Toronto Conference Abstracts

Here are abstracts of the presentations made by four senior teachers-Three came from The Yoga Institute,Mumbai - Dr Shatharam Shetty.Mr Niranjan Gogia and Shailesh Parekh. I (Prof L M Sukhatankar) went from Round Rock TX. About 150 participants attended the conference.Following the conference, in next few days a few half day special  workshops were conducted by us to initiate and help participants with various health conditions to benefit, by adopting Yoga lifestyle.

CONFERENCE OF CLASSICAL YOGA FOR TOTAL HEALTH

MAY 2012

Organizer and co-coordinator: Jiwan Goyal

THE PRESENTERS:

Shailesh Parikh, Dr. Shantharam Shetty, Niranjan Gogia, Prof L.M. Sukhatankar

OBJECTIVES:

What we want to convey to participants

• Classical Yoga is not merely an exercise ∕ workout but it is a science of self-development
• Classical Yoga is a way of life
• Classical Yoga is Education - physical, mental, emotional, moral and spiritual (Self-development in these five areas)
• Classical Yoga is for preventing and managing health by individual education
• Classical Yoga Education in schools will help the students grow with the appropriate life style for total health
• Classical Yoga Education in schools to Children from the very beginning will help them grow with the appropriate life style for total health then much less of therapy or curative health will be required
• Classical Yoga is a culture of Consciousness.

FOUR TOPICS WERE PRESENTED

1. ``Yoga in ∕ and School Health`` the school teachers, principals, school board members, educationists, students may have limited idea about Holistic health approach of yoga, yogic concentration and awareness, so how can they help the students and everyone else involved.
2. ``Yoga in ∕ and Health and Healing`` Mental Health Association, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Medical professionals, physical/occupational/speech therapists, nurses, massage therapists, may not comprehend how Yoga can prevent Diseases and effect therapeutic healing. How do we approach to help these minds understand the body –mind-spirit ?
3. ``Yoga in ∕ and Corporate Health`` How will yoga impact corporations and its employees health?
4. ``Yoga for Householders`` How will yoga help in achieving a higher state of consciousness for the Householder and everyone else?

Yoga is a way of life - Healthy life style.

By Dr Shantharam shetty

Yoga is a science of self development through self direction and self discovery. The yoga techniques are helpful in generating useful experiences which can be the basis for one’s self development. The yoga philosophy when followed sincerely can impart meaningful transformation in ones personality.

Yoga has the key to health and happiness of man, Yoga believes in total integration of body and mind. It is a science of right living. If done as physical exercise benefits of Asanas will be temporary. If done systematically as per yogic guidelines yoga’s physical benefits are undeniable but getting lost only in physical level and not committing higher is an incomplete approach in the science of yoga. Since human life is not lived only on physical level, we live more on mental and emotional level, one needs to work beyond physical culture. Developing awareness about the body, its strength and weaknesses, the mind, its strength and weaknesses and developing overall awareness about life should be the objective of yoga. The yoga techniques done with total involvement and dedication can bring about the awareness about our breath, physical aspects, our thought processes and emotions .This can be good beginning in the path of self development. The techniques can not only improve ones physical well being but also will help to achieve a balanced mind. Most of the techniques of yoga help in integration of mind and body complex. The emotional stability is the byproduct of yoga technique.

The mind is behind all the problems that people face. Human mind is like child, needs constant training.

Yoga believes in the training of mind with correct understanding and correct techniques. Yoga is such an amazing science that even one technique or philosophical principle if followed diligently, can bring about remarkable results. Following basic yama (Principles of social discipline) and niyam (Benevolent Indifference)

as (principles of self disciplines) or trying to follow the principles of right diet , right thinking , right actions and right recreational activities is of utmost importance.

Besides attending to ones body, in the Bhagvad Geetha the other scripture which is closely related to science of yoga talks about the duty concepts. It believes in doing ones duty to ones best of the capacity with total dedication and involvement but with detached way.

Karmanyevadhikaaraste ma phleshu kadachana. Ma karmaphalheturbhoormaa the sanghosthva karmani . - BhagvadGeetha -Ch II- Sl 47(You are entitled to do your duty but let the result come by it self).

Yoga believes that every individual has an immense potential for self development. People have to know themselves, work on themselves, remove their weaknesses and delve deeper in selves to reach higher levels of consciousness. That is yoga.

Yogic principles of satvic diet are at par with modern healthy diet.

As the food, so the mind, as the mind, so the man. This was the ancient proverb. Yogis have given sufficient consideration to food. With their analytical mind they could improve the quality of food to be taken by human beings. They discriminated diets in to three categories depending on the nutritive value of food. The foods were divided in to satvic, rajasic, and tamasic categories according to their end products and their effect on body and mind. The fruits, vegetables, whole grains ,pulses, honey jiggery, sugar, sprouts, and dairy products fall under satvic category. They are easily digestible, absorbable. Satvic food is a wholesome balanced food. They when taken in moderate quantity can produce the alertness, quietedness and feeling of well being. The satvic food can be taken most the disease conditions. The rajasic foods are high energy producing food stuffs. Difficult to digest and can generate rajasic attitudes like anger, aggressiveness, and irritability. Nonveg foods, soya bean , chick peas, certain pulses, spices, onion, garlic are the examples of rajasic foods. Stale, processed foods, and frozen foods fall on the tamasic category. They induce the dull and drowsy feelings. People after tamasic food become lazy and lethargic. The satvic food has a balanced composition of minerals and vitamins. The fibre content and antioxidant property of this food is good. These foods have got a good healing property. Satvic diet is good for prevention of chronic diseases and also has got anti aging property. Yogis also prescribed the method of eating. Breakfast at 8am , lunch at 12 noon, evening snack at 4 pm and dinner at 8 pm are the timing of major meals . Bed time one should take fruits only. In between one may take some simple liquid foods like clear soups or lime juice. The frequency in between two meals can be two to three hours. Avoid water one hour before and one hour after the meals. Avoid taking water during the meals. Take half full stomach of solid food and 1/4 of liquid and rest of the place for gases. If one does not get hungry after 3 ot 4 hours of food, it indicates person has taken more food. In that case he must only take liquid diet in next meal. The yogis believed in taking raw foods for their health benefits. While eating one’s mind should be totally on eating only. Taking sufficient time for eating and proper attention on chewing of the food is important. It is always better to observe silence while eating. If not possible try to generate the happy and joyous environment while eating. One should go above likes and dislikes. Not to have negative opinion about the food and the person who had prepared the food.

Difference between Modern Education and Classical Yoga Education.

By Niranjan Gogia

Modern Education is heavily tilted towards information and facts about the external world. Cognitive learning and Psycho-motor learning are the main stay of Modern Education. The main focus is on learning & knowing things external to us. The result is the development of stark materialism and commercialization of every aspect of human life. The internal world of experiences and affective learning has remained more or less secondary and even neglected. The increase of the stress levels in everyone's life and the resultant ill effects in the form of explosion of psychosomatic diseases is a sure sigh of this neglect of that which is vital and important. We are also witnessing a lack of self direction and ability to steer ones life peacefully and harmoniously.

Yoga Education, while enabling us to get a highly objective knowledge about the external world helps us to become clear of how we are affected by it. How we feel and what we experience. Yoga Education aims to develop right attitudes, which go a long way in helping one to lead a healthy and meaningful life. In yoga these attitudes are known as Bhavas. There are four basic attitudes. Dharma (Right choice and Right Action), Jnana (Correct Knowldge), Vairagya (Objectivity) and Aishvarya ( Ability and Confidence) These attitudes are recognized to be innate as well as acquired. Yoga Education helps one to become aware of ones personality traits and attitudes guiding ones life and experiences. The techniques also enable one to strengthen these attitudes to lead a healthy, happy and meaningful life. Such an individual not only leads a good life himself but also becomes an asset to the community he is living in. Such an individual can play a pivotal role in reduction of the social stresses and a peaceful co-existence. The ethical values recommended by Yoga as a necessary condition for success in yoga are very vital and important for developing a healthy peaceful and strife free society.

Classical Yoga & School Health

Yoga provides the oldest Blue Print for total Personality development. Yoga Education system with a highly developed technology helps total and holistic growth of human personality. Being totally healthy is one of the important areas of development. Yoga prescribes a healthy life style and preventive health care by incorporating certain healthy routines in daily life. If practices regularly on day to day basis these routines can help one maintain good health. Although the knowledge and education of physiology and anatomy in educational institutions, modern medical research and facilities have done a great deal in the field of health but it doesn’t seem to be adequate. The number of institutions, varieties and the astronomical amounts of money being spent on the alternative health therapies will bear this point. The routines and techniques prescribed by Yoga are not only time tested but are also very simple and easy to learn. These simple routines can help a great deal in maintaining good health. Yoga emphasizes on the Preventive measures although the therapeutic effects of its purificatory processes and asanas, pranayama etc are well established. For example, a technique of Jalaneti can be a very effective, inexpensive and easily learned measure against any kind of air borne diseases

Schools could be the right place to introduce and inculcate healthy habits and routines. This will not only help in better health for every on but also reduce the burden of expenditure by the governments and the institutions towards health care.

The work may begin at a very basic level like how to sit correctly, how to stand correctly. Now such a simple measure can lead to proper circulation of blood and also a good concentration. Yoga provides us with such very simple and easy to incorporate techniques which can lead to well being.

Aachaar (Conduct)

Aachaar means the right conduct or that conduct which will take one in the direction of total well being. Such a conduct helps one to maintain one’s physical, mental, moral, spiritual and social health. Aachaar included one’s daily conduct towards one own self and towards other. Other includes not only the people but also the environment and ecology around ones habitat. This conduct or actions for one’s own self interest and preservence have to be guided by Dharma. Similarly, the behavior or conduct towards others has to be guided by Dharma i.e. Values like Ahmsa, Maitri, Karuna etc. If one is healthy and energetic, one can fulfill his desires and carry out all duties and social obligations. Hence, Yoga emphasizes on taking care of one’s own self, which entails daily activity in the form of healthy routines. Yoga follows Ayurvedic concept of Dinacharya which means daily conduct or daily routines. Keeping oneself positive and joyous, Following discipline in daily life in eating, drinking, working, sleeping and resting at regular intervals, controlling ones negative emotions like greed, anger, hatred, jealousy, resentment etc are recommended to be followed. All this has a beneficial effect on the mind. Aachaar also includes treating others with respect and dignity, sensitivity and empathy, recognizing and honoring other’s rights and helping them. Person following this kind of conduct is not only successful and happy himself but help in developing social order and harmony.

Stress and Corporate Executives & Employees’ Health-Classical yoga as a remedy.

By Prof. L.M. Sukhatankar, PhD

This session had presentation and discussion on

• Stress -What is it? How does it affect individual? What are the symptomatic effects of stress?
• Corporate environment in daily life- real and imaginative stress. Employee trying to bring balance, trying to escape Stress which leads to distress. Minor and major health difficulties that affect the individuals.
• Classical Yoga approach to understand Stress and incorrect perception. The individual examines what are factors generating distraction and what creates work and personal life distress and imbalance
• Awareness is built on what and how systems of the body get affected and the employee is encouraged to bring back balance and peace. Self awareness is generated by practicing simple yoga postures with coordinated breathing practices which employees incorporate in daily routine.
• Education is imparted on eight fold path of classical yoga for self development and self management.
• How four pillars of Classical Yoga lifestyle- Ahar, Vihar, Achar and Vichar are developed by the person in his life for Total Health and balance? These need to get cultivated and practiced over a period of time.

Further interaction with the teacher-counselor and self introspection for ones physical, mental, emotional and Spiritual development is recommended. This helps generates balance, positive states & peace.

Vihar (Relaxation and Rejuvenation)

Activities that relax and rejuvenate body and mind are required in very busy and fast paced life that we lead in present day world. Person should get involved actively with body-mind regularly into activities for some time (may be half an hour) where he can express his emotions in some creative things. This would help express creativity and hence regulate and control emotions.

Activities such as gardening, playing a musical instrument, singing songs or poetry, drawing and painting or hobbies which one likes would help create joy. Nature walks to garden, sea shore, near a lake or river side or a hill top in the morning or evening time in sunshine could also rejuvenate body, mind and soul. Simple playful activities like playing or throwing ball/ring to each other or play dough ball where laughing and giggling may happen playing such games regularly could also help rejuvenate body and mind and soul. Playing with children or involving in children’s activities can also help relax and rejuvenate

After long and hard physical and mental work conscious relaxation practices of hath yoga including shavasana or nishpandabhava would help relax and rejuvenate oneself. Conscious relaxation would also include good quality of sleep where body should be able to comfortably relax and mind should be quiet and calm.

Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana

Awareness and practice of external yoga viz. Yama, Niayama, Asana, Pranayama, the first four limbs or steps of eight fold path of yoga; makes one ready to practice internal yoga. Fifth step in the eight fold path is to subdue the senses by conscious work of withdrawal. Conscious symbolic practice of this is to use ones own fingers of both the hands to close the senses with right and left hand fingers.

Sitting in a meditative posture, the practitioner gently and symbolically closes the ears, eyes, nostrils, mouth and skin by thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger and baby finger respectively by both the hands. Further, this can be checked by checking thoughts by activation of senses by internalization. With this process the senses and mind are internalized and this helps mind to get purified. Restraining and controlling the senses can help checking the thoughts and the senses are internalized. Regular practice of this can help reach reality.

Senses and Mind is withdrawn and closed regularly to experience reality which is full of peace, purity, freedom and bliss if one may use some words to mention about it. Sitting in a meditative posture, mind is fixed internally between the eye brows and one may gradually work on increasing the duration of holding the mind there gently and experience mind and breath slowing down and see brightness and light in this region and feel oneness and stay in that state. The focus and concentration could then be applied to work and same could become Karma yoga.

CLASSICAL YOGA FOR HOUSEHOLDER’S HEALTH

By Shailesh Parikh

• Think of self development first - peace and clarity
• Always be happy to help through one’s appearance, emotions
• Be cheerful and mild mannered
• Our grasping of the situation.
• Remaining clear headed
• If internally peaceful and cheerful, we can be more useful.
• To know of agencies that can help.
• To understand Yogic Philosophy.
• We are not God
• The world will carry on according to its laws. 
• One should do one’s duty.
• Understand concepts of Dharma (duty).
• To understand Yogic Philosophy.
  Understand Karma Yoga Through Yoga
• Learn to be aware all the time. 
• Not getting involved in emotional situations and getting lost. 
• Be law abiding – carry out help in Boy Scout spirit. Not in the spirit of a politician or social worker. 

VICHAR

(Thoughts)

PARIKARMAS

(Cleansing Techniques for the Mind)

Maitri (Amity)

Karuna (Compassion)

mudita(Goodwill)

upeksha (Benevolent Indifference)

Om, may He protect us all

(The teacher and the taught).

May He look after us all to enjoy

(The fruits of scriptural study).

May we all exert together

(To find the true meaning of the sacred text).

May our studies be fruitful so that we acquire lustre.

May we never quarrel with one another.

Om Peace!Peace!!Peace!!!

MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT YOGA

WHAT YOGA IS NOT

Yoga is not a ritual.

Yoga is not a religion.

Yoga does not need a temple or an ashrama.
It can be done in ANY place, calm or otherwise.

Yoga is a systematic study of man and his mind.
IT IS EXPERIENCE BASED.

Yoga was not invented by Patanjali, it has existed since ancient times. However he systematized and standardized and put it into perspective in less than 196 short lines .

The improvements in mind and body by practising yoga maybe magical, but it does not make yoga a system of magic.The magical improvements are a by-product of practising yoga.

Yoga is not a competition of flexibility or about external show.Yoga is to calm the mind and understand its true nature by a holistic approach of the 8 fold path of yoga as advised by Patanjali

Yoga is not a curer of disease by some asanas or breathing exercises but by a holistic approach of ahar, vihar,achar and vichar.

Yoga will not make you fly.

It will make you walk properly.

WHAT YOGA IS

It will help us breathe properly.

It will help us bend.

It will help us relax.

It will help us be quiet.

So do not understand yoga as some funny acrobatic postures

It is something that we can do that will enhance our life.

May Conference

Classical Yoga Conference Weekend in May

The Classical Yoga for Total Health Conference promises to be a most enjoyable learning experience with an interesting schedule of Classical Yoga presentations, discussions, and activities throughout the 3 day conference. The opening evening includes a performance of Indian Classical Vocal music by Ramneek Singh and morning Yoga practice sessions will be held for an hour before each day's presentations. 

If you are able to attend I encourage you to do so. The conference is being held in Toronto, Canada, May 4 - 6, 2012 at George Brown College, Casa Loma campus.

On Saturday between 10:00 and 11:30AM, along with several other teachers from the Yoga Institute, Santacruz, Mumbai, India, I will be sharing my experiences and giving a presentation on:

Stress and Corporate Executives and Employees’ Health - Classical yoga as a remedy. 

The presentation will cover –

• Stress -What is it? How does it affect an individual? What are the symptomatic effects of stress? 
• Corporate environment in daily life- real and imaginative stress. Employee trying to bring balance, trying to escape Stress which leads to distress. Minor and major health difficulties that affect the individuals.
• Classical Yoga approach to understand Stress and incorrect perception. Eight fold path of classical yoga for self development and self management, Generating positive states and feelings. Four pillars of Classical Yoga lifestyle for Total Health-balance and peace. 

In addition, I will be leading the discussions on Vihar during the Sunday morning 9:00 - 10:00AM period.

I am looking forward to a weekend filled with interesting people and many opportunities both to share my own experiences and to learn from the experience of others. I hope to see you there.

RYT 200 and 500 Courses Starting in June 2012

(RYT 200) - 200 hour level

(RYT 500) - 500 hour level
Yoga Alliance Accredited Courses

These Teacher Training Programs are taught in the traditional style at the Classical Yoga Lifestlye Institute. Classes will be limited to a maximum of 5 students with guaranteed One to One Mentoring.

 are held at the Classical Yoga Lifestyle Institute, 4033 Barlow Drive, Round Rock, TX 78681

Classical Yoga Teacher Training RYT 200

No prior yoga knowledge or experience is required

Classes are held on Monday, Wednesday, Friday

from 5:45 pm to 7:45 pm

Curriculum Overview

• Learn the principles behind Classical Yoga Asanas & Pranayama
• Learn to teach the postures including proper conditioning, alignment and developing body awareness
• Understand and apply Classical Yoga Philosophy in daily living
• Develop skills for designing well-rounded routines, including conditioning, meditation, Asanas, Pranayama & relaxation
• Integrating yoga into life, a practical approach
• Practice Teaching and Public Speaking
• Understand Classical Yoga way of living to live wisely

Advanced Classical Yoga Teacher Training RYT 500

Students must successfully compete RYT 200 before enrolling

Classes are held at mutually convenient times and days

 Curriculum Overview

• Gain depth into the Asanas applying precise techniques methodically suited to individual
• Yoga Hygiene - Kriyas - for body cleansing
• Employing technical skills for Bandhas, Mudras and Pranayama
• Effective Kriya yoga meditation and chanting procedures
• Practical approach to build foundation, restructuring and purification of mind by Yama and Niyam.
• Karma yoga. Samkhya philosophy
• Rigorous Yoga Teaching program and practice including study of Yoga Sutra and Bhagawat Gita
• Achieving the status of a Sadhaka (accomplished yoga practitioner)

Call (512) 215-4813

Visit Web Site

How About Asanas?

When it comes to asanas, the definition is very simple, Asana is a posture, of course, but which type of posture? It is a posture where you are steady and comfortable, happy, and peaceful. If you are uncomfortable, if you are unsteady in a posture, then that would not be labelled as an Asana. Any fast movements would not be recommended nor considered as asana. But the point is: if the body is stiff or sick any posture could be uncomfortable for that person. So for such conditions, we have a few derivatives out of the main asanas to help that person; to add more flexibility, to see that muscles are toned up in these and those areas and so on. So the person will do some of these very simple derivatives and understand their effect in different areas of our body.

Have you ever observed that your body is not in the same position all the time? Note that the body gets into a different state, in different situations. Which are those factors affecting your body's relaxed and peaceful state? Stress is the main factor, but stress happens in different conditions, like: if you're tired or if you have not slept well; if you don't work at all, then the body becomes quite stiff; mental agitation plays a very big role; if you are suffering from some health condition, it affects you; your diet directly affects the system; if you don't eat at regular intervals or eat junk food, your body situation is different. So, people should start observing these things to develop that awareness, which is the aim of every asana.

In fact the purpose of asana is to get you into that steadier state. Now, that is possible only if you watch yourself regularly throughout the day and find out what is the condition of your body. See to it that you don't overdo or do less of certain things. As far as possible, organize yourself to have a good state, to feel healthy and in a good condition. So this is like a homework, that you have to start observing yourself every time you do anything in life. Suppose you don't find time to do a particular asana in a particular way, you don't have to feel bad about it. It is the idea behind asanas that is to be carried out; to develop awareness, sensitivity of self, and to watch self. You still have to eat your food, sleep, walk and go to work. Well, at those times, if you could develop a little awareness as to how you sit, how you stand, how you breathe, if just a little awareness is manifest, then the purpose of asanas would be served. Asana is not something which is only physical culture. It needs your attention, it needs your emotion, and it needs your caring.

So remember, the keywork in Yoga is awareness!!!

Our Approach to Yoga

What is Yoga really?

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 potencies, 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 followed with physical and postural training and rhythmic breathing to bring flexibility and muscular strength to the body. Then follows respiratory and nervous control that enables an individual to regulate his or her biological living by conservation and control of the bio-energy (prana). With this a higher level of immunity is achieved.

After physiological training comes the psychosomatic training with a view to controlling the external and internal senses which affect the equanimity and peace of mind. This is achieved through a series of graded physiopsychic efforts by relaxation, centralization, visualization, dissociation, introversion and meditation.

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. It also includes methods of applied psychology, psychoanalysis, parapsychology, mental hygiene and therapeutics and psychic enfoldments with a view to ultimately awaken the human energy potential.

This is how they have practices of sitting in 28 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.

Source: Text notes and book Yoga Sutras published by The Yoga Institute, Santacruz, Mumbai - India.

Greetings !!!

We are very happy to launch Classical Yoga Lifestyle Institute Blog. This space is for everyone interested in Yoga and in self-development. Here you'll be able to track our activities, see pictures from our last yoga camps and workshops and be atunned with our new projects. Of course you still can check out our website time to time and see what is new over there too :-)

Please keep in touch and always leave your comments.
Yours in Yoga,

LM