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Yoga Q&A

“Yoga is the state where you are missing nothing, total and complete, feeling ok, the ocean of nectarine. That is the experience only of the Self, not of the non-Self.”

~Brahmananda Saraswati

Come practice with us, ask questions, learn and explore what yoga means to you.

Originally developed or better said, revitalized in India by Tirumalai Krishnamacharya (1888-1989) to be formalized in the practice of Ashtanga yoga by his student K. Pattabhi Jois.

Although today there are many limbs from that tree, simply put, vinyasa yoga is the practice of seamlessly connecting postures within hatha yoga, while linking breath and movement in order to create a steady, moving meditation which moves and releases energy through our bodies.

Different systems of yoga approach this question very differently, traditionally within vinyasa yoga, the purpose of heat is to create a safe environment for faster movements. The area of India where ashtanga comes from is warm and humid. A warm body allows for safe and stretchy ligaments and tendons, as well as helping your muscles to safely reach their full extension point. There are numerous other benefits of a heated yoga practice, talk to any of your APY teachers after class, they are knowledgeable and easily approachable.

An asana is a single physical pose or posture within the practice of yoga. Asana is one of the eight limbs of yoga.

Fun Fact: The first asana recorded was a seated meditative posture.

The physical practice of yoga. Hatha yoga links asana(s) or yoga postures in sequence. Although hatha yoga itself doesn’t specifically need to “flow” it is considered a moving meditation. Any physical practice of yoga is considered Hatha yoga, including vinyasa, yin yoga and anything else that is made up of the yogic postures.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali refers to 8 limbs of yoga, each of which offers guidance on how to live a meaningful and purposeful life.

YAMA Restraints, moral disciplines
NIYAMA Positive observances
ASANA Posture
PRANAYAMA Breathing Techniques
PRATYAHARA Withdrawal of senses
DHARANA Focused Concentration
DHYANA Meditative Absorption
SAMADHI Bliss or Enlightenment

Swara Yoga

The science of brain breathing

Swara Yoga is an ancient system within the yogic texts and teaching which can help you live better & feel better. Swara Yoga teaches that our prana (subtle energy or life force) is really 5 parts corresponding to the five elements: earth air fire water, either.

Using the Tatwa Yantras as Dristi & Trataka points you can balance that energy.

Tatwa Yantras

Tatwa Yantras Download - Swara Yoga Resources

Download the pdf file

How to use:

Print (in color) and hang all 5 Yantras at eye level.
Find a confortable seat, lotus pose or other seated posture such as siddhasana. Sitting against a wall can be helpfull.

Practice 5 rounds of Closing the 7 Gates – Shanmukhi Mudra.

Tatwa Yantras Download - Swara Yoga Resources

Breath in through the mouth. Hold and lock breath at the back of throat for a time, lift chin and exhale through the nose.

More to come…