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Yoga for beginners

Q 1: What is the meaning of the word “YOGA”?

A 1: The word “YOGA” is derived from the Sanskrit (language) root “YUJ”, which means join or union. The purpose of all Yoga is to unite man, the finite, with the infinite, with Cosmic Consciousness, truth, God, light or whatever other name one chooses to call the ultimate reality. Yoga, as they say in India, is a marriage of spirit & matter. 

Q 2: Is there only one Yoga?

A 2: Yoga has several branches or divisions, but the goal, the aim of all of them is the same, the achievement of a union with supreme consciousness. In Karma Yoga, for instance, this is achieved through work and action, in Gnani Yoga, through knowledge and study, in Bhakti Yoga, through devotion and selfless love, in Mantra Yoga through repetitions of certain invocations and sounds. Raja Yoga (Royal Yoga) is the Yoga of consciousness, the highest form of Yoga. Its practice usually starts with Hatha Yoga which gives the body the necessary health and strength to endure the hardships of the more advanced stages of training. Hatha Yoga is the Yoga of physical well-being. It consist of several steps and is preceded by the YamaTiyama, there are some stages. The 1st stage is called Asana (or posture), the 2^nd Pranayama (or breath control), the 3^rd is Pratyahara (or nerve control), the 4^th is Dharana (or mind control), the 5^th is Dhyana (or meditation), and finally there is Samadhi, the state of ultimate bliss and spiritual enlightenment. Strictly speaking the last four stages of Hatha Yoga already merge into the realm of Raja Yoga.

Q 3: What does “Hatha” mean?

A 3: “Ha” stands for the sun and “Tha” for the moon. The correct translation of Hatha Yoga would be solar and lunar Yoga, since it deals with the solar and lunar qualities of breath and Prana.  

Q 4: What is “Prana”?

A 4: “Prana” is a subtle life energy existing in the air in fluid form. Everything living, from men to amoeba, from plants to animals, is charged with Prana. Without Prana there is no life. 

Q 5: What religion does a yogi profess?

A 5: A YOGI can belong to any religion or to none at all. In this case, he usually forms his own relationship with the Ultimate Reality once he has come closer to it.  

Q 6: If the goal of Yoga is a spiritual illumination why then is so much attention given to the care or the body?

A 6: The Yogis regard the human body as a temper of the Living Spirit and believe that as such it should be brought to the highest state of perfection. Also the advanced practices of Yoga require great power of endurance. The body might not be able to stand the strain without special preparation.

Q 7: What is the origin of Yoga?

A 7: Yoga was originated in India several thousand years ago. According to the research, it is over 6000 years old.

Q 8: Who originated Yoga?

A 8: This is not known. Patanjali, who lived about 200 B.C., is called the Father of Yoga because he was the first to put into writing that had until that time been handed down only verbally from master or Guru, to pupil or Chela. 

Q 9: Can the average person take up Yoga for the improvement of his physical condition?

A 9: The Yoga postures, breathing and relaxation exercises can be taken up by anyone who wants to improve his physical or mental condition. One need not go into the more advanced stages of the training. Person with lots of stress and anxiety, Yoga is very helpful.  

Q 10: What is the age limit for the Yoga student (Yogi)?

A 10: Normally, one should not start before the age of six and not after the age of sixty five, although many people do start later and still obtain good results. I have seen on TV, a lady from Singapore, aged 104 years old still can do any postures of Yoga exercises.

Q 11: Can Yoga cure disease?

A 11: Yoga cannot cure anything but it could be the part of healing. The healing work is done by nature. Yoga exercises can only help remove impurities and obstructions, so that nature may be given a chance to accomplish her task successfully. 

Q 12: What is the difference between Yoga exercise and other gymnastics?

A 12: Yoga Asanas are an art applied to the anatomy of the living body, whereas gymnastics are a form of engineering applied to the muscles of the body. The aim of Yoga postures is not merely the superficial development of muscles. These postures tend to normalize the functions of the entire organism, to regulate the involuntary processes of respiration, circulation, digestion, elimination, metabolism, etc. and to affect the working of all the glands and organs, as well as the nervous system and the mind. This result is placed in various postures. Each of these exercises creates a different totality in the functional relationship within the organism. Yoga is able to influence man physically, mentally, morally and spiritually. Yoga emphasizes the philosophy of exercise. Under its training one experiences a sense of awakening. All of one’s capacities are heightened, and one achieves balance and stamina through these exercises, some of which are modeled after the movements of various animals. In Yoga, relaxation is taught as an art, breathing as a science, and mental control of the body as a means of harmonizing the body, mind and spirit.

Fees Structure:**

•  Up to age of 25 years: $ 10.00 per session

•  Above 25 years to 55 years: $ 15.00 per session

•  Above 55 +: $ 12.00 per session

Discount on Monthly packages are available.

Class Schedule:**

** Price & Schedule is subject to change without any prior notice.

Some Popular types of Yoga for your Introduction

• Ashtanga Yoga(Power Yoga): Ashthnaga Yoga is light on meditation but heavy on stamina. It has little bit more difficult poses than other types of Yoga. Participants are encouraged to move quickly from one pose to another in an effort to build strength & flexibility. Ashthanga Yoga is suitable for anyone in good physical condition. Beginners can do same styles with moderate format. Adds up of Meditation with Ashtanga Yoga should be good for mental & physical fitness.

• Iyengar Yoga: One of the soft styles of yoga, Iyengar is perfect for beginners and who haven't exercised in a while. In a lack of flexibility, you can use chairs & pillows to compensate if you have back or joint problems. Adds up of Meditation with Iyenger Yoga should be good for mental & physical fitness.

• Vikram (Bikram) Yoga: This style of Yoga done in a hot room that is 38C or higher. Because to replicate the temperature environment of Yoga's birthplace in INDIA. This style of focuses on 26 postures that are meant to be performed in particular order. The exercises are intense & very physical, which, when combined with HEAT, makes out for a tough workout.

• Hatha Yoga: This style of Yoga focuses on simple poses that flow from one to the other at very comfortable pace. Generally, participants are encouraged to go at their own pace, taking time will be better with lots of breathing & meditation into their workout. Hatha Yoga is ideal for those needing a stress release at the end of a tough day.

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Last modified: 12/06/11

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