What is yoga ?

Today everyone knows what yoga is but their understanding is mostly limited to physical
postures, known as Asanas. But does yoga means physical poses? To find the answer we
need to understand the definitions of yoga in the ancient texts. These ancient texts are giving
a powerful message of yoga which is much deeper than what we understand.

Yoga is a word from Sanskrit language which means join, 2 or more things are needed to
join. And when 2 or more objects are joined, then it becomes one object. There is connection
and harmony between 2 objects which have become one. So yoga is all about oneness,
experience of oneness, feeling of harmony.

Yoga Scripts
1. ASHTANGA YOGA - IN YOGA SUTRAS, PATANJALI DEFINES YOGA AS

“Yogah Chitta Vritti Nirodhah” - Chitt – mind, Vritti – functioning of mind, Nirodha –control
Yoga is to control the functioning of the mind. We have our thoughts, emotions, feelings and
conditionings in the mind. It is very difficult to control. Yoga is the technique to control all
these functions of the mind.

2 BHAGAVAD GITA – LORD KRISHNA DEFINES YOGA

Lord Krishna defines yoga as “Samatvam Yoga Uchyate” – Samatva – balanced state,
Uchyate – said to be

Yoga is a balanced state. Yoga is a balanced state of the body and mind. Yoga is a balanced
state of emotions. Yoga is a balanced state of thoughts and intellect. Yoga is a balanced state
of behaviour. We are excited in the situation of pleasure and we become sad when it is a
negative situation. Yoga is to maintain equilibrium of the mind in any situation. This
equanimity of mind is the ultimate objective of yoga.

3. BHAGAVAD GITA- LORD KRISHNA GIVES ANOTHER DEFINITION OF YOGA.

Lord Krishna gives another definition of yoga. “Yogah karmasu kaushalam” – karma – action
/ behavior / any change in time and space, kaushalam – skill / efficiency / perfect or
appropriate behavior

Yoga is perfectly skilled action or behavior. Perfect action is positive action for our evolution
and positive life. Perfect action leads to positive health on a physical and mental level. All
our actions should be to avoid negative experiences in life, so any behaviour causing negative
experience should be avoided. For example, getting angry is harmful for our body and mind,
and therefore should be controlled. If stress and anxiety are bad for health then our action
should be such that stress and anxiety does not disturb that positive state of mind.

4. YOGA VASHISHTHA

– In Yoga Vashishtha, Guru of Lord Rama Sage Vashishtha defines yoga as “Yoga mana
prashmana upayah” – mana – mind, prashmana – perfectly peaceful and silent, upay –
remedy, cure

Yoga is a cure for the mind to become perfectly steady and peaceful. Our natural state of
mind is peaceful and without any distractions, disturbances, difficulties and distress. Yoga is
the path to reach this natural state.

Yoga’s approach is simple. If the mind is not controlled then the body will also not be under
control. If the mind is not healthy then body will not be healthy. Research has shown that
every thought in the mind affects the brain, nervous system and all other organs in the body.
Negative thoughts and emotions disturb the balance of the nervous system and all other
organs. This is the cause of all diseases of the body and mind, so control of the mind is
essential for physical and mental health.

A balanced lifestyle is essential for the harmony of mind and body. This lifestyle is connected
with nature and therefore making our life more nature friendly is the positive way to health.
Yoga is to harmonize th
HISTORY OF YOGA
PRE-CLASSICAL YOGA
VEDAS - 10,000 BC - 500 BC

First mention of science of yoga is in ancient texts of vedas, which are more than 10000 years
old. The oldest copy of vedas found is about 7500 years old. But it is believed that Vedas
were orally transmitted for much longer than 10 000yrs or even more.

The Vedas were a collection of science of Mother Nature, agriculture, mathematics,

astronomy, social sciences, ethics & morality, culture, arts, Ayurveda, and much more. Vedas
are composed in to sacred songs, mantras and rituals which were taught during that time.
Vedas have four parts, Aranyaka, Samhita, Brahman and Upanishads. In Upanishads, the first
explicit references to yoga appear. Concepts of withdrawing the senses, controlling the mind,
and attaining liberation are the main objectives in Upanishads.

There are four vedas, Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda

Archaeological Remains

The earliest verifiable traces of yoga date back over 5,000 years ago to the Aryan civilization
in the Indus Valley. Archaeological excavations from the region uncovered numerous seals
depicting a human figure sitting in a meditative position.
 RAMAYANA

About 7000 years old, a true story of Lord Rama, is very important to the science of Yoga.
The Ramayana consists of 24,000 verses and tells the story of King Rama of Ayodhya
kingdom whose life is all about pain and suffering. But in this testing and difficult time, King
Rama maintains his balance, lives virtuous life without compromising on principles and
values of life.

All his actions are for fulfilling duties and responsibilities for others. Despite of this altruistic
and unselfish life, he is happy and peaceful at every moment. This is the real idea of yoga.

MAHABAHARATA
Another very important true story for science of yoga is Mahabharata. It is the story of most
important Yoga Master, Lord Krishna who lived about 5000 years ago. The Mahabharata is
written by the Sage Vyasa, which is one of the longest known epic poems consisting of over
200,000 individual verse lines. This text includes the Bhagavad Gita, which is most relevant
ancient text for yoga. Bhagavad Gita is also known as Yoga Psychology, or Science of life. It
contains solutions to the problems of human life. Bhagavad Gita has inspired generations,
and great civilizations who followed the teachings of Bhagavad Gita. Many wise people,
seers, yoga masters regarded Gita as the most precious knowledge.

Bhagavad Gita is a dialogue between Lord Krishna who symbolises supreme consciousness
and Prince Arjuna who represents human consciousness. Prince Arjuna asks questions to
Lord Krishna about his problems. Arjuna is in a state of depression, and despondency. Lord
Krishna helps him realise the purpose of life, meaning of life and inspires Prince Arjuna to
live his life in contentment and peace. Lord Krishna explains the concepts of dharma, karma
yoga, bhakti yoga and jnana yoga.

CLASSICAL YOGA – 500 BC

Very systematic processes of yoga were written by great Sage Patanjali in 500BC. He wrote
Yoga Sutras to explain the process and systematic analysis of practical methods for
awakening and expanding the higher faculties of mind, intellect, quality of consciousness.
His path of Ashtanga yoga included yamas and niyamas, Asanas, Pranayama, Pratyahara,
Dharana, Dhyan, Samadhi. Yoga Sutras are concisely packed 196 lines in Sanskrit which are
divided into 4 chapters.

POST-CLASSICAL YOGA - 800 AD

Shankaracharya – A revolutionary Yoga Master who lived in 800 AD, reenergized the yoga
culture. He united various yoga traditions, sorted the ideological differences and gave science
of yoga a wider appeal. He wrote commentaries on Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, Vedant
philosophy, which are wonderful insights in to science of yoga. He founded the tradition of
Swami Sannyasa or monks who played a very positive role in society after that.

(HATHA YOGA) 600 AD - 1500 AD

Hatha Yoga, the most popular tradition of yoga was developed during 600 to 1500 AD. Hatha
Yoga focuses on strengthening and purification of body – mind. Harmony of body and mind
is the main objective and is achieved by practice of asanas, cleansing, pranayama, mudras,
bandhas. Hatha yoga was founded by Sage Matsyendranath and Gorakhnath. This form of
yoga was more practical and helped everyone improve their health.MODERN TIMES
1890'S

In the late 19th century, yoga started traveling to the west. The first of the masters was
Swami Vivekananda who wowed the audience at a lecture on yoga in Chicago in 1897. He
was a disciple of Ramakrishna Paramhansa from Kolkata in india. Swami Vivekananda was a
sannyasi (monk) and he presented the true picture of science of yoga and convinced
intellectuals in the west about importance of yoga for humanity. His lectures on Bhagavad
Gita, Karma Yoga, Ashtanga yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga are real inspirations to every
yoga follower. He founded an organization Ramkrishna Mission which works for keeping the
pure spiritual traditions of yoga alive and to uplift the society.
 Schools of Yoga
HATHA YOGA

The term Hatha Yoga has been commonly used to describe the practice of asana (postures).
The syllable 'ha' denotes the pranic (vital) force governing the physical body and 'tha' denotes
the chitta (mental) force thus making Hatha Yoga a catalyst to an awakening of the two
energies that govern our lives. More correctly the techniques described in Hatha Yoga
harmonise and purify the body systems and focus the mind in preparation for more advanced
chakra and kundalini practices.

The Hatha Yoga system includes asana along with the six shatkarmas (physical and mental
detox techniques), mudras and bandhas (psycho-physiological energy release techniques)
and Pranayama(pranic awakening practices). Fine tuning of the human personality at
increasingly subtle levels leads to higher states of awareness and meditation.

1. Yogasana(Yoga positions)
2. Six shatkarmas(physical and mental detox techniques)
3. Mudras and Bandhas(psycho-physiological energy release techniques)
4. Pranayama
 JNANA YOGA

Jnana Yoga is the process of converting intellectual knowledge into practical wisdom. It is a
discovery of human dharma in relation to nature and the universe. Jnana Yoga is described by
tradition as a means to obtain the highest meditative state and inner knowledge.

Jnana literally means 'knowledge', but in the context of yoga it means the process of
meditative awareness which leads to illuminative wisdom. It is not a method by which we try
to find rational answers to eternal questions, rather it is a part of meditation leading to self-
enquiry and self-realisation.

Some of the components of Jnana Yoga are :

1. Not believing but realising

2. Self-awareness leading to self-analysis
3. Experiencing knowledge
4. Realising the personal nature
5. Developing intuitive wisdom
6. Experiencing inner unity
 MANTRA YOGA

Japa Yoga, Requirements, State of Consciousness in Matra Yoga, Methods of Chanting,

Effects of Mantra, How to Practice & Rules of Mantra Chanting)

Mantra Yoga has its origin in Vedic Sciences and also in Tantra, in fact all the verses in
Vedas are called mantras, it is said that any person who can chant or sing Vedas can achieve
the ultimate salvation or union with supreme consciousness only by chanting the mantras,
which is the aim Mantra Yoga

BHAKTI YOGA

Bhakti is a Yoga of devotion or complete faith. This faith is generally in the God or supreme
consciousness in any of the forms. It may be Lord Rama, Krishna, Christ, Mohammed,
Buddha etc. It may be a Guru for his disciples.
Important thing is the person interested in following this path should have very strong
emotional bond with the object of faith. The flow of emotional energy is directed to this
object. Mostly people suppress their emotions and that often reflects in the form of physical
and mental disorders. This Bhakti Yoga releases those suppressed emotions and brings the
purification of inner self.

Continuous meditation of God or object of faith gradually decrease the ego of the
practitioner, which further prevents new distractions, fickleness or even pain and induces
strong bonds of love. Slowly the practitioner looses the self identity and becomes one with
the object of faith, this is a state of self realization.

KUNDALINI YOGA (FROM THE TANTRAS)

Japa Yoga, Requirements, State of Consciousness in Matra Yoga, Methods of Chanting,

Effects of Mantra, How to Practice & Rules of Mantra Chanting)

This system of Yoga is concerned with awakening of the psychic centers or chakras, which
exists in every individual. (Please refer to the figure) There are six main chakras in the human
beings.

The mind is made up of different subtle layers. Each of these layers progressively are
associated with the higher levels of consciousness. Each of these levels are related to the
different chakra or psychic center located throughout the psychic body. There are no of other
chakras apart from the six main, which are associated with planes below the human level. In
all we have chakras that connect us to animal levels of mind, to the instinctive realms of
being or to the sublime heights of consciousness.

In Kundalini Yoga, higher-level chakras are awakened and also the activities associated with
these higher psychic centers.The basic method of awakening involves deep concentration on
these chakras and forcing their arousal. Asanas, pranayama, mudra and bandha and other
forms of Yoga such as Mantra Yoga are also used to stimulate the awakening.
 KARMA YOGA

Karma Yoga is a path of devotion to the work. One looses his identity while working, only
selfless work remains. This state is very difficult to achieve. Generally some rewards or
incentives or outcome follows the work and one is attached to this reward or incentive. This
is not the Karma Yoga. Non-attachment with the work and becoming the perfect instrument
of the super consciousness in this manifested universe is the ultimate aim of Karma Yoga.

In the initial stages of Karma Yoga, individual possesses strong sense of ego and consciously
or unconsciously he is attached to the fruits of his efforts or at least praise or recognition but
by continuous involvement in the work and change in mental attitude, one can surely
disassociate himself from the ego and his own personality. In this state the work becomes
worship to the God, it becomes spiritual, also the individual becomes expert, skilled and
Yogi. He achieves stability of mind in all conditions, he is not disturbed or excited or happy
in any of the situations. He becomes divine & his actions represent God's will.

The essence of Karma Yoga as extracted from 'Bhagvad Gita' says: The world confined in its
own activity except when actions are performed as worship of God. Therefore one must
perform every action sacramentally and be free of your attachments to the results.
 KRIYA YOGA

The word kriya means 'activity' or 'movement' and refers to the activity or movement of
consciousness. Kriya also refers to a type of practical or preliminary practice leading to total
union, the final result of practice. Kriya Yoga does not curb mental fluctuations but purposely
creates activity and awakening in consciousness. In this way all faculties are harmonised and
flower into their fullest potential.

Kriya Yoga originated in antiquity and evolved over time through practise and experience.
The full form of Kriya Yoga consists of over 70 kriyas out of which only 20 or so are
commonly known.

The kriya practices are inscribed in numerous tantric texts written in Sanskrit. To date only a
few of these have been translated into other languages. The most authoritative magna opus on
the subject of Kriya.

The practices of Kriya Yoga were propagated by Swami Satyananda Saraswati from secret
teachings described in the Yoga and Tantra Shastras. The kriyas, as taught by Satyananda
Yoga?, are one of only two systems of Kriya Yoga recognized the world over, the other being
that of Paramahamsa Yogananda.

RAJA YOGA

aja Yoga usually refers to the system of yoga that is described in the Yoga Sutras of Sage
Patanjali. In this ancient text Sage Patanjali describes eight stages of yoga which are known
collectively as Raja Yoga.

Raja Yoga is a comprehensive yoga system which deals with the refinement of human
behaviour and personality through the practice of the yamas (restraint) and niyamas
(disciplines); attainment of physical health and vitality through asanas (postures) and
pranayamas (pranic breathing techniques); management of mental and emotional conflicts
and development of awareness and concentration through pratyahara (sensory withdrawal)
and dharana (concentration); and developing the creative aspect of consciousness for
transcendental awareness through dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (absorption in the
universal identity).
 INTRODUCTION TO ASHTANGA YOGA

In Sanskrit "Ashta + anga" is ashtanga. "Ashta" means Eight and "Anga" is limbs so it
means Eight Limb path, Ashtanga yoga is based on Yoga Philosophy of Patanjali. The
asanas, Pranayamas or the dharana which we have studied earlier or the yam and niyam
are based on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Hence, we will acquaint ourselves with the
fundamentals as stated by Patanjali first.

HISTORY OF ASHTANGA YOGA

Yoga has its roots about 5000 years BC as described in Vedic Philosophy and Tantras.
Patanjali , great sage composed this path into a Darshan(Philosophy) in his Book Patanjal
Yoga Sutra. In which he has formulated Yoga as a Eight Limbs or Eight Fold path.

EIGHT LIMBS OF ASHTANGA YOGA

1. Yama (Principles or moral code)

o Ahimsa - A principle of non-violence
o Satya - A principle of Truthfulness
o Asteya - A principle of non stealing
o Brahmacharya - Continence / Celibacy
o Aparigah - A principle of non-hoarding or non possessiveness
2. Niyama (Personal Disciplines)
o Shoucha - Purity
o Santosh - Contentment
o Tapa - Endurance
o Swadhyaya - Self study
o Eshwar Pranidhan - Dedication
3. Asana (Yoga Positions or Yogic Postures)

A stable and comfortable posture which helps attain mental equilibrium.

4. Pranayama (Yogic Breathing)

Extension and control of breath.

5. Pratyahara (Withdrawal of Senses)

A mental preparation to increase the power of mind.

 6. Dharana (Concentration on Object)

Concentration of mind on one object and its field.

7. Dhyan (Meditation)

With drawing mind from all external objects and Focusing it on one point and
meditating on it.

8. Samadhi (Salvation)
State of Super bliss, joy and merging individual consciousness in to universal
consciousness. Union between Jivatman and Paramatman. Union of Shiva and
Shakti in Sahasrar Chakra (the top of the head). Realizing the Bramhan (pure
consciousness) or Realization of God is the ultimate achievement of Human Birth.

SWARA YOGA

Swara is Sanskrit word, meaning sound or note. It is also a continuous flow of air through
one nostril. Yoga means union, so Swara yoga is a science which is realization of cosmic
consciousness through control and manipulation of breath.

Swara Yoga is science which is a complete study, observations, control and manipulation
of breath or Swara. Pranayama is only related to control of breath in various ways. In
swara yoga, you will find association of breath in relation to activities of sun, moon,
various seasons, physical and mental conditions of individuals etc. So Swara Yoga is more
comprehensive in theory and practices related to breath.

Applications of Swara Yoga as per Sanskrti Text "Shiva Swarodaya" -

Swara yoga is useful while initiating any action starting from waking up in the morning,
having bath, eating, involving in different types of works, mental activities, physical
activities etc. One can easily make out that Swara Yoga touches all parts of human life.

Few applications of Swara Yoga

 Fighting wars, Overcome enemy, winning friends

 Gaining wealth, prosperity, popularity
 Winning favor of king
 Knowledge of past, present & future
  Achieving sound mental, physical & spiritual health
 Swara in Daily Life
o Journey, eating, exercising, working, excreting, sleeping
o For Yoga & Meditation
3 Types of Swara

There are 3 main swara, Ida Nadi or Left Swara (Nadi is flow of pranic energy in body),
Pingala Nadi or Right Swara and Sushumna or third Swara.

 Ida / Lunar / Left Swara - The breath through left nostril

 Ida Nadi located on the Left side of spinal Cord
 It represents Moon / female Shakti (Energy) principle
 Left Swara is associated with Mental Activities, Parasympathetic nervous system
(relaxation)
 Connection to right hemisphere of brain
 Left Swara is considered to be Auspicious, smooth & virtuous
 Bright fortnight (15 days starting from next day of no moon to full moon day)
 Fruitful results when Left Swara is active on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday,
Monday.
 Zodiac signs during Lunar flow - tauras, cancer, virgo, scorpio, capricorn, pisces
 Pingala / Solar or Right Swara - The breath through right nostril
 Pingala Nadi located on the right side of spinal Cord
 It represents Sun / Male Shiva(consciousness) principle
 Right Swara is associated with Pranic activities (Physical activities), Sympathetic
nervous system (fight or flight response / stress response)
 Connection to left hemisphere of brain
 Right Swara is considered as Rough, non virtuous
 Dominance during dark fortnight (15 days from the next day of full moon to no
moon)
 Right Swara gives fruitful results Sunday, Saturday, Tuesday
 Zodiac signs during Solar flow - aries, aquarious, libra, gemini, sagittarius
Acts to be performed when Left Swara is Active

 All auspicious acts

 Stable, permanent actions
 Purchasing jewelry, clothes, journey etc
 Construction of house
 Offices, temple etc.
 Marriages, religious rights, peaceful work
 Treating incurable diseases
Acts to be performed when Right Swara is Active
  Extreme tantra techniques
 Meanest & worst actions
 Drinking wine, destroying enemies
 Sensual pleasures
 Work requiring extreme dynamism
 Physical work
 Solving mathematics
 Eating, gratifying senses, captivating women
Third Swara "Sushumna"

 Located Center of the spinal cord

 It represents "Shiva" (pure consciousness) in the state of "So-Ham"
 Sushumna is said to be active when Left & right swara flows together
 No worldly action recommended, work gives no result
 It indicates non attachment to the mundane things
 While third Swara is active Meditation recommended
Rhythms of Swara

 Each Swara (Left and Right) Alternates in 60 Min - One Swara is active for about 1
to 1.5 hours depends on individual, and after that 2nd Swara starts flowing, this
cycle continues during day and night.
 These Swara Activities are related to Moon phases
 Sunrise timing is crucial - Generally for healthy people the Swara should change at
the time of sunrise and sunset.
 Lunar / left Swara
 Active during 1st 3 days of Bright fortnight at sunrise
 Right / solar Swara
 Active during 1st 3 days of dark fortnight at sunrise
Readjusting the Swara

 Close active nostril with finger or cotton wool

 Inhale through active nostril & exhale through inactive
 Apply pressure to the armpit of the active nostril
 Lie down on the same side of the active nostril
 Cold bath or hot water changes the Swara
 Food consumed changes Swara
o Chilli, ginger - Solar / right Swara
o Yogurt, bananas - left / lunar Swara
Swara Indication - Physical & Mental activities
Common Cold - common cold indicates dominating Left Swara, which indicates cold. One
can change this dominating left swara to right swara and cure the common cold or other
diseases.

Acidity - if Right swara dominates, it indicates the person will suffer from either acidity or
fever. Right Swara is Hot in nature.

Swara Yoga is still unexplored area and lot of scientific research needs to be carried out
before all facts and exact relation of Swara and physical and mental activities is known.

Hari Om-

Suffering is disease, contentment is good health.

No man is truly healthy who does not possess a sound body, a sound mind and a sound
soul.
(Rig-Veda)

(A) AYURVEDA IN NUTSHELL

Each and every person in this Universe should be disease free.

No one should remain sick and ill. Every person's life should be healthy
May every person live happy, long and healthy life?

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science is originated from one of the four division of
"Vedas" i.e. 'Atharva Veda`. Ayurveda has honourable, holistic background of Indian
culture. Ayurveda, the science of life. Ayurveda, the science of medical truths from
ancient India based on science, religion and philosophy.

The logic of Ayurveda prescribes a whole way of life, based on knowledge and awareness
that man is interdependent with all other forms of life. Ayurveda believe that spirit is
described as the intelligence of life and matter as it's energy!

(B) WHAT IT DOES FOR YOU

The basic aim of ayurveda is to maintain health of the healthy. And to free every person of
the world disease free. Ayurveda is "Sanskrit Word " "Ayu" means life span. Ayu means
composition of body, soul and mind. Physio - Chemical basis (five elements of nature
which are present in body) is 'Ayu'. Ayu means your living body. The 'Veda' means
science which describes about 'Ayu '.

Simply speaking, Ayurveda means science of life. The man who recognizes how he is
linked with universal life is a man who possesses a sound soul because he is not isolated
form his own energies, nor from the energies of nature. But as the highest form of life.
The logic of Ayurvedic Philosophy with its insistence on maintaining nature's equilibrium
continues by observing that if a man's spiritual health is dependant on his ability to live in
harmony with the external universe, his mental health must depend on his ability to live in
harmony with himself.

Ayurveda saw every illness and every form of health as part of an interlocking whole, a
man's mental condition was seen as having both a physical and a social impact. The
morally ill man was also the mentally ill man. From its very origins this science paid as
much attention to the illness of the mind as to illness of the body. To calm the mind and
reinforce its own balance, Ayurveda noted the ways in which aromatics, diet, even
cosmetics could help sustain mental equilibrium.

Traditional form of medicine, like Ayurveda was developed by ancient sages. So perceived
the universe as a constant play of energies, which when imbalanced in the body, lead to
discomfort or disease. Our role is to restore harmony to the body-mind environment.

(C) ORIGIN OF AYURVEDAS

As described earlier Ayurveda is a division of Atharvaveda. All four vedas are said to have
been originated form Lord Brahama, who is regarded as the creator of the Globe.
Subsequently the knowledge of ancient medicine of Ayurveda is supposed to have been
passed on from Lord Brahma to Lord Indra, The king of God. Lateron Ashwinikumar
learnt this science from Lord Indra . He invented the famous therapy of rejuvenation and
pioneered the technique of plastic surgery.

Lord Dhanvantari the disciple of Ashwinikumar. The God of medicine, used traditional
and ancient science of Ayurveda for the well being of entire society. His illustrious
followers followed suit and continued the good work of spreading the message of
Ayurveda for and wild.

TIME / PERIOD OF ORIGIN

 This is most ancient and rich science in the history of human being.
 Period of Veda - certainly 4000 B.C. to 6000 B.C.
 Golden period - Gautam Buddha (483 B.C.)
 School of thoughts
o Atreya - 1000 B.C.
o Agnivesha - 1000 B.C.
 The treatise written by Agnivesha on Ayurvedic medicine is cretisized by charaka
so it is called as "Treatise of Charaka ".
 Sushrut, Charaka, Bharadvaj, Kashyap, the pillers of Ayurveda carried out the good
work on earlier.
 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF AYURVEDA

 Trialistic Therapy (Tridosha)

 Body layers / Body level / tissue level
o Plasma and Lymphfluids
o Red blood cells
o Muscles
o Fat and connective tissues
o Bones
o Marrow and Nerves
o Reproductive fluids
 Five elements of nature
o Earth
o Water
o Fire
o Air
o Space
 Attitudes of mind
o Harmony (Satva)
o Action (Rajo)
o Inertia (Tama)
 Four stages of life
o Dharma
o Artha
o Kama
o Moksha
 Immortility of Ayurveda
o Infinite science
o All purvasive nature
o Originated from mother 'nature'
 Dietary Habits & routine habits
 Behaviour and mental strength
TREATISE OF CHARAKA (2000 B.C.)
SPECIAL FEATURES -

 Cause, Diagnosis and Treatment.

 The clinical or scientific method of diagnosis.
 Conference.
 Pioneer herbal medicines on the plane of diagnosis.
 His own way of diagnosis & treatment.

TREATISE OF SUSHRUT (2000 B.C.)

CRITICIZED BY NAGARJUNA (5000 B.C.)
SPECIAL FEATURES -

 About dissection of dead body.

 About all major and minor surgeries.
 About ideal Hospital.
 Burn ward and care of burn patients.
 How to take care of indoor patients.
 Ideal maternity home and NICU.
 In brief about anatomy.
 Emergency services - Burn, Drowning, Hanging & Strangulation.
 Lithotomy, Obstructed labour, Piles, Haemorrhoids.
 Plastic surgery.
 Surgical instruments.
 Rhinoplasty and lip surgery.

By Kate Woodworth

There is a natural instinct within all of us to follow a healthy balanced diet. Deep down
inside we know what is good and what is not good for us but we chose to ignore the body
and mind. Regular practice of yoga helps to stimulate these natural instincts. Yoga changes
the habits and is a process of normalization.
The purpose of food should be looked at before choosing what to eat. Why do we need to
eat? To give energy to the body and mind, increase the resistance power of the body and to
develop the mind. Fresh food gives lightness, happiness, joyfulness and increases
intelligence. The food should be suitable for the mind, body, intelligence and soul.

There are no special dietary rules for asana practitioners although there are many
recommendations with the main ones being to eat natural foods and eat in moderation.
Yoga advises a vegetarian diet, particularly as it is preparation for the higher forms of
yoga. Vegetarianism has been found to promote inner calmness and harmony between the
body and mind, whilst eating meat has been linked with inner tension, anger, disharmony
and an increase in desires. Vegetarianism is the basis of a sattvic diet.

A yogic diet ideally follows a sattvic or pure food diet. A balance of fresh fruit,
vegetables, cooked whole grains, milk, legumes, nuts and seeds, using a combination of
both raw and cooked foods. These foods increase sattwa in the body because they are light,
simple and supply all the necessary nutrients. They increase our physical and mental
vitality making it easier to experience clarity, lightness and peace of mind. Rajasic foods
are prepared with much oil and spice. They create heaviness and restlessness in the mind.
Meat and fish are classified under these. Onion and garlic are also under this group as they
increase desire. Tamasic foods are foods that are old and stale. They lower the energy and
cause laziness. They include foods that are not cooked properly or chewed well and
processed foods. Stale, processed and frozen foods have lost their pranic energy. If we try
to eat only sattvic foods as much as possible we can slowly change the body chemistr y,
renewing the digestive system and taking away any strain. Ideally we should eat foods that
take minimum energy to digest, so that the remaining energy can be used for more
productive uses.

When eating it is important to fill the stomach half full with food. A quarter should be left
for water or liquids. The last quarter should be left empty for digestion to take place. This
space is necessary for the stomach to churn the food with the digestive juices. It is also
said in Hindu culture that this last quarter should be left for Lord Shiva.

Eat to satisfy hunger without getting any feelings of heaviness or laziness. It is said that
you should eat only what is needed. To find out how much you need to eat do an
experiment. One time eat until you have a feeling of fullness, being aware of how much
you are eating. From there half the amount of food, this is your requirement. There should
be enough space in the stomach so that if somebody asked you to eat a meal with them
after you had already finished your meal you could do it without any ill effects.

The timing of meals should be fixed. In this way the body begins to release digestive
secretions at a certain time. It is important not to skip meals so that the body doesn?t keep
going into panic mode and decide to store excess fat. Change the diet according to the
seasons. Don?t eat imported foods. Always try to eat what is local and fresh. If you know
your dosha/prakriti then make your food choices accordingly. Don?t eat when negative,
angry or depressed. How you are thinking effects your digestion. You should only eat
when you are happy and peaceful. When you eat focus, feel and appreciate every
mouthful, eating slowly and being thankful for the food that has been given to you.
Remember, eat to live, don?t eat to live.

We must start with the basics, the essentials for our survival, if we wish to achieve
anything in yoga. Diet and food are among these. We can only really begin to live the full
yogic lifestyle when we have gone through the first layers of our needs, desires, intuitions
and instincts, preparing us for the physical, mental, psychic and spiritual levels.

The digestive system is one of the most important systems in the body and links all the
other systems together. A poor digestive system is the core problem to many health
conditions. It is affected not just by what we eat but also by our emotions. An awareness
of the digestive processes and the choices we make in eating can help to achieve both
physical and mental balance, bringing peace and well being.

1. Life Style : Tips

For healthy life, the lifestyle should also be considered along with the diet. We can control
the diet to a considerable extent. But we cannot control much of the lifestyle. It does depend
on others, but whatever lifestyle is under our control, if we try to control it properly, we can
become more and more healthy. Hence, we will consider daily routine and seasonal routine in
this chapter.

Ayurveda has given a deep thought to the daily routine. The day starts with getting up in the
morning. The following shloka describes when one should get up in the morning.

Brahmmuhurte uttishthen swasthyaraksharthamayushah |

Tatra sarvarthashantyartham smareccha madhusudanam ||
One should get up at Brahma Muhurta. It means one and half-hours before the sunrise. At this
time, the ozone necessary for the body is adequately present in the atmosphere. The activities
of the entire world and especially of the living beings are yet to be started so the pollution is
at its minimum. The cheerful atmosphere does have an effect on the body and the mind.
Every one should get up in the morning and try to take benefit of this.

While determining the time of getting up, one should take into account the time of retiring to
bed too. Generally, seven hours sleep is sufficient. People who can sleep deeply without
disturbance can do with just 5 to 6 hours' sleep. Common people dream during the sleep and
face the problem of disturbance from time to time; hence for them seven hours' sleep is
needed. This seven hours' period and the time for getting up should be correlated so that it is
convenient. One should get up before the sunrise and keeping that in mind should decide the
time to go to bed.

After getting up from the sleep, kardarshan (viewing the palm of the hand) is advised:
Karagre Vasate Laxmi : karmadhye Saraswati |
Karmule tu Govind : Prabhate kardarshanam ||
Laxmi, Saraswati and Govind reside on the palm, so one should bow to them with respect,
this is the logic behind kardarshan. Of course, with common sense point of view, to get hold
of Laxmi ( money ) and Saraswati ( knowledge ) is in our hands only, to remind one of this
principle is the main logic behind kardarshan. Also, our eyes are closed throughout the night,
if suddenly they are opened up in the morning and the atmosphere is viewed, then there may
be some strain for the eyes, so one should put both the hands onto the eyes after getting up, so
they do not suddenly come into the contact with the atmosphere.

After kardarshan, there should be bhoomivandan ( bowing to the land ). Our life depends on
the land, before touching it with the feet, one should apologize to that shakti (Energy
Principle). There is a moral support behind this. It is a western custom to apologize after
committing a mistake, it is Indian culture to apologize before committing a mistake realizing
that the mistake has to be committed.

Samudravasane devi parvatstanmandale |

Vishnupatni namostubhyam padsparsham kshamaswa me ||

Vishunupati samutpanne shankhavarna-mahitale |

Aanek-ratnasampanne bhumidevi namo namah ||
The writer of this aphorism has described the land very poetically and with faith with the help
of his high intuition. With these kind of samskaras (training to mind), the mind can be raised
to a higher level.

After the praying to the earth (bhoomivandan), it is stated that "Chintayet aatmano hitam | " (
Think carefully about your own benefits.)
After having slept for six to seven hours at night, one should not get up suddenly in the
morning and start his daily work. One should sit peacefully and think about what is good for
him. One should plan his entire day program at this time. Mind is very calm and enthusiastic
when one gets up. The capacity to think from all the angles is at its maximum at this time. So
also there are spiritual aspects of contemplation, which accrue.

Then there is movement of bowels. Excretion immediately after getting up from the bed is
good, but due to inconvenient systems of the chawls, reading fresh newspapers first, or due to
some other reasons, this natural order is not followed. In healthy people, there are miniscule
suggestions to excrete, but if these suggestions are ignored, they go on weakening. Then the
process of excretion does not stay normal. Whenever there is some time, the process is
hurriedly carried out. Due to these habits, the health is affected.

After the bowel movement, there should be Ushahpan (Drinking Water). Nowadays, people
are not even aware of it. They feel that bed tea and ushahpan (Drinking Water) are one and
the same. Tea, as it is, is harmful to health. Bed Tea is even more harmful. Ushahpan
(Drinking Water) helps improve the health. Drinking water stored overnight in a copper
utensil, which is covered, in the morning is ushahpan (Drinking Water). This water helps the
excretion tendency and purifies the intestines in the body.

After ushahpan (Drinking Water), one should wash the mouth. Ayurveda specifies dried
twigs of from various herbs. Dried twigs of neem are the best. If it is not possible to get them,
then one should use the ash of the cow dung cakes. It should be made clean after removing
stones etc from it. If it is ground, then the stones in it also get ground and then it is harmful to
the teeth. Those who want to use the brush should use the softest one possible. Thick and
hard brush is harmful for the gums. The toothpaste, which is used with the brush contains
various chemicals, so one should use the paste as per the advice of an expert doctor. One
expert dentist has stated that water is the best paste available and the best brush is your finger.
After cleaning teeth, there is Jivha Nirlekhan Vidhi ( tongue cleaning process ). The tongue
should be cleaned with thin copper or silver plate. Lemon twig is better for this purpose. First
the tip of the twig should be chewed to make it look like a brush, and then one should brush
the teeth with that, divide the twig in between and clean the tongue with it. After washing the
mouth like this, one should do nasya and anjan. One should put some oil or drops from other
herbs into the nostrils according to his natural tendencies (prakruti). One should decide these
materials with the advice of the Ayurveda consultant (vaidya). Also, to maintain the health of
the eyes, it is useful to put certain materials in the form of anjans (helpful herbs to put in
eyes). After this, certain essential herbs should be put in boiling water and the vapour should
be inhaled through the nose and the mouth, this is known as dhumrapan (smoking). Different
types of this dhrumapan eliminate different types of problems (dhoshas) in the body. From all
this description, we realise that Ayurveda has gone into details to maintain the health of the
body and the precautionary measures have included under the daily routine.

After all these processes, exercise and Abhyanga Snan (bath followed by oil massage) have
to be undertaken. The ranking depends on the type of exercise done. If it is yogasana or
pranayama, then it should be done after the bath. If the exercise involves tiring sessions such
as push-ups, it should be done before the bath. Abhyang means massage with the oil. It
should be done before the bath. There is no need to say that in a hot country like India, one
should have a daily bath. But one should massage the body with oil and the soles of the feet
with ghee. If it is not possible to massage the entire body with oil, then one should massage
the head, ears, soles of the feet etc. The head should be massaged with the fingertips after
removing the grown up nails. One or two drops of oil should be put into the ears so that the
brain becomes calm. The sleep is improved and the eyesight gets better. The complaints of
the eyesight are reduced. The oil ghee or butter to be used for such massage should be kept in
a copper utensil. It should be churned a bit with water and used after removing the water.
Rubbing it with a utensil is effective than rubbing it with hands. While rubbing one should
rub towards the direction of the heart. Abhyang is useful in winter season and rainy season.
The bathing water should be cold. At least water to be poured over the head should be cold
and not hot. Cold water means water having the temperature as that of the body. Water,
which is colder or warmer proves harmful.

After abhyanga, personal upasana (prayer, meditation etc) is important. Due to such upasana,
the mind becomes cheerful and the spiritual power increases. The mental strength starts
growing and there is confidence in the life. One should take guidance as to which prayer
should be done and in what manner. But no doubt it proves useful.

After all these processes, one should do pratrashan. Pratrashan is morning drink. Milk is the
best pratrashan and tea the worst. If milk required for tea is consumed on its own it will prove
useful. Tannin, a poisonous substance in the tea harmfully affects the nervous system and the
digestive system.

At the time of pratrashan, those who feel hungry can have breakfast. Fresh preparations made
up of rice and wheat is good for breakfast. Now a days, bread and biscuits are used, but they
are harmful to the health because these substances contain salts and they are fermented. Of
course, those who consume enough milk and ghee or butter can have them without bad
effects. But to avoid them is the best.
After this one should carry on the daily routine.

The lunchtime in the afternoon should be from 11 AM to 1 PM. That is the time of pitta, so
appetizers are secreted in the stomach. The food consumed at this time is easily digested. If
this time is not possible, then one should have food before the 11 AM, but not after 1 PM.
What should the meal contain is an independent topic which we have already considered
elsewhere. After lunch, one should not run around or carry on strenuous work. A Sanskrit
verse by Sushrut states as under in this regard.

One who sits idle after lunch, becomes lazy. One who sleeps turns obese. One who walks
around hundred steps, becomes healthy and one who runs, the death runs towards him. That
means his life span is rapidly reduced. Now a days, many people complain of indigestion.
There are many reasons for that, but one main reason is this running around after lunch.

In the evening, one should consume only liquids, not solid diet, because that lengthens the
dinnertime. The dinner should be around sun set. Because it is good for health to have an
interval of three hours between the dinner and retiring to bed. To sleep immediately after
dinner is injurious to health. The dinner should be minimal i.e. easily digested. It should not
contain heavy preparations.

The sleep at night is also thought provoking point. The place where one should sleep should
be free of all insects. The bed should not be too soft or too hard. It should not bend in
between. A bed with thick, narrow strips or wooden strips is better. One may take a pillow,
but that also should not be very thin or thick. The pillow should have the same thickness as
that of the distance between the head and the shoulders while sleeping on one side. This
avoids the neck from getting stiff. Due to improper pillow, one can suffer from cold too. The
bed sheet and the inner coverlet should be washed after every three to four days. Earlier one
item of clothing known as uparane, which was, used daily was attached to a sheet while
sleeping. The same was washed daily. While thinking about the behaviour at night, one
should think about marital life too. The science writers have said that generally to retain
health even at a later age, one should have sex once a week during the youth. Otherwise, the
bad effects occur at a later stage.
 GURU- DR RAJESH -JI (PHD)

A founder of Ashtanga yoga tradition Sage Patanjali in 500 BC wrote a text containing 196
Sutras in Sanskrit which is known as Yoga Sutras. One sutra forms one statement. But the
statements are in Sanskrit. Sutras are very compressed as far as meaning is concerned. So to
explain and understand these Sutras, it takes lot of efforts and knowledge of Sanskrit but also
understanding of the philosophy of yoga.

Yoga Sutras are divided in to four chapters.

 I - Samadhi Pada – 51 Sutras.

 II – Sadhana Pada – 55 Sutras.
 III – Vibhuti Pada – 56 Sutras.
 IV – Kaivalya Pada – 34 Sutras.

I - SAMADHI PADA

First chapter of SAMADHI PADA starts with first sutra -

Atha Yoga anushasanam ( I – 1 )
Atha means Now
anushasanam means discipline.
So the meaning is “Now is the discipline of yoga”.

Second sutra is definition of Yoga.

Yogaha chitta vritti nirodhah ( I – 2 )
chitta means mind,
vritti means modifications of mind
nirodhah means to control
Yoga is to control the modifications of mind or functioning of the mind.

Third Sutra is about ultimate achievement of Yoga.

Tada drashtuh swarupe awasthanam( I – 3 )
Tada means - after that
drashtuh means – the seer
swarupe means – state of self or soul
awasthanam means - resides
After that (Control of functioning of mind) the seer establishes himself in to true state of
being.

In first chapter Patanjali explains five types of vritties (types of modifications of mind)
Also Patanjali talks about seven paths to achieve the goal of control of mind. One of these is
Omkar chanting.
In the first chapter Patanjali also explains the different types of Samadhi (ultimate state of
achievement in yoga).
Sabija Samadhi & Nirbija Samadhi
Sabija is further subdivided in two
Sampradnayat & Asampradnayat

Sampradnayat is further subdivided in four types

Savitarka, Savichara, Sananda, Sasmita

Nirbija Samadhi is the ultimate state of achievement in Yoga.

II - SADHANA PADA

In the second chapter, Patanjali explains the tools and techniques to achieve the ultimate goal
of Yoga. All eight parts of Ashtanga yoga are explained by Patanjali in this chapter. Yama –
Social Discipline, Niyama – Self Discipline, Asana – Yoga poses, Pranayama – Breath
control, Pratyahara – sense withdrawal, Dharana – concentration, Dhyana – meditation and
Samadhi – self-realization are 8 steps to yoga. But in this chapter the focus is on first 5 steps.

III - VIBHUTI PADA

Remaining 3 steps of Dharana – concentration, Dhyana – meditation and Samadhi – self-

realization are discussed in details byt Patanjali. All three together is called Samyam.
Samyam on different objects leads to different achievements which are called Siddhies
(perfections).

IV – KAIVALYA PADA

Janmaushadhimantratapaha samadhijah sidhayaha (IV – 1 )

Ways to achieve ultimate state of Samadhi

1. By birth
2. Mantra chanting
3. Practicing Tapa (Austerity)
4. Practice of Yoga
 DAILY SCHEDULE

TEACHER TRAINING (RESIDENTIAL) COURSE DAILY SCHEDULE

05:00 am WAKEUP TIME

05.45 am to 06.00 am Mantra Chanting

06:00 am - 08:00 am Yoga Practice (Asana & Pranayama)

08:00 am to 09:00 am Karma Yoga (Selfless Service)

09:00 am to 09:30 am Breakfast / Snacks

10:00 am to 10:45 am Yoga Nidra / Theory lecture I

11:15 am to 12:00 pm Theory lecture II

12:15 am to 01:00 pm LUNCH

01:00 pm to 03:00 pm Resting Time (Self Study)

03:00 pm to 03:15 pm Herbal Drink

03:15 pm to 04:00 pm Karma Yoga

04:15 pm to 06:00 pm Bhagavad Gita Chanting

06:45 pm to 07:15 pm Mantra chanting / meditation

07.30 pm to 08:00 pm DINNER

Mahabharat Stories / Movies / Question Answer sessions /

08:15 pm to 09:00 pm
Satsangs.

10.00 pm Bed Time

 WHO SHOULD APPLY?

 Healthy individuals (physically + mentally) with no or minimum experience of yoga.

Yoga practitioners who have been doing yoga and want to become teachers.
 Minimum age is 18 years. For students over the age of 60 a fitness certificate is
necessary.
 This course is NOT for someone who is looking for Yoga Holidays or just some Asana
practice. This is a full time course for understanding the Yoga Lifestyle & yourself.
 Yoga aspirants who want to learn the INDIAN TRADITIONAL YOGA & techniques to
teach the same.
 If you are expecting modified versions of physical exercises in the name of Yoga then
this is not the school for you.
 You should apply only if you are willing to follow the rules and regulations of the
ashram.
Note - The culture in the ashram is different from a holiday resort or summer camp.

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