Universal Principles of Yoga (Part 5)
Kundalini Yoga: Is unity through awakening psychic nerve force, which indicates the depth of this Yoga style. Kundalini Yoga is sometimes referred to as the “Mother of all Yogas.” On the surface Kundalini Yoga might resemble Hatha Yoga, but the emphasis on the subtle body, chakras, mantras, meditation, and Pranayama is presented in a uniquely powerful way.
Kundalini Yoga was cloaked in secrecy until Yogi Bhajan gave a lecture in Los Angeles during January of 1969. Until that time, most information about Kundalini Yoga had been exchanged verbally from teacher to student. So, this was the beginning of Kundalini Yoga teaching “going public.”
The awakening of Kundalini energy starts with focusing on dormant energy at the base of the spine within the first major Chakra; also known as the Muladhara Chakra. Through asanas, coordinated Pranayama, Japa (repeating mantras), and meditation, the Kundalini energy is sent up the spine to the Sahasrara Chakra at the crown of the head.
Samadhi, also known as intuitive enlightenment, is one of the most sought after results of Kundalini Yoga practice. Therefore, Kundalini attracts a much different type of student and Yoga teacher from what is most commonly found in a Hatha Yoga class. This is neither right, nor wrong, but most Hatha Yoga students are not usually pursuing a spiritual transformation process.
As a side note: Kundalini has taken a few verbal assaults, from religious fundamentalists, for being a bit mystical and a little harder to understand. Based upon my own experience, Kundalini Yoga sessions will purge negative energy from your mind and body. Only positive results can be gained in the study of Kundalini Yoga, under the supervision of a competent Kundalini Yoga teacher.
Mantra Yoga: Is unity through sound. Mantra Yoga is also referred to as Japa Yoga and the repeating of particular Mantras will cause sensory withdrawal (Pratyahara). This is, in fact, easier for most people to accomplish than meditation and it allows the Mantra Yoga practitioner to remove negative energy from the body, mind, and spirit.
In Sanskrit Mantra literally means “tool for thinking” or “tool for thought.” The purpose of Mantra Yoga is to achieve salvation through unity with the supreme consciousness, which you many people refer to as God, Brahman, Yahweh, Jehovah, or Allah. The repeating of Mantras, which is also known as Japa, is in fact prayer. So, Mantra Yoga may not look like much “from the outside looking in,” but it is a deeply spiritual, powerful, and rewarding Yoga practice, in its own right.
Universal Principles of Yoga (Part 4)
Karma Yoga: Is unity through work and particularly through the act of selfless service. Along with Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Raja Yoga; Karma Yoga is often considered to be one of the four most advanced forms of Yoga. To take selfless action, without expectations, or seeking a reward, is one of the keys to Karma Yoga and also enlightenment.
When I think of Karma Yogis, the first that would come to mind is Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi. His model of peaceful resistance for civil rights has been successfully copied since, but most importantly, his actions were for the highest moral reasons. He did not seek fame, but fame did come to him. His selfless acts did cost him his health and, unfortunately, his own life. India and the world will always miss his rare wisdom.
You do not have to be enlightened, or give up your life, to follow the path of Karma Yoga, but if you can let go of attachment to the outcome of your action; you are on the path. This one task is most difficult and requires acts of loving kindness to friends, strangers, and those who do not wish you well.
Karma Yoga also requires mindfulness and forgiveness. Why should you give so much of yourself? Surprisingly, the Karma Yogi does receive a priceless reward, but most people do not come to this realization. By giving, forgiving, showing kindness, being mindful, and letting go of attachment, the Karma Yogi experiences freedom. This is freedom from hate, guilt, fear, and greed.
Think of “The Middle Way” as taught by Siddhartha Gautama, also known as “The Buddha.” He taught avoidance of extremes; whether it is pleasure or pain. When you stop hating, you are releasing your own pain from within the depths of your soul. So, you are forgiving, but you are also releasing the burden of hate.
Remember also that when you give in to hate, greed, fear, and guilt; the consequences of your actions will eventually be realized. Therefore, the path of Karma Yoga should be a part of each of our lives. Give to those in need and do not expect a reward. Your reward is that you are in a position to give.
The highest form of Karma Yoga is selfless service to God. It does not matter what name you choose call God, the principle is the same. Selfless service is taking the action to help others. If you can learn to love others, you will learn to love yourself, and establish an even deeper love for God.
Universal Principles of Yoga (Part 3)
Hatha Yoga: Is unity through physical mastery, but Hatha Yoga uses many of the aspects of other Yoga styles. This is the most common form of Yoga outside of India. In the Hatha Yoga family tree are many popular Hatha sub-styles such as: Iyengar, Bikram, Sivananda, Restorative, Power, and Vinyasa Yoga.
There are many books and videos about Hatha Yoga on the market. Yet, there are still many misunderstandings about Hatha Yoga. Since Hatha Yoga is the most popular form of Yoga in the world, it has been labeled as many things.
When most people outside of India refer to Yoga, they are most often referring to Hatha Yoga. Some celebrities endorse variations of Hatha Yoga for its healing properties, while some journalists still scoff at the idea of Yoga as preventative medicine. Some doctors refer their patients to Yoga classes, but a rare few may still compare Yoga to “snake oil.”
Yoga has been referred to as a “cure all” for everything that troubles mankind. In truth, Yoga is the most comprehensive health maintenance system ever developed and it continues to evolve to this day. Hatha Yoga’s strength is that it is a “well rounded” in every aspect of preventative medicine.
Yoga has come a long way in the Western Psyche, but is still accused of being a “front” for the proliferation of Hinduism. The fact is, Hatha Yoga is a separate practice from religion, but also Hatha Yoga could be integrated into any religious practice. Hatha Yoga is a separate entity from religion.
Strangely, Yoga has sometimes been compared to “witchcraft.” The first time I read that one, I burst into laughter, but a few people must feel strongly about it, if they take credit for writing such claims. Just like anything else people have difficulty understanding, Yoga can be misunderstood. When one of my first Yoga students stated that she got rid of migraine headaches, after practicing particular Yoga techniques, I never thought the devil would receive credit for it.
A few of the more vigorous and contemporary Hatha Yoga styles have limited meditation practice within the class structure. This is not a rule, but the students are just more interested in “getting a workout.” Pilates is one of Yoga’s 20th Century offshoots and has no meditation practice at all. On the other hand Ashtanga Yoga classes are very vigorous and do contain meditation, as part of the lesson plan.
Hatha Yoga’s best known component is its postures (Asanas). However, Pranayama, philosophy, bandhas, mudras, mantras, and meditation can be commonly found in Hatha Yoga classes. With so many sub-styles of Hatha Yoga, there is always a style to match the needs of all Yoga students.
Universal Principles of Yoga (Part 2)
The emphasis, in most Hatha Yoga classes, is on the physical body. As I have explained to some of my colleagues, “Some form of union is better than no union at all.” This indicates something ancient Yogis knew thousands of years ago. The path of Hatha Yoga will be much easier to follow than the paths of Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Jnana Yoga.
There are many styles of Yoga, but let’s look at some of the main Indian Yoga styles and their approach to unity. There are many other Indian Yoga styles, and no disrespect is intended by not mentioning them. Many styles of Yoga do use components found in other styles, so each style has many facets. Meditation is one of the most common facets found in almost all forms of Yoga.
Bhakti Yoga: Is unity through devotion, love for God, or loving service. This is the most widely practiced form of Yoga within India. However, Yoga practiced for devotion to God is practiced by many religions. These Yoga classes are most often sectarian in nature and include members with one religious belief.
Bhakti can also be misplaced when a person gives too much devotion to material gain and temporary worldly pleasures. The Bhakti Yoga practitioner knows that the true path, toward a connection with God, is through loving service and devotion to God. The “holy man” who preaches hate, is not a Bhakti Yoga practitioner.
Pope John Paul II could have been considered an example of a Bhakti Yoga practitioner. Within a spiritual country, such as India or Saudi Arabia, you will also see many examples of Bhakti Yoga. Although, many Saudis might not agree with the description, they are devoted to Allah (God). Many Moslems will travel a great distance for a Hajj or Umrah. This is an example of loving service to God.
Sometimes devotion can be to a prophet, saint, or Guru, who is living or not, but most often devotion, dedication, and love toward God, Brahman, Krishna, Allah, Jehovah, Yahweh, or a Supreme consciousness is the central idea. In truth, mankind has spent far too much time waging war over the name of God.
Jnana Yoga: Is unity through knowledge, but this is much more than intellectual pursuit. Jnana Yoga is a method to turn knowledge into pure wisdom. Knowledge is not always practical or pure wisdom.
Today, many children have access to multiple forms of media, so they are knowledgeable, but are they very wise? Children are young and need time to develop wisdom. How many times have you met a person who was “book smart,” but lacked common sense in daily decision making? Awareness, logic, and pure wisdom are cultivated through meditation, self-analysis, self-realization, and developing a deeper connection with God.
Universal Principles of Yoga (Part 1)
Yoga and Yogic philosophy is occasionally misunderstood because some people have not been informed of the universal principles that are not threatening to any belief or disbelief. Many people who do not practice Yoga are often surprised to find detailed dietary suggestions contained within their Yoga training. Yoga aids the student toward better health in every possible aspect. So, Yoga requires and in depth explanation.
Let’s start with the meaning of Yoga, which literally means “unity” or “union.” Your next question might be, “Unity with what?” Yoga does help unify the mind and body, but it also unifies the spirit or soul within you with God. The soul is sometimes known as the “Atman” and can also be referred to as pure or true consciousness. Yoga is not a religion, but it can be practiced in harmony with any religion.
Before we go any further; it should be noted that many students from a variety of religions have practiced Yoga and feel a deeper connection with God as a result of the mind, body, and spirit unification process. Therefore, Yoga is doing no harm to anyone of any religion. Yoga philosophy does not preach a “Better than thou” doctrine. This has been mankind’s excuse to wage war, since history was first recorded and even before.
The concept of another person’s religion, nationality, ethnic background, race, and gender; being less, have always been convenient reasons for bigotry, slavery, and cruelty. Tolerance of others is not a new idea in Yogic philosophy.
There is no group that has the exclusive rights to Yoga. India is the birth place of Yoga and the people of India have gladly shared their gift with the rest of the world. There is no exclusive group that practices Yoga or teaches Yoga classes. Yoga was not designed to be an exclusive practice and Yoga has evolved for the best over 5,000 years to this day.
For the sake of being “politically correct,” many Yoga teachers omit the spiritual aspect of Yoga in their Hatha Yoga classes. This is fine, since the masses of some cultures object to learning about a method to connect to God. However, what does it say about a culture that is to busy to talk or think about God?
It means many things and some societies are showing signs of systematic spiritual illness. However, if you teach Hatha Yoga under these circumstances, you might be best to leave religion outside your classes. Unless, you are teaching Bhakti Yoga or something similar such as Jewish, Moslem, or Christian Yoga, the union of mind, body, and spirit does not usually occur in a typical Hatha Yoga class.
The Perseverance of Teaching Yoga (Part 1)
Why do talented students fall short of becoming Yoga teachers? Ever notice that “quick flashes” of brilliance disappear in a short time. Take for example, the super flexible Yoga student who can do a split in every direction, and make a pretzel, or circle, out of his, or her, body on the first Yoga class. Usually, this student will leave after the first class saying, “Is that all there is to Yoga?”
As most of us know there is so much more to Yoga than mere flexibility, but how do you make a student aware of this in his or her first Yoga class? Do you really want to try? Some Yoga teachers jump through “flaming hoops” to appease a potential student who has natural flexibility. This happens much to the dismay of dedicated and established Yoga students who have been training for years.
So what is the problem and why do we worship exceptional flexibility and physical prowess? The problem stems from the Yoga teacher who has forgotten what the prime ingredient is within the exceptional Yoga student. That ingredient is “perseverance” and that is what separates the “flash in the pan” from the Yoga student who may well evolve into a Yoga teacher. The student who shows up to Yoga class and tries to do his, or her, best should never be taken for granted.
Perseverance is a true guarantee of success for Yoga students and Yoga teachers alike. When you think about your life, perseverance has always played a major role in your past achievements. How many people will tell you that teaching Yoga is not a good career move? Plenty will, but you must have the fortitude and perseverance to pursue your own desire, in the first place.
In order to make any achievement in Yoga, you need a formula for success. Here is a list of ingredients that you must have in order to succeed at teaching Yoga or anything else in life. Firstly, you need desire and passion to become a Yoga teacher. If you don’t have it, that’s no problem, just find something that you feel passionate about. Do not waste time pursuing any goal without passion.
Secondly you must have a dream that you can visualize. If you can picture yourself teaching Yoga, and feel the joy of your journey, you are fine. However, if you cannot see yourself becoming a Yoga teacher, it just might not be your “calling.” Whatever the goals you choose to pursue in life, you will need both desire and the ability to visualize your dreams, in order to proceed to the next step.
The Perseverance of Teaching Yoga (Part 2)
The third ingredient is to take action. The difference between a dream and a goal is how much action is propelling the idea forward. If I visualize becoming a Yoga teacher without any action, then this is just a “pipe dream.” You would be better off to dream in your sleep and take action while you are awake.
Look around you and you will see most people do not make any significant changes or take positive action. If you want to teach Yoga, this is to your advantage. Why do I say this? So many people passionately talk and dream without action. Even after you become a Yoga teacher, you must still take action, but many people “rest on their laurels.” A few Yoga teachers skip their continuing education, become stale, and eventually quit.
How can this happen? Because Yoga teachers and everyone else should write down goals, make plans, and keep taking action. This is not that difficult, but sitting down and dreaming is easier. The biggest difference between those who think about becoming a Yoga teacher and those who become a Yoga teacher is action. Determination and perseverance do count against all the odds.
The last ingredient toward successfully teaching Yoga is to maintain your own personal practice and continue your education on Yogic subjects as they apply to your students. Learn more about safety, anatomy, kinesiology, physiology, sports medicine, modifications, props, and physical therapy. Network with medical professionals and you will learn more. Learn about Yogic philosophy for yourself and for those Yoga students who are eager to learn from you.
This is what I refer to as the “monitoring stage.” You cannot expect your ability to improve as a Yoga teacher to run on “auto-pilot.” You still have to write down and reach for goals.
Again, perseverance comes into play. For every Yoga teacher I know, perseverance has become a way of life. This is the way it must be in an ever-changing and fast paced world. Your dreams may not go according to plan bur perseverance is your private mental strength. When you teach Yoga classes, you must address the needs of your students and this causes self-improvement.
The rewards for Yoga teachers are many, but giving Yoga instruction requires determination. You will run into obstacles, like any other profession, but how do you want to be remembered? Think about this: Every person you help will help someone else. You are causing a positive chain reaction by teaching Yoga classes at a time when positive energy is in big demand.
As a Yoga teacher, you have the potential to do enormous good, but you must focus your attention on your faithful Yoga students, your family, and friends. It is normal to take people we are familiar with for granted, but you must persevere to appreciate what you already have.
Teaching Hatha Yoga: Should a Yoga Teacher be a Vegetarian?
There are many beliefs and myths about what one should do to become a Yoga teacher. Some Yoga teacher organizations do make official statements in regard to Yoga teacher ethics; and diet is included, sometimes.
However, if you teach Yoga, should you be a vegan? Are dairy foods and eggs okay? What about goats, chicken, or fish? Yes, some Yoga teachers do eat goat, but not beef. Some people still claim that fish feel no pain, but I never heard that from a Yogi. Are you confused? What is right and what is wrong?
Firstly, let’s step back a second. What you were taught about your religion and diet should be followed. This is for your spiritual health. You will feel more at ease, and you can live with it. Maybe Yoga teachers, and the world, could be a little more conscious of meat consumption and its consequences.
Due to the cultures people are raised in, they are used to the taste of a particular meat. An example of this is the global beef consumption. The Japanese had been used to eating whale meat. There are cultures that have acquired the taste of dogs and cats. Luckily, cannibalism has been outlawed worldwide.
Most of us are in agreement that our forests should be preserved. The forests serve as a filtering system for all of the fossil fuels we expel into the atmosphere.
Global warming may not be the only problem, if the last human on earth is gasping for oxygen. Removing any more forests, to make room for cattle to graze, is a slow form of global suicide. This only makes environmental sense.
Health problems, due to meat consumption, will require a book. If a person consumes any kind of meat, it should be in moderation. Obviously, there are better choices to eat than others, when considering cholesterol, cancer, and parasites.
Most of us have heard of Mad Cow, salmonella, E. coli, and campylobacter. With fish consumption, mercury is always a factor. Fish is an excellent source of Omega-3 fats, but consumption should be limited when you consider mercury. Pregnant women should get a professional opinion about any fish consumption.
For the record, flax seed oil is also a good source of Omega-3 fats. Therefore, we do not have to eat fish for Omega-3 fats. When you eat meat, you are always gambling that nothing will happen. This is life - and life is a gamble - however, let me approach one last point.
Is eating any kind of an animal humane - when we do not have to eat them? Does any one of us really think that animals feel no pain? In the past, I have heard people state than animals have no soul. Throughout history, some people made the same claims about slaves. Will our opinions of animals evolve over time?
In summary, Yoga instructors are teaching an holistic method of health for maintenance of mind, body, and spirit. When you teach Yoga, awareness is instilled within you and your students.
At the very least, global meat consumption should be cut back. This is in the best interest of human survival, and all life on this earth. Yoga teachers should be examples of holistic health and high moral standards.
Teaching Hatha Yoga: The Transformation
Anyone who decides to become a Yoga teacher goes through many transformations, but your students will go through a variety of transformations, as well. The relationship between Yoga teacher and student is healthy because of the sharing of knowledge. Due to this constant sharing of ideas, the Yoga teacher and his or her students become healthier, wiser, and spiritually connected.
Yoga Teacher Transformations start from the moment you decide to become a Yoga teacher, but they continue as you decide to take a Yoga teacher training course. After the Yoga teacher certification process, most Yoga instructors continue to learn more about Yoga philosophy, anatomy, other forms of Yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic medicine, or any one of the many Yoga subjects that Yoga teachers would logically pursue.
However, teaching Yoga classes on a regular basis is a form of continuing education, as you learn to teach Yoga students with different bodies, minds, and health conditions. This is where many Yoga teachers go through a gradual transformation toward Samadhi. Samadhi is the ability to control functions of the mind and body, while eliminating life’s daily distractions from the goal of complete consciousness.
To anyone who has never studied Yoga this seems like “mission impossible.” Yet, Yoga teachers learn to “walk the talk” of Yogic philosophy. What, at one time, seemed like a lofty goal; can actually be realized gradually. This all stems from teaching, sharing knowledge, and becoming a living example of steady Yoga practice. This is not a mystery, but a path that all Yoga teachers should walk.
These changes of body, mind, and spirit do not happen instantly. Some Yoga teachers and serious Yoga practitioners will receive different benefits and reach different levels of Samadhi, as a result of steady Yoga practice.
Yoga Student Transformation can sometimes be more easily felt or seen. In fact, a new student, who has never practiced Yoga before, may find relief from head aches, hypertension, or a back ache within a few Yoga classes. This is not a guarantee, but it does happen often. When a Yoga student feels the physical or mental benefits of practice he or she becomes transformed by discarding pain and gaining new found enthusiasm.
Within any given Yoga class, there is a form of collective transformation that students and Yoga teacher experience. If you take a typical Hatha Yoga class and consider the warm ups, Pranayama, Sun Salutations, asana practice, meditation, relaxation, or an integration of any other Yogic components; the transformation is quietly happening to the entire group.
There is no mystery here. Transformation of mind, body, and spirit is a result of steady Yoga practice.
Teaching Hatha Yoga: What is Normal?
Do people puzzle you sometimes? When you think you have heard it all, someone comes up with a “new spin” on an old idea. When you teach Yoga techniques for a healthy mind, body, and spirit; are you trying to help your students reach a normal state? If that is your goal, you may just frustrate yourself and confuse your Yoga students in the process.
The fact is: Yoga teachers should help students improve their lives, but the goals are really up to the students. You can teach goal setting skills, but a Yoga student has his or her own idea of what is normal and what the ultimate goal is.
Many Yoga teachers have a preconceived notion about which kind of behavior is acceptable within their Yoga class. When you trained to become a Yoga teacher, you listened to lectures about Yoga teacher ethics. You learned about what you could and should not do, when teaching a Yoga class. Later, you signed a Yoga teacher ethics agreement.
Then one day, a Yoga student displays behavior that is not in the “text books.” Is that normal? Well, it seems normal to him or her, but you have to be calm and keep your Yoga class as organized as possible.
No one can prepare you for every unexpected situation and life does not go in harmony with the best prepared plans. If you are commuting, by car, to teach your next Yoga class, and you are delayed by an auto accident, or a mechanical break down, your priorities have changed instantly. You are not in control of this situation and all you can really do is “damage control.”
Therefore, we cannot count on a Yoga class, or life, to be normal. Earth quakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, death, and behavior are very hard to predict. All a Yoga teacher can do is help one person, one student, or one Yoga class at a time.
Discard any ideas about what is normal. The universe, Yoga students, and life are constantly changing. As Yoga teachers, we must react to unforeseen problems, when they occur. Preparation does prevent hesitation, but you cannot prepare for infinite situations.
If a student has a heart attack, in your Yoga class, your swift and even-tempered reaction is all that really matters. It also helps if you have current CPR training and certification, but reaction time is crucial.
Remember this: Expect the unexpected, react calmly to every possible situation, and do not lose sleep over situations that you cannot control.
