YOGA - Introduction

Yoga

• Yoga, (formerly also spelled Joga, Sanskrit, m., yoga; from yuga 'yoke', yuj for: yoke, tie together, tighten, harness') is a philosophical teaching originating from India, which includes a series of mental and physical exercises or practices such as yama, niyama, asanas, pranayama, pratyahara, kriyas, meditation and asceticism. The term yoga can mean "union" or "integration" as well as "harnessing" and "stretching" the body to the soul to become one with consciousness. Since any path to self-knowledge can be called yoga, there are numerous names in Hinduism for the different paths of yoga, adapted to the dispositions of those seeking self-knowledge.

• Yogis are the men or boys who practice yoga.

• Yogini are the women or girls who practice yoga.

• Sanskrit is an ancient Indian language. All yoga positions have a Sanskrit name, which the yoga teacher will translate for you into German or English.

• Mantra is a healing chant that is often sung during yoga. It calms, concentrates and conveys positive thoughts.

• Namasté is not only the greeting gesture of the yogis, but of all people in India. The palms of the hands are placed together at chest height (Anjali Mudra), the head is bowed and “Namasté” is said. It means, "I salute the light within you." Which means nothing other than the divine within you or the archetype. The archetype is your personal life plan.

• Mudra, often referred to as the heart of Hatha Yoga practice, are certain finger, eye or body positions that symbolize a have character. They deepen the experience of meditation and connect us to our energy channels in the body. Modes of action that are also used in Far Eastern combat methods, among other things. But there are also many examples to be found in religious practices, dance and art. For example, hands clasped in prayer is a mudra posture, just like "crossing your fingers" for someone.

When you hear the word yoga, today's society often associates the most diverse things. Surely some things sound familiar to you and you've heard them before: "Yoga is exhausting" or the opposite "Yoga is only relaxation" or "Yoga is only for women" etc. In my view, yoga is far too often associated with the esoteric , which is absolutely not true. Yogis are not hippies or just vegans etc. Due to the prevailing ignorance there are many unfounded prejudices. Especially nowadays, when performance and time pressure are part of the daily structure, yoga is the chance to take a deep breath and relax. Many people have forgotten these important functions. Last but not least, it is important to mention that yoga can also be exhausting. This ultimately depends on the yoga style. You can do and live out yoga in the way that suits you personally. There is no right

or wrong, there is only your individual implementation. Yoga is a philosophy and not a denomination. This is important information for me, as I myself am non-denominational. A philosophy is not ego-oriented, but ensures a natural order in society. Of course there are many parallels to the most diverse denominations, but it is and remains a philosophy. Because the only goal of yoga is to find yourself. But what does that mean?

This means nothing other than finding the divine and the meaning of life. Thus one does not speak here of different worlds or denominations, but of one's own individuality. Every path is and must be individual, since personal happiness is also very individual. Yoga can be your personal guide and thus a tool.

I like to put it this way: Imagine I give you two seeds, what do you see?

❤ A rational person answers: Two seeds.

❤ A visionary person answers: A tree.

❤ A profound person asks: What will come of it?

The divine in us is the seed, where all the information is already stored. The fruits are our reward or calling. But it takes years and a lot of care before the tree bears fruit. We are all part of nature and we all have the divine within us. Therefore, this wonderful example can also be transferred to humans so that the laws of the universe can be better understood.

That's why I love the greeting Namasté - The divine in me be in you.

Namaste

Yours

Morena

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