AWAKE: the Life of Yogananda Study Guide
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Yoga and Pilates: What’S the Difference? by Sherri R
Yoga and Pilates: What’s the difference? By Sherri R. Betz, PT, GCS, PMA®-CPT Have you ever wondered… “What are the differences between Yoga and Pilates?” Someone jokingly said, “The difference between Pilates and Yoga is that in Yoga you close your eyes and think about god and in Pilates you keep your eyes open and think about your abs!” One guru said the purpose of Yoga is to become more flexible so that you could sit comfortably to meditate. Yoga certainly is more than that. I write this in trepidation of offending the beautiful Yoga and Pilates practitioners around the world. I hope to distill some of the information about Yoga and Pilates looking at some of the differences and similarities between them to help practitioners understand these popular forms of movement. My yoga practice began in Louisiana (when no one did yoga there!) at about the age of 15. At the local library, I happened to pick up The Sivananda Companion to Yoga and started trying out some of the poses and breathing. Actually, I skipped the breathing and avoided it for many years until I did my Pilates training and was forced to learn to breathe! Now I am devoted to my Ashtanga/Vinyasa Yoga practice and my Pilates work to keep my body in shape and to add a spiritual component to my life. It has been very interesting to compare a movement practice that has been around for 2000 years with one that has been around for only about 80 years. Yoga: Navasana (Boat Pose) Pilates: Teaser Common Forms of Yoga Practice in the United States: Yoga was brought to us by Hindus practicing in India. -
Prescribing Yoga to Supplement and Support Psychotherapy
12350-11_CH10-rev.qxd 1/11/11 11:55 AM Page 251 10 PRESCRIBING YOGA TO SUPPLEMENT AND SUPPORT PSYCHOTHERAPY VINCENT G. VALENTE AND ANTONIO MAROTTA As the flame of light in a windless place remains tranquil and free from agitation, likewise, the heart of the seeker of Self-Consciousness, attuned in Yoga, remains free from restlessness and tranquil. —The Bhagavad Gita The philosophy of yoga has been used for millennia to experience, examine, and explain the intricacies of the mind and the essence of the human psyche. The sage Patanjali, who compiled and codified the yoga teachings up to his time (500–200 BCE) in his epic work Yoga Darsana, defined yoga as a method used to still the fluctuations of the mind to reach the central reality of the true self (Iyengar, 1966). Patanjali’s teachings encour- age an intentional lifestyle of moderation and harmony by offering guidelines that involve moral and ethical standards of living, postural and breathing exercises, and various meditative modalities all used to cultivate spiritual growth and the evolution of consciousness. In the modern era, the ancient yoga philosophy has been revitalized and applied to enrich the quality of everyday life and has more recently been applied as a therapeutic intervention to bring relief to those experiencing Copyright American Psychological Association. Not for further distribution. physical and mental afflictions. For example, empirical research has demon- strated the benefits of yogic interventions in the treatment of depression and anxiety (Khumar, Kaur, & Kaur, 1993; Shapiro et al., 2007; Vinod, Vinod, & Khire, 1991; Woolery, Myers, Sternlieb, & Zeltzer, 2004), schizophrenia (Duraiswamy, Thirthalli, Nagendra, & Gangadhar, 2007), and alcohol depen- dence (Raina, Chakraborty, Basit, Samarth, & Singh, 2001). -
—The History of Hatha Yoga in America: The
“The History of Hatha Yoga in America: the Americanization of Yoga” Book proposal By Ira Israel Although many American yoga teachers invoke the putative legitimacy of the legacy of yoga as a 5000 year old Indian practice, the core of the yoga in America – the “asanas,” or positions – is only around 600 years old. And yoga as a codified 90 minute ritual or sequence is at most only 120 years old. During the period of the Vedas 5000 years ago, yoga consisted of groups of men chanting to the gods around a fire. Thousands of years later during the period of the Upanishads, that ritual of generating heat (“tapas”) became internalized through concentrated breathing and contrary or bipolar positions e.g., reaching the torso upwards while grounding the lower body downwards. The History of Yoga in America is relatively brief yet very complex and in fact, I will argue that what has happened to yoga in America is tantamount to comparing Starbucks to French café life: I call it “The Americanization of Yoga.” For centuries America, the melting pot, has usurped sundry traditions from various cultures; however, there is something unique about the rise of the influence of yoga and Eastern philosophy in America that make it worth analyzing. There are a few main schools of hatha yoga that have evolved in America: Sivananda, Iyengar, Astanga, and later Bikram, Power, and Anusara (the Kundalini lineage will not be addressed in this book because so much has been written about it already). After practicing many of these different “styles” or schools of hatha yoga in New York, North Carolina, Florida, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Paris as well as in Thailand and Indonesia, I became so fascinated by the history and evolution of yoga that I went to the University of California at Santa Barbara to get a Master of Arts Degree in Hinduism and Buddhism which I completed in 1999. -
Yoga Makaranda Yoga Saram Sri T. Krishnamacharya
Yoga Makaranda or Yoga Saram (The Essence of Yoga) First Part Sri T. Krishnamacharya Mysore Samasthan Acharya (Written in Kannada) Tamil Translation by Sri C.M.V. Krishnamacharya (with the assistance of Sri S. Ranganathadesikacharya) Kannada Edition 1934 Madurai C.M.V. Press Tamil Edition 1938 Translators’ Note This is a translation of the Tamil Edition of Sri T. Krishnamacharya’s Yoga Makaranda. Every attempt has been made to correctly render the content and style of the original. Any errors detected should be attributed to the translators. A few formatting changes have been made in order to facilitate the ease of reading. A list of asanas and a partial glossary of terms left untranslated has been included at the end. We would like to thank our teacher Sri T. K. V. Desikachar who has had an inestimable influence upon our study of yoga. We are especially grateful to Roopa Hari and T.M. Mukundan for their assistance in the translation, their careful editing, and valuable suggestions. We would like to thank Saravanakumar (of ECOTONE) for his work reproducing and restoring the original pictures. Several other people contributed to this project and we are grateful for their efforts. There are no words sufficient to describe the greatness of Sri T. Krishna- macharya. We began this endeavour in order to better understand his teachings and feel blessed to have had this opportunity to study his words. We hope that whoever happens upon this book can find the same inspiration that we have drawn from it. Lakshmi Ranganathan Nandini Ranganathan October 15, 2006 iii Contents Preface and Bibliography vii 1 Introduction 1 1.1 Why should Yogabhyasa be done . -
Kriya-Yoga" in the Youpi-Sutra
ON THE "KRIYA-YOGA" IN THE YOUPI-SUTRA By Shingen TAKAGI The Yogasutra (YS.) defines that yoga is suppression of the activity of mind in its beginning. The Yogabhasya (YBh.) by Vyasa, the oldest (1) commentary on this sutra says "yoga is concentration (samadhi)". Now- here in the sutra itself yoga is not used as a synonym of samadhi. On the other hand, Nyayasutra (NS.) 4, 2, 38 says of "the practice of a spe- cial kind of concentration" in connection with realizing the cognition of truth, and also NS. 4, 2, 42 says that the practice of yoga should be done in a quiet places such as forest, a natural cave, or river side. According NS. 4, 2, 46, the atman can be purified through abstention (yama), obser- vance (niyama), through yoga and the means of internal exercise. It can be surmised that the author of NS. also used the two terms samadhi and yoga as synonyms, since it speaks of a special kind of concentration on one hand, and practice of yoga on the other. In the Nyayabhasya (NBh. ed. NS. 4, 2, 46), the author says that the method of interior exercise should be understood by the Yogasastra, enumerating austerity (tapas), regulation of breath (pranayama), withdrawal of the senses (pratyahara), contem- plation (dhyana) and fixed-attention (dharana). He gives the practice of yoga (yogacara) as another method. It seems, through NS. 4, 2, 46 as mentioned above, that Vatsyayana regarded yama, niyama, tapas, prana- yama, pratyahara, dhyana, dharana and yogacara as the eight aids to the yoga. -
Fall 2021 Section 003 Syllabus
George Mason University College of Education and Human Development Physical Activity for Lifetime Wellness RECR 187 003 – Yoga: Intermediate 1 Credit, Fall 2021 M/W 3:00 pm - 4:15 pm RAC 2201 10/12-11/29 Faculty Name: Dena Jensen, M.Ed., E-RYT 200 Office Hours: By Appointment Office Location: Email Address: [email protected] Prerequisites/Corequisites RECR 186 or Permission from the Instructor University Catalog Course Description Emphasizes mastery of yoga asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing techniques) to enhance physical fitness and mental concentration. Focuses on 10 new yoga poses and practice of the complete Sun Salutation. Course Overview Readings, lectures, demonstrations and class participation will be used to analyze the practice of yoga asana and yoga philosophy. ● Students are required to have a yoga mat, there will be no sharing of props. ● Students should arrive a few minutes early to class to wash their hands and set up their space. ● Students must fill out the Covid Health Screening and present it to the desk or the instructor before entering the class area ● Students with injuries or pre-existing conditions that may affect their participation must inform the instructor. ● Students with specific medical conditions, limited flexibility or injuries will learn appropriate modifications of poses for their own practice. ● All communication will be through GMU e-mail (Patriot Web Site). ● Comfortable stretch clothing is required. No street clothes may be worn. ● Students with injuries or pre-existing conditions that may affect their participation must inform the instructor. Course Delivery Method This course is activity-based. Learner Outcomes or Objectives At the conclusion of this course, students should be able to: 1. -
Kriya Babaji Nagaraj
Kriya Babaji Nagaraj by Marshall Govindan In 1946, Paramahansa Yogananda, one of modern India’s greatest yogis, revealed in his classic “Autobiography of a Yogi” the existence of a Christ-like saint, an immortal yogi, Mahavatar Babaji. Yogananda related how for centuries, Babaji lived in the Himalayas guiding many spiritual teachers at a distance, usually without their ever knowing about it. Babaji was a great siddha, one who had overcome ordinary human limitations and who worked silently for the spiritual evolution of all humanity, from behind the scenes. Babaji was revealed to be who, in1891, taught Lahiri Mahasaya, a powerful series of yogic techniques, known as “Kriya Yoga.” Babaji also taught Lahiri’s own Christ-like guru, Sri Yukteswar, some thirty years earlier. Yogananda says that he spent 10 years with is guru before Babaji himself appeared to him and directed him to bring the sacred science of Kriya to the West. Yogananda fulfilled this sacred mission from 1920 to 1952, when he attained mahasamadhi. In the year 203 A.D. a boy born under the same star as Lord Krishna some 3,500 years earlier, was given the name Nagaraj. Nagarja was born in what is now the seaport of Porto Novo (Parangipettai), in Tamil Nadu, on the eastern coast of India. The name Nagaraj means “serpent king” and refers to kundalini, our great divine potential power and consciousness. His parents were Nambudri Brahmins who had immigrated there from the Malabar coast on the western side of South India. His father was the priest in the Shiva temple in the village, which is today dedicated to Muruga. -
SWAMI YOGANANDA and the SELF-REALIZATION FELLOWSHIP a Successful Hindu Countermission to the West
STATEMENT DS213 SWAMI YOGANANDA AND THE SELF-REALIZATION FELLOWSHIP A Successful Hindu Countermission to the West by Elliot Miller The earliest Hindu missionaries to the West were arguably the most impressive. In 1893 Swami Vivekananda (1863 –1902), a young disciple of the celebrated Hindu “avatar” (manifestation of God) Sri Ramakrishna (1836 –1886), spoke at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago and won an enthusiastic American following with his genteel manner and erudite presentation. Over the next few years, he inaugurated the first Eastern religious movement in America: the Vedanta Societies of various cities, independent of one another but under the spiritual leadership of the Ramakrishna Order in India. In 1920 a second Hindu missionary effort was launched in America when a comparably charismatic “neo -Vedanta” swami, Paramahansa Yogananda, was invited to speak at the International Congress of Religious Liberals in Boston, sponsored by the Unitarian Church. After the Congress, Yogananda lectured across the country, spellbinding audiences with his immense charm and powerful presence. In 1925 he established the headquarters for his Self -Realization Fellowship (SRF) in Los Angeles on the site of a former hotel atop Mount Washington. He was the first Eastern guru to take up permanent residence in the United States after creating a following here. NEO-VEDANTA: THE FORCE STRIKES BACK Neo-Vedanta arose partly as a countermissionary movement to Christianity in nineteenth -century India. Having lost a significant minority of Indians (especially among the outcast “Untouchables”) to Christianity under British rule, certain adherents of the ancient Advaita Vedanta school of Hinduism retooled their religion to better compete with Christianity for the s ouls not only of Easterners, but of Westerners as well. -
The Inner Light: the Beatles, India, Gurus, and the Legacy
The Inner Light: The Beatles, India, Gurus, and the Legacy John Covach Institute for Popular Music, University of Rochester Arthur Satz Department of Music Eastman School of Music Main Points The Beatles’ “road to India” is mostly navigated by George Harrison John Lennon was also enthusiastic, Paul somewhat, Ringo not so much Harrison’s “road to India” can be divided into two kinds of influence: Musical influences—the actual sounds and structures of Indian music Philosophical and spiritual influences—elements that influence lyrics and lifestyle The musical influences begin in April 1965, become focused in fall 1966, and extend to mid 1968 The philosophical influences begin in late 1966 and continue through the rest of Harrison’s life Note: Harrison began using LSD in the spring of 1965 and discontinued in August 1967 Songs by other Beatles, Lennon especially, also reflect Indian influences The Three “Indian” songs of George Harrison “Love You To” recorded April 1966, released on Revolver, August 1966 “Within You Without You” recorded March, April 1967, released on Sgt Pepper, June 1967 “The Inner Light” recorded January, February 1968, released as b-side to “Lady Madonna,” March 1968 Three Aspects of “Indian” characteristics Use of some aspect of Indian philosophy or spirituality in the lyrics Use of Indian musical instruments Use of Indian musical features (rhythmic patterns, drone, texture, melodic elements) Musical Influences Ravi Shankar is principal influence on Harrison, though he does not enter the picture until mid 1966 April 1965: Beatles film restaurant scene for Help! Harrison falls in love with the sitar, buys one cheap Summer 1965: Beatles in LA hear about Shankar from McGuinn, Crosby (meet Elvis, discuss Yogananda) October 1965: “Norwegian Wood” recorded, released in December on Rubber Soul. -
Wind of Prana and Waite Yoga Advanced Practices of Yoga – Pranayama and Meditation
Wind of Prana and Waite Yoga Advanced Practices of Yoga – Pranayama and Meditation _______________________________________________________________________________ “Controlling the breath is a prerequisite to controlling the mind and the body” – Swami Rama _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Course Syllabus A. Yoga and Body of Energy 1. Mind/Body Problem 2. The Multileveled Nature of Man 3. Cosmic Breath 4. Developing Awareness of Breath B. Philosophy of Prana and Pranayama 1. What is Prana? 2. Pancha Kosha: Vital Sheath 3. Chakras: Energy Vortices 4. Nadis: Channels of Prana 5. Pancha Prana: Pranic Forcefields 6. Five Keys to Unlock Prana Experience 7. Prana and Mantra C. Svarodaya: The Science of Breath 1. Portal to Higher Awareness 2. Prana and Shakti 3. The Vayus 4. The Tattvas D. The Anatomy of Breathing 1. Respiration and the Chest: The Mechanics of Breathing 2. Nasal Function and Energy 3. Pranayama and the Nervous System 4. Breathing Patterns E. Pre-Pranayama Practices 1. Conscious Breathing 2. Basic Breathing Methods 3. Preliminary Breathing Practices 4. Regulation of the Breath 5. Awareness of Subtle Breath 6. Dietary Considerations F. The Practice of Pranayama 1. Purification Practice 2. Three Bandhas 3. Surya Bhedana Kumbhaka: The Secret of The Sun 4. Classical Pranayamas 5. Advanced Techniques G. Pranayama for Health Conditions 1. Awareness of Mind and Body 2. Awareness of Health Conditions 3. Union of Mind and Body via Breath 4. Guide for Health Conditions (arthritis, asthma, childbirth, anxiety, …) H. Dhyana: Meditation 1. The Process of Meditation 2. Meditation Types 3. Meditation Schools 4. Concentration and Meditation Techniques Pranayamas and breathing exercises to be explored during the course (in alphabetical order): 1. -
Newsletter for July - Aug - Sept 2017
Newsletter for July - Aug - Sept 2017 Schedules Monastiic Viisiit Sunday Mornings Two Self-Realization Fellowship monks, Brother Devananada Energization Exercises 9am - 9:15 and Brahmachari Andy, visited our group, holding services Personal Meditation 9 - 9:30 and other activities at the chapel during June. We are Meditation Service 9:30 - 10:15 grateful for the guidance they provided as to best practices Reading Service 10:30 - 11:30 for SRF groups and for the conflict resolution workshop they Sunday School 10:30 - 11:30am conducted. Their visit was a joyful blessing for all. Below are some pictures from their visit. Wednesday Evenings Lessons Study Group 7:30pm - 8:30pm Saturday Mornings 5-hour Meditation 7am - Noon Group practice of Energization Exercises 7:00am & 9:30am First Saturday of month - Guided Meditation 10am-Noon Last Saturday of month - Kirtan 10am - Noon Social Gatherings Vegetarian Potluck after Sunday Reading Service the first Sunday of every month. Special Services July 25, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Babaji Commemoration Day August 14, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Janmashtami (birth of Bhagavan Krishna) September 26, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Mahasamadhi of Lahiri Mahasaya September 30, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Birthday of Lahiri Mahasaya (1828) Sunday Readings Schedule July 2 Seeing God as the Sole Doer 9 Building World Unity 16 Understanding Reincarnation 23 The Spiritual Science of Kriya Yoga 30 Why We Suffer August 6 How to Develop True Intuition 13 Who Made God? 20 Miracles: The Working of Higher Laws 27 The Battle Between Good and Evil September 3 Meditation: Direct Perception of God 10 How to Spiritualize Business 17 The Unlimited Power of the Mind 24 Be a Smile Millionaire Quote From Master "Your greatest necessity is God. -
England and Had Practiced Law In
England and had practiced law in on the other hand, maintained Europe and India before moving that plaintiff was fired when it to Los Angeles to join was revealed she was not licensed Choudhury’s team. During her to practice law in California. two-year employment as Plaintiff asserted everyone knew Choudhury’s legal advisor, she was studying to take the bar plaintiff quickly realized her job and her job duties did not require would involve handling her to be licensed in the state. allegations against Choudhury for the sexual harassment and assault Plaintiff called Petra Stark, a of his yoga students and teacher former lawyer in President trainees. Barack Obama’s administration, who was also fired by After initiating an investigation of Choudhury, to testify female sexual harassment claims, teacher trainees massaged the 69- On January 26, 2016, the jury plaintiff claimed to have year-old guru and combed his returned a unanimous verdict in experienced the same demeaning hair, adding that meetings with federal court against founder of and abusive behavior from him were held in his bedroom Bikram Yoga, Bikram Choudhury. Plaintiff claimed and on his bed. Ms. Stark further Choudhury, awarding more than Choudery threatened to have her testified to witnessing Mr. $6.4 million in punitive damages killed or deported for making Choudhury force a 23 year old for the sexual harassment, complaints about his sexually trainee to give him a massage and discrimination, and wrongful harassing behavior. After two later oral sex during a late- termination of former legal years of employment, plaintiff evening limousine ride.