Yoga: A Gem for Women - 8 Facets of Yoga

Yoga: A Gem for Women - 8 Facets of Yoga
 

The threefold quest shows us that there is a movement from the outer distractions of the world inward to a more serene and subtle state.  When reaching that inner state we find a peace within leading to Self-realization.

Part of this journey is in the 8 limbs of Patanajali's yoga - Astanga Yoga and Geeta writes about this next by discussing the 8 facets of yoga.

Geeta begins the 1st facet with Yama, or the social disciplines.  The "do not's" of yoga.
If you have done some reading on the 8 limbs of yoga you may have read that Patanjali in sutra II.30 and II.31 lists 5 social disciplines.  "These are the great universal moral commandments which are not limited by birth, place, time and occasion."

Those being:
Ahimsa: Non-violence - Geeta writes that violence is lack of love and that only love can unite society.  Her wise words that violence is the outcome of fear, selfishness, anger and lack of confidence.  Non-violence is respect for others.

Satya: Truthfulness - This comes in speech, actions and deed. Geeta writes how the Mahabharata says to speak the truth, speak that which is pleasing, but speak not the truth which is unpleasing, nor falsehood which is pleasing. 
Her analogy of how the tongue with no bones is like a serpent that can twist as it pleases, so needs control so it does not swerve from the truth.

Asteya: Non-Stealing - This is the acceptance taking only what one needs, as anything more is greed.

Brahmacarya: Moderation in Sex - Geeta writes that "Kama or sex is undoubtedly one of the aims of life as well as a driving force in a human being, but it has to be channelled in the right direction."  If it is not if can lead to ruin.

Aparigraha: Non-Greed - Geeta writes that acquisitiveness is a disease and once it sets in it is impossible to give up.  When one is free from hankering after unnecessary objects one is free from this disease.

Added to this list is Ksama (forgiveness), Dhrti (steady intellect), Daya (compassion), Arjava (straightforwardness), Mitahara (moderation in diet) and Sauca (cleanliness).

I'm sure I could spend many lifetimes just on this facet alone. 
Over the next week or so pick one yama and for a day or so see if you can practice it and notice when you stray.
For example ahimsa is non-harming in speech, actions and thoughts.  How often does what we think affect us negatively.  How often do we think unkind things about ourselves or others.  Can we curb this knowing that things are not always what our thoughts are but arise out of impatience, fear or anger.  At these times sit with your breath for a few minutes and see if you can release this and come to a more realistic understanding.

Next we will see what Geeta Iyengar writes about Niyama.

Namaste.
Pamela Nelson
www.plnyoga.blogspot.com

February Updates

 

Hello! It is hard to believe it is almost the end of January. I hope 2017 has been good to each of you so far. I just wanted to update you on my February schedule, March retreat and a few other upcoming events that are in the works. Starting Thursday, February 2nd I am offering a Senior/Modified Yoga class from 1:30-2:30p.m.  This class is great for those will no or little yoga experience, working with stiffness. injuries or balance issues or just feel a general class is not for them at this time. Building Your hOMe Yoga Practice - Thursday, February 9th - 7:15-8:30p.m. The first class was so well received I have decided to do another. A home practice will change your yoga for you.  Getting there can be a challenge though.  This class will give tips and some handouts to help you start your home practice journey or inspire you to continue.  Even if you attended the first class this one will have something for everyone!  Please pre-register. Class is at Yoga Sublime Studio. Upcoming Retreat: I am excited to be joining Roxanne and Rhonda from Indigo Yoga again this year for their annual Indigo Yoga Retreat. It is March 25 & 26 in beautiful Prince Albert National Park. For more information please email info@indigoyogaco.ca.  The poster is on my blog also with more information. www.plnyoga.blogspot.com. Other Things I'm Working On: March 4th  - workshop in Saskatoon at JNS Yoga Studio - currently working on details March - Thursday evenings - 5 weeks - Playful Yoga with Chair - for those with yoga experience - must pre-register May - Mother's Day retreat - working on details Below is my current schedule.  Please feel free to contact me for more information, to register or general inquires.  There is still room in all classes. Thank you !  Happy February. TUESDAY'S:  No class Feb.21st and April 18th   10:15-11:30am - AM Yoga- Iyengar Level 1/2 - Yoga Sublime  12:00-1:00pm – NOON Yoga- Iyengar Level 1/2 –  Forest Centre 5:30-7:00am – Iyengar Yoga -  Level 2/3 - Yoga Sublime    7:15-8:15 pm-Iyengar Basic/Level 1 - Yoga Sublime  WEDNESDAY'S:   Christopher Lake Sportsplex -  No class Feb.22nd 7:00-8:15 pm-  Iyengar All Levels THURSDAY'S:   Yoga Sublime    No class Feb.23rd and April 20th 1:30-2:30 - Senior/Modified Yoga  5:30-6:45pm – Gentle/Restorative Yoga Thursday Evening Extras – 7:15-8:30p.m. February 9th – Building a Home Yoga Practice - $17 or class pass can be used March 5th – 30th – Earth, Air, Water, Fire and Space – Experienced with the Chair – must pre-register SATURDAY: - Yoga Sublime - Begins January 14th No classes Feb. 18th, 25th, April 15th & 22nd 9:00-10:15am – A.M. Eye Opener – Level 1/2 Class Descriptions: Iyengar Basic/Level 1 – This class is for those with little or no yoga experience. Introduces the foundations of Iyengar Yoga and develops mobility, stability, alignment and flexibility. Classes focus on standing poses, seated poses, forward bends and building up to shoulder stand.  Modifications given as needed. Iyengar Level 1/2 – Suitable for those comfortable with level 1 postures.  Will include refinements and new postures and move into other inversions and pranayama.  Modifications given as needed. Iyengar Level 2/3 – Suitable for those with previous yoga experience.  Moving into more advanced postures, inversions and pranayama .  Asana/Pranayama – This class will include asana that will open and prepare the body, breath and mind for pranayama.  This four week class will include supine and seated pranayama.  Some yoga experience required. Gentle/Restorative – With the gentle support of props this class will help to soothe the nerves and restore, recuperate and rejuvenate the body, breath and mind. Senior/Modified - This class is for those who are working with stiffness or injuries (knees, shoulders, low-back, etc.), loss of balance or feel that a general class pace is not suitable for them at this time. Please visit website – www.plnyoga.blogspot.com - here you can sign up with your email and not miss any updates posted as they are sent directly to your inbox! Or email:plnyogastudio@gmail.com or call 306.982.2737/306.981.4703

The benefits of yoga can only be experienced by doing yoga!

Transformation

 

 

 

Change leads to disappointment

if it is not sustained.

Transformation is sustained change,

and it is achieved through practice.

-B.K.S. Iyengar

 

Namaste.

Pamela Nelson

www.plnyoga.blogspot.com



Yoga: A Gem for Women - Threefold Quest

 

Yoga: A Gem for Women - Threefold Quest

 

The threefold quest consists of the external quest (bahiranga sadhana, inner quest (antaranga sadhana) and the spiritual quest (antaratma sadhana).  Geeta has a nice chart in her book to show this.

 

The chart displays how the External Quest is made up of the moral (Yama and Niyama) and Physical (Asana and Pranayama).

The Inner Quest is made up of the mental (Pranayama and Pratyahara).

The Spiritual Quest is the spiritual (Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi)

 

These are the 8-limbs Patanjali writes about in the Yoga Sutras.

 

 

She explains the threefold quest further though.

 

 

Geeta writes about Bahiranga Sadhana that the body is the temple of the Soul. "Just as a clean temple evokes pure thoughts, a clean body leads to a pure mind and is thus a fit abode for the Self."

The first step towards Self-Realization, she says is to keep the body pure and free from disease.

 

Antaranga Sadhaha - the inner quest comes after attaining the purity of body.  To do this Geeta explains that one needs to understand how the mind functions.  Controlling the mind and senses helps one to do this.

"The mind desires, and the senses follow the mind for their gratification; thus the mind is caught up in the gratification of desires."

Also affecting the mind, Geeta writes is the six enemies: lust, anger, greed, temptation, pride and jealousy.

Breath control and control of the senses is a way to help conquer these enemies.

 

Geeta quotes the Hathayoga Pradipika - II, 2

"A disturbed breath leads to a disturbed mind; a steady breath leads to a steady mind.  The two go together. Hence, cultivate a steady and quiet breath; thereby the mind is controlled and the life of a Yogi is prolonged."

 

Geeta calls the spiritual quest the pursuit of the soul.  The mind has achieved poise and concentration and has let go of the ego to find eternal bliss.

 

I am glad to be on this quest, even though if is a hard one, a lifelong challenge.

I take a few steps forward and then often back again, but the quest to be a better person is within me and I am glad to have so many wonderful books and teachers to help me along the way.

 

Namaste.

Pamela Nelson

 

 

 

 

 

Indigo Yoga Retreat 2017 - March 25 & 26

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I feel so grateful to be asked to teach at this upcoming yoga retreat organized by Indigo Yoga Co.

This upcoming retreat will take place in Waskesiu Lake. 
If interested in registering or wanting more information please contact info@indigoyogaco.ca

Namaste.
Pamela Nelson
www.plnyoga.blogspot.com

Yoga: A Gem for Women - Astanga Yoga

 

Yoga: A Gem for Women

 

As Patanjali helps us understand - practice and detachment are required to control the senses and mind.

This is explained more in Patanjali's Astanga Yoga Sutras - 8-limbs of yoga.

Geeta writes on this next in her book - Yoga: A Gem for Women.

 



She says that the "proper functioning of the body depends on the several limbs.  The absence of sickness in any one limb affects the health of the whole body.  The same principle applies to the study of yoga and its branches."

The 8 steps Patanjali writes about are:
Yama - conduct towards others
Niyama - conduct towards oneself
Asana - practice of the postures for physical discipline
Pranayama - breath-control for mental discipline
Pratyahara - discipline of the senses
Dharana - concentration
Dhyana - meditation
Samadhi - self-realization

All the limbs are interdependent.

Geeta quotes 11.28 of Patanajali's Yoga Sutra's:
The study of the 8 limbs of Yoga leads to the purification of the body, the mind, and the intellect: the flame of knowledge is kept burning and discrimination is aroused."

However, in the Yoga Upanisads there is said to be only 6 limbs and was called Sadanga Yoga - Six-Sided Yoga.
They say the six are:
Postures
Breath control
Discipline of the senses
Concentration
Meditation
Self-realization

But the texts also state that in order to attain Samadhi yama and niyama are prerequisites, therefore really making little difference between Astanga and Sadanga Yoga.

Geeta does write about what the main differences between the two systems are though.

She says that the Sadanga Yoga was aimed at small groups - members of monasteries, who already practice yama and niyama.
Patanajali's system was for everyone so more instructions were needed on how to lead one's life and gain spiritual bliss.

Next blog will be on the Threefold Quest that a seeker must undertake.

Today, see if you can apply one of the limbs of yoga and see how it relates to another limb.
For example, how in the yamas - ahimsa (non-harming in word, action and thought) can relate to your asana practice.  If push to hard in a posture you are harming yourself and doing more out of ego. 

See if you can relate this even to pranayama.

Namaste.
Pamela Nelson
www.plnyoga.blogspot.com