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Yoga is intimately related to life and living. It is difficult to equate it with only one aspect of life – physical, intellectual, emotional, etc. though in Yoga all these areas are involved in different ways. In ancient times people experimented and arrived at certain modes of living, which they found more proper for leading one to a better life. Thus, Yoga represents the way of life which endows perfect health in physical, mental, moral and spiritual levels. To achieve this great art and science of life, a comprehensive and practical system of self-culture has been formulated which brings harmonious development of one's body, mind and psychic competencies, that ultimately leads to physical well-being, mental harmony, moral elevation, self-confidence and habituation to spiritual consciousness. The methodical study of scientific Yoga thus rightly begins with a disciplinary training of habits, actions, speech and thoughts in order to positively condition the mind. In Yogic terminology this training falls under Yama (restrains) and Niyama (observances). Then follows Asana (physical and postural training) with rhythmic breathing to bring flexibility and muscular strength to the body. Next comes Pranayama (respiratory and nervous control) that enables an individual to regulate his or her biological living by conservation and control of Prana (bio-energy). With this a higher level of immunity is achieved. After physiological training (Hatha Yoga) comes the psychosomatic training with a view to controlling the external and internal senses (Pratyahara) which affect the equanimity and peace of mind. This is achieved through a series of graded physio-psychic efforts by relaxation, centralization, visualization, dissociation, introversion and meditation. These practices are known as Antaranga Yoga (Internal Yoga) and corresponds to the disciplines of Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (total absorption). It is thus that, through autosuggestion and contemplation on the negative and positive virtues a man can cultivate a universal outlook in his practical way of life rising above all the inhibitions and environmental influences common to human nature. Progressively the purity of the human nature and healthy mindedness is achieved through good physical health and control of the senses. There are a very few selected schools which teach traditional Yoga nowadays. There are many schools all over the world and even in India that teach Yoga without depth and principles. Mixtures and fusions have become so common and people get carried away by the colorful marketing strategies. With internet and sites such as facebook anyone can sell Yoga. Yoga is now spread as a form of physical exercise, sequences and alignments only. Some are fortunate to receive this precious knowledge from authentic Gurus (spiritual teachers) and are still sharing it. So it is possible to find traditional schools which teach Classical Yoga, specially in India (birthplace of Yoga), Thailand and other destinations in South East Asia which have tradition in spiritual teachings and philosophies. Look for a Yoga Teacher Training Course with a holistic approach and which don't attach any name or brand for the Yoga they teach. Avoid also new or fusion styles. All these things are new creations and distortions of the original knowledge of Yoga. The ancient Yogis were men who were more concerned with the understanding of their surrounding, the relationship between man and nature and how to grow with this knowledge. They believed there was a purpose behind human existence and they wanted to understand it. This is how they have practices of sitting in many different ways, standing, bending, stretching, breathing, concentrating, quietening the mind and so forth. What unfortunately is treated as Yoga today is just some external aspects of Yoga, forgetting the attitude that goes with it. --/-- About the Author: Daniel Fonseca is the Co-founder & Headmaster of Wise Living Yoga Academy and has been conducting Yoga Teacher Training courses & Workshops in India, South Asia (Hong Kong, Thailand, Bali) and South America (Brazil). As a dedicated practitioner, in his classes Daniel inspires the yoga aspirants with precise instructions originated from insights of his own practice. Expect from his classes fun filled comments on Yoga philosophy and helpful advice on how to start or progress with your yoga training.
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Yoga, Classical Yoga, Yoga Teacher Training Thailand, Meditation,
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