DOCSLIB.ORG

Yoga in Australia: Results of a National Survey

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Yoga in Australia: Results of a National Survey Yoga in Australia: Results of a National Survey Stephen John Penman GC (Tert. Teach. Learn) School of Health Sciences Department of Complementary Medicine RMIT University, Melbourne Submitted March 2008 A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Applied Science Declaration The candidate declares that Except where due acknowledgement has been made, the work is that of the candidate alone This work has not been submitted previously, in whole or in part, to qualify for any other academic award The content of this thesis is the result of work which has been carried out since the official commencement date of the approved research program Any editorial work, paid or unpaid, carried out by a third party has been duly acknowledged Ethics procedures and guidelines have been followed _________________________________ Stephen John Penman 13/8/09 _________________ Date Yoga in Australia: Results of a National Survey ii © 2008 Stephen Penman Acknowledgements Through a process of consultation with the yoga teaching profession in Australia, many individuals and organisations contributed to and supported the Yoga in Australia survey project. Thanks is offered to the following organisations for their support and assistance: Satyananda Australian Association Yoga Teachers of Yoga in Daily Life Association Bikram Yoga Australia The Advanced Diploma of Yoga Teaching at the Council of Adult Education Dru Shiva Vedanta Gita Yoga and Meditation Centre of Sydney International Meditation Centres Yoga The Australian College of EMP Industrial Classical Yoga Magazine (Yoga mats and accessories) Magazine Special thanks is also offered to the following individuals for their support and assistance: Professor Marc Cohen of RMIT University for his initiative to conduct the Yoga in Australia survey, his expert supervision, guidance, and patience over four years Swami Samnyasanand (Philip Stevens) for acting as consultant, collaborator, advisor and friend throughout the project Dr Sue Jackson for her collaboration, guidance, editing and friendship Tristan Penman for designing the ‘Write your name in yoga history’ postcard Dr Katherine Sevar for her guidance on medical questions, editing, personal support and encouragement Ma Devi Saraswati for her guidance, trust and providing the support of the Yoga Teachers Association of Australia Di Lucas, Lucille Wood and the people of Gita International Yoga for their personal support and assistance in reviewing the draft survey questions Leigh Blashke for his personal support, and the students of the Advanced Diploma of Yoga Teaching for their assistance in reviewing the draft survey questions Julia Renaud and the people of the Shiva Ashram for their assistance in drafting the meditation questions and reviewing the draft survey questions Sri Jani Baker and the students of the Australian College of Classical Yoga for their assistance in reviewing the draft survey questions Lisa Demos and Louise Prentice, Senior Research Fellows at Monash University, for their assistance in conducting the literature review Maria Vassos for her assistance with data analysis My extended family and close friends for their encouragement and support: Katherine, Tristan, Lachlan, Alex, Jean, Anne, Chris, Lyn, Ria, Zachary and Nathaniel Yoga in Australia: Results of a National Survey iii © 2008 Stephen Penman Table of Contents List of Tables and Figures .....................................................................................................1 Abbreviations ........................................................................................................................ 4 Abbreviations ........................................................................................................................ 4 Executive Summary ..............................................................................................................6 1. Introduction...................................................................................................................... 8 1.1. A brief introduction to yoga ....................................................................................... 8 1.2. Defining yoga ........................................................................................................... 10 1.3. A brief history of yoga in Australia........................................................................... 11 1.4. The regulatory environment for yoga in Australia ................................................... 12 1.4.1. Professional associations............................................................................................12 1.4.2. Teacher training standards.........................................................................................13 1.4.3. Nationally recognised training ....................................................................................13 1.4.4. Yoga teaching insurance............................................................................................14 1.4.5. Yoga therapy ............................................................................................................14 2. Review of the Literature ................................................................................................. 15 2.1. Introduction ............................................................................................................. 15 2.2. Participation, practice and effectiveness ................................................................. 15 2.3. Participation Studies ................................................................................................ 16 2.3.1. Participation in yoga as physical activity or exercise .....................................................16 2.3.1.1. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Participation in Sport and Physical Activities .............16 2.3.1.2. Australian Sports Commission. Participation in Exercise, Recreation and Sport (ERASS) in Australia ...........................................................................................19 2.3.1.3. YogaJournal.com - Yoga in America Survey 2003 and 2005 ....................................22 2.3.1.4. American Sports Data Inc. Superstudy by Sports Participation 2003 ........................23 2.3.1.5. Sport England. Women’s Participation in Sport 2002 ..............................................23 2.3.1.6. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Physical Activity Patterns of Australian Adults 2000 .......................................................................................................24 2.3.1.7. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. USA 2003 ...........................................24 2.3.1.8. National Heart Foundation of Australia. Position paper on physical activity 2001.......24 2.3.1.9. Nutrition Australia. Activities and activity levels for general health and well- being 1999 ........................................................................................................24 2.3.2. Participation in yoga as a form of therapy ...................................................................25 2.3.2.1. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Australia in 2005: A National Population Based Survey.....................................................................................25 2.3.2.2. Integration of Complementary Therapies in Australian General Practice: Results of a National Survey ...........................................................................................25 2.3.2.3. The escalating cost and prevalence of alternative medicine (in Australia) 2000.........26 2.3.2.4. Use of mind-body medical therapies (USA) 2004 ...................................................26 2.3.2.5. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Adults: United States 2002.....27 2.3.2.6. Prevalence and Patterns of Adult Yoga use in the United States: results of a national survey ..................................................................................................28 2.3.2.7. World Health Organisation. Prevalence of use of complementary/alternative medicine: a systematic review 2000.....................................................................28 Yoga in Australia: Results of a National Survey iv © 2008 Stephen Penman 2.4. Practice Studies........................................................................................................ 29 2.4.1. Medibank Private Australia. Sports Injuries Report 2004 ...............................................29 2.4.2. Dru Yoga. Practitioner survey UK and Australia 2006....................................................29 2.4.3. YogaJournal.com. What the Future Holds: Yoga 2030 Survey........................................30 2.4.4. British Wheel of Yoga. National Members Survey 2003 .................................................33 2.4.5. Manchester Yoga Survey 2000 ...................................................................................34 2.4.6. YogaSite.com 1998 ...................................................................................................35 2.4.7. Other practice studies in progress at time of writing.....................................................35 2.5. Effectiveness studies................................................................................................ 36 2.5.1. Introduction..............................................................................................................36 2.5.2. The problem with CAM research .................................................................................38
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Yoga Federation of India (Regd
    YOGA FEDERATION OF INDIA (REGD. UNDER THE SOCIETIES REGISTRATION ACT. XXI OF 1860 REGD. NO.1195 DATED 14.02.90) RECOGNIZED BY INDIAN OLYMPIC ASSOCIATION - OCTOBER, 1998 TO FEBRUARY, 2011 Affiliated to Asian Yoga Federation, International Yoga Sports Federation & International Yoga Federation REGD. OFFICE: FLAT NO.501, GHS-93, SECTOR-20, PANCHKULA- 134116 (HARYANA), INDIA e-mail:[email protected], Mobile No.+91-94174-14741, Website:- www.yogafederationofindia.com SYLLABUS AND GUIDELINES FOR NATIONAL/ZONAL/STATE/DISTRICT YOGASANA COMPETITION SENIOR GROUP-A (18-21 YEARS MEN AND WOMEN) 1. TRIVIKRAMASANA 2. PURNA CHAKRASANA 3. UTHITA PASCHIMOTTASANA 4. KOUNDINYASANA 5. PARIVARTITA PARSVAKONASANA 1. TRIVIKRAMASANA 6. OMKARASANA 1. Leg on the ground to be straight. 7. PURNA MATSYENDRASANA 2. Gripping of toe of other leg with palm. 8. KARAN PITTHASANA 3. The stretched leg should be straight. 4. Both elbows in alignment, gaze in 9. PURNA DHANURASANA front. 10. SIRSHASANA 2. PURNA CHAKRASANA 3. UTTHITA PASCHIMOTTANASANA 4. KOUNDINYASANA 1. Balance on Buttocks. 1. Gap in two legs approx ½ feet. 1. Both legs in straight line. 2. Both Legs straight with toes pointing 2. Both palms on the ground with 2. Gripping of ankles with hands. upward. fingers & thumb together. 3. Toes parallel to each other. 3. Palms holding the heels with heels and 3. Both forearms parallel to each other, toes together. perpendicular to the ground. 4. Head placed in between arms with 4. Back maximum stretched with abdomen, 4. Back maximum stretched, parallel to chest and forehead touching the legs. ear touching the arms (biceps). the ground, Gaze forward. 4.
    [Show full text]
  • Yoga Healthy Living Mindfulness Connection Celebration
    Winter 2014 NOVEMBER | FEBRUARY INSPIRATION INSIDE! Yoga Healthy Living Mindfulness Connection Celebration Stockbridge, Massachusetts | 800.741. 7353 | kripalu.org MISSION DRIVEN, DONOR SUPPORTED OUR MISSION Kripalu’s mission is to empower people and communities to realize their full Welcome to potential through the transformative wisdom and practice of yoga. WHO WE ARE Established in 1974, Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health is the premier destination for individuals and organizations seeking a joyful, inclusive, and compassionate winter at Kripalu environment for wellness, learning, and retreat. Located on a breathtaking campus in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts, Kripalu offers more than 700 programs a year that deliver life-changing, immersive experiences to nearly 40,000 guests. The campus is also home to the renowned Kripalu Schools of Yoga and Ayurveda, offering certification programs to yoga teachers and Ayurvedic practitioners. The largest yoga-based retreat center in North America, Kripalu is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization. 800.741.7353 or kripalu.org | 1 WinTER 2014 NOVEMBER–FEBRUARY A LETTER FROM OUR CEO As the trees and hills surrounding Lake Mahkeenac prepare for winter, a stillness and peace is settling on the Berkshires, as if all things are readying for a season of introspection and transformation. DON’T MISS… Winter is a natural time to retreat; to explore deeply, reconnect to our core being, and return to that Contents sense of joy and love that connects us all. HARVILLE HENDRIX AND EXPERIEncE KRIPALU Kripalu is also in a state of renewal and transformation. If you have visited lately, you know that we HELEN LAKELLY HUNT have been working to improve all aspects of our retreat center, from facility upgrades to curriculum DECEMBER 5–7 6 R&R Retreat enhancements, in an effort to revitalize every facet of the retreat experience.
    [Show full text]
  • Integral Yoga.Pages
    ABOUT INTEGRAL YOGA HERSHAYOGA.COM The Goal of Integral Yoga The goal of Integral Yoga and the birthright of every individual is to realise the spiritual unity behind all the diversities of the entire creation and to live harmoniously as members of one universal family. This goal is achieved by developing: a body of optimum health and strength senses under total control a mind well-disciplined, clear and calm an intellect as sharp as a razor a will as strong and pliable as steel a heart full of unconditional love and compassion an ego as pure as crystal and a life filled with Supreme Peace and Joy Integral yoga is a combination of specific methods designed to develop every aspect of the individual: physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual. It is a scientific system, which integrates the various branches of Yoga in order to bring about a complete and harmonious development of the individual. Hatha Yoga: Bodily postures (asanas), deep relaxation, breath control (Pranayama), cleansing processes (kriyas), and mental concentration create a supple and relaxed body; increased vitality; and radiant health. As the body and mind become purified and the practitioner gains mastery over his or her mind, he or she finally attains the goal of Yoga, Self-Realisation. Karma Yoga: The path of action through selfless service. By performing duty without attachment or desire for the results of action, the Karma Yogi purifies his or her mind. When the mind and heart are purified, the Karma Yogi becomes an instrument through which the Divine Plan or Work is performed. Thereby he or she transcends his or her individuality and experiences the Divine Consciousness.
    [Show full text]
  • The Rise of Bengali Yoga (Excerpt from Sun, Moon and Earth: the Sacred Relationship of Yoga and Ayurveda)
    The Rise of Bengali Yoga (Excerpt from Sun, Moon and Earth: The Sacred Relationship of Yoga and Ayurveda) By Mas Vidal To set the stage for a moment, the state of Bengal is an eastern state of India and is one of the most densely populated regions on the planet. It is home to the Ganges river delta at the confluence of the Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers. Rivers have always been a sacred part of yoga and the Indian lifestyle. The capital of Bengal is Kolkata, which was the center of the Indian independence movement. As yoga began to expand at the turn of the century through the 1950s, as a counter-cultural force opposed to British occupation, the region also struggled against a tremendous set-back, the Great Bengal Famine of 1943- 44, which took an estimated two to three million lives. India battled through this and eventually gained independence in 1947. Bengal managed to become a womb for bhakti yogis and the nectar that would sustain the renaissance of yoga in India and across the globe. Bengali seers like Sri Aurobindo promoted yoga as an integral system, a way of life that cultivated a dynamic relationship between mind, body, and soul. Some of the many styles of yoga that provide this pure synthesis remain extant in India, but only through a few living yoga teachers and lineages. This synthesis may even still exist sporadically in commercial yoga. One of the most influential figures of yoga in the West was Paramahansa Yogananda, who formulated a practical means of integrating ancient themes and techniques for the spiritual growth of people in Western societies, and for Eastern cultures to reestablish their balance between spirituality and the material.
    [Show full text]
  • RIMYI Certification Course Guidlines Booklet
    CERTIFICACERTIFICATIONTION AND ASASSESSMENTSESSMENT GUIDELINES AprilJuly 20202020 It is relatively easy to be a teacher of an academic subject, but to be a teacher in art is very difficult, and to be a yoga teacher is the hardest of all, because yoga teachers have to be their own critics and correct their own practice. — B.K.S. Iyengar Contents Introduction 04 Section A Certification Structure 06 Section B Becoming a Teacher 09 Section C Criteria for Assessors 11 Section D Assessment Process 12 Section E Feedback 28 Section F Syllabus 29 Notes 44 FAQs 50 Appendix 61 Introduction Don’t be exclusive, be inclusive… not only in asana but every walk of life. – B.K.S. Iyengar Guruji was a believer in tradition but at the same time, he was a great revolutionary. He discovered new paths for imparting objective knowledge of a philosophical subject like yoga. Paramparã was important to him but he recognised that as the community grew larger, a different framework for teaching and assessment would be needed. Over the past few years, Geetaji and Prashantji repeatedly pointed out that assessments are losing their basic purpose and teacher training is becoming a business. Their observation and criticism have immense value in Iyengar Yoga. Their concerns have motivated us to dig deeper into the process of yoga teaching worldwide. On behalf of RIMYI, we elicited feedback on the current methodology of teaching and assessment. The response was overwhelming. Letters, mails, What’s apps, messages….every corner of the world had something to contribute. We, at the institute, have taken cognisance of every conceptual contribution offered.
    [Show full text]
  • Yoga Federation of India ( Regd
    YOGA FEDERATION OF INDIA ( REGD. UNDER THE SOCIETIES REGISTRATION ACT. XXI OF 1860 REGD. NO.1195 DATED 14.02.90) RECOGNIZED BY INDIAN OLYMPIC ASSOCIATION - OCTOBER, 1998 TO FEBRUARY, 2011 Affiliated to Asian Yoga Federation, International Yoga Sports Federation & International Yoga Federation REGD. OFFICE: FLAT NO.501, GHS-93, SECTOR-20, PANCHKULA- 134116 (HARYANA), INDIA e-mail:[email protected], Mobile No.+91-94174-14741, Website:- www.yogafederationofindia.com SYLLABUS AND GUIDELINES FOR NATIONAL/ZONAL/STATE/DISTRICT YOGASANA COMPETITION SUB JUNIOR GROUP–A (8-1110 YEARS, BOYS & GIRLS) 1. VRIKSHASANA 2. PADAHASTASANA 3. SASANGASANA 4. USHTRASANA 5. AKARNA DHANURASANA 6. GARABHASANA 1. VRIKSHASANA 7. EKA PADA SIKANDHASANA 1. Back maximum stretched. 2. Arms touching the ear. 8. CHAKRASANA 3. Both hands folded above the 9. SARVANGASANA shoulders. 10. DHANURASANA 4. Gaze in front. 2. PADAHASTASANA 3. SASANGASANA 4. USHTRASANA 1. Hands on the side of feet 1. Thighs perpendicular to the ground 1. Thighs perpendicular to the ground 2. Legs should be straight 2. Forehead touching knees 2. Palms on the heels 3. Back maximum stretched 3. Palms on the heels from the side 3. Knees, heels and toes together 4. Chest & forehead touching the legs 4. Toes, heels and knees together 4. Ankles touching the ground 5. AKARNA DHANURASANA 6. GARABHASANA 7. EKA PADA SIKANDHASANA 1. One Leg stretch with toe pointing upwards, gripping of toe with thumb and 1. Both arms in between thigh and calf. 1. Back, neck and head to be maximum index finger. 2. Ears to be covered by palms. straight. 2. Gripping of toe of other leg with thumb, 2.
    [Show full text]
  • Teacher Feature and Ashtanga Yoga Standing Poses by Caroline
    TEACHER OF THE MONTH I’ve been practicing and teaching Ashtanga yoga for almost 20 years and have taught workshops, retreats and teacher trainings across the world. I started teaching workshops internationally in Caroline 2002 and taught workshops in Vienna, Prague, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, the UK, Barcelona, Singapore, Bangkok, Kenya and other locations around the world. The first yoga retreat I lead was Klebl a yoga safari retreat in Tanzania. Additionally, I led yoga retreats in Ibiza and Bali. When yoga centres requested I teach yoga teacher training courses, I developed a week-long program, which I taught in South Africa, Jakarta, Dubai and Kuala Lumpur. In 2008, I developed 200 and 500-hour yoga teacher training programs, which meet the international yoga teacher training standards of the yoga alliance. I conducted my first yoga teacher training retreat in Bali. Since this course was a wonderful success, I continued teaching yoga teacher training programs in Bali, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Brazil, Jamaica, Greece, Italy, India, Mexico, San Francisco, Chicago and Los Angeles. My yoga teacher trainings are open to yoga teachers, aspiring teachers and to those who would like to learn Ashtanga yoga or improve their yoga practice. I’ve trained over 200 yoga teachers in Los Angeles, in addition to the 250 yoga teachers I trained on retreat courses. Graduates of my courses teach yoga all over the world. I teach Ashtanga yoga, a Vinyasa based yoga asana practice, which includes hundreds of yoga poses that are divided into the primary, intermediate and advanced series. Vinyasa are breath-initiated movements, which connect one pose to the next.
    [Show full text]
  • To Download the 2019
    11 th & 12th May 2019 EventCity, Manchester M17 8AS (sat nav) omyogashow.com 1 SUBSCRIBE TO at our stand B1 PLUS receive a FREE Goodie bag WORTH £30 Subscribe to OM Yoga Magazine at the show on stand B1 and save 33% 12 issues for just £45 - that’s a saving of 25%! ommagazine.com 2 WELCOME 11TH & 12TH May 2019 EventCity, Manchester M17 8AS (sat nav) Are you ready Manchester? The OM Yoga Show is heading back to EventCity for another epic weekend of yoga. Thank you to our sponsors Yoga is for everybody and every body, so it’s time to leave your worries at the door, and get on the mat! There’s so much choice in the world of yoga, but once you nd your favourite style of yoga, you’ll never look back. The OM Yoga Show has something for everyone, and it’s the perfect place to nd your groove. Free open classes are taking place throughout the entire weekend; learn from teachers who are on hand to provide advice, guidance, and inspiration. You’re in the very best of hands! For those who want to get a little more in-depth, head over to the workshop desk and book onto one of our more in-depth sessions. And if you’ve always been meaning to try hot yoga but never had the chance, now is the time! Hotpod Yoga’s inatable pod is heated to a perfect 37 degrees to give you the perfect hot yoga class. No OM Yoga Show is complete without a showcase of exhibitors to ll your shopping bags with everything you need to fully embrace a yoga life.
    [Show full text]
  • Yoga and Psychology and Psychotherapy
    Yoga and Psychology and Psychotherapy Compiled by: Trisha Lamb Last Revised: April 27, 2006 © 2004 by International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) International Association of Yoga Therapists P.O. Box 2513 • Prescott • AZ 86302 • Phone: 928-541-0004 E-mail: [email protected] • URL: www.iayt.org The contents of this bibliography do not provide medical advice and should not be so interpreted. Before beginning any exercise program, see your physician for clearance. “How is the field of psychotherapy to become progressively more informed by the infinite wisdom of spirit? It will happen through individuals who allow their own lives to be transformed—their own inner source of knowing to be awakened and expressed.” —Yogi Amrit Desai NOTE: See also the “Counseling” bibliography. For eating disorders, please see the “Eating Disorders” bibliography, and for PTSD, please see the “PTSD” bibliography. Books and Dissertations Abegg, Emil. Indishche Psychologie. Zürich: Rascher, 1945. [In German.] Abhedananda, Swami. The Yoga Psychology. Calcutta: Ramakrishna Vedanta Math, 1960, 1983. “This volume comprises lectures delivered by Swami Abhedananda before a[n] . audience in America on the subject of [the] Yoga-Sutras of Rishi Patanjali in a systematic and scientific manner. “The Yoga Psychology discloses the secret of bringing under control the disturbing modifications of mind, and thus helps one to concentrate and meditate upon the transcendental Atman, which is the fountainhead of knowledge, intelligence, and bliss. “These lectures constitute the contents of this memorial volume, with copious references and glossaries of Vyasa and Vachaspati Misra.” ___________. True Psychology. Calcutta: Ramakrishna Vedanta Math, 1982. “Modern Psychology does not [address] ‘a science of the soul.’ True Psychology, on the other hand, is that science which consists of the systematization and classification of truths relating to the soul or that self-conscious entity which thinks, feels and knows.” Agnello, Nicolò.
    [Show full text]
  • Integral Yoga Basic Teacher Training 2019 Working Doc.Pub
    Integral Yoga® 200-hour Hatha I Teacher Training Australian Program 2018/2019 Dates to be announced ® An internationally recognised Yoga Teacher Training program, where you have the opportunity to live Yoga as fully as possible, learning to teach with confidence, from the depth of your own experience. Dear friend, Hari Om! Thank you for your interest in the Integral Yoga 200-hour Teacher Training Program. It is wonderful that you are considering expanding your experiences of Yoga through Teacher Training. For over forty years students from all around the world have participated in Integral Yoga Teacher Trainings and we are delighted once again to be able to offer Integral Yoga Teacher Training in Australia. This comprehensive certification program provides a strong foundation for personal and spiritual develop- ment, an appreciation for nurturing your own practice, and skills to become a knowledgeable and professional Yoga Teacher. The Integral Yoga training process naturally fosters the sensitivities to help you create a safe environment where your students will feel free to realize their own potential, gaining respect for themselves and a greater capacity to be of service to others. The program runs over 12 months and offers a 200 hour certification. We really want the training to be as accessible as possible, so session dates will be negotiated to best suit participants. The training includes residential retreats and non-residential training days as well as home practice, attendance at Integral Yoga Hatha classes and completion of written and practical assessment tasks. The combination of residential and extended part-time training offers the ideal opportunity to experience the teachings of Integral Yoga in depth and integrate them into your daily life.
    [Show full text]
  • Sivananda's Integral Yoga
    SIVANANDA'S INTEGRAL YOGA By Siva-Pada-Renu SWAMI VENKATESANANDA 6(59(/29(*,9( 385,)<0(',7$7( 5($/,=( So Says Sri Swami Sivananda Sri Swami Venkatesananda A DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY PUBLICATION Seventh Edition: 1981 (2000 Copies) World Wide Web (WWW) Edition : 1998 WWW site: http://www.rsl.ukans.edu/~pkanagar/divine/ This WWW reprint is for free distribution © The Divine Life Trust Society Published By THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY P.O. SHIVANANDANAGAR—249 192 Distt. Tehri-Garhwal, Uttar Pradesh, Himalayas, India. PRAYERFUL DEDICATION TO BHAGAVAN SIVANANDA Lord! Condescend to accept this humble flower, fragrant with the aroma of thine own divine glory, immeasurable and infinite. Hundreds of savants and scholars might write hundreds of tomes on your glory, yet it would still transcend them all. In accordance with thine ancient promise: yada yada hi dharmasya glanir bhavati bharata abhyutthanamadharmasya tadatmanam srijamyaham paritranaya sadhoonam vinasaya cha dushkritam dharmasamsthapanarthaya sambhavami yuge yuge (Gita IV–7, 8) You, the Supreme Being, the all-pervading Sat-chidaranda-Para-Brahman, have taken this human garb and come into this world to re-establish Dharma (righteousness). The wonderful transformation you have brought about in the lives of millions all over the world is positive proof of your Divinity. I am honestly amazed at my own audacity in trying to bring this Supreme God, Bhagavan Sivananda, to the level of a human being (though Sage Valmiki had done so while narrating the story to Lord Rama) and to describe the Yoga of the Yogeshwareshwara, the goal of all Yogins. Lord! I cling to Thy lotus-feet and beg for Thy merciful pardon.
    [Show full text]
  • The Yin and Yang of Yoga Tend Toward Emotion, Which Distorts Our Perceptions of Part 2 of a Series by Gyandev Mccord Reality
    Newsletter of the Ananda Yoga® Teachers Association Vol. 12 No. 3 • Autumn 2007 I emphasize “potential,” because feeling, too, can be misled. To the degree that we cling tightly to the ego, we The Yin and Yang of Yoga tend toward emotion, which distorts our perceptions of Part 2 of a Series by Gyandev McCord reality. (See Figure 1 on page 2: “The Lens of Feeling.”) ast time, I discussed willpower, the “yang” element of But as we calm, refine and clarify our feeling nature, we Lyoga practice, and offered simple exercises that you get a progressively more accurate picture of reality, until can use to help students develop it. at last we see reality as it truly is. This higher expression Now I’ll do the same for the “yin” of our feeling nature is what I will call “deep feeling.” element: “feeling.” Both Paramhansa In contrast to willpower, which you can develop sim- Yogananda and Swami Kriyananda ply by doing (although as we saw last time, there’s much have long emphasized its impor- more to it than that), feeling is less about doing and tance, and I’ve come to realize from more about awareness. It’s subtle, but not mysterious. It experience how absolutely vital it simply requires increasingly sensitive listening, from a is to success in yoga. It also offers place of increasing calmness, expansiveness, receptivity, and above all, impersonal love. excellent potential content for more Gyandev McCord Let’s now explore how to use Ananda Yoga as a vehicle meaningful yoga classes. Director to refine these qualities, and deepen our feeling capacity.
    [Show full text]