February 2023 | Himalayan Yoga Academy

Importance of Breathing in Yoga Asana

Posted on February 28, 2023December 8, 2024 by HYN Himalayan Yoga Academy

Breathing is a vital part of life. The pranic force is controlled by breathing. Your life is sustained by breathing. Thus, there is great importance of breathing in yoga asana.

Yoga asana is characterized by awareness of the breath and the coordination of the breath with movement, and if you miss this, you are not doing yoga asana but simply some exercise or physical activity.

The importance of breathing in Yoga asana can be listed in three ways according to the description of Yoga asana:

Since yoga asana is a path or method to align both internal and external systems there requires a pranic flow i.e. proper breath flow to enliven the systems.
Once your inner system is in proper alignment with breath, you can adjust your body to the cosmic geometry which is the further step for Yoga asana. Again for the adjustment of every single visible and invisible system of the body pranic force is required. Thus you should not miss deep breaths, Ujjayi breaths, or natural breaths with awareness.
Yoga asana is not limited to the mere adjustment of systems to celestial or spiritual geometry but is also concerned with becoming one with existence. Once more your breath is very important for this boundless work.

Biological Importance of Breathing in Yoga

Without proper breath, you cannot get the actual benefits of Yoga. You cannot understand your body if you won’t integrate breathing during Yoga- asana you will lose your body awareness. Let’s see the importance of breathing in Yoga-asana biologically.

Biology says Human being utilizes only 40% of lung capacity. The rest are still unused. Therefore, the importance of breathing in Yoga is highlighted for awakening the inactivated part.
When you take a deep breath or conscious breath, your body gets a sufficient amount of oxygen. This helps to purify the blood, cleanse the body at the cellular level, and heal all types of diseases.
You grow stronger and more powerful when there is a free flow of breath throughout the body.
Breath also has a significant impact on our physical alignment and the ways that we hold, comprehend, and move the body in our physical practice.
Joint compression and other imbalances from one’s postures and attitudes can be eradicated by breath wakefulness.

Mental Importance of Breathing in Yoga

Breath has a great influence in mind as well. The most important nutrition for the brain is oxygen. If there is a lack of oxygen in your brain, then you will suffer from different types of problems connected to the mind such as anxiety, stress, tension, depression, unnecessary thoughts, negative thoughts, confusion, loss of memory power, lack of concentration, focus, etc. That is why you need to provide oxygen properly to the brain to eradicate all of these problems. The moment you are aware of your breath, you will find your mind more tranquil and tranquil. You will experience the magic within.

The cerebral cortex is the evolved or super part of the brain. As you engage in mindfulness practice, this begins to work. As a result, breathing was used during the practice. You begin developing super and fantastic with this. Our ability to examine the minuter and subtler architecture of our mental and emotional realms is made possible by breath awareness.

You may know that anything is occurring in your thinking when the breath swings.

Termination of Miseries:

Your comprehension is activated by breath awareness. Your brain’s higher levels start to function. You will be clear about life and the world as a result. Your understanding of the world and the cosmos deepens. The good and bad sides of life are clear to you. You’ll come to appreciate how fleeting everything is. You will achieve mental equilibrium, making it impossible for anything to bother you. You will be in complete harmony, unaffected by dichotomies like success or failure, gain or loss, notoriety or infamy, etc. Life’s suffering and woes come to an end.

AUM The Sound of Universe

Posted on February 25, 2023December 8, 2024 by HYN Himalayan Yoga Academy

The Science of AUM

When we see or listen to AUM, we will have different feelings, devotions, and perceptions in our mind which is honored by all spiritual aspirants all over the world. But sometimes the problem is that it is misunderstood as the symbol of Hindus it is not religion’s religious purposes. It is totally Sanatana or Vedic only for Prani Jagata (creature world), especially for the Human Kingdom. AUM is drawn as a sacred symbol in all traditions and religions as well.

Aum is the one-word mantra which is the most powerful mantra. It is the essence of all mantras. As a rule, every mantra generally starts from Aum otherwise it is considered incomplete. Prayer (Mantra) is very important for understanding the supreme power or soul and for grabbing his existence through mind, body, and intellect. Praying to the divine at short and regular intervals makes it easier to establish communication with supreme power.

Formation of AUM

As the first infinite sound of the universe was AUM when Aakash (Space/sky) appeared (Sankhya Yoga Darshana), later it was the whole universe with all galaxies and planets surrounded by AUM sound. Si it is called as shabdabrahma (word of Universe). This is only the beej mantra, which is in the form of a pure sound vibration or melodious musical tone.

One can experience a typical blissful and joyous condition of mind even if one listens to AUM chanting, done by others. The condition is called Brahmananda. Sound vibrations produced due to Aum recitation would lead us to the power of the generator. This effect of Aum is due to the vibrations of divine sound. That is why it is also called Nadabrahma (Sound of the soul).

Chanting of the Om Mantra purifies the environment around you and creates positive vibrations.
Your concentration increases when you chant this universal hymn.
Om chanting gives you better immunity and self-healing power.
It improves your concentration and helps you focus.
The Om chanting produces a vibration and sound which is felt through your vocal cords and sinuses. The vibrations open up the sinuses to clear the airways.
It can place you in a meditational state which gives you deep relaxation.
The Om not only benefits the person who is chanting it but also the people around them, wherever its vibrations flow.
The Om Mantra has cardiovascular benefits – by relaxing our mind and body, our blood pressure will decrease and our heart will beat with a regular rhythm.
Om chanting actually improves your voice by giving strength to your vocal cords and the muscles around it. This is very helpful during old age.
It is said that rubbing your hands together while om chanting and putting those charged hands on different parts of the body heals or activates those body parts.
Through chanting and meditation, you can have better control over your emotions, thus allowing you to see situations with a clear and rational mind.
Regular chanting of this Mantra will take you on a spiritual journey to greater happiness and positivity, but only if it is done daily for a longer period of time. Mantras are not an overnight fix to your problems – you must have patience and learn the correct techniques.
When the OM Mantra is chanted in a group, the effects are amplified and this will produce immense positive vibrations which charge up the entire vicinity.
It has been our experience that Om can even help cleanse your skin. The massive levels of internal positive energy and a cleansed aura that come from chanting the Om Mantra regularly will be reflected externally with a sunny glow on your face and body.

Association of AUM and Chakras

Your spinal cord is strengthened through the vibrations caused by the sound of A or Aaaa…… As this sound is generated from the lower abdomen, it helps to strengthen the supporting muscles of the spinal cord and activates the Mooladhara (at the perineum junction) and Swadhishthan (at below the umbilicus).
The sound U or Uuu……. is created by vocal cords which benefit the Thymus & thyroid glands and the throat also activates Manipur and Anahata Chakra.
The sound M or Mmm…… is vibrated from the throat and the cranial cavity activates the organs above the throat and opens the Vishuddhi and Ajna chakra.
If you’re looking at the spiritual eye while chanting, your eyesight will start improving.
AUM or OM makes all the chakras powerful which in turn keeps one energetic and enthusiastic, and prana gets an upward direction.
AUM mantra chanting is the superior mantra sadhana for the physical, mental, and spiritual merits.

Prayer: How to chant AUM or OM

“Tailadharamivachchhinnam deerghaghanta ninaadawat” -Varahopanishad-5.69,i.e it should be chanted very smoothly and continuously like a smooth fall of oil like a resonance of a bell. it should be melodious. traditionally, Aum can be recited in three patterns; Vaikhari (Loudly), Upanshu (Murmuring), and Manas ( Mantally) in the mind.

AUM should be recited 3 times at least more as we like.

AUM: A…………………………………………………….U…………M……..…
A: U: M =3:1:1 -Physical High scaling

A………………U……………………….………………………M………..
A: U: M = 1:3:1 Physical + Mental Merits – High Scaling

A………………U………………M…………………………………..………
A: U: M =1:1:3 Physical +Mental + Spiritual Merits – Equanimity scaling

O……………………………………………………M….., 3:1 – Physical effects high
O………………………..M…………………………. 1:1 – Physical and Mental Effects
O…………….M……………………………………. 1:3 – Physical + Mental + Spiritual

Top 7 Best Destinations for 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in India

Posted on February 22, 2023December 8, 2024 by HYN Himalayan Yoga Academy

The world is filled with many beautiful nations where one can find different beautiful places around the world to learn and practice yoga. If you are wondering and planning to go to India but are confused due to its large area and vast places around the whole idea. Then be assured and now dive into this amazing blog which will highlight the top best locations in India. We have gathered this location based on facts and experiences that we have received from our students coming to Nepal for more spiritual growth. They have listed the top 7 best destinations for 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in India.

Here are the Top 7 Best Destinations for 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in India.

Rishikesh

200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in India and 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Nepal

Rishikesh is often called the yoga and meditation capital of the world – and with good reason. Historically, the riverbanks and hills in the vicinity of the town were used by saints for yoga and meditation. Even today, there are internationally renowned yoga centers and ashrams here, and all you need to do to find yourself an ashram or yoga center in Rishikesh is to turn a corner! The most internationally acclaimed was the Chaurasi Kutia Ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, which once hosted celebrities such as Mia Farrow, Mike Lee, Mick Jagger, and of course, The Beatles. However, the ashram was left in disuse when the Maharishi shifted to Europe in the seventies, but efforts are on to renovate it to commemorate The Beatles’ visit.

Kerala

Yoga is a popular practice in Kerala, with numerous centers that teach the discipline. This southern state of India has embraced yoga with the same fervor as it has accepted many other traditional customs, art forms, and lifestyles.

More importantly, in many places in Kerala, one can still experience yoga in the classical sense – where the emphasis is laid not just on physical well-being but on spiritual awakening also. Yoga is also often combined with Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine. Together, they provide a unique experience of complete cleansing of physical illnesses as well as mental turmoil.

At the same time, most yoga centers are mindful of modern forms of yoga that are popular around the world. These forms emphasized “asanas” or bodily postures that are known to strengthen the spine and render it flexible. Yoga centers in Kerala also teach these asanas to enthusiastic tourists.

Top 7 Best Destinations for 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in India

Goa

Goa boasts an amalgamation of modern yoga and alternative ways of healing. Such as Ayurveda, pranic healing, dance healing, and meditation. Goa can also provide you with all sorts of spiritually based activities, filling you up with new energy and a heightened sense of zen. Throw in some amazing organic food and paradise-like scenery, and Goa becomes the one place in India where the East truly meets the West. Goa has witnessed the emergence of numerous yoga teacher training centers and yoga retreats attracting people from different parts of the globe. The Portuguese-style houses and landscape gardens of palm trees make the experience even more beautiful. Here, you can have the best of both worlds.

Goa has plenty of Yoga schools and retreat centers which are also focused on Ayurvedic practices. When monsoon season is over, the institutes are opened again for yogi practitioners to enroll in.

Auroville

It is a place where the message of unity, peace, and harmony, even today, is sure to change your outlook on life. Auroville is also known for its unique architecture and sustainable methods, implemented to nurture nature. The 3000+ resident community is self-sustainable, and self-sufficient, and believes in exploring, learning, and experimenting.

While the place is gaining popularity, the community living here doesn’t want attention. They wish to continue living this unique, open-minded way of life, a free world they have created for themselves without interference from the outside world.

Dharamshala

Dharamshala is the perfect place for someone who loves the outdoors, mountains, and yoga. Its picturesque landscapes are breathtaking and are an aspect most enjoyed by travelers and spiritual seekers. Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, its beautiful surroundings provide the perfect setting for yoga in Dharamshala.

The famous yoga styles include but are not limited to Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Iyengar, and Sivananda. Practicing yoga amid nature is an experience in itself and that is why we see celebrities also take time away to visit Dharamshala.

Varanasi

Varanasi, sometimes known as Benares or Banaras and Kashi, is a historical and holy city on the banks of the River Ganges in Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi is a pilgrimage location and a center of Indian spiritualism, philosophy, Ayurveda, yoga, and mysticism. At this place, one can get rid of their negative energies, by purifying themselves with detoxification methods and cleansing operations under the specialized yoga gurus.

Varanasi has a variety of holy sites, including temples like Shakti Peethas, and Kashi Vishwanath temple, which is mostly dedicated to Lord Shiva. This place has housed many yoga schools for yoga enthusiasts to flourish in a divine setting over the years. Gain the traditional knowledge here and learn and master yoga by polishing your techniques and skills in an ambient environment.

Mysore

Mysore is a part of South India It is the birthplace of Astanga Yoga where Guru Pattabhi Jois was taught. Mysore is home to ‘Krishnamacharya’ widely regarded as ‘The Father of Modern Yoga’ which makes it much more authentic and attractive for many Yoga practitioners. It is the birthplace of Yoga where great teachers like Guruji BKS Iyengar, Sri Pattabhi Jois and Madam Indira Devi, and Sri TK Deshikachar learned from the Great Krisnamacharya.

There are beautiful palaces and temples in the city including the Mysore Palace. Chamundi Hill is another hill that is famous for its reflecting views. So, you can enjoy the surroundings while finessing your art of Yoga at this knowledgeable city of Ashtanga Yoga. Learn the various authentic forms and asanas directly under the lineage of the creators, as they are not commercially driven, but rather passionate to keep alive the true art of yoga.

Final Words

All these destinations are highly appreciated by the people of India and western countries for the amount of wisdom they shower with the use of Yoga to make the lives of people better. Since Yoga was born in the Himalayas. Yoga is considered as the knowledge given by the Adi yogi to Parbati and then given in the world by Maharshi Patanjali. Since Adi Yogi lives in the Himalayas. Nepal being the land of the Himalayas is the best place to learn the knowledge of yoga as learning the knowledge of yoga in the land of yoga is connecting yourself with the knowledge and trying to utilize it for the perfect transformation.

Learning the 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Nepal or India, you will surely be connected to the spiritual depth of this yogic knowledge. Dive into the real practice of Yoga, to gain the true transformation. Learning in Nepal or India, you will surely gain the true teachings that will enlighten you and provide you with a path for every obstacle in your life. Himalayan Yoga Academy has been offering one of the best experiences of Yoga to all yoga enthusiasts around the world. Our 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Course in Nepal is considered the best yoga teacher training in Nepal who are looking for perfect balance for their physical growth as well as spiritual growth.

Padahastasana (Hand to Foot Pose) & Its Benefits

Posted on February 13, 2023December 6, 2024 by HYN Himalayan Yoga Academy

What is Padahastasana?

The term Padahastasana is traditionally derived from the Sanskrit Language where ‘Pada’ stands for ‘Foot’, ‘Hasta’ means ‘Hand’, and ‘Asana’ means ‘Posture’ or ‘Seat’. Padahastasana also known as ‘Hand to Foot Pose’ or ‘Standing Forward Bend’ works as a miracle to nurture one’s spiritual health.

Padahastasana or Hand to Foot pose is one of the most intense inverted yoga postures widely praised for its muscle strengthening and toning benefits. Being the third pose of Surya Namaskar, this semi-inversional pose of yoga is surmised to reduce tamas, which means heaviness of inertia in the body. Moreover, Padahastasana is believed to enrich body balance and spiritual cleansing by unlocking the energy zones of our bodies.

How to perform Padahastasana?

The following are the steps to perform this pose:

First, Stand in Tadasana (Mountain Pose) which means standing while keeping the spine erect.
Keep the feet hip-width apart.
Inhale, and slowly raise both arms up.
Exhale, and start folding forward slowly. Make sure that the spine remains as concave (arched) as possible while bending forward with control.
Slide both hands under the feet with the palms up and toes touching the wrists.
Exhale gently while moving the face towards the space between your knees.
Maintain the pose for 3-5 breaths.
Inhale, while looking forward.
Inhale, and come back to the center position.
Exhale, while bringing your hands down.

Benefits of Padahastasana :

1. Tone Your Body: Padahastasana being an intense stretching pose helps in bracing and toning the body resulting in harmonized, nimble physique.

2. The Spell of Flexed Spine: The semi-inverted pose holds several virtues in making the body free from sprains. This posture protects the tough muscles of the hamstrings, wrist, and lower back from various muscular diseases by enchanting the spell of great flexibility in the body.

3. Better Circulation(Flow): Padahastasana ensures a better blood flow right from the head to heel due to its inverted effect where the head is placed below the heart-boosting the blood flow in the veins. The better flow of blood, in turn, gives a brilliant glow to the skin, hampers anxiety, and fights various signs of aging.

4. Bye-Bye Fat: This pose significantly reduces excessive fat and protects the body from various cardiovascular diseases. This pose is best for vanishing belly fat through regular practice.

5. A Strong Gut: “A good digestion turns all to healthy” The best solution to indigestion and abdominal bloating is Padahastasana. This pose galvanizes the well-functioning of all the digestive organs including the spleen and liver ensuring a smooth bowel movement and a healthy digestive system.

6. Happy Glands: “Hormones are the reason for your happiness.” The glands in our body secrete hormones that play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis. This Yoga asana dominantly vivifies the functionality of the thyroid, endocrine, and pituitary glands to lock up the entire wellness.

7. Awaken Chakras: Padahastasana is a natural remedy to unlatch the nerve centers i.e., the chakras also known as the energy zones present across the body, making them fluid that further contributes to physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

8. Taming Tamas: “Tama attracts misery “ If one’s soul is infected by tamas, Padahastasana is the best drug. Tamasic mind is always wounded with laziness, depression, demotivation, heaviness, etc., which often dulls understanding and limits creativity. Therefore, this pose removes inertia and sets the practitioners free from these downward energies flowing in the spine. Regular practice of this pose makes the body light and energized.

9. The Well-Vata: The alignment of this asana unifies the Vata dosha in the body. Vata presides over all the movements in the body and mind viz. controlling the blood flow, elimination of waste, breathing, and other motions. Therefore as per Ayurveda, Padahastasana harmonizes Vata gifting good mental and physical health.

10. Stress

11. Anxiety

12. Fatigue

13. Speeding up metabolism and concentration

Precautions for Padahastasana:

• Padahastasana must be practiced before or after a backward bending pose.

• While bending forward move your torso from the hip joints and not the waist.

• Legs and knees must be kept straight while practicing the pose.

• Do not overstretch. Overstretching might overstress the knees, thighs, calves, ankles, etc. resulting in a sprain.

• Beginners may find it difficult to directly swoop into the Padahastasana posture due to the tightness of the hamstring and lower back. Therefore, one should practice a few simple stretches to relieve the tension from the neck, back, and hamstring before performing Padahastasana.

• People may take a few days to reach the hand-under-foot pose. It is advised to stretch as per one’s comfort and flexibility.

Who should avoid Padahastasana?

People suffering from the following problems should not practice this asana :

• Back pain

• High blood pressure

• Heart disease

• Abdominal hernia

• Knee Problem

Final words:

Padahastasana is an amazing yoga pose that has several health benefits. Right from flexibility to inner peace. Padahastasana showers its healing virtues to the practitioner. Include this healthy pose in your daily yoga routine to achieve the above-mentioned benefits.

Nepal Singing Bowl Course

Posted on February 6, 2023December 6, 2024 by HYN Himalayan Yoga Academy

Singing Bowls are also widely known as Tibetan Singing Bowls or Himalayan Bowls. In Asia Tibet, India, and most of Nepal, it was used for its holistic powers and healing, deep relaxation, stress reduction, reiki, etc. They help provide essential aid to meditation and can be found on Buddhist altars, monasteries, and meditation houses worldwide. Nepal is home to the Himalayas and the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. Nepal Singing Bowl Courses are popular all over the world.

In our body According to neuroscience, our minds can function in five different states: beta, alpha, theta, delta, and gamma. Gamma is the highest and Beta is the lowest. During our daily activities, our minds are in the beta stage. During happy meditation, our minds rise to alpha, then Theta, Delta, and finally Gamma. All pressures and diseases manifest in beta states of consciousness. However, when we induce enhanced feelings and relaxation, we keep our bodies in an alpha state. As a result, our level of immunity rises. Then the healing process begins.

Scientific studies show that sound can produce changes in the autonomic, immune, endocrine, and neuropeptide systems. Disharmony within the body can be restructured by sound. That’s why singing bowl training is so popular in Asia. The sounds from singing bowls are calming and induce a sense of peacefulness. It is a relaxation that goes beyond the physical body. The tones of each chakra bowl will permeate your system – resonating your essence – so that inner chaos, conflict, and dissonance seem almost immediately to be transformed into harmony.