Countless people have experienced and vouched for Yoga’s transformative properties. Whether Yoga had healed their physical ailments, brought back vitality of the body, mended psychological trauma, and/or restored calmness and contentment. They all have a common story: how they conducted their lifestyle was no longer working, and it needed to change, now!
What exactly did Yoga bring to their life? During our practices at INYE, we had discussed three major aims of this ancient practice:
1. Tapas
“Tapas” has several meanings - fire, purification, passion, discipline, pain. Not at all related to the Spanish food! All of these meanings point toward working with intense discipline, such as the practice of Hatha Yoga. Build up heat and vitality from within to purge impurities.
Yes, even pain and discomfort are to be invited, as they manifest through physical / psychological frictions, judgements and misidentification. They indicate areas where we still need to bring clarity and invite compassion.
Some might ask, why shouldn’t we seek comfort? Like I always say in class, if human beings only sought comfort, the entire humanity would still be crawling, because the effort required to bring about change is anything but comfortable. Comfortable lifestyle invites complacent and lethargic energy. Human ingenuity thrives on challenges. The same goes for inward evolution (involution), pain can be a potent motivator toward self liberation.
2. Svadhyaya
Svadhyaya means “Self study”, either though self experience, contemplation, or by studying sacred scriptures.
The very drive of Evolution is Svadhyaya, as nature learns and adapts to new environmental conditions. Hatha Yoga postures, pranayama (controlling life energy), and pratyhara (turning inward) are also forms of self study. They provide better understanding of the physical, mental, and energetic body, so one may fully master these dimensions.
Self clarity is the consequence of Svadhyaya, turning all confusion into understanding, and lead to overall sense of realization. When in doubt, the sacred scriptures from ancient sages and gurus will be the fountain of wisdom, and answers will naturally flow through them during meditation.
3. Ishvara Pranidhana
The direct translation of Ishvara Pranidhana means “to offer yourself to the divine". This has a strong sense of devotion, it allows you to let go of the fruit of your labour, and to dedicate it to a greater presence. The mystical concept of the “forbidden fruit” was never about an actual fruit that should not be consumed. Instead, we can infer that it is about letting go of the result of your effort.
The divine being or the universe do not need your wealth, career, or offerings in a material sense. It is about surrendering your ego, your sufferings and even the praises you received. As long as your energy is vibrant and focused on everything you do, you can remain indifferent toward the end result.
If you do not resonate with the divine, you can see Ishvara Pranidhana as “offerings to humanity”. Because this is the largest group many of us can relate to. To dedicate selflessly to the Oneness of humanity, without reaping the rewards, can bring grace and humility upon the world.
Yoga practices are never about folding your body into impossible shapes for its own sake. It is about increasing the perception of the mind, getting rid of illusions and false impressions. Daily practice on Tapas, Svadhyaya and Ishvara Pranidhana with all earnestness will help open the door to a joyful and content life.
Om Tat Sat
NEW INYE PRACTICE - MANTRA YOGA (NADA)
Every Saturday 5:30pm - 6:15pm
with Sangha & Eddee
The term mantra originates from Sanskrit. It is a sacred utterance consisting of syllables and words. The sound vibrations of a mantra when repeated (especially in a group setting) helps the mind reach a near empty state which helps in calming the nervous system and relieves stress and anxiety.
Sound vibrations have the power to affect us in a positive or negative way. When someone says a bad word to us we feel so much anger and stress. Similarly when someone says something positive to us we feel happier and lighter!
Ancient Sanskrit chants uplift the consciousness because our consciousness knows these sound vibrations at a deeper level. Somewhere in our depth, we understand these chants, and in some unknown manner, it energizes, uplifts and soothes the spirit! It creates the sense of an armour around our body.
Sanskrit chants consist of words that require tongue, glottis and vocal chords to move in a particular rhythm. In our 45 minute class we will learn simple chants, the correct pronunciation, the tone and rhythm and then we will all chant together as a group followed by few minutes of meditation to soak in the vibrations.
All you need is yourself, and a meditation cushion if you require it. Please come early and settle in for this powerful practice.
BENEFITS OF CHANTING
Sound vibrations of Sanskrit chants are said to heal the body through vibrational frequencies
Memorizing long Sanskrit chants helps to improve memory and cognitive skills
Regular practice of chanting relaxes the nerves thereby promoting a healthy sleep cycle
Scientific studies show that chanting mantras for 10 minutes daily can decrease anxiety and depression
Regular practice of chanting helps to successfully suppress the area of the brain that causes distraction and loss of concentration
Chanting creates healthy vibrations that help to reset the internal disturbances within the body cells