| The wisdom of Yoga is respected as one of the | | | | polarity in tune with the magnetic currents of the |
| classic schools of Indian philosophy. Although the | | | | earth. |
| knowledge is for the universal spiritual benefit of us | | | | Meditation is generally experienced positioning oneself |
| all, the practices have become integral in Hindu | | | | East or North |
| culture. Having considered their value, many yoga | | | | Mala A string of beads or mala is a classical tradition |
| exponents all over the world have chosen to retain | | | | when under personal tuition of a Guru. The Guru |
| the principles in their personal practice as well as | | | | magnetizes or impregnates the beads with his energy |
| group teaching. | | | | and influence as a link or gift to assist his student. |
| It is interesting to know something of the | | | | After this, no one else touches the beads. They are |
| background and the lifestyle of Indians who lived in a | | | | considered sacred. In western practise this tradition is |
| manner that allowed the ancient spiritual teachings of | | | | modified and used for personal spiritual attunement, |
| the Vedas to endure throughout the centuries to | | | | prayer and meditation, similar to the rosary. |
| benefit us in our present age. | | | | A natural environment is considered ideal, preferably |
| Practice of Yoga was usually a part of the life of | | | | near water but indoor environments can be provide a |
| domestic life from childhood. In the community | | | | helpful atmosphere by the use of flowers, incense |
| Centres of teaching called Ashrams was opportunity | | | | and candles, and objects of beauty and inspiration.. |
| for spiritual training and meditation, similar to the | | | | Traditional Hours for Yoga Practice are recommended |
| monasteries of the west. Part of their function | | | | as dawn, midday, sunset and midnight. Alternatively, |
| involved healing through herbs, food, and yogi | | | | 6 am, noon, 6 pm and midnight. Individuals vary this |
| practices. | | | | of course but the rule is to try to be regular with |
| Serious spiritual motivation commences with each | | | | meditation and practice times. |
| individual at different ages and times. But it was | | | | If suffering illness - herbs and foods and water are |
| considered regular in India that after a period as | | | | traditionally taken as Ayurvedic medicines. Further |
| householder it was customary for a mature person | | | | healing is extended to physical treatment and |
| to seek a spiritual Guru to serve as a guide and | | | | massage. Surgery is the last resort. |
| mentor. This denoted a new phase in life of the | | | | Vegetarian diet is obligatory for all earnest spiritual |
| aspirant which would sometimes require disciplines | | | | aspirants who appreciate the reasons and benefits, |
| such as renunciation of material efforts and values | | | | both physical and spiritual. The first reference is the |
| before the search for the truths of existence. | | | | ethic of non-violence applied when no killing or spilling |
| In addition to faith in his own intuition, this heightened | | | | the blood of creatures is involved. |
| spiritual goal was anticipated to be realised both | | | | Fasting at special times and prior to spiritual festivals |
| through philosophic studies and the guidance of the | | | | is a universal custom regardless of religion. |
| Guru, a spiritual teacher wiser than himself. | | | | Reading and studying the wisdom teachings and |
| Until recently there were no formal yoga classes nor | | | | sacred writings is advised for personal understanding |
| was Yoga taught in the schools in India. Parents | | | | Group gatherings - here chanting, song and music are |
| serve as the initial spiritual guides for children as they | | | | encouraged - but harmony, melody and beauty are |
| do everywhere in teaching ethical and moral principles. | | | | the essentials. (Drum beats, cymbals and raucous |
| However with an explosion of interest in Hatha Yoga | | | | electronic sounds are the antithesis) |
| all over the world there is a general need to remind | | | | Formal greeting of the Guru or Acharya is the hand |
| aspirants of the reason for the traditions and the | | | | gesture of general courtesy and respect traditional |
| spiritual purpose of the practices demonstrated | | | | throughout Asia. It signifies gratitude for the |
| beyond the home. | | | | instruction at conclusion of a class and many |
| Practising Hatha Yoga has certain requirements in | | | | westerners choose to adopt the tradition in modern |
| physical preparation an in choice of environment - | | | | schools. |
| Physical preparation includes attention to hygiene | | | | Tributes to the Guru are in the form of flowers, fruit |
| ensuring that bowels, kidneys and stomach are | | | | or food to sustain the life of their Teacher. In |
| empty | | | | western practice this has been replaced by |
| Clothing is as light as possible and of cotton or natural | | | | professional fees rendered. But as a natural 'thank |
| material | | | | you' flowers and tributes to a teacher are always |
| Barefoot when entering the ashram or place of | | | | welcomed, as are any kindnesses. |
| practice - symbolizes temporary dissociation from | | | | A seeker is usually called a Sadhaka. |
| worldly activities and respect for the environment | | | | A teacher is an Acharya. |
| A natural environment is preferred either in the fresh | | | | An accepted pupil of a spiritual Master is a Chela. |
| air if possible, or in a room with natural ventilation (no | | | | A spiritual teacher who inspires and is responsible for |
| air conditioning) | | | | spiritual guidance is a Guru. |
| A personal mat made of natural fibres placed upon | | | | The pervading spiritual philosophy of the Vedas |
| the floor, or directly on the earth to represent your | | | | demonstrates a deep respect and love of the |
| private space. This is important particularly in group | | | | Creator and of all natural life created. This is shared |
| classes. | | | | by our western poets and mystics who describe |
| Following physical exercises and asanas the position | | | | Nature as the outer, visible 'garment of God. |
| taken for relaxation is by lying prone in North/South | | | | |