A word on traditional yoga

The meaning of the word Yoga is to join. It is a process of synthesis and not analysis. We have to combine everything. The practice of the yogic techniques must be a combination of all. I want to clarify this point in detail.

There are many practices explained in Yoga. There are eight components in Ashtanga Yoga. Each component is further subdivided into a number of practices. There are many, many practices like these. One should not practice only one or two practices only. But at the same time it is also not possible to practice all. So we must select some of them and not only one of them. This selection is also very important from an individual point of view. The selection will also depend on the environment around the practitioner.

How to practice Ashtanga Yoga ?

One should follow the five Yamas and Niyamas as much as he can, in his daily life. He should practice some Asanas daily. The selection of Asanas will depend on his daily schedule. 8 -10 Asanas are required to be selected and practiced regularly.

One must keep some time reserved for the practice of Pranayama, the breathing exercises. He can practice pranayama as he will be learning the techniques slowly.

Some sort of meditation should also be practiced daily. The level of meditation will depend on the spiritual level of the practitioner. This can be started with the plain chanting of Aum or any other mantra.

Here is a recommendation for one hour daily practice.

Start with the chanting of Om 5 times.

Sunsalutations 12 rounds - 10 mins

Different selected Asanas for about 25 minutes.

Pranayama: Deep breathing or selected type of pranayama for 15 minutes.

Meditation on breath or Om - 10 minutes.

Live a yogic life.

Hari Om Tat Sat