PRINCIPLES AND METHODS OF YOGA PRACTICES

Bhavanani AB. Model, methods, and perspectives in yoga. Int J Yoga 2018;11:258-60 A review of Model, methods, and perspectives in yoga, a book authored by Prof. TM Srinivasan and published by Swami Vivekananda Yoga Prakashana, Bengaluru, India. This book is a compilation of 45 papers published by Prof. TM Srinivasan in Yoga Sudha, the monthly magazine from S-VYASA in recent years and are arranged as 45 chapters divided into three parts, namely, model, methods, and perspectives in part I, II, and III, respectively.

Short Essay prepared in 2013 for the Course Philosophy of Yoga dictated by the Oxford Center for Hindu Studies (OCHS).

The Principles and Practices of Yoga in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2022

This chapter explains in clear terms both the originally intended meaning, practice, and philosophy of Yoga as well as more recent developments, where interest in yoga in its more popular physical form can now be found in almost every country of the world. The global spread of yoga is beyond pop culture and indicates some level of value in terms of health benefits and lifestyle amelioration. Despite yoga's ancient origin it is amenable to scientific study. More importantly, it needs rigorous study not only in terms of the empirical scientific method but in precision of the yoga technique if its inherent value is to be more clearly identified and applied to both general health concerns and more specific pathological issues. This chapter offers a clearer insight into the nature of how yoga techniques are conducted according to their intended outcome, outlined in the original texts, so their practice, research and reported outcomes are identified as yoga, not to be conflated with other approaches under a loosely termed generic "yoga".

In book: The Principles and Practice of Yoga in Health Care, Edition: 1, Chapter: History, Philosophy, and Practice of Yoga., Publisher: Handspring Pub Ltd, Editors: Sat Bir Khalsa, Lorenzo Cohen, Timothy McCall, Shirley Telles, pp.17-29 The Principles and Practice of Yoga in Health Care is a professional-level textbook with contributions by multiple expert researchers and therapists in the field. - See more at: http://www.handspringpublishing.com/product/principles-practice-yoga-health-care/#sthash.9nw6QPrd.dpuf

Philosophy East and West, vol. 55, no. 2, 2005

1991

Yoga is described as a self study (svadhyaya) which ultimately means that we learn about ourselves through practice. Learning to practice is the aim of attending classes and this includes the routines and habits that support a practice. Yoga Mandir offers a range of learning pathways such as Yogasana courses, Led practices and material for home practice including sequences and study material. Teachers communicate an experience of Yogasana based upon their own practice experience and through the practitioner program levels we offer courses rather than classes, endeavouring to be systematic in this communication. Teachers therefore seek to develop students as practitioners of yoga, rather than just encouraging attendance at classes. While it may appear that technical details of asana are a focus, over time the aim is for students to develop a capacity to focus on swadhyaya (self study). Swadhyaya is an aspect of Kriya yoga (tapas, swadhyaya and isvara pranidhana). Kriya yoga is one of Patanjali's key approaches to the practice of yoga. Yoga as Meditative practice Yoga is classed as a meditative practice because it is concerned with the effects upon the mind. Whilst we work within a physical discipline both highly structured and refined ultimately the body is the vehicle to use the mind in a specific way. As we progress in our understanding of the techniques and in our application within the practice we develop concentration and we can begin to examine the behaviour of the mind. It is possible to think of our practice as directed towards performance outcomes in the body and therefore distinct from meditation but this misses its effects on the mind. In the practitioner program at Yoga Mandir we identify the practices (3 of the 8 disciplines of astanga Yoga) as being conducted to effect our inner state. Yoga is described as a culture of consciousness and the study of the mind. Observances, practices and outcomes Iyengar divides the astanga (8 disciplines) of Patanjali into 3 groups below ...yoga is divided into three parts. Yama and niyama are one part. Asana, pranayama and pratyahara are the second part. Dharana, dhyana and samadhi are the third part. Yama and niyama are the discipline of the organs of action and the organs of perception. They are common to the whole world. They are not specifically Indian, nor are they connected to yoga alone. They are something basic which has to be maintained. In order to fly, a bird needs two wings. Similarly, to climb the ladder of spiritual wisdom, the ethical and mental disciplines are essential. Then, from that basic starting point, evolution has to take place. In order for the individual to evolve, the science of yoga provides the three methods of asana, pranayama and pratyahara. These three methods are the second stage of yoga, and involve effort. The third stage comprises dharana, dhyana and samadhi, which can be simply translated as concentration, meditation and union with the Universal Self. These three are the effects of the practice of asana, prana and pratyahara, but in themselves do not involve practice. 1 This third stage noted above is referred to as an outcome. When our practices (asana, pranayama & pratyahara) are conducted effectively they generate the outcomes of concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana) and surrender (samadhi). In his book Tree of Yoga Iyengar uses the image of a tree to arrange the 8 limbs and uses the fruit to refer to the outcomes. Another term for the outcomes is samyama.