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...oment; and without it, we are not practicing any form of yoga.

The Traditional yoga Teacher

When I first entered an ashram to learn yoga, it was much similar to my first entrance into a dojo (training hall), to learn martial arts. The ashram is also a traditional place, and the Guru or yoga teacher has control of the lesson plan.

As a student of yoga, from a martial arts background, I never questioned this foundation. If a yoga student does not agree with the structure of a class, he or she can always find another yoga class.

Yet, it does make a yoga teacher wonder what a student is looking for. From a pure exercise perspective, Pranayama is the most important of all physical exercises, because you will not live long without it.

Copyright 2007 Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

The Purpose of yoga - Creating Happiness From Within

...The ancient Yogis created a science of breathing, which we know as Pranayama, but very often new yoga students do not see the higher value in this practice. The new Hatha yoga student may only see a value in the physical yoga postures.

Therefore, it is up to yoga teachers to guide their students toward happiness with the aid of Pranayama. The body and mind become linked, in awareness, through the steady practice of Pranayama.

Awareness brings about a realization of the true value of life, but Pranayama is the driving force, which opens the gateway to happiness, euphoria, and tranquility.

Happiness transcends far beyond power, money, m...more

The Purpose of yoga - Holistic Health

... mental perceptions. The reality is we make these same mistakes when the mind is not disciplined and our comprehension is challenged to its limits.

It is possible to miss the entire purpose of yoga, if the mind is not trained and tutored properly. How many students will discipline themselves without the guidance of a Yoga teacher? How many Yoga teachers see Asana as the Holy Grail of Yoga?

The monkey mind will not be disciplined without pranayama (Yogic breathing techniques), meditation, and japa (repetition of mantra). A Yoga teacher, or student, can practice an untutored form of Yoga, but to practice without guidance is not a holistic approach.

A Yoga devotee cannot usually transcend beyond the superficial aspects of Yoga without guidance....more

Yoga for Kids

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Yoga is becoming a very popular way for adults to learn how to relax. Yoga helps to stretch the muscles that become uptight and tense during the day under normal or extreme stress. Everyday is stressed in some way. Yoga teaches you how to deal with this stress. With different stages of yoga it will help anyone, beginner, intermediate or advanced. Yoga has had a positive effect on people, including pregnant women. It helps them to handle the pain of pre...more