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Sahaja Yoga is a religious form of Yoga practice. Although the term Sahaja Yoga was originally used in the fifteenth century, the modern version was founded by Shri Mataji, aka Nirmala Srivastava. This brand of Yoga originated in India and then moved to England when its founder did in the mid seventies. Sahaja Yoga has since branched out to multiple locations worldwide. It has been trademarked in the US since the year 2000. In its more religious format, it is known as Vishwa Nirmala Dharma and Sahaja Yoga International. It is currently recognized as a religion in the US and Russia.

It is a kundalini focused Yoga practice leading to self realization, awareness of sub-thought regions, and mental peace and quiet. It works with the chakras and nadis, commonly known to multiple Indian and new age practices. Practice involves working with meditation, chakra-cleansing, and prayer. Medical studies have partially backed claims that Sahaja Yoga can assist with treating asthma and several other medical complaints. Its practitioners believe in can cure everything from cancer to aids if practiced correctly and with respect to its founder. Related puja activities are supposedly only for those of some prior achievement in thoughtlessness due to it having little benefit

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Yoga Styles: Raja Yoga

July 1st 2009 02:21

Raja Yoga is a main 'branch' more than a style, referring to mental & physical control. The other branches being Karma Yoga - the Yoga of action, Bhakti Yoga - the Yoga of devotion, and Jnana Yoga - the Yoga of wisdom/knowledge. Alternaively, it is known as half of 'modern' Yoga, with Hatha Yoga being the other half. The distinction this time is that Raja relates primarily to mental control and Hatha to physical. RajaYoga is also the term given to 'classic' and 'general' Yoga practices within the West.

The word raja translates as king or royal. It is very closely asscoiated with Ashtanga - 8 limbed - Yoga, and Patanjali's Yoga sutras. Raja yoga works mentally to focus on and control thought and other mentations. Balancing the energy throughout the body and mind is another factor often attributed to Raja Yoga

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YOGA EVENTS: Early August 2009

June 26th 2009 17:26

AUG 1: 2009 World Yoga Hall of Fame and Trade Show @ Warwick, RI
QUOTE: The World Yoga Hall of Fame has been established to educate, promote, protect and preserve the rich heritage of yoga in all its forms and traditions by recognizing those have made invaluable contributions to the yoga world. Be a part of this historic event being beld August 1, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Convention Center in Warwick, Rhode Island, U.S.A. Partake in this world class event with seminars, trade show, and award and induction ceremony honoring those who have contributed so much to the world of yoga.
INFO: http://www.wyhof.org

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Standing Asana - Vriksasana

June 24th 2009 16:15

This pose is also known as the tree pose, as the Sanskrit word for tree is vrksa. Once again, start by taking up Tadasana.

Bend your right knee and take your foot to rest the sole against your opposite thigh. Your heel should be positioned as high as possible in the groin area. The knee on the right leg should point out in a sideways angle. Take up the Namaste pose with your hands. You should try to retain the pose for between 12 full deep breaths and four or five minutes before returning to Tadasana and then alternating to the left leg and foot

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Standing Asana - Uttanasana

June 23rd 2009 02:45

Commence with Tadasana. From this basic position, inhale and raise your arms forward and upward, to point directly to the sky or ceiling above you. Palms should be facing one another above your head.

Exhale, and as you do so bend forward to a position parallel to the floor for your upper torso and extended arms. Retain the pose for 2-3 full breaths before continuing. When you next exhale, bend downward as far as you are able. Place your hands on your legs, as far down as possible

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Standing Asana - Utkatasana

June 19th 2009 17:29

As with most standing poses, commence in Tadasana pose. As you inhale, raise your arms forward and upward so that they are in a straight line pointing toward the ceiling or sky. The palms should be joined.

As you exhale, bend your knees. Try to get your thighs parallel to the floor but keep your feet flat on the floor below. Keep your feet and legs together. Remain in this position for between 3 and 12 breaths before release

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Standing Asana - Parsvottanasana

June 18th 2009 00:35

Alternate names for this pose are pyramid pose, runner's stretch, and Parsva Uttanasana. Once again, the starting position is Tadasana. Firstly, step your feet wide apart and position them with an angle - the right at 90 degrees and the left at 45.

Twist your body toward the right, shoulders and hips aligned. As you inhale, raise your arms upright. Hold this position for a couple of full breaths, and then, exhaling, continue. Continue by bending forward into a parallel to the ground with your upper torso. Once more, retain the pose for a couple of full breaths before continuing

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Standing Asana - Natarajasana

June 15th 2009 14:43

Natarajasana is also known as the dancer pose. It stems from the Hindu Lord Shiva, who is often referred to as the 'Lord of the Dance'. The 'dance' signifies the activities of the creation, continuance and destruction of the world, the hiding of reality, and salvation - all contained within universal energy.

To perform this Asana, first take up the Tadasana position. Whilst balancing on your left leg, bend your right leg behind you, keeping your knees together, and grasp the right foot in your right hand

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Standing Asana - Virabhadrasana 3

June 11th 2009 15:57

A third variation of the Warrior Pose - aka Virabhadra 3 - follows. The first step is to take up the Tadasana pose. From here, raise both arms straight above your head, with palms facing. The next two moves require you to focus on retaining a straight line along your extended arms, spine and the raised leg.

Firstly, keeping it straight behind you, extend your left leg behind you, with the toe just touching the floor. Then tilt forward, raising the left leg directly and straight behind you. Your arms remain extended and now form a 90-degree angle with the right leg

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Standing Asana - Virabhadrasana 2

June 10th 2009 04:03

Commence by standing in Tadasana pose. Leap into a star shape by positioning your feet wide apart and leveling your arms in a straight line at shoulder height. Your wrists and ankles should be aligned.

The next move is to turn your feet to point towards the left. The left foot should be turned at a slightly larger angle than the right. Staying balanced is where your focus should rest

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July 2009

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