The word yoga, from the Sanskrit word yuj means to yoke or bind and is often interpreted as “union” or a method of discipline. A male who practices yoga is called a yogi, a female practitioner, a yogini.
The Indian sage Patanjali is believed to have collated the practice of yoga into the Yoga Sutra an estimated 2,000 years ago. The Sutra is a collection of 195 statements that serves as a philosophical guidebook for most of the yoga that is practiced today. It also outlines eight limbs of yoga: the yamas (restraints), niyamas (observances), asana(postures), pranayama (breathing), pratyahara (withdrawal of senses),dharana (concentration), dhyani (meditation), and samadhi(absorption). As we explore these eight limbs, we begin by refining our behaviour in the outer world, and then we focus inwardly until we reach samadhi (liberation, enlightenment).
Today most people practicing yoga are engaged in the third limb, asana, which is a program of physical postures designed to purify the body and provide the physical strength and stamina required for long periods of meditation.
Benefits of Yoga
For the Mind |
For the Body |
| Improved intuition. | Increased core strength. |
| Increased self-acceptance. | Lowered blood pressure. |
| Improved concentration. | Weight management. |
| Neutralised stress. | Improved digestion. |
| Improved memory. | Improved circulation. |
| Increased awareness. | Body detoxification. |
| Focus on the present. | Pain and tension relief. |
| Increased Confidence. | Increased flexibility. |
| Unlock the energy flow. | Improved posture. |
| Balanced hemispheres. | Increased immunity. |
The Beginner’s Programme
The Beginner’s programme is meant to induct members into a long journey to wellness, good health and peace of mind through the correct understanding and practice of yoga.
You will go through a training on how to breathe properly, how to exercise, and how to relax. you will understand the importance and techniques of asanas and pranayamas, and the proper method of doing the Surya Namaskar.
You will also see the demonstrations of postures, and practice, and correct everything. You will also understand briefly, the philosophy and aim of yoga, and how you can get the maximum benefit for yourself and your family. The Beginner’s programme is for eight hours, split over four classes. Without participating in the programme, long term benefits cannot be guaranteed.
Please make adequate arrangements so that you can attend at least two beginner’s sessions within the first month of joining Yogalaya for regular classes.
Structure of a Yoga Session on Weekdays
Initial prayer (Dhayana Slokas)
Pranayama (Breathing)
Surya Namaskar (Warm up)
Asanas (Steady Postures)
Final Relaxation (Corpse Posture)
Final prayer (Mahamrityunjaya Mantra and Peace chants)