What is Asana ?

By Erika Bam – School of Hatha Yoga

“Sthira Sukham Aasanam” PYD 2.46

The verse means that Body is steady and comfortable.

Literally, Asana is a seat of the body for the body. It is the position, not a exercise. There are some differences between Physical exercise and Asana. Posture/Aasanam/ Asana is that in which body is steady, comfortably and pleasure-fully rested according to Patanjali Yoga Sutra it is justified so. Asana is the third level of Ashtanga Yoga in Yoga Darshana, second level of Hatha Yoga in Gheranda Samhita and first stage in Hatha Pradipika.

In order to restraint the modifications of mind, one needs to practice to sit in a particular posture. When one maintains the particular grometric posture with co-ordination to breath and thoughtlessness in mind, he/she can connect with the outer cosmos, the source.The connection of inner source with outer source can manifest power, intelligence and knowledge that is the main intention of performing asanas.

“Shareera – maadhyam khalu Dharma-saadhanam…………..the body is the means of fulfillment of Dharama (Ethics). The body is the primary instrument for fulfillment of duties and ethics.

Just Asana cannot manifest the aim of yoga but it is very crucial step to adjust our physical body/vehicle to reach in state of meditation.

Physical Activities/ Body act becomes hindrance for steadiness of mind , while sitting in particular posture  the power of body/vehicle gets manifested in form of compassion & intelligence i.e we move beyond animal nature to intelligent being.

Body holds on; mind holds on; thoughts hold on; then consciousness expands.

In conclusion, it can be stated that the source/divine exists within the dense body. So one must understand the real essence of performing asana &  implement it on being to meditative state, from which we can realize the divine within and the divine outside as a result we become everything, we dissolve. The state of enlighten happens.

By Swami Yog Subodh – School of Hatha Yoga

Height has to be the major concern in the society for as far as we can remember. No matter how much we want to debate on it, this fact will remain true. The fact is that height is not in our hand every time. It is the genetic formation of our body that allows us to grow or have accuracy with it. However, when it comes to Yogasana To Increase Your Height , yes there are many options that we can apply for this. The fun thing is that not everyone will go for them. But they are extremely beneficial in terms of healthy body, good height and strength.

Yogasana To Increase Height

1. Tadasana: This is one of the poses where one has to work on every single part from head to toe. This Mountain pose forces the pressure on the body that makes them facilitate the growth hormone production in the body.
Tadasana, it comes from the Sanskrit words “tada” means “mountain”. It is a simple standing posture, which forms the basis for all the standing asanas. … Tadasana is the beginning and ending asana of Surya Namaskar. You can do this asana in two different position and try both of them as your comfortable ability level.

2. Triyaka Tadasana: Triyaka Tadasana, a form of tadasana is done in standing position that makes us bend left and right to the extent possible with your arms above our head, straight and palms fixed to each other and facing upwards.

3. Katichakrasana: The name of this yoga posture, Katichakrasana, literally means rotation of the waist. It gives a nice stretch to the waist and helps in making it more flexible and supple. it takes very little time to do the stretch and it benefits your body in many ways. A simple yet very effective yoga posture, Katichakrasana carries the power to heal constipation if practied regularly and accurately. pronounce the name of this yoga posture insanskrit as Katee- cha-kraahs-un-uh.

4. Bhujangasana: One of the most popular and effective asana is bhujangasana which works on abs, upper back, lower back muscles, helps in cutting back the excess fat around the stomach. it is also one of the best asana for body strength.

5. Hasta-Padasana: Hastapadasana is a variation of the Padasana. It is effective for body stretching and increasing height as it elongates the spine and at the same time stretches the hamstring muscles.

6. Trikonasana: It works on the principle of a triangle and hence is named as triangle pose. This type of pose allows an individual to work on the requirement of the body with eyes closed. It recalls the basic requirement with the centric power. It is best to do in the morning with an empty stomach for best results. This pose is usually done by beginners to get started with the whole height process.

7. Sukhasana: This type of pose is also famous as a pleasant pose. The best part about this pose is that it is not limited to a particular height and anyone can take advantage of it. This is one of the most done meditation poses which is recommended in the morning for best effects.

8. Marjariasana: The pose is extremely famous with the name of cat pose. In this pose, the one can attain the flexible body and trigger the growth hormones. This is mainly recommended with an empty stomach and hence it is better to follow in the morning. This few seconds pose have the ability to show the wonderful effect on height.

9. Shirshasana: This is the pose that is extensively used as the Yoga for Height Increase. This headstand pose helps in triggering the hormones that work for the incensement of height. The best part is that it works amazingly well with the pituitary gland and apply pressure on the right place.

So, these are the major poses that are followed in order to increase the height or get the hormones working and also for attempting the good strength. If you are above 25 then it might not work that amazingly but a few inches can be gained.

Yogacharya Swami Yog Subodh – School of Wisdom – Himalayan Yoga Academy

OM! Happy Vashanta Panchami, Day of Saraswati Puja, A Goddess of Knowledge.
“AUM HREEM AIM HREEM SARASWATAI NAMAH”
Today is the day of Goddess Saraswati, a Goddess of Knowledge and Arts. Saraswati means “the essence of self”. Saraswati is the giddess of Knowledge, wisdom. music, arts, aesthetics, shatarupa (Existence), Mother of Vedanta, and speech.

Some symbols of Goddess Saraswati are:

• Radiant White, Goddess mirrors the ‘True Nature or Absolute Truth”.
• Yellows Dress up symbolizes colorful season and white dress up for purity in knowledge.
• Vehicle (Bahana) of Saraswati is Hamsa ( Swan) which has been known as the separation of Milk and water that means recognition of good and evil.
• Veena, a musical instrument represents all the forms of arts, music, dance, drawings, paintings, and other arts and crafts.
• Rosary, a string of beads or crystals symbolizes the spiritual awakening and transformation through Dhyana (Meditation) or Yoga Samdhi that tends to Supreme unseen Power, the cosmic power.
• Tamtapatra addresses the source of knowledge called Vedas and other spiritual science and philosophy that arise from the root.
• Seasonal fruits are specially offered to Guru, a source of lightness in darkness.
• Colour poder and flowers are especially for offering to Deity or Gurus as worship.
• Chanting the special Mantras and Stotras are for opening the psychic centers for awakening the kundalini power, a feminine energy for spiritual growth.

Stotram(Mantra ):

“Yaa Kundendu Tushaara haaradhavalaa, Yaa Shubhravastraavritaa;
Yaa Veenavara dandamanditakara, yaa shwetaa padmaasana !
Yaa brahmaachyuta shankara, prabhritibhir Devaisadaaa vanditaa;
Saa Maam Paatu saraswatee Bhagavatee Nihshesha Jaadyaapahaa !!

Meaning:

Goddess Saraswati who is fair like Jusmine and dew drops, dressed in white, holding the majestic Veena instrument in hands,s sitting on white lotus, to whom forever worshiped by Brahma (The Generator), Vishnu (The Operator) and Maheshwora ( The Destroyer) and other Gods as well. O Divine Mother, Goddess blesses us and gives us the lightness and power from our ignorance and darkness.
Hari Om Tat Sat.

In Nepal

Shree panchami is also known as Basanta Panchami, this festival falls usually between last week of January to first week of February. It is celebrated as the birthday of Hindu Goddess Saraswoti. Goddess Saraswati is the Goddess of education, knowledge and wisdom. This day is particularly more important to students as it is believed that worshipping Saraswati on this day will receive the blessings from her and it will increase their intelligence and horizon of wisdom. In Nepal this day is very important for students of all levels. Normally all the educational institute have a saraswati-puja function on this day. All the teachers and students do the saraswati puja in the school. 

On this day hindu devotees visit saraswati temples and do their prayers with writing few words on the walls of temples with chalk. They will also worship their books, notebook and pens on this day. They will also swallow 7 rice grains after the puja without touching it to the teeth while swallowing those rice grains. It is believed that this way of prayer will make Saraswati happy. The popular temples where the huge crowd will gather for prayers in Kathmandu are Saraswati Temple in Swyambhunath and Saraswati temple in Tribhuvan University. The Saraswati Temple of Tribhuvan University is only open for Saraswati Puja day for the visitors. Other day the temple remain closed for visitors. Nepalese parents use this day to start feeding rice to their newly born or start teaching their kids to write

Legend about Saraswati Goddess

Saraswati is the Hindu goddess of learning and speech (Vak). She represents the union of power and intelligence from which organized creation arises. Saraswati possesses all the learnings of the Vedas, scriptures, dances, musical power and poetry. She revealed language and writing to man. Her origin is traced to the lost Vedic river Saraswati. This is the source of her profound connection to fluidity in every aspect. She embodies wisdom, fortune, intelligence, nourishment, brilliance, contentment, splendor and devotion.

Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, art and music is the daughter of lord Shiva and goddess Durga. It is believed that goddess Saraswati endows human beings with the powers of speech, wisdom and learning. She has four hands representing four aspects of human personality in learning: mind, intellect, alertness and ego. She has sacred scriptures in one hand and a lotus – the symbol of true knowledge – in the second. With her other two hands she plays the music of love and life on a string instrument called the Veena. She is dressed in white – the symbol of purity – and rides on a white swan – symbolizing Sattwa Guna or purity and discrimination.

By Swami Yog Subodh – School of Ashtanga Yoga – Himalayan Yoga Academy

“Om Patanjalaye Mahamunaye Namah”

Ashtanga Yoga is Ashta Saadhanaa formulated by Great Maharshi Patanjali in Yoga Darshan (Philosophy), the first Sacred and Pure text of Yoga. Paatanjal Yoga Darshana is one of the Darshana out of Shata Darshana. In Paatanjal Yoga Darshan, there are 195 verses and divided into four chapters. Under second Chapter named Saadhanaa Paada, Ashtanga Yoga is explained. In general, Ashtanga Yoga is considered and viewed by public, even modern Instructors as a type of Yoga.

In fact, this is not true; Ashtanga Yoga is itself fullness of Yoga, totality of Yoga because it is summarized or modified version of Yogic messages partially underlined in different Vedic texts or epics. If we go in deep sense into this, everything for true life has been patterned very well.

On the initiation of this Darshana , how beautifully initiated by Patanjali  as  “Athayogaanushaanam” PYD 1.1  that means now the discipline of yogic life begins; instantly, the definition of Yoga “Yogashchittavrittinirodhah” PYD1.2.has been given and rest 193 verses are well formulas for Kaivalya.

The Yoga, the Sadhana of Yoga fructifies in liberation and onwards Kaivalya through Vivekakhyati – the spiritual wisdom that comes from Yoga. Through this we are able to differentiate the soul and non-soul, the eternal and the transient, the pure and the impure.

The word ‘Ashtanga’ is Ashta + Anga; Ashta stands for eight and Anga stands for Organ or Limbs that means Eight Limbs of Yoga or Eight fold path of Yoga.

“Yama-Niyamasana-pranayama-pratyahara-dharana-dhyana-samadhayo-ashtavabgani”. PYD 2.29

They are:  Yama ( Social Ethics), Niyama ( Self ethics), Aasana ( Body ethics), Pranayama ( Breath ethics), Pratyahara ( Mind ethics), Dharana ( Attitude ethics), Dhyana ( wisdom ethics), Samadhi ( Intelligence ethics).

Fundamentally Yoga has two parts: Bahiranga (External) Yoga and Antaranga (Internal) Yoga.

In Ashtanga Yoga, first four limbs (Yama, Niyama, Aasana, Pranayama) are Bahiranga Yoga, fifth ‘Pratyahara’ is mid-path or Pula (Bridge) and last three ( Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi)  are Antaranga.

It contents all the aspects of Yoga, less or more, directly or indirectly, superficially or deeply. It is ocean, how deep, nobody can see, only can realize. If we go in core, we can find all the paths, e.g. Ethical, Physical, Mental, emotional, social, psychological, and spiritual.

The Ashtanga Yoga is meant to remove all the defects in the mind, to annihilate these enemies of mind and also to give the knowledge of discrimination in that immaculate, pure mind through Yoga or Samadhi.  Ashtanga Yoga is the means for removing the impurities and attaining wisdom. The flame of wisdom burns to attain the highest, ultimate knowledge, the discrimination between the transient and the eternal, keep us free from all sorts of pains, bondage and turbulence.

To be continued…                                                                                                                 

History of Singing Bowls (Dwani Patro)

Most original singing bowls come from ancient hindus cultures in Nepal, and later promoted to Buddhist areas such as Tibet and India as well. As hindus cultures, they used to put the foods in different pots typically called Dabakaa, Batukaa, Kachauraa, Baataa, etc. Gradually they started to make different sound by playing this instruments. When it produced sounds and felt as singing, then people used to call it Singing Bowl.

Much of the history of singing bowls remains unknown or unclear due to the Chinese invasion of Tibet in the 1950s. However, oral traditions date singing bowls to the time of the historical Buddha Shayamuni (560 – 480 BCE). Some singing bowls during this time were used for strictly religious purposes within monasteries and temples, such as leading chants or prayers, guiding meditation, or acting as an offering or begging bowl.

Other times, larger bowls were used for grain storage and smaller bowls used to eat from. As the use of singing bowls spread throughout Asia to places like Japan, Korea, China, and Mongolia, their uses expanded as well. For example, Japanese and Vietnamese Buddhists have traditionally used singing bowls to perform funeral rites and to worship their ancestors. 

Singing Bowls Today

For hundreds of years, however, what has remained constant is the calming, meditative state singing bowls can create. Singing bowls are useful to Buddhist practitioners and anyone else who is wanting to experience a greater amount of peace and intuition in their daily lives through meditation.Today, singing bowls are found far outside the temples and monasteries of the Himalayan mountains. They are used as tools for meditation or alternative treatment for various illnesses like chronic pain or depression, just to name a few!

Frequently, singing bowls are associated with sound therapy and sound baths or massages. For human beings, sound is a vehicle which can help us arrive to a healthier state of being, both physically and mentally. It also allows us to explore and express the feelings we keep inside of us. For this reason, singing bowls are becoming increasingly popular to treat anxiety disorders, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. The vibrations work throughout our bodies massaging, cleansing, and purifying, while the calm meditative state allows individuals to search within and find what ails them. 

When researching the benefits of using a singing bowl, you are likely to find it linked with cancer treatment. While the use of singing bowls is not a scientifically-backed treatment for diseases such as cancer, they have been noted to greatly improve the symptoms of the illness and treatment for cancer patients who have used Tibetan singing bowls as a part of their healing process. In a case such as this, singing bowls are not intended to heal the body of the cancerous cells but rather provide relief and balance to other parts of the mind and body. Using a singing bowl in this way is similar to drinking fluids and resting when sick—it does not cure you of your sickness, but it alleviates the symptoms and helps your recovery along the way.

Wanna Do Singing Bowl Training in Nepal.

Nowadays,a lot of people has started doing yoga. This rapid growth in the number of students that paved many for many yoga schools to start numerous yoga teacher training programs. Yoga practice has developed over the years in many ways. Being a yoga teacher is not an easy task; it comes with tons of responsibilities. It is not about teaching those difficult yoga poses to your student, it’s all about spreading that treasure of ancient yoga to everyone. Becoming a certified yoga teacher is a life-changing journey itself, and joining a yoga teacher training program is the first step towards it. Indeed Yoga teaching training programs are designed in such a way that refines you as a trained yoga instructor. But, yoga is not all about its physical aspects; it is a way of life, and only a successful teacher can connect their students to its divine aspects.Below we have listed some Tips for Yoga Teacher Training Students based on our years of teaching and experience.

We have summed some Tips for Yoga Teacher Training Students so that you can understand and feel very comfortable with your students, and be a best yoga teacher:

1. Personal Practice is a way to go:

Personal practice is a way to become a great teacher; you can only teach that about which you are aware of. Always invest some time for your practice because the time you spent with mat will encourage you to grow in your teaching also. The more you become committed to your practice, the more you will be able to teach your students in a better way. Personal practice will help you to explore your inner boundaries and connect to your inner self and trust your abilities, and that way, you can also build that trust in your students also.

2. Seek every opportunity so that you can gain some teaching experience:

Now that you have completed your first 200 hour yoga teacher training Nepal try to gain some experience in teaching and absorb all the new sets of information you have learned. Try to apply all that information in your life practically and seek every opportunity to teach so that you can gain some experience. Sink in your teaching practice so that you imbibe all you have learned. Go for studios where you can give weekly classes, so just grab every opportunity you get.

3. Explore different styles of yoga:

There are many forms of yoga ranging from beginners Hatha yoga to intensive ashtanga yoga and kundalini yoga. Every opportunity you get to spend on your mat is an opportunity to learn something. Explore different studios who offer different styles of yoga so that you can diversify your teaching style. Every yoga teacher has a different style of teaching, and there is always room to learn something. Not only exploring different teachers and different styles of yoga will help you to diversify your practice but also help in shaping your teaching career.

4. Always ready for feedbacks

If you are new to teaching, then it is a must to learn from feedbacks you received from your experienced colleagues. You starting period is a time where you will be busy in shaping your career as a teacher, opening to new horizons and creating a base for you. At these moments, remain open for any feedback that could improve your teaching. Don’t take anything on your ego; this feedback will help you to grow, and genuine and honest feedback about your teaching, whether it is from your students, colleagues will help you to structure your next yoga class in a better way.

5. Always remain a student and keep learning:

The key to becoming a good yoga teacher is to remain a student forever. Life is all about learning something constantly; it is important to immerse yourself in yoga completely in any means. Read about yoga, attend various workshops, and be consistent with your practice. Try to take a step out of your comfort zone by learning a different style of yoga or mastering some of the most advanced yoga poses. Try to become more innovative with your practice as well as teaching because it will enhance your knowledge and ability to become the best yoga teacher.

The best yoga teacher is the one who knows how to imbibe all those yogic philosophies into the life of their students, whether they are on or off the mat. So try to resonate with their expectations.

By Swami Yog Subodh – School of Reiki

Everything has fundamental principles for the meaningful sense and use. To have and connect to Reiki power, we should have “Sankalpa” means “resolve” or positive affirmation to our sub-conscious mind. Having this sankalpa, everything connects speedily to long term memory center and makes fast connection to cosmic intelligence. Reiki Priniciples

Each moment is the beautiful initiation of the beautiful Day and this beautiful day is the beautiful initiation of this beautiful life, so that use the moment properly, do not misuse or do not miss.

Top 5 Reiki Priniciples

1) Just For Today, Have Peace and Harmony

Worry causes stress and anxiety leading to an imbalance of the body, mind and spirit and also blockage to the root chakra. Peace and harmony give beautiful and wonderful healing. It has been proven through numerous studies that peace can create the good atmosphere for healing and balancing life and aslo laughter can heal and in some cases prevent life threatening illnesses which keeps peace and harmony which are foundamental ethics of life. Use this knowledge to live a healthier and longer life.

2) Just For Today, Be Happy

Anger is an emotion. When we get angry we lose control of that emotion. In order to live by the above principle we must understand what triggers our anger and how we can choose to remove this destructive emotion from our being. Every time you meet someone there is an exchange of energy. If you are both happy and find the meeting was enjoyable then the energy exchange is neutral. However, if you lose control of your emotions and become angry, the other person steals your energy. Likewise, if someone gets angry at you then you are stealing their energy. So that happiness is the supreme power for perfect life.

3) Just For Today, Do your Work Honestly

Honesty means different things to different people. Many people feel it is fine to take home a few pens from the office, the company turn over millions in profit each year so they can afford to lose a few items of stationery. Everyone at some point is dishonest. You may not steal from another person or company, but instead steal from yourself. For example if you a have a talent to help people and you choose not to then you are stealing from yourself by denying your gift.

4) Just For Today, Live with Attitude of Grattitude.

Life tends to give us what we need, it may not be what we want but it will be what we need. Karmicly throughout our lives we receive what we need to grow and learn in this lifetime. If we grasp these lessons and grow accordingly we will become spiritually enlightened. Instead of wasting your life complaining of the things that have happened to you, and the problems you face. Step back for a moment on a regular basis and discover and appreciate the many blessings in your life.

You will be amazed at how many wonderful things there are to give thanks for. Leave the materialistic things aside. They are shallow and meaningless. Pay attention to, and focus on the things that are free and bring joy and humility to your life and develops the attitudes of beings. For example, your mind, body, spirit, health, family, friends, flowers, trees, sea, sun, love, faith, knowledge, the countryside, animals, birds, etc., the list is endless. So, do have good attitudes of grattitudes to them.

5) Just For Today, Be Kind, Do Love and Respect to All

The law of karma states that what goes around comes around. Be kind, feel kind and get kindness. Send out love and you will receive love back in return.

Honor your parents, honor your teachers, honor your elders. Being Kind brings Love into the Will.

Karma is a two edge sword. Send out negative thoughts and you will get negative results. Living within this precept will give you a happier and less stressful life with full of joys, peace, kind, love and respect to all.

YOGA FOR PRENATAL WOMEN

Parental women are advised to undergo good routines that include balanced nutrition, physical work and good lifestyle. It is very important to stay in balance and perform all the duties when you have such a responsibility and rites for new generation.  But, the conditions are critical of pregnant women those who want to perform physical work like yoga. Prenatal yoga might help you to prepare for labor and promote your baby’s health as well.

Proper guidance and advice should be required so that the health both the mother and the baby remain healthy and perfection. Prenatal yoga is the one which provides you with requirements of physical work. When you are pregnant, your body comes across with rapid changes.

Yoga reconnects and makes the journey fruitful and wonderful. Yoga is a great path to prepare the pregnant woman. Yoga during pregnancy helps you to create space for both your baby and your internal organs. However, make sure that you only do what feels good and avoid muscle strains, extreme pressure, tension and exercises.

What are the benefits of prenatal yoga?

Much like other types of childbirth-preparation classes, prenatal yoga is a multifaceted approach to exercise that encourages stretching, revitalizing, mental centering, focused breathing and positivity. Research suggests that prenatal yoga is safe and can have many merits for parental women and their babies.

*Activates the body and improves their health
*Improve sleep; Gives complete rest and relaxation, Reduce stress and anxiety
*Increase the strength, flexibility and endurance of muscles needed for childbirth
*Decrease lower back pain, nausea, vomiting, headaches, heart beats and shortness of breath
*Prenatal yoga can also help you meet and bond with other pregnant women and prepare for the stress of being a new parent.
*Yoga keeps them peaceful, calm, silence, emotional balance, happy, and more alert.
*Yoga rites determine the beauty of future baby with full of new vibes and thoughts.

A typical prenatal yoga class might involve:

Consume Water: You must consume plenty of water to remain hydrated. You and your baby both require water a lot for the proper functioning of all the systems present in your body. If you drink less water, you can feel dizzy, faint or even come across fatigue which is not good for the health of you and the baby.

Proper Diet: You must always eat healthily, but if you are pregnant, you must take care of your calorie intake. You must eat the right kind of food that helps you and the baby to grow well during your pregnancy. You must eat food which is rich in nutrients, vitamins, minerals. You must consume 300 extra calories every day for proper development of the baby. You must eat foods like green vegetables, peas, eggs, fish, milk, etc. to meet the demands of your growing body.

OM Chants; Subtle Exercises, Birth preparation exercises

Gentle stretching:  You’ll be encouraged to gently move different areas of your body, such as your neck and arms, through their full range of motion.

Asanas: While standing, sitting or lying on the ground, you’ll gently move your body into different positions aimed at developing your strength, flexibility and balance. Props – such as blankets, cushions and belts – might be used to provide support and comfort. Asanas are Vrikshasana, Bidalasana, Marjariasana, Birabhadrasana I, II, Baddha –konasana, Kandarasana, Balasana,

Breathing and Life force: You’ll be encouraged to focus on breathing in and out slowly and deeply through the nose. Prenatal yoga breathing techniques might help you reduce or manage shortness of breath during pregnancy and work through contractions during labor.
Pranayama: Anuloma- Viloma,  Svaasa Kriyas; Bharamari Pranayama –  Sit comfortably. Close your eyes. Placing your index fingers on the lobes of your ears, take a deep breath. Exhaling slowly, make gentle humming sounds. Do this 5 to 15 times.

Rest and relaxation: At the end of each prenatal yoga class, you’ll relax your muscles and restore your resting heart rate and breathing rhythm. You might be encouraged to listen to your own breathing, pay close attention to sensations, thoughts and emotions, or repeat a mantra or word to bring about a state of self-awareness and inner calm.

Proper Sleep: You need proper sleep, Yoga Nidra – Yogic sleep; Dhyana: silence meditation

Chanting – Making your own sounds during pregnancy and birth is a powerful way to regulate your breathing, it enables you to focus and relax as you deal with the pain that is associated with pregnancy and labor.

Precautions:
* You should learn yoga under competent Yoga masters. Yoga is not the physical trainings, this is science of life for new life.
*Yoga practice needs to be discontinued if you find the absence of movement of the baby or severe back pain, fainting, etc.
*you must use chairs in prenatal yoga classes for your third trimester. So, pregnancy yoga students must use props like chairs, blankets, bolsters, etc. for safety.
*You must avoid inversions during pregnancy.
*If you ever have a history of miscarriage, you must avoid yoga.
*If you have a low weight concerning the age of your baby, only avoid more physical activities.
*If you come across trimester bleeding, you can do pranayama and Dhyana.
*If the yoga student has nausea, dizziness or fatigue, yoga must be avoided.
*Consult a doctor, if you experience pain other than yoga practice, rapid heartbeat, short of breath, heart palpitation, and difficulty in walking, back pain.
*You must avoid yoga in hot and humid weather.

By Swami Yog Subodh – Himalayan Yoga Academy

The meaning of AUM :

OM or AUM is a mixture of sounds or vibrations. It is defined as a sacred sound of the Universe. It is the first sound of the creation. ‘A’ stands for Birth, ‘U’ stands for Living, and ‘M’ stands for Death or Rebirth. AUM is the union, the atom is the union of Electron, Proton, and Neutron. AUM in Sanskrit is called ‘Anaahat Naad’ which means a sound that is continuously produced without hitting the two. This is also known as soundless sound, which is called ‘Pranava’

When we chant AUM or OM means we are trying to tune up individual consciousness with supreme consciousness. Chanting Om is matching individual frequency with the supreme frequency. Once you become silent both body and mind, then you start hearing the sound of consciousness, which is nothing but bliss.

Yoga declares that once you realize OM, it will remove all sufferings of life. Yoga declares the truth only after the experience. Yoga says that once you master AUM or Om You are liberated.

Om kaaram Pray:

“Omkaaram Bindu Samyuktam, Nityam Dhyaanti Yoginah; Kaamadam Mokshadam chaiva, Omkaaraaya Namo Namah!!

Meaning: The symbol of AUM, united at a point on which Yogis meditate every day, it fulfills the desires and liberation, so we bow to that AUM.

How to Practice by OM pattern?

First Level: 3:1:1 = A……………………………….U……………M……………Focus physical power, Activation of Physical Units.

Second Level: 1:3:1 = A………………U………………………………………….M……………. focus mental power, relaxation, and union of body and mind

Third Level: 1:1:3 = A………………U………………M………………………………………………… focus the spiritual power, awakening of spirit….

Use of “Om” pattern

First Level: 3:1 = A……………………………………………………….M……………Focus physical power, Activation of Physical Units.

Second Level: 1:1 = A…………………………………M…………………………….. focus mental power, relaxation, and union of body and mind

Third Level: 1:3 = A…………………M………………………………………………… focus the spiritual power, awakening of spirit….

“Tasya vaachakah pranavah”‘ PYS 1.27; that means the syllable ‘OM’ is its significator.

Om’ is Omnipresent. “Tajja pasted-artha-Bhagavatam” PYS 1.28; that means through the repetition, the meaning of Om comes to the meaning life.

After true realization and experimental perception, Om is the ultimate goal or supreme goal for harmony and bliss when we constantly recite and meditate on AUM or OM

To be continued…….

The liver is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates, making glucose, and detoxing the body. It also stores nutrients and creates bile, which is necessary to digest and absorb the nutrients in food properly. There are many foods and drinks that a person can consume to help protect the liver. Here given about Ayurvedic Herbs for Liver Health

In the today world, we have become liver conscious like never before, and this attention towards a healthy liver is well deserved. The liver plays a highly important role in the body and is one of the most vital organs which aids in – digestion, filtration and metabolism. The organ endlessly detoxifies and filters the blood to help in maintaining overall functioning.

Here are five Ayurvedic Herbs for Liver Health for an enhanced liver functioning that soothes and balances the organ.

1. Guduchi or Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia)

Guduchi promotes regeneration of the liver and protects it from disease. Dr. Halpern calls it “one of the best herbs for the long-term health of the liver. Its tonic properties benefit the entire body, especially the immune system. It is beneficial for people of all constitutional types, making it one of the safest herbs to use.”This herb is used to strengthen the body’s resistance to infection and its ability to cope with jaundice, digestive upsets, and nervous system problems. The liquid extract is also referred to as Indian quinine, which is considered especially important for fevers related to colds.

2. Turmeric

A magical Ayurvedic ingredient, Turmeric is highly used in Indian households and in other South East Asian countries for cooking and medicinal purpose. Turmeric or Haldi has a strong affinity for the skin, liver, digestive system and blood. There are lots of studies that suggest Turmeric as a wonder herb for overall body-mind wellbeing. It detoxifies and cleanses the entire system deeply providing support to the organ and tissues. Turmeric boosts body’s natural antioxidants and liver-brain protecting properties in case of exposure to alcohol-induced oxidative stress.

• Use a raw or powdered form of Turmeric in your food
• Drink Turmeric milk before going to bed
• Consume turmeric liquid extract or tablets after consulting doctors

3. Bhumyamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri)

Bhumyamalaki is a bitter herb that helps protect the liver. Traditionally used to care for liver-related indigestion, hepatitis, and jaundice in children, it is also useful for viral infections. In one study, bhumyamalaki helped resolve infective hepatitis without any side effects.

4. Amalaki or Amla

Amla or India Gooseberry is another amazingly beneficial Ayurvedic herbal fruit that is rich in Vitamin C, antioxidant and nitric oxide. Amla supports healthy liver cells by enhancing the natural production of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione. Amla provides protective effects against mild-moderate toxic exposure and short-term alcohol-induced brain mitochondrial dysfunction. Used commonly in an Indian household in food or as a remedy for treatment, Amla has the powerful ability to cleanse and detox the liver and the digestive tract replenishing its tissues.

• Consume as Triphala powder for deeper and greater benefits
• Add a ½ teaspoon of Triphala powder or amla powder in boiled water, steep for 10 minutes, cool and drink it daily
• You can use amla in your food, salad, juice, etc

5. Gritkumari or Aloe vera

Another amazing herb, Ghritkumari or Aloe Vera is one sought after solution for most of the health and beauty related issues. With its cooling effects, it balances excess pitta, supports the healthy functioning of the liver and soothes excess heat in the digestive tract. The aesthetic qualities of the medicinal herb plant cleanse the skin externally and the liver internally. Ghirtkumari is a rich blend of minerals, vitamins and amino acids that together proves to be an excellent detoxifier for the liver. It purifies it and helps it to function smoothly.

• You can consume two tablespoons of Aloe Vera Gel before meals 2- 3 times daily, or can also consume its juice in the morning on an empty stomach.