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Yoga: Foundational Text The Patanjali Yoga Sutras are a foundational text in the practice of yoga, composed by the sage Patanjali around 400 CE. These sutras consist of 196 short aphorisms that succinctly outline the philosophy and practice of yoga. Their importance lies in several key aspects: Philosophical Foundations: The sutras provide a systematic and comprehensive framework for understanding the philosophy of yoga, including its goals, principles, and practices. They offer insights into the nature of the mind, the causes of suffering, and the path to liberation. Practical Guidance: Patanjali outlines the Eight Limbs of Yoga, which serve as a practical guide for living a meaningful and purposeful life. These limbs include ethical principles (yamas and niyamas), physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and absorption (samadhi). Psychological Insights: The sutras delve into the workings of the mind and offer techniques for calming the fluctuations of thought. They explore the nature of consciousness and provide methods for cultivating mental clarity, emotional stability, and inner peace. Universal Relevance: Despite being over a thousand years old, the teachings of the Yoga Sutras remain relevant and applicable to contemporary life. They offer timeless wisdom that can help individuals navigate the complexities of modern existence and find greater meaning and fulfillment. Overall, the Patanjali Yoga Sutras are important because they serve as a guidebook for spiritual seekers, offering profound insights into the nature of existence and practical techniques for self-transformation and inner awakening. Yoga Alliance International Registry

I asked AI what are the benefits of Kundalini Yoga compared to other types of Yoga. The answer was actually quite insightful, although I would add a tenth point: Kundalini Yoga is perfect for anyone who just doesn't like normal yoga. It's not about getting fit. It is about nourishment. "Dear scary AI. What are the main benefits of Kundalini Yoga compared to other yoga styles? …. Thank you for your question. Kundalini Yoga offers several unique benefits compared to other yoga styles: 1. Stress and anxiety relief: Studies have shown that Kundalini Yoga can effectively reduce stress and anxiety levels, potentially serving as a treatment option for generalized anxiety disorder and even trauma. 2. Improved cognitive function: Research indicates that Kundalini Yoga can enhance memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and cognitive flexibility. 3. Enhanced self-perception: Kundalini Yoga may improve body positivity and self-acceptance, making it beneficial for those with eating disorders, negative selftalk, procrastination or low selfesteem. 4. Emotional healing: The practice helps release deep-seated emotions and traumas, promoting emotional well-being. 5. Balanced energy systems: Kundalini Yoga aims to clear and balance the body's energy pathways (nadis) and chakras, enhancing overall mental, physical, and spiritual health. 6. Glandular and nervous system regulation: The practice is structured to bring equilibrium to the body's glandular system and rejuvenate the nervous system. 7. Spiritual awakening: Kundalini Yoga focuses on awakening the dormant Kundalini energy at the base of the spine, leading to spiritual enlightenment and self-realization. 8. Breathwork: Kundalini Yoga emphasizes pranayama techniques, such as Breath of Fire, which aim to cleanse the body, increase energy, and enhance mental clarity. 9. Structured approach: Kundalini Yoga uses specific kriyas (sets of exercises) designed with particular intentions, providing a clear path for achieving desired outcomes. While other yoga styles may offer some of these benefits, Kundalini Yoga's unique combination of physical postures, breathwork, meditation, and chanting creates a comprehensive system for transformation and self-discovery." Here's a link to join our Live Classes on Youtube. https://lnkd.in/dCvT-_PW For personal coaching and access to zoom room, just contact me via messaging. Much love Riikka Theresa

COMMERCIALISATION OF YOGA ASANAS Yoga is the physical, mental and spiritual discipline to one's mind. It is associated with human health and harmony. Moreover, Yoga is comprised of various asanas, pranayama and so on . If practiced, it can bring contentment and results in the cooling of mind.  The word ' YOGA ' is was acquired from the Sanskrit word YUJ meaning to unite. Sage Patanjali is considered as the father of yoga.  Yoga has been followed from millennium. People had different elucidation about yoga and the way of doing was too different from one another.  Nowadays, due to its popularity, there is commercialisation of yoga asanas. Yoga asanas are commercialised in  many ways. Firstly, people conduct Yoga classes via virtual or offline mode , through which the person gets money. Secondly, Gyms and several other clubs are made  through which they impart yoga and earn for their living. Moreover, products such as yoga mats are also sold. Throught advertisements, yoga posters are shown and make us  believe that the particular mat is good.    Commercialisation of yoga led more people to be employed, made them daily waged or monthly waged, fulfilled their daily needs and so on. But the disadvantage is that people just want money. For that they adopt yoga. After that Yoga is not practiced . It shouldn't be like that. Yoga should be the integral part of life which should be practiced for the harmony of mind and body. By practicing yoga daily, it can influence our health. Our whole body will be stimulated through yoga. Even, the current pandemic , corona can  be eluded by practicing yoga. We have to respect the our ancient  Indian culture which taught us this unique healing power. So, practice yoga daily, for a better health and a harmonious life.  

Daily a Noble Thought Sep-24 Simplified Kundalini Yoga Life force’s action, stock and nature are the astute things. One can lead life responsibly if he has proper understanding and clarity on this. Simplified Kundalini Yoga provides such explanation and clarity. Meditation, Introspection, Sublimation and Perfection are four types of exercises offered by ‘Simplified Kundalini Yoga’ of the World Community Service Centre. When the life force positioned at Mooladhara, is lifted up from the bottom, and made positioned at every centre and brought to higher center is termed Meditation. It was told that to do this, multi-year practice and devotion to master, was inevitable, in the olden years; they showed it as very tough, but in the World Community Service Centre, those who trained Kundalini Sakthi, are given the training to raise the life force of others, for all those who are interested. Those who get training, would feel this and understand the simplicity. There would be a lot of benefits who practice this meditation continuously. Sharp mind, clear thoughts and awareness would be with them. Peace would be provident in mind. When we spend our life force stock unknowingly, there are chances for pains such as weakening of body cells, hitches, tension, roaring and tiring etc. Diseases come when we breach the boundary. Further breach, results in death. The meditation is focusing on energy which gives all the benefits when the life force grows properly. When we meditate focusing on this life force, the Kundalini Energy raises and spreads energy waves. One part of this wave moves as a psychological action and the other part as a physiological action. Kundalini yoga is powerful to utilise both. - Vethathiri Maharishi

What is the difference between Yoga & Qigong? Unlike Qigong, most yoga (with the notable exception of Vinyasa Flow) requires little, if any, movement. Movement, rather than diaphragmatic breathing, typically increases the amount of oxygen delivered to the tissues. No amount of deep breathing will provide oxygen to the system if the blood is already oxygen saturated. Movement is essential. Movement is also essential for balance and good health. Yoga is built on asanas, which are static stances sustained for varied amounts of time. Although the originator of yoga (Patanjali) explains a path from asanas to pranayama (breath practice), breathing is not included in many yoga workshops or instruction, or it is not taught until some level of asana proficiency is reached. Another way to put it is that breathing is included into yoga practice at different times, depending on the style of yoga and the yoga instructor's teaching method. Some methods require years of practice before breathing becomes a part of the routine. In contrast, diaphragmatic breathing is essential to Qigong from the beginning. Furthermore, yoga is more difficult to perform than Qigong, particularly for elderly persons, and yoga lacks techniques involving energy transfer. On the other hand, both can eventually lead to similar elevated levels of spiritual consciousness. In terms of popular perception, Qigong is where yoga was five decades ago. The Way UK – “New Mindset New Rules”. 100 Days with “The Way UK” will prompt the moral and intellectual improvement of Yourself, and a re-visitation of unity. Join me to Master your Mind & Body @The Way UK - Taoist Qigong. Great for all ages as a moving meditation for health and vitality. Live Classes available for Corporate Well-being / Groups or One to One. Beginners and intermediate welcome. Daoishi Carl Taylor. The Way UK. Call: 07931981201 Email: TheWay.uk@outlook.com

While simple stretches may seem rudimentary, yoga offers a holistic approach to health and fitness. Unlike activities like jogging or weightlifting, yoga integrates physical postures (asanas), breathwork (pranayama), and meditation to create a well-rounded practice. For years, I too dismissed yoga as a leisurely pursuit for the unmotivated. However, my perception shifted dramatically after a football-knee injury and cruciate ligament surgery 17 years ago. Following the advice of my doctor, I embarked on a ten-day yoga retreat at the Kavilbhavan Yoga and Nature-cure center in Kasaragod, Kerala. This marked the beginning of my transformative yoga journey. Yoga's influence extended far beyond physical rehabilitation. It enhanced my flexibility, improved my overall functioning, and fostered a sense of well-being. The practice of long meditations and deep breathing techniques nurtured my mental and spiritual growth. Kundalini Pranayama, a specific yogic breathing practice, opened me to profound experiences, fostering a deep connection with nature and a sense of inner peace. It instilled in me a remarkable resilience against negativity, such as anger, sadness, and anxieties. Imagine two versions of myself: one without yoga, and the other, a regular practitioner. The yogic me is demonstrably sharper, happier, more focused, and brimming with enthusiasm. This positive transformation permeates every aspect of my life, from actively listening to delivering speeches, from engaging with friends to simply appreciating a movie. Yoga has elevated the quality of my reading, communication, and even my approach to sports. Without yoga, I feel like a diminished version of myself. The initial benefits of yoga are readily apparent: improved blood circulation, deeper breathing, and the release of toxins. But yoga's true magic lies in its ability to cultivate a sense of well-being that extends far beyond the physical realm, fostering a connection with the self and the world around us. Happy Yoga Day!