Philosophy and Meditation
religion or spirituality
Yoga is not a religion but it is in origin a spiritual practice that developed in the context of Indian religious culture. A 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"
universality
Yoga’s practices are universally relevant for the human condition, which in essence has not really changed since ancient times. Traditional Indian texts that can help illuminate our understanding of a living yoga practice include: 'The Upanishads', 'The Bhagavad Gita', 'Patanjalis yoga Sutras', 'The 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 vision of yoga
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.
meditation
The formal practice of meditation can reduce stress, and facilitate a steady sense of ease within ourselves. For the dedicated practitioner an expanded perspective can arise. Increasingly meditation is being researched and used for its therapeutic benefits in both mental and physical health situations.
Whilst I believe that there is a place for intensive practice, or perhaps periods of it, this very much depends on the stage of life you are in. If at any stage of your life you have a bit of time on your hands, or can create it, then learning something of hatha yoga and meditation and their underlying principles will set you up with a fantastic set of life skills that can support you physically, mentally and spiritually in whatever you then do.
living yoga
I did some intensive practice in my late twenties and early thirties both before and after my teacher training. Now as a busy working parent I'm so glad to have developed some of those skills. Those of us who are working and/or parenting clearly have our priorities laid out for us, but whatever time we can create for practice will be a gift not only to ourselves but to our work colleagues and/or family.
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 e mail or phone me.