YOGA JOURNEY

TODAY'S ANCIENT TREASURE

On the Yoga Journey, the ultimate goal is the attainment of the eternal state of divine consciousness. With the use of single minded concentration, meditation begins to open the essential self. Although in the west, the term suggests physical postures (asanas), that is but one aspect of the varied tradition that leads to Emptiness - the opening to spiritual realization.

Written accounts, defining it's meaning "to join or unite", can be traced back as far as 3500 years, with references in the Rigveda, the Upanishads, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and Hatha Yoga Pradipika.

From the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (200Bce-300CE) came the eight limbs of practice.

1. Yama - 5 abstentions
2. Niyana - 5 observances
3. Asanas - "seat" later developed into postures
4. Pranayama - life force (breath)
5. Pratyahara - reversal of senses
6. Dharana - concentration
7. Dhyana - meditation
8. Samadhi - liberation

Regarding the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the following is a quote from His Holiness Swami Satchidananda .............

"The Yoga Sutras date somewhere between 5000 BC and 300 AD. The compiler of the sutras and Father of Yoga, Sri Patanjali Maharishi, presented the ancient teachings of Yoga in a systematic way that could be well utilized by his students. As he spoke, his students took notes, which later came to be called the sutras. Sutras means "thread," and the sutras are just combinations of words threaded together-sometimes not even complete sentences. Through the centuries, many great sages and scholars have added their commentaries to the sutras, and these can be studied today to deepen and enrich our understanding of them.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is the first and foremost scripture of Yoga. Within two hundred sutras, it gives the complete science of Yoga, including it's aim, the practices, obstacles along the way, how to overcome them, and the results one could achieve. In just a handful of words, it presents the complete philosophy and psychology of Yoga in a very practical and systematic way. It's a recipe book, and to get the benefit, you have to follow the directions, cook well, and eat. Only then will your hunger be satisfied.

May the blessings of Sri Patanjali and all the great sages and saints guide you in your study and practice, so that you may realize the great benefits and share them with one and all."

In 1966 Swami Satchidananda founded The Integral School of Yoga in Virginia. Integral Yoga is the synthesis of the various branches of yoga. It is described as a scientific system for the harmonious development of every aspect of an individual. The components of that synthesis are described as follows :

HATHA - focuses on physical aspects through postures, breath control, mudras, Kriyas, yogic diet and deep relaxation

RAJA - Balance and control of the mind through ethical practices, concentration and meditation.

BHAKTI - The path of devotion, by constant love, thought and service of the divine.

KARMA - The path of action and selfless service. Serving without attachment to the fruits of the action.

JNANA - The intellectual approach. Through the knowledge of what really exist, that is , what is not changeable, one who engages in the path of wisdom realizes oneness with the entire Universe.

JAPA - Japa means repetition of a mantram - a sound structure of one or more syllables which represents a particular aspect of Divine Vibration.

Hatha Yoga Pradipika

Hatha Yoga, introduced by Yogi Swatmarama in 15th century India marked the development of full body postures with breath work. Hatha, with this emphasis on physical health is one of today's fastest growing methods of personal growth and fulfillment.

Retreats today offer a wide variety of styles, including Ashtanga, Iyengar and Bikram.

Click here to go to the CALENDAR PAGE. All calender entries designate the type of retreat (yoga, tai chi, etc.) beside the date of the event.

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