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Vijay teaches an Astanga
class, Monday-Saturday, 9a-11a each morning, and a Hatha Class each afternoon
beginning at 2:00pm. We practice Astanga, (a style of Hatha), so we decided
to check out the Hatha Classes. I have really enjoyed this
time here, the classes, the breathing exercises, and especially
the adjustments. I highly recommend this class. Whether a beginner, or a
seasoned Yogi, Vijay is an excellent teacher, as are his
assistants, Ram, and Sunder. A massage by Sunder is a must. He
has the technique, and something that can't be taught, the
touch.
Vijay as been practicing yoga for over 30 years. Originally from
Tamil Nadu, Vijay learned yoga from Indian, and Western
teachers in various styles, and traditions. His wealth of
experience, and expertise make him a qualified yoga teacher, and
assures your safety. Vijay now devotes himself to the practice
of Power (Astanga Vinyasa) Yoga, and to the deepening of his
spiritual self. Contact him via email:
vijayamar@yahoo.com.
Visit his website:
www.vijaypoweryoga.com. His brochure explains
Yoga as the following. I agree with this
analysis. Legend has it that the science of yoga
was first expounded by Lord Shiva, who taught more than 840,000
asanas, or, or postures. The first references to yoga appear in
the Rig Veda, but it was the great Patanjali who first
systematized it in his Yoga Sutras. Patanjali spoke of
8 Limbs
of Yoga, which include ethical disciplines (yama, and niyama),
physical postures, and breathing (asana, and pranayama), and
meditative withdrawal, and concentration (pratyahara, dharana,
and dhyana). These culminate in samadhi, the state of ultimate
bliss.
It was the Hatha yogis like Matseyendranath, however, who once
again laid the emphasis on physical purification through
posture, breath expansion, and internal cleansing (kriya). They
believed that unless the physical, and subtle bodies were first
purified, and strengthened through these methods, one could
never reach true meditative awareness. It is important to
remember, therefore, that the postures of yoga were never meant
as an end in themselves, nor for mere physical fitness; they
were always the stepping-stones to the real goal of
self-realization.
Hatha Yoga works on several levels at once. On the physical
level, it makes our bodies strong, balanced, and light, and
rejuvenates tired limbs. Internal organs are massaged, and
toned, and vital glands like the thyroid, and parathyroid, are
made to function properly. At the psychic level, we become more
relaxed, and more aware. Through the practice of
aware-in-movement, we become able to observe our minds, and
bodies, and to become less implicated in our inner turmoil. This
growing awareness naturally, predisposes one to meditation. At
an emotional level, we are able to release harmful emotional,
and psychological blocks through the purification of the body.
Emotional wounds leave traces in the body, in the form of knots,
misalignments, and tension. In the asanas, we release these
physical tensions, and the corresponding emotions are at last
free to rise to the surface, and disappear. It is in this sense
that yoga is a holistic science, and treats the individual as a
psycho-spiritual, and physical whole. Yoga works all the chakras
(energy points).
Yoga is not a religion, but it is a powerful technique of
self-realization. It teaches us to live in the present, without
worry, stress, or anger. We make peace with ourselves, and from
this inner harmony, comes peace in our relationships. This makes
yoga of immense relevance to our age. It is the hope of the
Universal Yoga Center that by studying this great science, one
might find the true meaning of your life, and go on to make the
world a better place. May you be well, and happy.
Equanimity of mind is Yoga-The Bhagvat Gita
Dexterity in action is Yoga-The Bhagvat Gita
Yoga is total silencing of the mind-Patanjali
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