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Introducing Yoga through Asanas and Pranayama
History of Yoga
Lord Shiva is considered to be the symbol or embodiment of supreme consciousness. Parvati represents supreme knowledge, will and action, and is responsible for all creation. This force or energy is also known as Kundalini Shakti, the cosmic force which lies dormant in all beings. Parvati is regarded as the mother of the whole universe.
Mudras
The Sanskrit word mudra is translated as ‘gesture’ or ‘attitude’. Mudras can be described as psychic, emotional, devotional and aesthetic gestures or attitudes. Yogis have experienced mudras as attitudes of energy flow, intended to link individual pranic force with universal or cosmic force.
Yogasanas
In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali there is a concise definition of yogasana: “Sthiram sukham aasanam”, meaning that position which is comfortable and steady. In this context, asanas are practised to develop the ability to sit comfortably in one position for an extended period of time, an ability necessary for meditation.
Bandhas
Bandhas were classified as a part of mudras and were handed down by word of mouth from guru to disciple. Bandhas are extensively incorporated in mudra as well as pranayama techniques. Their locking, action, however, reveals them as a fundamentally important group of practices in their own right.
Pranayama
Pranayama is generally defined as breath control. The word pranayama is comprised of two roots: ‘prana’ plus ‘ayama’. Prana means ‘vital energy’ or ‘life force’. It is the force which exists in all things, whether animate or inanimate. Although closely related to the air we breathe, it is more subtle than air mere breathing exercises aimed at introducing extra oxygen into the lungs.
Shatkarmas
Shatkarmas is a very precise and systematic science. Shat means ‘six’ and karma means ‘action’; the shatkarmas consist of six groups of purification practices. The aim of Hatha yoga and therefore, of the shatkarmas is to create harmony between the two major pranic flows, ida and pingala, thereby attaining physical and mental purification and balance.