Hatha Yoga System
Why the system was developed – that of Hatha Yoga to enable the body to last long enough to study of the deeper purposes and the higher spiritual Laws behind life and arrive at a satisfactory degree of knowledge of the universe. To aspire in this way, we must first have health if we wish to enjoy many years of life enquiry.
The yoga student or sadhaka is prepared to undertake a programme of self discipline in order to improve his character, achieve psychological cleansing of past difficulties, and follow the traditional methods of Yogic practice that will lead to spiritual experience and realization of the truths of life.
The natural law that determines each of us grows through self effort is recognized and adhered to and it is up to the aspiration and determination of each student that personal spiritual progress is made under the watchful eye of the Guru. This classical system is still followed by some but in western adaptation of the training process there are some considerable modifications.
There are many ancient traditions, many of which are retained in the classical teachings even today. However, in western application most are modified and adapted to suit the current lifestyle but the principles are adhered to nevertheless.
In India it is seen as natural to seek a spiritual Guru at some stage following maturity, usually after a period as a householder and adherence to the general cultural practices and values required for daily living. It is not a foreign concept for the spiritual aspirant to look forward to commencement of a new stage of life as a renunciate or to devote time to philosophic studies and cultural refinement. In the classical eras the spiritual stage of life was perceived as a fine reward after practical effort.
Children as young as age 3 derive benefit from attending classes of limited numbers, preferably of the same age, or together with a sibling of near age.
Teachers are specially trained in the adaptation of yoga for infants and usually have developed their own style of teaching that is safe, appropriate for the different age group up to teens.
Yoga teachers who specialize in adapting the philosophy and practices of the yogic teachings apply a balanced method of education with its foundation in ancient wisdom and with its techniques and application adapted to embrace modern health practices.
Parents benefit in several ways by having children disciplined through Yoga classes that encourage learning and application of sound, balanced knowledge and health education that complements their schooling. Well disciplined children become more amenable and co-operative as they benefit from clear guidelines. Parents benefit also as children improve in behaviour, politeness and respect that allows more productive and satisfying relationships with all members of the family.
There are some simple practices that will be found common to all yogic teaching of Hatha Yoga.
Preparation before exercising includes having an empty stomach, and suitable clothing before the
A comfortable seated position is required in order to practise breath controls of Pranayama, as well as the mental disciplines and pracitices of Raja Yoga such as concentration and in particular meditation, which demands longer duration of a pose to be held.
There are many variations of the basic classical Asanas used in order to arrive at the desired comfortable position . Adjustments are made for individual special needs but in ease case it is important to assume an upright postion of the spine.
The value of Yoga is not so much in offering yet another ideology. We have enough confusion regarding ideas, philosophies and spiritual teachings. Confusion tends to reduce our capacity to keep clear the beautiful simple spiritual message that all great teachers have conveyed regarding the ideal way of life. Our life purpose must include our practical attempt to put this message into practice.
These efforts are known as our personal Sadhana or our spiritual self discipline. Just as we rely upon a disciplined driver to be a safe driver on our roads, so a controlled and disciplined person is a safe person and not likely to harm others along life’s way.
The word yoga means to unite, to join together or to integrate. In regard to the practice known as Yoga, there are several spheres of reference – integration of the physical with the emotional nature –to co-ordinate emotional and mental aims – to integrate mind and body – and to join the individual soul to the Universal Life Source, or God.
The system known as Yoga is an integral part of the classical systems of Indian Philosophy, all of which stem from the ancient and profound Vedic teachings that are considered to have their origin in antiquity. The Vedas refer to all aspects of human life and the natural sciences, including those involved in the spiritual evolution and advancement of mankind.
It is believed that all our great western philosophers over the centuries have dipped into and adopted these Indian wisdom teachings with the result that many similar ideas permeate their doctrines. Both the philosophic and the practical guidelines of old are a valued source of information that continues to inspire earnest scholars as well as all those who question life today.
What follows will help you, whether you are a beginner seeking to improve your physical and mental health, or you are an exponent seeking for new insights to encourage your continuing practice of Yoga.
If you are just beginning to consider flowers in your food and extending your interest, you will feel most confident in using the well known traditional ones. However there is quite an explosion of interest in flowers in modern cuisine and you will be assured that the list of suitable flowers will grow as science confirms their safe use in your kitchen.
Flowers are often presented whole in garnishing for their colour and aesthetic pleasure but if they are served to be eaten, great care must be made in their quality and preparation to minimize any of the bitter parts of the flower. Buying flowers are only safe for eating if they are guaranteed to be grown organically for obvious reasons. The safest way is to use them straight from your own garden where no sprays or chemical residues will threaten the quality and flavor of the blooms.
