Bakasana

Bakasana or Crow pose is the classic and basic arm balance. It seems harder than it actually is. Our Guru Subodh has helped many students into their first crow pose / bakasana. Many students have done it with proper guidance on how to do Bakasana.

How to do Bakasana (Crow Pose)

• Start this asana by first being in the posture of the mountain pose with your feet composed.
• Then slowly bend downward, placing your arms in the middle of the knees.
• Carefully, put your palms on the mat and just spread your fingers apart. Your shoulders should not be touching your body, and left apart from each other.
• Now, just start lifting your hips upward. Lift it as high as you can. After lifting, just start bending your elbows out to the side in such a way that the back of arms shelves rests on your knees.
• After attaining this pose just look down and focus on a point to increase your concentration level. Breath in, try to put the weight of your body on your toes to make the asana more exciting for you.
• Slowly exhale out, hold yourself in this posture to say about 3-4 minutes. Now lower your feet and carefully get back to your original position.

Benefits of Bakasana (Crow Pose)

1. This asana is very good to make the muscles of your arms, shoulders and chest very strong.
2. The pressure applied on your abdomen stretches your abdominal organs
3. Your digestive system begins to function in a better manner, which means free from acidity and heart burn.
4. Your heart and lungs have an extra spark due to this asana, as it makes better use of them, with the need for proper diet too.
5. This asana can be claimed as one of the most important asanas for arms balance. It helps your upper back by stretching it and making it more flexible for better support.
6. By continuous practice you can achieve that balance. It also helps to open the groins and tone the abdominal muscles.
   

Bakasana Contraindications

• Carpal tunnel
• Wrist pain
• Avoid during Pregnancy
• Fear of face planting

‘Hal’ stands for ‘plow’, and ‘Asana’ stands for ‘pose’. Halasana or ‘the plough pose’ takes its name from the farming instrument, the plough, used by farmers across India to prepare the soil for sowing of seeds. In the sequence of asanas, Halasana is usually performed after Sarvangasana, which is a shoulder stand. According to Meenakshi Swami, the author of The Science of Yoga, “asanas like halasana, suryanamaskara, seershasana, and kapalbharti increase the flow of blood to your head, improving intellectual power as well as memory.”It’s one of those asanas that you can’t perform half-heartedly because you may seriously injure yourself. More on How To Do Halasana is explained below.

Targets: Shoulders, back, neck, hamstrings, and calves
Level: Intermediate

Chakras

Crown Chakra (Sahasrara Chakra), Third Eye Chakra (Ajna Chakra), Throat Chakra (Vishuddha Chakra), Solar Plexus (Manipura Chakra)

Benefits of Halasana (Plow Pose)

Physical (Anatomical) Benefits

• Muscles: The leg muscles, the back muscles, abdominal muscles, hamstring muscles, neck etc. This pose works on almost the entire body muscles starting from the tip of the toes to the cervical.
• Flexibility: The spine, neck, shoulders, legs, and hip. These get enough stretch during the pose thus improving the flexibility of the muscles.
• Weight Loss: The extra weight around the thighs, abdomen, hips, and neck is slowly shed with repeated practice.

Health Benefits

• Organs: Improves the function of the Thyroid, Parathyroid, Pituitary Glands, Endocrine Glands, Abdominal Organs, including the spleen, pancreas, liver, and kidneys. The Reproductive organs are stimulated.
• Digestion: Activates digestion and helps with constipation. Helps to release gas and upper body discomfort due to indigestion.
• Therapeutic: Asthma, Cough and cold, Menopause, Headaches, Sinusitis, Insomnia, Diabetes, and Stress.

How to do Halasana

1. Take a mat and then, with your hands on the side, lie down straight.
2. Following your hips, slowly raise your legs together. During this, you can also use your hands to support your back.
3. Take your legs backwards, over your head, towards the floor.
4. Gently, place your toes on the ground. Then, place your arms back on the side.
5. Stay in this pose as long as you can, and while you do, breathe slowly and keep looking forward.
6. Pace your breath and count to 100 while the blood rushes to your head.
7. After you’re done, with hands hold your lower back and bring your legs back to lie down straight. Exhale while you do this.

Halasana Contraindications

• If you have injured your neck or are suffering from diarrhea and high blood pressure.
• Avoid practicing Plow Pose (Halasana) during pregnancy and the first two days of their menstrual cycle.

The practice of Reiki and Yoga goes hand in hand. Yoga is the Spiritual or whole Cosmology Science, while Reiki, a universal power, is the Healing and Meditation part of Yoga Science. The practice of Yoga increases the flow of Reiki energy in a person’s life. Yoga helps a person understand Reiki in a much deeper way.

Reiki is a kind of Kundalini Yoga or a certain form of Meditation which is a strong and core part of Yoga Science. Reiki helps a person understand life’s deeper energies and entire potency.

Yoga is the ancient art and science of balancing the physical and subtle anatomy of the individual. In Sanskrit, yoga means “union”, a union between mind, body, and spirit. A regular practice of yoga can bring very good results in therapies such as physiotherapy, psychotherapy, and in the treatment of arthritis, asthma, and heart problems. Also, it gives excellent results in eliminating alcohol, tobacco, and drug addictions.

Scientist around the world are studying the effects of yoga on human body. A very interesting study was made by a Hungarian doctor Vigh Bela, on how the nervous system was influenced by yoga exercises. He came to a conclusion that certain asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing) were connected with certain internal organs, endocrine glands and psychological states.

7 Basic Asanas for 7 Chakras

There are many different stages of Yoga, but here we will explore some basic Yogasana techniques that bring depth to the art and science of all forms of Reiki. Different techniques of Reiki activate the chakras which awaken kundalini power that is named Reiki In Japanese word. Reiki means the Universal Energy Power, a cosmic intelligence.

Yogasana, mostly understood as Hatha Yoga, is a combination of physical postures, breath, and awareness. But Hatha Yoga is not only the physical balance; it is also Higher levels of practice, Dhyana (Meditation), and Samadhi for the expansion of consciousness.

• Ha- in breath – Solar energy – Sun channel- Pingala Nadi
• Tha- out breath – Lunar energy – Moon channel – Ida Nadi

Hatha Yoga, so called from a certain portion of its teaching, as to the practice of special methods of dealing with the incoming and outgoing, or “Ha” and “Tha” breaths, by which it is intended to affect the instrument, the body, so that it in turn will affect the Self within.

Hatha Yoga in these modern times works from the outside in to bring the physical forces into alignment with the subtle anatomy of our Higher Divine Nature. It is through the alignment of our energies with the Divine that the flow of Reiki energy for healing and personal growth is increased.

Asanas, Chakras and Reiki Energy

1. Mooladhaara Chakra: Kandarasana, Malasana
2. Svaadhisthana Chakra: Parivritta Trikonasana, Gomukhsnsana
3. Manipura Chakra: Naukasana, Santolasana
4. Anaahata Chakra: Bhujangasana, Paadadhirasana
5. Vishuddhi Chakra: Ushtrasana, Sarvangaasana
6. Ajna Chakra: Bhoomi Namanasana, Guru Pranamaasana
7. Sahasrara Chakra: Shavasana, Sirshaasana

Yogasana and also other means of yoga i.e. Pranayam, Bandha, Mudras and hundreds techniques of meditation activate the Chakras that link with Reiki power, as Universal energy power, a cosmic intelligence.

SURYA- NAMASKARA / SUN SALUTATION

The Sun Salutation is composed of 12 postures. Swami Satchidananda, in his book “Integral Hatha Yoga,” says that the Sun Salutation is the summary of Hatha Yoga postures. This means that these twelve postures are the least amount of yoga to be practiced to bring a balance into the twelve anatomical aspects of the physical body and its integration with the Higher Self. Each posture with the focus of intent has a particular anatomical benefit. Each pose of Suryanamaskar activates the chakras and the spiritual awareness.

The Breath

The Sun Salutation may also be combined with the different breaths. There are many ways to work with breath and the postures. Some breaths are easy and some are difficult. It is a matter of personal preference and your level of curiosity about the energy associated with the different techniques.

Breath of the Sun This is the simplest breath and has two levels:

• In the simplest form the postures are done one after another breathing an in-breath or an out breath on each posture. One round of the twelve postures is completed in six complete breaths.
• The second method is to breathe one complete breath with each posture. One round of the twelve postures is twelve complete breaths

The Intent

The intent of each posture can be expanded to many levels of healing and personal growth. One function of these postures is to enable a person to learn the knowledge of the subtle anatomy.

As the intent is focused on the different layers of this knowledge the Reiki Energy flows through the anatomical aspects of our being and unfolds and opens us to a deeper awareness.

It is not necessary to work with these postures everyday to receive benefits. Two or three times a week brings some balance, helps relieve stress, and brings some health and healing in the body.

Once you learn these postures you will find that few minutes time is all you need to work through these steps. Of course you may work with yoga everyday if you wish and increase the length of time of your practice. It is all up to you.

If you want to learn more Reiki and Yoga , find Yoga Darshana, Hatha Yoga, Mudra and Meditation book to learn, gain the true knowledge and explore the reiki power as well. You can find a Yoga Master who knows True Yoga, not only Yoga or Physical Training, if you want to learn beyond the basics.

We have several options for Yoga Courses in Nepal 2020 to choose the right one. We have created courses to suit the needs of our students and have incorporated many styles of yoga that are popular in both traditional and modern yoga. Some are Ashtanga Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Mantra Yoga, Kriya Yoga and Yin Yoga. Here are the options for our Yoga Teacher Training Courses.

200 Hour Yoga Training in Nepal

Here, we have a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training as a yoga course in Nepal 2020. These courses are the first step to becoming a Yoga Teacher. Himalayan Yoga Academy accepts all levels of yogis and yoginis. This 200-hour YTTC features an impressive mix of yoga styles with a focus on Hatha, Ashtanga and Kundalini yoga. Graduates receive certification to teach yoga anywhere in the world, not only from Yoga Alliance, but the Nepal Government.

300 hour Yoga Training in Nepal

If you are looking for Advanced Yoga Teacher Training in Nepal, join us for a 300-hour Yoga TTC. These courses are designed for those who have completed a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (and are ready to take the next steps).

Why Himalayan Yoga Academy For Yoga Course in Nepal 2020?

Goals of the Himalayan Yoga Academy, the first School in Nepal.

Conduction of advanced and authentic Yoga Trainings based on philosophical & Traditional footing and boosting the intrinsic needs of human life.

Provision of eastern knowledge and philosophy to the world people with the motive to unite Sanatana (ancient) and Modern wisdom through the science of self.

Improvement of well-being, health, happiness and harmony through knowledge of yoga and spiritual science, developing the platform of the International Yoga Commune.

Make a good experience on specific features of Nepal like natural and cultural beauty, Nepalese lifestyle, introduce the festivals and feasts and traditional practices and make all know “People’s Unity owns Cultural and Natural Diversity”

Resolution of keeping our focus on spiritual tourism, further ahead. However, we informally initiated this karma, especially the promotion of Yoga since 1997, and Yoga run institutionally since 2007 A.D in this field to, date. The founder of this Academy, Dr. Subodh Simkhada was the first person who introduced this great science, ‘Yoga’, in the tourism fields. He also played the vital role to initiate the first Academic 1 year Post Graduate Diploma Course in Yoga in Tribhuvan University first time in Nepal.

During our 2020 Yoga Courses in Nepal, we focused on yoga’s history and philosophy. We explored Hatha, Mantra, Yin, Ashtanga, and Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Training included teaching beginners, special populations, therapeutics, and Vinyasa styles like power, slow flow, and fusion. Since 2001, Yoga on High has graduated some of the top yoga teachers in Ohio. Join our family and become part of this history! Introductory sessions are Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Dhyana Yoga, and Kundalini Yoga.

During Yoga Teacher Training, we focus “Learn less, do more” theory for good experiences from yogic experimentation. We apply the methodology of learning, understanding, and practice integration.

Hatha Yoga is a holistic way of achieving mastery over your body and mind. This further leads to health, joy and happiness. In Hatha Yoga, we have several asanas with their benefits on several dimensions. But here we are talking about those 12 basic asanas and their benefits.

12 Basic Asanas

HEADSTAND/SIRSHASANA

• Strengthens the respiratory and circulatory systems
• Improves disorders of the eyes, ears, nose and throat; improves eyesight and hearing
• Relieves varicose veins, kidney problems, and constipation
• Relieves pressure on the lumbar and sacral areas of the lower back
• Encourages deep exhalation, removing toxins from the lungs
• Increases hair growth through increased circulation to the scalp
• Stimulates the pineal and pituitary glands, revitalising the entire mind and body
• Aligns the spine
• Increases circulation to the brain, improving memory, concentration, and intellectual capacity
• Counteracts nervous disorders and anxiety
• Improves quality of sleep
• Increases confidence

SHOULDERSTAND/SARVANGASANA

• Prevents kidney disease, bone disease and muscle weakness
• Keeps the neck and spine strong and elastic
• Relieves varicose veins
• Massages the heart
• Strengthens the throat and thoracic regions
• Removes mental sluggishness
• Cures insomnia and depression
• Improves quality of sleep
• Helps painful menstruation and gynaecological disorders
• Purifies the blood and improves circulation
• Regulates the thyroid gland in the throat. The thyroid regulates: metabolism  and heat production, protein synthesis, heart rate and blood pressure, calcium levels in blood and tissues

PLOUGH/HALASANA

• Stretches the spinal muscles and ligaments and opens up the spinal discs, rejuvenating the entire spine
• Nourishes the spinal nerves
• Relieves and prevents back and neck arthritis and stiffness
• Releases tension from the cervical region of the spine
• Strengthens the muscles of the back, shoulders and arms
• Massages the internal organs
• Relieves indigestion and constipation
• Stimulates the liver and spleen
• Reduces obesity
• Relieves insomnia
• Relieves constipation and indigestion

FISH POSE /MATSYASANA

• Removes stiffness from the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions of the back,   bringing increased blood supply to these parts
• Massages the neck and shoulders
• Corrects round shoulders
• Increases lung capacity
• Relieves asthma
• Stimulates and massages the parathyroid glands in the back of the neck, which helps prevent tooth decay and increases bone strength and plasticity
• Stimulates and tones the pituitary and pineal glands
• Regulates moods and calms the emotions
• Relieves asthma
• Strengthens and cleanses the respiratory system
• Keeps the spine supple

SITTING FORWARD BEND/PASCHIMOTTASANA

• Reduces excess weight in the waist area
• Reduces enlargement of the liver and spleen
• Massages, stimulates, and tones the digestive organs, increasing digestive power
• Massages the kidneys, liver, and pancreas
• Regulates the functions of the pancreas, which control carbohydrate metabolism and blood sugar levels
• Regulates the intestines and increases peristalsis
• Invigorates the entire nervous system
• Stretches all the muscles in the back of the body
• Increases flexibility in the hip joints
• Alleviates disorders of the urino-genital system

COBRA POSE / BHUJANGASANA

• Increases flexibility of the spine, relieving curvature of the spine
• Relieves asthma and other respiratory problems
• Tones and massages the deep and superficial muscles of the back
• Invigorates the nerves and muscles of the spine
• Relieves lumbago and lower back pain
• Tones abdominal viscera, adrenal glands
• Tones the ovaries and uterus in women, relieving menstrual problems
• Relieves constipation
• Relieves backache caused by overwork or long hours of standing

LOCUST POSE /SALABHASANA

• Relieves sluggish digestion
• Strengthens the abdominal walls
• Massages the pancreas, liver and kidneys
• Increases the blood supply to the neck and throat
• Increases flexibility in the cervical region of the neck
• Strengthens the muscles of the upper back
• Relieves lower back pain and sciatica
• Stimulates digestion

BOW/DHANURASANA

• Increases flexibility of the entire spine
• Invigorates and massages the digestive organs
• Removes abdominal fat
• Relieves constipation, dyspepsia and gastro-intestinal disorders
• Regulates the pancreas, aiding those suffering from diabetes
• Strengthens the abdominal muscles
• Strengthens the respiratory system and relieves asthma
• Prevents rheumatism of the legs, knee joints, and hands
• Massages the back muscles
• Keeps the spine elastic
• Improves blood circulation

HALF SPINAL TWIST/ARDHA MATSYENDRASANA

• Rotates spine, keeping it elastic
• Relieves lumbago and rheumatism of the back and hips
• Tones and stimulates the sympathetic nervous system
• Increases circulation
• Stimulates the liver and the large intestine
• Tones the gall bladder, spleen and kidneys
• Massages the digestive organs
• Relieves constipation and indigestion
• Regulates the secretion of adrenalin and bile
• Relieves asthma
• Strengthens the deep muscles of the back
• Corrects stooping shoulders, bent back and poor posture

CROW / BAKASANA

• Strengthens the arms, wrists and shoulders
• Increases breathing capacity
• Stretches the fingers, wrists and forearms
• Increases the power of concentration
• Removes sluggishness
• Promotes mental and physical balance

STANDING FORWARD BEND / PADA HASTASANA

• Increases the length of the spine
• Mobilises the joints, making the spine elastic
• Invigorates the entire nervous system
• Stretches the hamstrings
• Increases blood supply to the brain
• Removes excess weight from the waist
• Makes the body feel light
• Relieves constipation
• Tones the spinal nerves
• Relieves sciatica and low back pain

TRIANGLE POSE / TRIKONASANA

• Tones the spinal nerves and abdominal organs
• Increases peristalsis of the digestive tract
• Promotes hip flexibility
• Relieves nervous depression
• Stimulates the appetite
• Strengthens the pelvic area
• Reduces excess weight from the waist

We present a blog on ‘Yoga for Old Age Problems’. The cycle of generation, growth, and degeneration of cells is a continuous process in living beings. The reason for old age is low production and faster degeneration of the cells. Each organ has specific cells.

“AUM Bhagavate Vaasudevaaya Namah”
Sankalpa: Just for today, ‘O’ Divine Mother, make me a new baby.

Symptoms

In old age backbone bends, brittleness of the bones, hardness of the arteries and veins, loss of teeth, muscle tone and wrinkle occur on the skin, depletion of body physiology. Memory becomes short. The life force, creativity and strength scale down.

Causes

Due to aging the functional ability of the nervous system, endocrine system, immunity, gastro-intestinal system, respiratory function, renal system, special senses etc. are reduced. The common problems in older persons are high blood pressure, diabetes, heart diseases, stroke, cancer, respiratory diseases, urinary incontinence, and impaired vision and hearing, loss of mobility, mental disorders etc.

Yoga for Old Age Problems

Yoga refreshes your mind and spirit. Tones your body. Keeps your internal organs and hormonal system in balance. All the more reason for people of all ages to do yoga.  Yoga asanas are one of the few physical exercises you can continue doing as you age. As age progresses, it is more important to focus on HOW YOU DO rather than how much you do.

Clapping, Namaste Pranayama, Hasya (Laughing) Yoga: 3 minutes of laughing equates to 30 minutes of exercise.

Cleansing Acts: As per Yoga for Old Age Problems, we can do Neti, Kunjal, Kapalbhati, enema, eye exercises, eye wash, facial exercise and facial Massage according to the needs.

Warm Up Kriya: Do sukshma, Vyayama, Baby Rock, Titali Kriya

Kurchi Surya Namaskara

Asanas
Tadasana, Triyak Tadasana, Ardha Katichakrasana, Balasana, Yoga mudra, ushtrasana, Janu Sirasana, Bakrasana I, II, Makarasana, Bhujangasana, Shalbhasana, Pawanmuktasana, Happy baby, Baby Play, Saral sarvangasana, Saral Matsyasana and Shavasana.

Merudandasana Chakra

• It keeps active, soft, flexible and young.
• Pararambhik Sthiti (Base Pose): Supine position
• Tayaari Charana (Preparatory Phase: i. Tanaasana (Pulling Pose) ii. Gudaasana –I (Side Role Pose)

Eka-pada Charana: One leg Phase

i. Heal over Toes

ii. Sole over Shin

iii. Sole over Thigh / Markataasana (Abdominal Stretch Pose)

iv. Reclining Big Toe Pose (Supta Paadagustaasana)

Pranayam: Deep breathing, Kapalbhati, Anulom Vilom,  Ujjai, Bhramari pranayama.

Implementation of yama niyama. To get mental health the ethical discipline and rules of conduct should be implemented.

Yoga-nidra: Practice yoganidra for half an hour daily by using of six senses

Get a whole body yogic massage twice a month with mustard oil.

Mantra Yoga: Recite your accepted mantra for about 30 minutes every day. Join any satsanga group.

Dhyana: Meditate for 15 to 30 minutes every day.

Concentrate on any affirmation according to your illness.

Upavaasa: Fasting is the gateway to health. It cures most physical and mental diseases.

Vichaara: Have a positive attitude, be peaceful and jolly mood.

Mudra: Perform almost Tattva Mudras and Prana Mudras e, g Gyan mudra, Prana mudra, Surya mudra, Vayu mudra, Apan vayu mudra, Akash mudra, Varun mudra, Yoni Mudra, linga and Surabhi mudra.

“Hari Om Tat Sat”

Yoga is a complete science of self-discipline. Yoga balances, harmonizes, purifies and strengthens the body, mind and soul of the practitioner. It shows the way to perfect health, perfect mind control, perfect peace with one’s Self, the world, nature and God. Millions of people have begun to practice yoga through the application of the simple, time-tested techniques. We discuss THE FIVE PRINCIPLES OF YOGA below.

Positive, focused thoughts are much more powerful than negative, confused thoughts. No external technology can control surging emotions and imaginations. No type of alcohol, drugs (whether tranquillisers, sleeping pills, or wake-up pills), or other such instruments can hope to offer a long-term solution to the epidemic mental weakness.

These chemicals destroy not only the bodies and minds of the users but also those of their offspring creating genetic disturbances and unbalancing the mental vibration. Real peace comes only to those who can control the body and mind with proper self-discipline.

The Five Principles of Yoga

1. Proper Exercise

Proper exercise acts as a lubrication system to the joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and so forth, by increasing circulation and flexibility. Yogic exercise can be compared to no other system in its complete overhauling of the entire being. A yoga asana, posture, is meant to be held for some time. Performed slowly and consciously, the asanas not only produce physical benefits, but are mental exercises in concentration and meditation.

Yoga exercise focuses first on the health of the spine. The spinal column houses the centre of the nervous system, the telegraphic system of the body. As a direct extension of the brain, the healthy spine aids in the health of the whole body. Maintaining the spine’s flexibility and strength through proper exercise, circulation is increased, the nerves are ensured their supply of nutrients and oxygen and the body retains its youthful state.

Asanas affect the deeper and more subtle parts of the body. The internal organs receive massage and stimulation through the various movements and are toned into functioning more efficiently. As yoga postures are always practiced with deep breathing, relaxation and concentration, the asanas also help to develop mental control. 

2. Proper Breathing

Proper breathing connects the body to its battery, the solar plexus, where tremendous potential energy is stored. When tapped through specific yoga breathing exercises (pranayama), this energy is released for physical and mental rejuvenation. Most people use only a fraction of their lung capacity for breathing. They breathe in a shallow fashion, using only a small part of the rib cage. Their shoulders are hunched, they have painful tension in the upper part of the back and neck, and they suffer from a lack of oxygen. They become tired easily and don’t know why.

Tension and even depression may be overcome by proper diaphragmatic breathing. All the diseases of the body can be destroyed at the root by regulating the prana, vital energy; this is the secret knowledge of healing. Acupuncturists, shiatsu, faith healing, doctors with healing touch and so forth, are examples of the development of a high degree of conscious or unconscious control of prana. In ordinary breathing, we extract very little prana, but when we concentrate and consciously regulate our breathing, we can store a greater amount in our nerve centres and brain. So Proper Breathing is also one the 5 principles of yoga.

3. Proper Relaxation

Proper relaxation cools down the system. Relaxation is Nature’s way of recharging the body. When the body and mind are continually overworked, their efficiency diminishes. To regulate and balance the work of the body and the mind, it is necessary to economise the energy produced by our body, the main purpose of learning how to relax. Even while resting the average person spends so much energy through needless physical and mental tension. In one day, our body usually produces all the substances and energy necessary for the next day. But often all these are consumed within a few minutes by bad moods, anger, injury or irritation. So, Proper relaxation is one of the FIVE PRINCIPLES OF YOGA.

4. Proper Diet

A proper diet provides fuel for the body. The yogic diet is a vegetarian one, consisting of pure, simple, natural foods that are easily digested and assimilated and that promote health. One should have a certain knowledge of dietetics to balance the diet. The yogic attitude toward diet is to eat to live, not live to eat. The yogi will consume foods in the minimum quantity with the most positive effect on the body and mind, and with the least negative impact on the environment and the least pain to other beings. One of the first ways to take responsibility for the planet is by eating with consideration. So, proper diet is also one of the FIVE PRINCIPLES OF YOGA.

5. Positive thinking & meditation 

Positive thinking & meditation put you in control. The intellect is purified. The lower nature is brought under conscious control through steadiness and concentration of the mind.

If you follow these FIVE PRINCIPLES OF YOGA, which comprise a truly holistic approach to body, mind and soul, you will gain strength and balance to face this decisive world era.

OM NAMAH SHIVAYA – HAPPY MAHA SHIVARATRI DAY

Maha Shivaratri, which means ‘Great Night of Shiva’, is a Hindu festival, the day of Worship, largely celebrated in Nepal and India as well. But in Nepal is more valuable and popularized because of Pashupati Temple, one of the greatest Hindu temples or Shiva Temple, located in Kathmandu, Nepal. On this Day, more than a million Hindus from all over the world visit this Temple here in Kathmandu and celebrate to venerate Lord Shiva, an important deity in Hindu Culture. This is celebrated on the NEW MOON in the month of Magha according to the Nepali calendar.

Maha Shivaratri is a major festival for the millions of Hindus devotes and is celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm in Nepal and India. On the Shivaratri Day, people start thronging the numerous Shiva temples to offer the traditional worship. Many devotees keep fast on the day and stay awake for the whole night chanting Shiva mantras and devotional songs. People also greet each other and send their good wishes.

Shiva and Yoga : Maha Shivaratri

Shiva radiates as the original light of existence and embodies the immortal Prana—the life force—with supreme Yoga Bal, or yogic power. He brings light into darkness and destroys evil. Though revered as one of the three great deities of Hinduism, Shiva first stands as a Yogi. He is Adiyogi, the first yogi; Adinatha, the original master; Mahayogi, the great yogi; and Yogeshwara, the lord of yoga. Shiva lives as the ultimate yogi who embodies and governs all aspects of yoga through the body, energy, mind, emotion, and cosmic intelligence.

To understand the origins of Yoga and the role of all Yoga practices today, we must first recognize Shiva as the eternal source of Yoga—the supreme consciousness and cosmic intelligence that drives the universe. Shiva initiated Yoga Chaturtha, a complete system that encompasses every stage of yogic development. He introduced Hatha Yoga to purify and empower the body, Mantra Yoga to cleanse and focus the mind, Laya Yoga to align the body with rhythm and energy, and Raja or Dhyana Yoga to connect with eternal, supreme consciousness.

Shiva established himself as the father of Asana practice by creating 8.4 million (84 lakhs) postures through his intense Sadhana and yogic exploration. His deep connection with Yogasanas, both known and unknown today, originates directly from his practice. As Nataraj, Shiva expresses yoga not only through posture but also through divine dance, reflecting the essence of Asanas. Today, practitioners recognize 84 Asanas as the foundational standard, with Siddhasana highly recommended for Dhyana (meditation).

Shiva symbolizes the immortal prana, the undying force of eternal existence and pure being, and is honored as Mritunjaya (conquers death). The Tantric Yoga practice about prana /kundalini relates to Shiva, who holds the inner power of Pranayama. Pranic Mantras, So Ham that relate to Shiva, are called today Aajapa Japa Dhyana / Meditation.

Shiva is the source of all Mantras, so his one creation is Mantra Yoga as well. He is himself Omkara, the primordial cosmic sound/divine sound, and from his drum all the letters of the Sanskrit alphabet arise and reverberate. It is the so-called “Mantra Moolam Gurur Vakyam,” which means the main mantra is the words of Guru, who is the first Guru, Maha-Guruthe or Adiguru. Shiva is said to be all the vowels, but he encompasses every aspect of primal sound, nada (Sound), and music.

Shiva is the supreme source/ Lord of Dhyana (Meditation), always researched and felt minutely seated in deep meditation, by reciting the pranava or watching the breath, watching the thoughts, being thoughtless and uniting the entire universe into himself for wakening kundalini motive to endless exploration and expansion of cosmic intelligence i.e. isolation.

In his youthful form as Dakshinamurti, Shiva takes the role of the master of Jnana Yoga—the Yoga of Knowledge. He teaches through the silent power of the awakened mind, using manan (deep contemplation) and nidhidhyasana (the constant inner presence through practice). Shiva begins by teaching his first student, his wife Parvati, and then enlightens the Sapta Rishis, along with all the gods, goddesses, sages, and seers. As the original guru of wisdom, he becomes known as Adi Shankar, the one who expounds the profound philosophy of Advaita, or non-dualist Vedanta—a direct manifestation of Shiva’s infinite intelligence.

By Swami Yoga Subodh