“Health
is Wealth. Peace of mind is happiness. Yoga shows you the way”.
Yoga means “union”, a process of
uniting yourself with what you are essentially. My teacher, Swami
Jyotirmayanandaji, has philosophized on self realization of rising beyond
the narrow confines of the mind in order to experience the limitless joy
from the union with the Divine Self – the goal of yoga.
Yoga improves posture, increases the
intake of oxygen, and enhances the functioning of the respiratory,
digestive, endocrine, reproductive, and excretory systems. Yoga benefits
our emotions by calming the mind, attuning us to the environment and
reducing insomnia caused by restlessness of the mind. Yoga has been highly
recommended for people in competitive, stressful working environments, and
for those who suffer from headaches, back and shoulder aches, allergies,
and asthma. The regular practice of yoga helps us to deal with whatever
physical or mental conditions from which we might be suffering, by
increasing our immediate sense of well being, concentration, and
tranquillity.
The
perspective that yoga gives is that life is a tremendous gift and we have
to take responsibility for it. Yoga gives us the capacity to face up to
life's challenges. When we respect our body, we tend to do things that
will enhance its vitality. Most people who practice yoga become
vegetarians and some will even follow a macrobiotic diet (the theory of
promoting health and longevity by means of diet, especially whole beans
and grains).
There
are many illustrated books on yoga and one can practice it at home. As a
beginner, one will benefit far more by joining a class. A novice should
listen to his/her body. We should NOT attempt headstands, backward bending
or forcing ourselves into a cross-legged position until our body is ready.
Our teacher, Swami Jyotirmayanandaji, has taught us in his Ashram in Miami
and on his annual visits to Midland, various ways for a beginner to loosen
up the spine, shoulders and hips. This consisted of ten standing
positions, some floor positions, followed by relaxation and breathing
exercises. We are fortunate because his class was structured. He explained
a pose and then came and corrected us if we were not doing it properly.
When we came out of the class, we felt good andrelaxed, with our muscles stretched but never strained.
There
are so many facets to yoga that it can literally take a lifetime to master
the art. It is naturally a slow process. For the first couple of years,
you will repeat the same things over and over again. The poses, meditations
and breathing are basic to yoga exercises.Although the exercises in yoga are hard work, they are never
grueling. It is gentle because your mind and heart are involved. The
Iyengar method is a balanced system using a few basic standing poses to
'open up' the body, freeing the joints, stretching the muscles and
allowing blood to circulate. It is very good for the spine and for keeping
all the joints mobile.
The
exercises appear very simple, but are, in fact, based on very profound
thinking, drawing on the some of the most ancient holistic practices and
principles of eastern culture. The effects can be very subtle and so it is
best to give the practices a few weeks of regular daily practice to see if
they are suitable (for the individual practitioner). They can be adapted
to one's particular problems and needs as well being flexible enough to
fit into his/her busy schedule. Iyengar yoga also works at a psychological
level. In a yoga position, one can concentrate on a total awareness of
one’s energy and how it flows. One learns how body and mind work
together. Whilst almost all exercises can be beneficial depending on the
amount and body condition, practicing yoga ultimately leads us towards
improved health and well being, both mentally and physically.
THE
METHOD OF INTEGRATED YOGA
The
yoga system of philosophy presents a rational process where one is
intellectually enlightened regarding his/her inner nature. Yoga also shows
the disciplines one must adopt in order to enhance the process of
personality integration. It is a system of philosophy promoting practice
as well as theory. Yoga in the broad sense is the integrated spiritual
movement leading to self-realization.
Integrated
Yoga is rooted in wisdom (prajna) and compassion (karuna). It implies an
understanding of Yoga in its completeness, that is a total union with God
in every level of his personality- Reason, Emotion, Will and Action. In
order to succeed in life, one must advance along all four lines in a
balanced and integrated manner.
Therefore,
Integral Yoga presents a blend of four major yogas corresponding to the
four aspects of the human personality (1) Jnana Yoga (the yoga of wisdom)
trains and renders the intellect sharp and subtle; (2) Bhakti Yoga (the
yoga of devotion) nurtures feelings and brings about emotional integration
of the personality; (3) Raja Yoga (the yoga of meditation) which enables
one to develop a strong will and a controlled mind; and (4) Karma Yoga
(the yoga of action) which unfolds one’s hidden potentials while
preparing his psychological being to face and confront life’s day to day
challenges.
Our
integral method combines four types of Yoga along with supplementary minor
yogas into one unified harmonious blend towards the goal of
self-realization. Integral yoga therefore provides a safe and sure method
to enrich and perfect every aspect of our personality. Integrated yoga is
designed to free the flow of subtle energy through the joints andspine so as not only to prevent the onset of disease but also to
invigorate the yogi's physical, mental and spiritual experience in general
by liberating his or her own natural potential.
Postures
or asanas stretch the conception and governing vessels of meridian theory
running along the front of the body and the spine and also balance the
chakras or energy centers. Under the guidance of our spiritual teacher, we
have practiced the traditional steps of pranayama (breath control), mudras
(gestures), bandhas (energy locks) and pratyahara (sense withdrawal) as a
means to calm and concentrate the mind. From the basis of this calm
concentration, we can explore the spiritual universe through meditation.
Overall,
then, Integrated Yoga is designed to meet our practical health needs as
well as providing a sure foundation for embarking on the more esoteric
aspects of yogic mysticism.
The
Author: Nick Shroff M.D. is a urologist practising in Midland, Texas. He
is a founding member of the West Texas Hindu Association and of the Hindu
Temple in Midland.
