Philosophy and Meditation
Yoga is not a religion but it is in origin a spiritual practice that developed in the context of Indian culture. A good quote on this subject comes from Yogi Bhajan: "Is yoga a religion? It is and it is not. In religion you have to believe something but in yoga you have to experience what you want to believe"
Yoga’s practices are universally relevant for the human condition, which in essence has not really changed since ancient times(in my opinion!). Texts that can help illuminate our understanding of a living yoga practice include: 'The Upanishads', 'The Bhagavad Gita', 'Patanjalis yoga Sutras', 'Hatha Yoga Pradipika' and some Buddhist texts. Some modern hatha yoga practice manuals include an introduction to yoga philosophy and interesting viewpoints. My personal favourites are 'Awakening the Spine' – Vanda Scaravelli, 'Yoga Mind, Body and Spirit' – Donna Farhi, 'The Heart of Yoga' – TKV Desikachar, 'Dancing the Body of Light' – Dona Holleman, 'Yoga, The Spirit and Practice of Moving in Stillness' – Eric Schiffmann and 'Jivamukti Yoga' – Sharon Gannon and David Life.
The spiritual vision of yoga is that all of life is interconnected at a deep level. Once we understand this directly then we will live in this world non-violently with open acceptance, friendliness, love and compassion for ourselves, others and all of life. All yoga practices and philosophy are frameworks designed to help us realise this possibility.
The formal practice of yogic meditation can facilitate complete personal transformation and a radical change of view. In addition therapeutic benefits such as relaxation, reduced stress and improved health can only help us along the way. Increasingly meditation is being researched and used for its therapeutic benefits in both mental and physical health situations.
I teach the yoga history and philosophy module on the London Yoga Teacher Training Course and have taught on courses in Brighton and Devon. I enjoy teaching this subject and am available to teach this module on other yoga teacher training courses – if you are interested please Contact or phone me.