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Yagya – The Importance of Fire Ceremony

Yagya – The Importance of Fire Ceremony or Holy fire

Our ancient texts are full of legends wherein ancient sages performed Yagya or fire ceremony and the demons (asuras) tried to destroy them. The demons then had to pay a hefty price as the godly, valiant prince used to guard the Holy fire and eliminate the nuisance. Whether these are just folklore, myths, legends or history is a debate for some other day. But there is no denying the fact that Yagya was related to slaying negativity since the Vedic times. Let’s explore how and why…

How it works

All these reasons are show how important to perform yagya or fire ceremony before starting our Yoga teacher training course.

What Makes Kerala a Unique Destination for Yogis?

Towards the southern corners of India is the God’s own land, Kerala, where there is an amalgamation of nature’s blessings and soulful retreats. It is a place where the mind and body are idolized in a temple of health and the religiosity, beauty gives it a retreating balance and its atmosphere act as a catalyst to learn the art of yoga and meditation.

Here are few things that are unique about Kerala:

Kerala is a home of this 5000 years’ old unbroken tradition Ayurveda. As the treatment is carried out in monsoons so it has a particular connection with nature. And, yoga has similar connections to these natural factors. You will find the perfect combination of the yoga and Ayurveda in Kerala’s Yoga Teachers Training Schools to give you dual advantage of learning Yoga +Ayurveda.

Authentic Yoga Teachers

In Kerala, you will find teachers who have inherited yoga and ayurvedic knowledge from their ancestors. The knowledge, wisdom and understanding of yoga and Ayurveda are in their blood which they now bestow on their students. This ensures aspiring yogis gets the best knowledge of yoga which they may not have acquired since years.

Kerala is a Nature’s Paradise

Kerala is a nature’s paradise as in these lands as one hand you will find the peaks of the southern hills while on the other hand beautiful beaches where the coconut trees stand touching the blueness of the environment around. Tourists are also enchanted by the beautiful water bodies, lagoons, meandering rivers, water bodies amidst lavish forests. Houseboats of Kerala are the most preferred for tourists. The Idukki dam is the first ever Indian arch dam in Periyar river. Kerala and one of the largest arch dam in Asia. And there are shopping, museums and markets to explore Kerala more. To add it body spas, and traditional therapy centers are in abundance, to make the tourists thrill doubled. There is everything for everybody, so pure and serene.

The Weather of Kerala

Weather of Kerala is same all the year round, except for monsoons. Monsoons add to the beauty of Kerala and this is a right time also to do massage and yoga. Rains add to the calmness of the mind and seem to bless it with beauty, peace, stillness and soberness.

Awesome Villages.

Villages are the feast to the eyes of the travelers for the panoramic view of the farms, hillsides, lakes, rivers, and fields. The villages with water bodies, greenery all around, paddy fields and coconut trees are perfect for the great yoga holiday.

Cuisine

Kerala has a rich, unique and natural flavor of food like banana dishes, seafood, Malayali dishes etc. It is famous for its rich spices which are healthy and nutritious and therefore many Yoga Teachers Training School in Kerala offers food prepared by local spices.

Still and Peaceful Environment

Kerala is one of the states’ which is not touched by the modernistic western world. It boasts of its pure air and soil, simple people and rich culture. It is also known for its many famous and beautiful temples, where the mythological legends still prevail.

Living in Kerala and undergoing Yoga Teachers Training is a unique opportunity. If you really want to see and feel a true life of love, simplicity, peace, beauty, and health Kerala makes a perfect destination.

Yoga for Beginners – Everything You Need to Know Before You Start

Yoga for Beginners – Everything You Need to Know Before You Start: In these days, Yoga is becoming more and more popular within modern society, people are becoming more aware of themselves and look for something that might help them to live longer and healthier life. Though, there is much more within the path of Yoga that is beyond what most of people think and put as their inspiration for their practice, like simply for creating more strength and flexibility in the physical body.

Yoga is a vast system of self-exploration that leads one towards a realization in order to create a reunion on every aspect of the being and to project this inspiration outwards in order to create a positive impact also on the environment.  Eventually, the ultimate goal is to reach enlightenment through the application of all the different elements, such as leading an ethical life, purifying the body and the mind, practicing the Yogic postures, using different breathing techniques, withdrawing the five senses internally, concentrating on one object at a time and meditation.

As a complete beginner, it would be better to avoid the strain of trying too hard to understand every detail on the first class, it is a long process that demands the investments of time and effort together. It is completely natural not to have the ability to perform from the beginning all the instructions by the Yoga teacher or the book you study. It is even very obvious that in Asana classes many beginner students would pay attention just for the physical movements that are seen only by the gross eyes, without paying attention to the internal events at all.

But the more all elements of Yoga is practiced, the deeper the practitioner will be able to dive internally and explore the subtler level of the being.

Nowadays, the Yoga community is growing larger and larger so it is usually easier to find a Yoga studio, school or Ashram in every populated area around the globe, especially in India. Even though it is just the beginning, it is extremely recommended to find a highly experienced teacher who has the awareness of leading a class in a professional and safe way that is intending to create a transformation within all aspects of life. Along with that, it is also important to pay attention more and more to yourself so you can your actions. For example, studying according to the capacity of the body and the mind and avoiding strain.

Eventually, the whole aim is to re-establish a conscious relationship between the body, mind and the higher self or the soul. It all come with patience and consistent practice; before reaching the deeper levels like dealing with emotional issues in order to create healing within the mental realm, it is likely that most of people will connect to the physical body first and get to explore areas where they were never mindful of before.

To conclude all that, it is important to say, the path of Yoga is a path of exploration, the only thing you have to do is just to start and reduce the expectations, it is like opening a gift box without realizing first what is inside. In this path, instead of only reaching a goal, you will learn also how to enjoy the journey.

Difference Between Ashtanga and Vinyasa Flow

One common misconception is in yoga exists between Ashtanga Vinyasa and Vinyasa, two of the most popular styles today. With a little reading, and an open heart, the differences will become clear.

Similarities  

Both styles arise from the Krishnamacharya Yoga lineage, and both highlight breath-centered movement. Movement and breath align and poses will not be held for more than five counts. The similarities stop there, thought while the differences fall into three categories: sequence, asanas, asymmetrical shifts, and teaching style.

Both Ashtanga and Vinyasa employ a three-pose transition, called a “Vinyasa,” which includes Chatturanga, Upward-Facing Dog, and Downward-Facing Dog. This is where the confusion begins. Vinyasa is simply another word for transition.

So when we hear Ashtanga Vinyasa, we should think of the transitions between movements in a series or sequence. When we hear Vinyasa, we should be aware that this is a separate style of Yoga altogether.

Sequence

Ashtanga Yoga entails of three series of postures: primary, secondary, and advanced. The series are in a particular order. Before moving onto the next phase, each series must be mastered and memorized. The predefined order of postures (asanas) that students practice the same way, every time. There is no variation here, ever. There may be modifications, but the practice will always look the same, no matter what.

Vinyasa class sequences vary from teacher and practitioner. There is no set series of movements. The practice itself is almost a free flow, hence the commonly used term Vinyasa Flow. Each practice can appear entirely different than the previous or preceding one. And this change based on the teacher and the practitioner.

Asanas

Ashtanga foundations are based on a set category of asanas. The primary series centers on forward bends. The secondary series focuses on back bends. And the advanced series emphasizes arm-support and arm-balancing poses. During the progression, the postures become more increasingly more complex.

Vinyasa Yoga sequences often highlight challenging poses. Referred to as peak poses, the teacher selects poses for a particular practice or objective. During the class, the teacher guides students through a sequence of postures as preparation for the peak pose. Recovery poses are also incorporated.

Asymmetrical Shifts

Ashtanga performs an asymmetrical pose on the right side, moves through a Vinyasa, and then repeats the pose on the left side.

Vinyasa Yoga, several asymmetrical poses are done together before performing the Vinyasa and switching to the other leg.

Teaching Style

Ashtanga has a unique version of teaching. It is teacher-led, but the primary focus is on student autonomy. The method is called “Mysore” which means self-led. Mysore style utilizes memorized Ashtanga sequences. Each student moves according to the appropriate rhythm and level for the practice. During this time, teachers monitor the students and provide individual adjustments and instruction, as needed.

Vinyasa Yoga is teacher-led in a traditional sense. Vinyasa classes are lead by a teacher who offers instruction, cues from start to finish, and tips for each pose. The teacher guides the class as an entire unit, then offers some personalized adjustments.

Why Yoga Nidra over any other meditation?

With mental stress, tensions, insomnia and other contemporary problems on the hike, mediation seem to be the only permanent respite. The question here is not ‘should I be meditating?’but, which meditation should I be doing? Ajjapa Jappa, Antar Mouna, Inner Peace, one pointed meditation, mantra meditation, the list is endless. All of these meditations offer great results. But when we are looking for outcomes that start with immediate effect. Our go to meditation would be Yoga Nidra or Yogic Sleep. Let’s check what is the benefits of Yoga Nidra.

Sages have used the yogic sleep meditation for years to reach the deepest level of the consciousness and visit the inner sanctuary. In a waking state, our brain is producing faster beta waves but with Yoga Nidra, the brain activity drops down & relaxes with the help of progressive relaxation technique. Slow Alpha waves along with slower theta waves are released as the mind approaches the jurisdiction of the subconscious mind. The switch over from the left to right part of the brain is effortless & intentions flow with spontaneity. Even the sympathetic and parasympathetic system is balanced and what we experience can be rightly termed as bliss.

Transcending the linear understanding of logic, intellect, practicality, the art of yogic sleep journeys on the basis of trust, faith, love, tranquility, & compassion. Here are some points for us to be relate to Yogic Nidra above other meditation techniques:

Easy to Do

Sitting for hours on the floor, waiting for liberation to manifest can be challenging at times. The journey to the inner peace can be misleading, but meditation asks us to wear our most comfortable suit. Yogic Sleep unlike the vinyasa flow classes does not require any skill. Meanwhile, the practitioner can simply lie down and play the audio/request the teacher to instruct. And then swim deeper into the world of oneness, possibilities and freedom. By connecting the chords of the subconscious & pranic intelligence to the conscious self, a new sense of harmony can be experienced easily.

No Right Way

Swami Satyananda Sarawati ji mentioned in his book, Yoga Nidra, “Whether you hear your teacher’s instructions or not does not matter. Even if you are dreaming of something else, the suggestions made by the teacher are still going to work on the subconscious mind.” Yes, there is nothing wrong you can do, while you are practicing this ancient science. Lying down in shavasana, and just being aware of what is happening inside the mind is enough to take you through. If the practitioner falls asleep, the process will still work. The subconscious mind does not need mental awareness to do the work we give it at the beginning of the meditation.

Highly Beneficial in No Time

A catalyst in the journey to the deepest recesses of the mind, with benefits of Yoga Nidra one can expect to release entrapped emotions. Meet their fears and eliminate them to restructure and reform a whole new personality. The emotions weighing down the vital energy have kidnapped & chained our freedom through past life karma, karmic seeds, anger, fear, attachment, jealousy, hatred, etc. In addition these emotions & karmic seeds can be destroyed to experience a state of bliss. “Like the mythological phoenix, with every session we are burning the old samskaras, habits and tendencies”. It said by Swami Satyananda Sarawati ji in his book, Yoga Nidra.

Self-Revelation

By temporarily disconnected ourselves from the reality we have formed around us, based on our belief systems, societal pressure, expectations & past life impressions. We are reconnected to the true reality, our true nature through this meditation where we are whole, complete & powerful. Therefore, all blocks, fears and fears are washed away to promote spiritual awareness and understanding of who we really are. The power within us, the power with the ability to heal itself, grow and endless possibilities, becomes available. We can face a mirror that reflects your image devoid of self-doubt.

A Daily Routine

Yoga Nidra practice is not based on the concept of time. Based on the amount of hours or minutes we can spare in our day. You can customize and easily fit it in any bag. Therefore, the guided voice helps us follow through, unlike other meditations. For instance, in one pointed meditation, we are trying to focus on a blank wall. While other thoughts barge in to create obstacles. In case of Yoga Nidra, we can plug in the headphones or visit the meditation class, to loose into the trance present inside us. Ready to escape the current reality and reach out to the world of wellness and harmony.

A master path towards liberation, & unlocking great potential of the self, Yoga Nidra is a sleep with awareness. It is a sleep that is more powerful than wakefulness & consciousness. Swami Satyananda Saraswati ji says, “ One hour of Yoga Nidra is equivalent to 4–5 hours of normal sleep” Following his words, it is ideal to say, when we have the key to the reservoir of knowledge then why not tap into it and uncover the power of subconscious.

Please feel free to join our yoga training course to experience benefits of Yoga Nidra and other meditations.

What Can You Expect from Your Yoga Teacher Training in Nepal?

Whether you are a seasoned yoga practitioner or a complete amateur, if you are dreaming of enabling yourself with an authorized certificate that enables you to impart the wellness and wisdom of yoga throughout the world, there are only a handful of places that you can trust to offer you the best training. While there is no denying the fact that Rishikesh is the unfathomable “yoga capital of the world,” pursuing your Yoga Teacher Training in Nepal is just as good, if not more.

Here are a few things you can look forward to if you have chosen to undergo your Yoga Teacher Training in Nepal:

1. Absolute Tranquility: One of the basic fundamentals that yoga teaches you is to be able to balance your mind, body, and soul. Nepal, often regarded as one of the most beautiful countries in the world, has just the right amount of serenity and peacefulness that you require to achieve that balanced state. Blessed with one of the most gorgeous landscape and the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, Nepal’s scenery is not just soothing to the eyes but also to the mind and soul.

2. Affordable: Let’s face the truth. A regular yoga course in any other part of western world would probably dig a hole in your pocket, but a Yoga Teacher Training in Nepal is extremely affordable and comes with an opportunity to taste the local cuisine, stay in one of the best accommodations in town, and practice yoga all day, every day within the lap of mother nature.

3. Spirituality: While there are various spiritual hubs all over the world and many within Asia as well, the calmness of Nepal’s temples and the sight of ever-smiling Tibetan monks spinning their hand-held prayer wheel is surely going to take all your stress away and leave you with an overwhelming stillness.

4. Adventure: A Yoga Teacher Training in Nepal is not all about yoga, at least, it doesn’t have to be. Treated as one of the most adventurous countries in the world, Nepal is packed with adrenaline-pumping, heart-throbbing activities to do. Whether it’s a life-transforming trek of the Annapurna Circuit or a jaw-dropping paragliding experience, Nepal has it all!

5. Accessibility: Most countries allow a 150-day tourist visa for the country which means you have enough time to complete your course and yet explore the country as much as you like.

These reasons alone should tempt you to stop reading and start planning your Yoga Teacher Training in Nepal right away!

What’s Faster than the Speed of Light?

Sitting barely cross-legged on two wood blocks, the air flow from the ceiling fan gently falls upon my yoga mat. The sounds of cattle mooing, children playing, and way too many scooter horns share the moment, but my attention is elsewhere. I’m focused, and with good purpose – Guru Vivek Ji is speaking:

“The Mind is the Fastest Moving Thing in the Universe”.

The pace of modern life is swift to say the least. Nowadays, it is common to hear talk about how hard it is to balance family life, work schedules, and social commitments, with personal time for self-care. But, there has to be a way, right?

Guru Vivek Ji, explained that only the mind can be in one place in one moment, and a totally different place in the next. In other words, only your mind can see the overflowing laundry basket in the trunk of your car in one moment, and then the list of upcoming assignments written in the notebook beside your laptop in the next. With all of these commitments and responsibilities, is it really possible to make time for yourself?

The truth is, making time for yourself can be hard. After all, there are only 24 hours in a day. With that being said, there is a solution. The remedy lies within shifting your efforts from trying to make time, to learning to take time.

Meditation. A quick Google search can tell you that mediation is when an individual focuses their mind on a particular object, thought or activity, to clear their mind and calm their feelings and emotions. Instead of trying to make time for yourself, take time by changing parts of your daily routine into meditation. Brushing your teeth, walking from your front door to your car door, drinking your coffee…all of these activities can take the form of meditation.

By focusing the mind, moment to moment, instance to instance, you will shift your awareness away from dirty laundry and unfinished assignments while drinking your coffee, towards experiencing the smooth taste of each sip, the rich aroma that accompanies it, and the soothing warmth of the cup in between your hands. If you take a few minutes, at a few different times, in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening, you will have practiced that self-care you’ve had trouble making time for.

Although it may not be the all-inclusive, three day-weekend at the spa resort you were wishing for, 30-60 mins of meditation – even when broken into small intervals – will help clear your mind and calm your feelings and emotions. But, don’t trust me. Trust yourself, and TAKE TIME for meditation.

Shaun M. Leonard, RYT 200