tip3AHCt8nnLe3DcccyUuf9HVqkplGPgIEvYKipAFtirUgjhnj16IK7r_SSKJigd3bpjNpQ21ULes97Knkym6tUc/s320/BT_0099_resize.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503642589444555938" border="0" /></a><strong>The Warrior Pose: A Symbol of Strength and Power</strong></span><br /></div><span id="fullpost"><br />Stay tuned for my next article on the 3 variations of Warrior Pose.</span>Maya Yoga Samudraahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007572361739591837noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442122764079318255.post-18467287128987725512010-06-16T23:54:00.002-07:002010-06-17T00:06:48.455-07:00The Ethical Code of Yoga<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">by Shahrean Merican</span><br /><br />“If you do not know the laws of right conduct, you cannot form your character.”</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">-Swami Sivananda-</span><br /><br />Most Yoga classes are divided into 3 categories; Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. Depending on your level of ability and what you are looking for, you will be allocated to either of these groups. Generally, our aim is to progress to the advanced level. We strive to perfect our postures, regulate our breathing and master our minds. While this is a great achievement, more often than not, we overlook the most important requirement of Yoga: our moral foundations.<span id="fullpost"><br /><br />Unfortunately, I have come across many ‘advanced’ Yoga practitioners who lack the basics of moral behavior. What use is breathing and meditating, if you still harbor jealousy, hatred and anger? You can spend hours a day practicing Yoga, but if you don’t cultivate good values, your practice is futile. In the end, the only thing that gets strengthened is your ego. This is the reason why all authoritative Yoga scriptures lay emphasis on practicing right conduct at all times. It is a prerequisite to practicing Yoga.<br /><br />Yoga is actually a step-by-step process whereby each progression has a sequential relationship with the other. Postures (Asana), as we predominantly know to be Yoga, make up only a small component of the whole process. If you have read our previous posts on Gheranda Samhita, you will see that Sage Gheranda had prescribed 7 stages by which a person attains perfection in Yoga. Other scriptures such as Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras describe 8 steps and Hatha Yoga Pradipika has 4 steps. While each authority has different stages, they collectively emphasize that to achieve any success in Yoga, right conduct in thoughts, words and actions is necessary.<br /><br />It is important to note that the Gheranda Samhita does not describe these moral behaviors because it was assumed Yoga was practiced under the guidance of a Guru who ensured these values were constantly cultivated. This is, however, not the case in modern Yoga. Therefore, it is important for all practitioners to know what these ethical guidelines are and to be mindful of this in their practice and daily life. For this purpose, I will highlight the moral precepts from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras that is clearly described in the first two stages of Yama and Niyama.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yama</span><br /><br />Ahimsa (harmlessness) – We are to cause no harm or show cruelty to any person or creature. It is expected that we adopt a considerate attitude towards others and our surroundings.<br /><br />Satya (truthfulness) – Speak the truth at all times. This also means we are to avoid exaggeration, pretence and anything that involves saying or doing things which we know is not in accordance with the truth. <br /><br />Asteya (abstaining from stealing) – Do not take anything that does not belong to you, not only in terms of material things but this applies for anything intangible such as taking credit for something you didn’t do.<br /><br />Brahmacarya (control of sexual desires) – Whether we care to admit it, we live in a society where ‘sex sells’. The media thrives on this. We find ourselves constantly subjected to impure thoughts, lustful desires and sensual pleasures. Promiscuity has become the norm. Hence, we need to have control over sensual desires.<br /><br />Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) – We work hard so we can accumulate worldly goods and once acquired, we seek more. We are never happy. Aparigraha simply put means: do not be greedy and take only what is necessary.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Niyama</span><br /><br />Sauca (cleanliness) – It is purification of the body and mind. This also applies to cleanliness of thoughts, words and actions.<br /><br />Samtosa (contentment) – Be grateful for what you have. Understand that everything happens for a reason and do not brood over the things you did/have not attained.<br /><br />Tapas (purification) – This term has really no exact English equivalent. It stands for various practices to purify and discipline the body and mind. This would be practices such as Yogic purification that is described in the <a href="http://mayayogasamudraa.blogspot.com/2010/05/gheranda-samhita-part-1.html">Gheranda Samhita Part 1</a> post.<br /><br />Svadhyaya (inquiry/contemplation) – Svadhyaya is about knowledge. We are encouraged to read the Yogic scriptures and familiarize ourselves with the different aspects of Yoga. Apart from reading literature, we need to practice self-examination to gain understanding of the self.<br /><br />Isvarapranidhana (surrender) – It is about surrendering to God, The Divine or a Higher Purpose. We are to put our faith and trust in the higher power (this is subject to one's own religious beliefs).<br /><br />There are many opinions and views on the practicality of Yama and Niyama in our modern life. Some might say that you will need to lie or cause harm if it means your life is in danger or to protect someone you love. Each situation in our lives is unique and there is no hard and fast rule that can be applied to all situations. Be guided by your instinct and intellect. As your moral foundations strengthen, you will develop the wisdom to know when something feels right or wrong.</span>Maya Yoga Samudraahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007572361739591837noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442122764079318255.post-66013217066778986972010-06-03T20:46:00.000-07:002010-06-03T20:49:20.733-07:00Everything in Moderation<span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >by Shahrean Merican</span><br /><br />“Everything in Moderation”. That’s what my grandfather used to say. But how do we find balance in a world of extremes? Extreme weather, extreme pollution, extreme stress, extreme diets, extreme illness and the list go on.<span id="fullpost"><br /><br />I have personally for many years battled with the art of moderation. If I enjoyed something, I would over indulge, if I didn’t, I would avoid it. As a result, I got myself into complicated relationships, yo-yo dieting, smoking, negative thinking and other unhealthy habits. I fell into a vicious cycle of extreme pleasure and pain. I could never find a middle ground, until……..<br /><br />I re-discovered <span style="font-weight: bold;">YOGA.</span> <br /><br />Although I started practicing Yoga at a very young age, I lost touch with it throughout my adolescent years. I was a typical teenager eager to grow up and experience the world. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined becoming a Yoga teacher. My dreams were ‘bigger’ than that or so I thought! Little did I know the universe had ‘better’ plans in store for me.<br /><br />It wasn’t until my final year at university, that I found my passion for Yoga.<br />After 3 years of studying and experiencing life in a foreign country, I was having doubts about my direction in life. I had made regrettable choices and was starting to feel restless and discontent. It was then, during a trip back home, that my mother asked me to join her Yoga classes. The moment I got on the mat, there was an instant connection. I was filled with a sense of purpose and gratification that I had not felt in a very long time. I was just happy ‘being’ in that moment!<br /><br />Since then, I have never stopped practicing Yoga. I cannot explain how Yoga changes a person’s life as it is a subjective experience. All I can say is that the intuitive wisdom you develop through Yoga helps you appreciate and respect your body and mind as well as others. You develop a deep sense of awareness of your habits, thoughts and actions. You take the time to chew your food, drink more water, breathe deeply, laugh, exercise, think positive and be grateful. Eventually, you find that middle ground. All it takes is a little patience, persistence and a good Yoga teacher to guide you. The rest will follow.<br /><br />Yoga has changed my life in so many ways and my only regret is that I never re-discovered it sooner. It is a slow and personal journey, but any Yoga practitioner who has diligently stayed on the path will never look back again. While I still do stumble from time to time, I know its ok so long as I learn from my experience. Life is meant to be enjoyed and when you live with the mantra of moderation, everything becomes joyous!<br /><br />In a world of extremes, let Yoga restore your <span style="font-weight: bold;">balance</span>!</span>Maya Yoga Samudraahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007572361739591837noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442122764079318255.post-54556527639786760392010-06-01T21:30:00.000-07:002010-06-02T03:29:16.193-07:00Who You Learn From Is Important<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">by Suleiha Suguna</span></span><br /><br />In my last blog post, I emphasized that one cannot learn Yoga from reading the Gheranda Samhita alone. This is also true of the Shiva Samhita and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, both ancient and accepted texts on Hatha Yoga. It is not possible to read and learn from these texts because the finer details are kept hidden. These details have been passed down from guru to guru over time.<span id="fullpost"><br /><br />In the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Svatmarama (the author) says:<br /><br />"The Yogin desirous of obtaining siddhi (perfection) should keep the Hatha Yoga very secret. For it is potent when kept secret and ineffective when [carelessly] revealed"<br /><br />Svatmarama implicitly indicates here that not everything is revealed in the book. In the commentary of Jyotsna of Brahmananda on the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, it states in relation to the above verse that "it is plain that everything is not revealed and the most important processes are to be learned direct from a Guru".<br /><br />It is therefore imperative for the Yoga instructor to be trained by a qualified guru. It is also equally important for the student of Yoga to ensure that his or her Yoga instructor is properly qualified. But how does one determine qualification? In a time and age where Yoga is becoming increasingly popular, how does one differentiate fad from tradition? I will admit that this is not easy but you can look out for the following:<br /><br />1. Experience - How long has the Yoga instructor been around for? Where did he or she learn Yoga?<br /><br />2. Knowledge - Ask questions. Be inquisitive. See if the instructor understands the subject matter. This does not mean you should be rude. Being inquisitive is an important aspect of learning and will benefit you tremendously.<br /><br />3. Breathing Technique - Breathing plays a central role in Yoga. Every posture has corresponding breathing techniques. Your instructor should provide proper guidance in this.<br /><br />4. Testimonials - Sometimes it is not enough to read testimonials alone. Speak to other students and find out. Most reputable Yoga instructors will be happy to oblige you.<br /><br />5. Publicity - Some of the best Yoga Gurus are not very public but you can try Google-ing a Yoga instructor and see if you find positive or negative results. You could also ask around.</span>Maya Yoga Samudraahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007572361739591837noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442122764079318255.post-89093918482838709902010-05-30T22:06:00.000-07:002010-06-03T20:45:53.925-07:00The Gheranda Samhita - Part 2<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">by Suleiha Suguna</span></span><br /><br />In my last article, I covered the first 3 lessons of the Gheranda Samhita. This treatise on Hatha Yoga is divided into 7 lessons or chapters. Today I will attempt to bring you through the remaining 4 lessons.<span id="fullpost"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pratyahara</span><br /><br />Pratyahara is the restraining of the mind. Gheranda tells Chanda in the opening of this lesson, that the practice of Pratyahara destroys lower passions like lust. The method for restraining the mind as expounded by Gheranda, is to withdraw the "Chitta" or the thinking principle.<br /><br />In order to be successful at Pratyahara, you have to withdraw your sense of:<br /><br />1. Sight<br />2. Hearing<br />3. Smell<br />4. Taste<br /><br />Details on performing Pratyahara can only be thought by a Guru.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pranayama</span><br /><br />Also known as restraint of breath, its practice elevates men to greatness. In this lesson, Gheranda is explicit on where, when and how pranayama should be praticed. He says that 4 things are necessary in the practice of pranayama:<br /><br />1. A good place<br />2. A suitable time<br />3. Moderate food<br />4. Purification of the nadis or channels for the flow of energy.<br /><br />There are 8 types of Pranayama that should be practiced. It is of little use to go into the details of the different pranayama practices in this post.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dhyana</span><br /><br />Dhyana yoga is contemplation. Gheranda says that there are 3 levels of contemplation. The 1st level is contemplation on form and it is known as Sthula or Gross Contemplation.<br /><br />The 2nd level is contemplation on light. This is called Jyotish.<br /><br />The 3rd level of contemplation is called Sukshama or Subtle Contemplation. This is contemplation without attaching any form to it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Samadhi</span><br /><br />Gheranda refers to Samadhi as great Yoga. Samadhi is a state of being where you are liberated from any form of attachment. The prerequisites to achieving Samadhi is:<br /><br />1. Confidence in knowledge<br />2. Faith in your guru or teacher<br />3. Faith in yourself<br />4. A mind that is awakened to intelligence<br /><br />Attaining samadhi will free you from excessive desire and passion.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Conclusion</span><br /><br />The seven steps ascribed to Chanda Kapili, is meant to bring the average person through a journey of purification, physical fitness, contemplation and inner peace. It is a well-designed system for total wellness that engages the individual's mental and physical states.<br /><br />Although the Gheranda Samhita is the most encyclopedic of the 3 sources on hatha Yoga, caution must be observed in trying to follow the book without the guidance of an expert teacher. The knowledge presented in this treatise is not complete. It is only complete when taught by an expert teacher.<br /><br />To illustrate, read the translation below for the Fetus Posture (Guptasana):<br /><br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">Hide two feet under the two knees, and place the anus on the feet. This is known as Guptasana</span>"<br /><br />You will realize that this explanation on Guptasana is open to interpretation by the average reader. How should you be breathing when performing this posture? What is meant by "hide two feet under the two knees"? This posture also requires that the forehead touches the floor but it is not stated in the Gheranda Samhita.<br /><br />These blanks can only be filled in by an expert teacher who has learn from a proper guru who in turn has learned from a proper guru and so forth. In other words, the blanks are filled by knowledge that is passed down from teacher to teacher.<br /><br />How will you know if you are learning Yoga from an expert teacher? The answer is simple. You will not experience any pain, discomfort or injury. The asanas or postures must be <span style="font-style: italic;">stirre and sukha</span> or sturdy and comfortable.</span>Maya Yoga Samudraahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007572361739591837noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442122764079318255.post-19144063218261136362010-05-28T20:30:00.000-07:002010-05-28T23:35:37.626-07:00The Gheranda Samhita - Part 1<span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >by Suleiha Suguna</span><br /><br />My father, my Yoga guru, paid particular attention to the Gheranda Samhita in his journey as a Yogi. Consequently, my education in Yoga was based on the Gheranda Samhita. Today, Maya Yoga Samudraa's foundation is the Gheranda Samhita. Most readers will be curious as to what is the Gheranda Samhita as I have found that people are more familiar with the Patanjali Sutras when it comes to Yoga.<span id="fullpost"><br /><br />The Patanjali Sutras is widely regarded as the basis of yoga practice and philosophy. However, the many Yoga postures or asanas as practiced today can be traced to the Gheranda Samhita, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and the Shiva Samhita. These 3 texts form the basis for the contemporary practice of Hatha Yoga. In covering asanas, Patanjali contended with a very general guideline - <span style="font-style: italic;">stirre, sukha asana</span>. Literally translated, this means steady, comfortable posture. According to Patanjali, a steady, comfortable posture was necessary for contemplation and meditation.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Content</span><br /><br />Of the 3 texts that provide details on Yoga postures, the Gheranda Samhita is regarded as the most encyclopedic. This Tantrika Sanskrit text, which is in the form of dialogue between Sage Gheranda and an enquirer, Chanda Kapili, teaches yoga in 350 verses and is divided into 7 chapters or steps as follows:<br /><br />1. The purification of the body<br />2. Asanas or postures<br />3. Mudras (control of body through symbolic gestures)<br />4. Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses)<br />5. Pranayama (control of breath)<br />6. Dhyana (meditation)<br />7. Samadhi (non-dualistic state of consciousness)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Purification Process</span><br /><br />Gheranda Samhita's first lesson is on the purification of the body. This purification process is aimed at flushing out the toxins accumulated in the body. Gheranda outlines 6 purification methods that must be practices by a student of Yoga:<br /><br />1. Dhauti<br />2. Basti<br />3. Neti<br />4. Laukiki<br />5. Trataka<br />6. Kapalabathi<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Asanas</span><br /><br />Gheranda said:<br /><br />1. There are hundreds of thousands of Asanas. The postures are as many in numbers as there are species of living creatures in this universe.<br /><br />2. Among them 84 are the best and among those 84, 32 have been found useful for mankind in this world.<br /><br />My father emphasized mastery of these 32 asanas for maximum health benefits and I have made this a cornerstone of my teaching syllabus.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Mudras</span><br /><br />Mudras are symbolic gestures made with one's fingers and/or other parts of the body. The science behind the mudra is that you can control your involuntary muscles by positioning a controllable body part in a particular way. As amazing as it may sound, I have performed demonstrations with students who have been amazed by how their breathing capacity or lung capacity changes as they perform certain mudras.<br /><br />Gheranda says that there are 25 mudras and the practice of these 25 mudras give great success to a yogi. In his dialogue with Chanda Kapili he points out that these mudras destroy all diseases and its practitioner will not have any fear of fire, water, and air. Cough, asthma and the enlargement of the spleen is negated.<br /><br />I quote Gheranda here: "O Chanda, what more shall I tell thee. In short, there is nothing in this world like the mudras for giving quick success".<br /><br />In Part 2 of the Gheranda Samhita, I will delve into the remaining 4 steps.</span>Maya Yoga Samudraahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007572361739591837noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442122764079318255.post-49774668004762681142010-05-26T04:23:00.000-07:002010-05-28T09:25:17.873-07:00Yoga and Religion<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">by Suleiha Suguna</span></span><br /><br />During the course of my career as a Yoga Instructor, I have been asked by many people if Yoga is a religion, in particular, if Yoga is Hinduism. Although I have found it difficult, I will attempt to dispel the notion that Yoga is a religion. I would like to make a disclaimer here that whatever my thoughts on Yoga, it is ultimately YOU, the reader, that must decide if Yoga is a religion or if it is contrary to your belief system. I say this only because it is better to be committed to something fully than to be uncomfortable about it and because YOU have every right to choose what you believe.<span id="fullpost"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Yoga And Hinduism</span><br /><br />There are facts, there are fictions and there are gray areas on the origin of Yoga. I will try to stick to the facts. It must be noted that the term "Yoga" is a broad definition of a concept. Yoga literally means union. It is a concept that originated in India about 5,000 years ago. This concept is a combined system of philosophy, purification, health care, and morality. Due to its very encompassing nature, it is easy for this ancient art to become intertwined with the culture and belief system of the community from where it originated.<br /><br />It must be noted here that Hinduism itself was not established by any single source or book. It is a collection of traditions originating from the Indian subcontinent. In fact, the term "Hindu" has its origins in the Delhi Sultanate which used it to describe any tradition that was native to India as opposed to Islam.<br /><br />According to scholars, the term Hinduism, popularized during British rule in India, loosely encompasses the many traditions and belief systems of the Indian people. Therefore, it would have been very easy for any culture or practice in India to be absorbed by the concept of Hinduism.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Yoga As It Is Practiced Today</span><br /><br />Depending on whom you ask, Yoga can be a the path to enlightenment or it can be the road to good health. This is the case with many eastern disciplines where spirituality is inevitably linked to daily life. But let us look at how it is practiced and if it meets the definition of a religion. For this, I would like to refer to the work of Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati where he correctly points out the following:<br /><br />1. Yoga has no deity to worship<br />2. Yoga has no worship services to attend<br />3. Yoga has no rituals to perform<br />4. Yoga has no sacred icons<br />5. Yoga has no creed or formal statement of religious belief<br />6. Yoga has no requirement for a confession of faith<br />7. Yoga has no ordained clergy or priests to lead religious services<br />8. Yoga has no institutional structure, leader or group of overseers<br />9. Yoga has no membership procedure<br />10.Yoga has no congregation of followers<br />11.Yoga has no system of temples or churches<br /><br />The vast majority of people practice Yoga today for the health benefits. Most Yoga instructors today come from diverse cultures and religious beliefs. A typical Yoga class today is made up of people in sweat clothes performing physical postures, a far cry from hindu priests sitting around a pyre and chanting mantras.<br /><br />There are the meditation aspects of Yoga and this is not to be confused with prayer. Meditation is practiced to calm the mind and relieve stress. It does not require you to believe in any religion. Some people join meditation groups that perform chanting and have religious doctrines. Usually, such groups are not covert about this and you can chose to stay away. This is about the same as joining a book club. You could join a book club that discusses good novels or you could join a book club that discusses books on Christianity. The diversity of book clubs itself does not make it religious.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What You Can Do</span><br /><br />If you are concerned about being exposed to religious elements not of your faith, there are a number of things that you can do to safeguard yourself.<br /><br />Firstly, let common sense be your guide. Don't sign up for Yoga in places of worship or centers associated with religious establishments.<br /><br />Secondly, before signing up for a Yoga class, ask to be allowed to observe a typical class. Most Yoga centers will be more than happy to oblige you.<br /><br />Thirdly, speak to the students. You can do this after observing a typical class at a Yoga center. By talking to the students you will be able to gauge if the group is a aligned to your beliefs or not.<br /><br />Lastly, listen to your heart. If you do not feel comfortable with a Yoga class, a Yoga Instructor or the Yoga Center, seek clarification. If you are not happy with the clarification or still feel uncomfortable, you may want to consider a change or stopping Yoga altogether.<br /><br />In conclusion, Yoga does not possess the structure that religions are based on. Therefore, it does not meet the criteria of being a religion. However, Yoga can and is sometimes practiced with religion. This is a choice of preference and does not make Yoga a religion by default.<br /><br />This can be illustrated with the example of schools. There are secular schools and religious schools. Both school types promote education. The secular schools separate god from science. The religious schools preach god and science. This does not make the concept of a school a religion.</span>Maya Yoga Samudraahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007572361739591837noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442122764079318255.post-11095964343062767882010-03-16T23:19:00.000-07:002010-03-16T23:27:30.030-07:00Pose Into Stillness<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">by Shahrean Merican</span></span><br /><br />Have you ever wondered why after months or even years of practicing Yoga, you still don’t feel <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5q3lnHJ57Im7sO1_Fv9doJOj06RqY5dKWqgIRxF0wF1waIHtSlOUC9r3NcXXUsL1zqsfbs1_bx94WqfmtXMIFjRi8uaenEbGN1QIRMvPjXK7ZAz5uXTR3eCsgCRhk0GLMktty7mE/s1600-h/BT_0119_resize.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5q3lnHJ57Im7sO1_Fv9doJOj06RqY5dKWqgIRxF0wF1waIHtSlOUC9r3NcXXUsL1zqsfbs1_bx94WqfmtXMIFjRi8uaenEbGN1QIRMvPjXK7ZAz5uXTR3eCsgCRhk0GLMktty7mE/s320/BT_0119_resize.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449484401236540466" border="0" /></a>the mental serenity that every Yoga instructor / DVD / book promises? You are still stressed, feeling negative, unable to focus and mentally drained. If this is how you feel, then it’s time to re-assess your Yoga practice.<br /><span id="fullpost"><br />I have recently noticed an increase in students who struggle to hold an Asana (posture) for a minute, sit through Pranayama (breathing) or </span><span id="fullpost">even lay for 5 minutes in Shavasana (relaxation). We have become a highly strung society governed by our adrenalin that taking the time to sit and be present with the moment is an arduous task. We want a class that will match our fast paced lifestyle by getting our heart rate up and exerting maximum energy. As a result, there is a growing trend of Yoga developed as an exercise routine that stretches and tones the body. While this way of practice increases flexibility and suppleness of the body, the lack of breath and body-mind awareness leads to a further disconnection from the self. It will not raise us above our current mental state.<br /><br />If we were to take a look back at traditional Yoga teachings, the purpose of postures are very different from the reasons we practice Yoga today. Patanjali defines Yoga postures in the Yoga sutras as Stira Sukha Asanam which means Steady Comfortable Posture. Postures are to be held at ease with minimal movement and released in a smooth manner focusing on the breath. This is in preparation for higher aspects of Yoga such as contemplation and meditation that will help strengthen the mind and release negativity. However, Yoga postures are commonly practiced below our level of consciousness with a series of continuous thoughts and released in a quick and often jerky manner.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />How does awareness of practice help change our mental outlook?</span><br /><br />Practicing Yoga postures with attentiveness will reduce mental stress to a great extent by cultivating stillness of the body and mind. Stillness leads to calmness which in turn helps to release physical, emotional and psychological tension stored in the body. We begin to experience our body from within and develop a deep understanding of the ‘self’. We become more in tune with our body and mind and start nurturing them in a positive way. As a result, we strengthen our internal and external system; creating a harmoniously integrated unit of body, mind and spirit. This is the true purpose of Asana in Yoga.<br /><br />So the next time you practice Yoga, pause for a moment, take a breath and be still. You will experience the peace and serenity that can only come when you consciously connect with your body, breath and mind!</span>Maya Yoga Samudraahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007572361739591837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442122764079318255.post-15377488954662954952009-06-24T02:24:00.000-07:002010-01-13T00:06:48.964-08:00Yoga - A Psychological Perspective<em><span style="font-size:85%;">by Shahrean Merican, Instructor, Maya Yoga Samudraa</span></em><br /><br /><strong>“Yoga is the composed Mind”<br /></strong>- Vyasa<br /><br />We live in a world that is undergoing rapid social change. As we develop and become modernized, a growing number of us are experiencing mental disturbances of varying depth and intensity. Mental illness has been on a steady increase in the past 10 years and continues to rise. Since this illness is still perceived as a stigma, most people suffer silently not knowing how to deal with their problem and who to turn to. Although the initial causes of mental disturbances can be unclear, it is often sustained or enhanced by emotional stress, bio-chemical imbalance, deterioration of brain cells, substance abuse, and environmental or social factors. The good news is that more often than not, these mental problems can be cured or reduced in intensity.<br /><span id="fullpost"><br />So what does Yoga have to do with mental health? I am sure you have heard of the saying –A Healthy Body – A Healthy Mind. This can be applied either way around, as one cannot be fully achieved without the other. The most common understanding on Yoga is that it is a physical exercise that helps to keep a person healthy, flexible and relieve stress. While all of these are true about Yoga, the mental benefits that can be achieved through this ancient art are very rarely explained or practiced. Yoga strives to create a dynamic balance between the body, mind and spirit. While acknowledging the interdependence between the body and mind, Yoga holds that the mind has a greater influence on the body. Hence mental exercises form an integral part of Yoga. Using the 8 fold path as described in Patanjali's Yoga Sutra, the following practices can help achieve mental health:<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Moral behaviour (Yama and Niyama)</strong><br /><br />The first mental exercise, Yama and Niyama, make up the moral foundation for the practice of Yoga. They are ethical guidelines on how to behave toward ourselves and our environment. Yama is good social conduct between the individual and their surroundings which consists of harmlessness, truthfulness, abstinence from theft, sense control and non-possessiveness. Niyama, on the other hand, is about how we treat ourselves which are cleanliness, contentment, purity, self-inquiry and surrender. The main purpose of these moral principles is to eliminate all mental and emotional turmoil which characterises the lives of individuals today. The practice of Yama and Niyama improves mental steadiness by creating a positive social and psychological environment within a person and also their surroundings. Although this may seem easy, it takes a lot of self-discipline to constantly act in a positive manner without giving into vices such as jealousy, hatred, anger, etc. It is important to note that the practice of Yoga is not completely fruitful unless a person practices the moral attributes summed up in Yama and Niyama. So be good, do good and you will feel great!<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Postures (Asana)<br /></strong><br />Today the most common illnesses are not caused by physiological or environmental factors but are psychosomatic. Psychosomatic illnesses are disorders that show up as physical symptoms but are actually caused by mental or emotional disturbance. Stress, anxiety and unpleasant emotions can cause great bodily changes and muscular tension such as headaches, back pain, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome and abdominal pain. Most often, visits to doctors caused by psychosomatic problems are treated with medication that will only help to manage the illness but not completely cure it. Unfortunately, emotional stress is not easily vanquished by common prescriptions.<br /><br />Yoga, on the other hand, is a holistic system of self-healing. It is simultaneously a curative as well as a preventive system that deals with physiological and psychosomatic disorders. Yoga is perhaps the only form of exercise that massages and stimulates the internal organs in our body causing them to function efficiently. The pressure placed on the organs whilst performing a posture, encourages a natural healing process to occur, which then provides a sense of well being. The gentle stretches in Yoga also releases muscle tension from the body. The most significant benefit is the stimulation provided to the brain as it is supplied with rich amounts of oxygen from the bloodstream. This helps to rejuvenate the mind and increase the level of endorphins, which helps to produce a feeling of euphoria.<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Breathing (Pranayama)<br /></strong><br />“When the breath wonders the mind also is unsteady. But when the breath is calmed the mind too will be still, and the Yogi achieves long life. Therefore, one should learn to control the breath”<br />Svatmarama, Hatha Yoga Pradipika<br /><br />Breath is directly linked to the mind. This is evident from our body’s physiological response to stress and anxiety which almost often, results in increased heart rate and shallow breathing. It is caused by the natural chemical reactions of our body’s nervous system, also known as the “fight or flight” response. While this reaction serves an important function when we are in harmful or dangerous situations, being in a constant state of tension leads to emotional fatigue and depression. As a result, our flow of breath can have an influence on our state of mind.<br /><br />Pranayama is the art of regulating the breath. It teaches us to take deeper and longer breaths in and out. This provides copious amounts of oxygen to the brain. The brain requires more oxygen than any other organ in the body and lack of this results in mental lethargy, negativity, irritability and depression. Learning to consciously focus on deep breathing relaxes the body and calms the mind making a person less reactive to stressful events. It provides mental and emotional equilibrium by directing the positive flow of energy throughout the body and mind. Therefore, by consciously controlling your breath you are also able to relax the mind. As the saying goes, “When in stress, take a deep breath!”<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Withdrawal of the senses (Pratyahara)</strong><br /><br />Yoga holds that, much of the sorrow in this world is caused by our search for happiness outside, rather than within. We set up goals for ourselves such as to own a big house, drive a fancy car, marry the person of our dreams and live the life of a fairytale. We work so hard to achieve some perfect ending with no end, then feel completely devastated that life doesn’t work the way we had hoped. We then start to feel worried, anxious and discontented due to the enormous discrepancy between our dreams and realities. According to the late psychologist, Carl Rogers, this state of being is called ‘incongruity’, whereby a person’s true ability and their ‘ideal’ self are not harmonious.<br /><br />We experience life through our senses. The way we develop our sense of touch, sight, smell, hearing and taste are largely influenced by our external environment and social conditioning. Hence the reason why we constantly feel the need to associate our happiness externally - to fulfil the senses. If we can control our senses and turn our focus inwards, we will achieve inner peace and tranquillity. The practice of withdrawing the senses helps you to detach yourself from your surroundings long enough to no longer feel constantly and closely identified with everything that happens around you. You will gain strength within to be your self and when things don’t work the way you had anticipated, you will let it be.<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Concentration (Dharana)<br /></strong><br />The mind loves to wonder and rarely ever knows rest except when in sleep. Couple this with anxiety or tension, and you will find your thoughts to be constantly fluctuating making the mind extremely unsteady. Lack of concentration is one of the effects of suffering from mental stress whether mild or severe. A basic exercise in concentration can help to break the habit of incessant thinking until we have learned to stay with the thought that we have chosen. Concentration is the key to developing deep awareness of yourself as you are able to direct your flow of thoughts to a single activity. Dharana is similar to the saying “being in the now”.<br />So how does concentration help with mental health? When a person experiences any form of mental pressure, they find themselves hounded with negative thoughts. Feelings of worry, anxiousness or restlessness can become quite intense as our emotions get associated with our thoughts. In concentration, the continuous activity of the mind is restricted. We are able to stop all these unwanted thoughts in our head by focusing on something else. The practice of concentration can include focusing the mind on the breath, a flame, affirmations or even prayer. An established dharana technique will help to free you from the unwanted mental and emotional thoughts, leaving you feeling mentally rejuvenated.<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Meditation (Dhyana)</strong><br /><br />Let’s try to stop our thoughts for a just minute and empty the mind. It is almost impossible! What we can do instead, is observe the mind. When we observe our mind, our thought processes start to slow down. This is meditation; the art of quietening the mind. This method allows us to go into self-inquiry and start to understand the causes that motivate our thoughts, emotions and actions. These thoughts, if negative, can then be replaced with positive ones.<br /><br />Similarly, psychologists are now using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as a method to help individuals with mental stress. It has been especially proven effective with individuals suffering from depression and is preferred as an alternative to medication. CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviour and if we are able to change the way we think, we will feel better. Meditation does exactly the same.<br /><br />Meditation is one of the most researched practices in Yoga due to its healing benefits to the body and mind. If practiced correctly, meditation can produce a deep state of relaxation and a serene mind. It gives you a sense of calm, peace and emotional stability. The effects of meditation don’t just end once you finish the practice. Meditation can have an enduring effect on your emotional and physical well being. The best part about meditation is that it is inexpensive and doesn’t require any special equipment. It can be practiced anywhere with just a few minutes a day to achieve the benefits.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br /><br /><p>Most of us experience mental disturbances of one type or another in some point of our lives. We have to deal with stress, conflicts and the intensity of modern living which can make us unhappy and depressed. Sometimes, the pressure gets too much to handle and we fall into a spiral of despair. The severity of our mental illness determines if we require medical intervention. Unfortunately, the hardest part of this is admitting that we have a problem and dealing with it appropriately.<br /><br />The methods discussed above are not exhaustive and is in no way meant to be an alternative for medical treatment. Yoga, being an ancient art, has its own way of dealing with inner turmoil and can compliment medical treatment by reducing the intensity of mental stress and also alleviate unwanted side effects of medication. It is 100% natural and drug free with enduring benefits. However, it is important to note that Yoga has to be learnt under the guidance of a qualified instructor to ensure safe techniques are maintained. If unsure, seek medical advice before starting Yoga.<br /><br />The benefits of Yoga on mental health:<br /></p><ol><li>Reduces the intake of medication and harmful side effects</li><li>Releases negative energy from the body</li><li>Promotes positive thinking</li><li>Strengthens the mind allowing a person more control over their thoughts</li><li>Increases concentration</li><li>Focus within- detachment of the external</li><li>Releases endorphins in the brain that increases feeling of well-being</li><li>Relieves stress and relaxes the body</li><li>Calms the flow of breath and quiets the mind</li><li>Massages organs and glands in the body producing a healing chemical balance</li><li>Improves the nervous systems</li></ol><br /></span>Maya Yoga Samudraahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007572361739591837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442122764079318255.post-16978144076339910502009-06-14T18:05:00.000-07:002010-01-13T01:58:34.904-08:00A Breath of Fresh Air<em><span style="font-size:85%;">by Dr. Marium Murad - Maya Yoga Samudraa Student</span></em><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><strong>“Half a breath, half a life”.</strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></strong><br /><p>Modern science regards food as the source of energy for the body and has formulated a caloric theory, which is based on nutrition and state of the body to explain our daily food requirements.</p><br /><span id="fullpost"><br /><p>In Yogic belief, the energy (prana) required for the human existence is acquired through the air we breathe. Although a lesser quantity of energy is still obtained from the absorption of food and water. Principally, energy is absorbed through exposed nerve endings in the nostrils from the inhaled air that passes over them and through the nerve endings in the mouth and the back of the throat. The skin also absorbs energy directly from the environment. Breathing should be slow and relaxed to allow sufficient time for energy absorption. Food should be well chewed and water sipped slowly and allowed to remain in the mouth for a few seconds so that the energy gets absorbed from it.<br /><br />Rarely does anyone stop to notice his or her style of breathing. In today’s hectic and busy lifestyle we routinely see our fellow friends chew and speak at the same time, while gulping down large quantities of air from the mouth for breathing. Plus a quick sip of liquid to help the large, relatively unchewed morsel of our on-the-go meal to flush down while carrying on a friendly lunch conversation at the same time. The result of our meal is relatively unchewed large chunks of food, diluted with cold beverage or hot tea/coffee. Only adding more strain to the digestive system. Our working style not any better, as most spend long hours hunched over our computers, greatly restricting our lungs to expand fully and compressing the heart at the same time.<br /><br />If, for a moment, we put our index finger immediately below our nostril, do we become aware of the fact that we predominantly breathe from one nostril. Truly amazing how this can be when physically both nostrils are wide open. More astonishingly the predominant nostril we breathe from can change during the course of 24 hours. Why and how does it change? I haven’t got a cold or a nasal defect! The more I learn about Yoga, the more I get interested in finding out the amazing facts of this fast spreading phenomenon.<br /><br />Energy, just like electric energy, has positive and negative force. The positive energy force, “pingala”, flows in through the right nostril to the right part of the nervous system, while the negative force, “ida nadi”, flows through the left nostril into the left side of the nervous system. The positive energy feeds the major organs, while the negative feeds the muscles, bones and tissues. The art of Yoga teaches us to strike a balance in the flow of these two energies. Through different terminologies focusing on the same concept, Yoga states that the right side is the hot (solar), male side, while the left side is considered to be cooling (lunar), female side.<br /><br />According to yogic science, the act of respiration is four- fold:</p><ol><li>inhalation</li><li>an inhalatory pause</li><li>expiration</li><li>an expiratory pause</li></ol><p>During inhalation and exhalation, the body energy is in a state of speed and expansion, during the pause the inner energy is in a natural state of contraction or rest. When the breathing is fast and irregular, the body energy is in a state of activity with short pause periods. As a result, the perception is unclear and mind disturbed. When the breathing is slow, deep and regular, the pause periods are longer. The body energy is calm and the power of receptivity and concentration of the mind increases. If you notice, anxiety patients are shallow, rapid breathers. Anxiety and breathing are interlinked, that helping one improves the other.<br /><br />Breathing is a natural, involuntary, physiological phenomenon. So why regulate or control breathing? The regulation of breath is called Pranayama. In Sanskrit “prana” means breath and “ayama” means control, therefore a control in the movement of breath. Pranayama is one of the eight limbs of Yoga. It is the link between the body and the mind, regulating and conditioning both. Pranayama restores the harmonious functioning of the different systems working in the human body by exercising or massaging the internal organs through the movement of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. In Yoga, the breath and the body are inseparable. Each movement is connected to each breath, likewise the breath is connected to each movement. All Yoga postures coordinate with the breath.<br /><br />Learning the art of correct breathing requires the guidance of a qualified and experienced teacher. This is of great importance to be able to gain the maximum benefits of Pranayama. I am extremely fortunate to have found an invaluable Yoga teacher coming from a family lineage of classic Yoga teachers from India. Sue explains and talks in such a unique style because she’s got Yoga in her genes and circulating in her blood. Sue taught me how to do Yoga breathing to “vacuum out” the lungs. Giving me scientific facts and health tips along the way.<br /><br />Breathing can be practiced by anyone from children, young adults, adults to the elderly. It also helps with individuals suffering from various ailments, smokers, drug addicts, alcoholics, on medications, anxiety, nervousness, dizziness and headaches.<br /><br />The benefits of Pranayama are numerous:</p><ol><li>Ensures better supply of oxygen to the blood and elimination of carbon dioxide.</li><li>Pranayama is the only exercise that can indirectly massage the heart and tone it.</li><li>The nerves and endocrine glands are made healthier by a more liberal supply of pure blood.</li><li>The brain and spinal nerves are massaged by internal pressure and by the supply of pure blood.</li><li>Decreases life stresses and calms the mind.</li><li>Improves focus, concentration and memory.</li></ol><p>Breathing is so essential to our existence that life begins with our first inspiration and our final farewell is our last expiration.</p><br /></span>Maya Yoga Samudraahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007572361739591837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1442122764079318255.post-45394372418696171862009-06-03T23:17:00.000-07:002010-01-13T02:02:27.440-08:00An Introduction to the Principal - Datin Siti Suleiha Suguna<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLLKidSASdlOLKSRcHak39REH4m1ihyphenhyphen5wVe5qbC2bg8CjgQIMbrrA4ZC-qvdlI8SZHz9XS9uJyDmU7wqVJWs99HKhhjIn3WJiRcEbsmQ6PD7TkbVDV5Ehb3TuRhRD1PgKBW6Z5cW2/s1600-h/sue01.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343354426867254034" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 129px; height: 90px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLLKidSASdlOLKSRcHak39REH4m1ihyphenhyphen5wVe5qbC2bg8CjgQIMbrrA4ZC-qvdlI8SZHz9XS9uJyDmU7wqVJWs99HKhhjIn3WJiRcEbsmQ6PD7TkbVDV5Ehb3TuRhRD1PgKBW6Z5cW2/s320/sue01.jpg" border="0" /></a>Datin Siti Suleiha Suguna, is a 6th generation yoga trainer and has 40 years of experience teaching yoga. Her yogic journey began at the tender age of 7 under the tutelage and guidance of her father, Professor H.A. Rao, a renowned yogi.<br /><span id="fullpost"><br /><div>It was her father’s vision to bring yoga to a wider audience and she traveled with her father on many international tours promoting and establishing yoga institutions globally, especially in Japan where he was responsible for establishing almost 2000 yoga centers.<br />Her father, as a yoga ambassador, demonstrated how yoga therapies can cure illness, disease and various medical conditions. As a result, a particular forte of Datin Suleiha is Yoga Therapy where she has been able to help relieve and/or cure illnesses such as back and neck pain, constipation and skin disorders.<br /></div><br /><div>Datin Suleiha has been featured in newspapers and numerous women, health and lifestyle magazines. She has travelled extensively conducting courses and seminars for organizations and associations both locally and internationally.<br /></div><br /><div>Her milestones include:<br /></div><br /><ol><br /><li>The opening of Maya Yoga Studio, in Mac 2006. In October 2008, Maya Yoga Studio opened in Melbourne, Australia. From Feb 2009, Maya Yoga Studio in Kuala Lumpur and Melbourne operate under the name Maya Yoga Samudraa.</li><br /><li>Organised and conducted Yoga Retreats focusing on various aspects of Yoga:<br />Mac 2009 - Yoga Retreat on “Breath …. The Vehicle to Inner Journey” in Bali, Indonesia.<br />Mac 2008 – Yoga Retreat on “The Unfolding of the Consciousness” in Chiang Mai. Thailand.<br />July 2006 – Yoga Retreat on “The Science of Prana” in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia.<br />Mac 2006 – Yoga Retreat on “Yoga: The True Art” in Lucky Valley, Rompin, Malaysia.</li><br /><li>Talk on “Balanced Living through Yoga” at the Rotary Club of Subang in Oct 2007.<br />Conducted a workshop on Pranayama at Maya Yoga Studio in May 2007.</li><br /><li>Speaker on “Yoga for Managing Menopause and Preventing Osteoporosis” at the 1st International Conference and Exhibition on Women’s Health and Asian Traditional Medicine (WHAT) organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2005.</li><br /><li>Conducted a series of seminars and lectures for the Singapore Ladies Club and Rotary Club in 1994.</li><br /><li>Produced and launched the first Yoga Video series in 1992 at the Cannes Film Festival. She became the first Malaysian woman to venture into such a project.</li><br /><li>Talk on “Complete Yoga” organized by the Malaysian Australian New Zealand Association (MANZA) in 1982.</li><br /><li>Conducted stress management courses for Petronas in 1980.She is also the first woman to hold Yoga classes at the Royal Lake Club Kuala Lumpur from 1980 to 1985.</li></ol><br /></span>Maya Yoga Samudraahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007572361739591837noreply@blogger.com0