Why Yoga Teacher Training in Nepal

Introduction: Why Yoga Teacher Training in Nepal

Yoga is a subject of worldwide gaining interest, and popularity all over the world. However the understanding levels and quality are different. People understand Yoga Teacher training as physical training for physical fitness. A yoga teacher is not just a teacher of Schools and colleges who guides professional skills. But, a Yoga Teacher is generally called a Yoga Master or Guru who has more responsibility for all dimensions of life. The word Guru where Gu stands for darkness and Ru stands for lightness. So Yoga guru brings lightness in darkness in life and leads her/ him to have health, happiness, and harmony. All Yoga Teachers must know this beautiful identification and choice.

Yoga is the science of life or mastery over the the mind or science of happiness. It is an ancient science with more than 15 thousand of history; it’s not science, just a few years or a few decades old. In the Yoga Teacher Training course, the trainees can experience the true sense of yoga.

Nepal is a tiny mountainous country situated in two big countries China and India with so much diversity with cultural beauty, natural beauty, humor beauty, wisdom beauty, and lots of socio-cultural factors. It is the origin place of Yoga and almost Eastern philosophy where Yoga Teacher training will be more fruitful and meaningful.

Some reasons to choose your Yoga Teacher Training Course (YTTC) in Nepal are highlighted below.

1. Understand the true yoga from literal and ethical perspective
2. Learn yoga on the land of Shiva and Shakti, Maharshi Kapil (Sankhya Yoga), Patanjali ( Yoga Philosophy), Buddha (Peace and Love), and so on.
3.  Perform Yoga practice with scientific rules following the theory of cause and effects
4. To view about the Body science as a laboratory for yoga experiments
5. Learn traditional Hatha Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga on true yogic patterns, and cover all traditional yoga mentioned in different texts Karma, Bhakti, Gyana, Mantra, Dhyana Yoga, and Kundalini yoga but  not done as a glamour way
6. Learn in very literal way of yogic norms and values submitting all sequences
7. To submit the whole journey of yoga from beginning levels to Higher levels in yogic orders
8. To do yoga teacher training with some spiritual healing and spas
9. Stay on the lap of nature surrounded by jungles from 3 sides jungle and one side views the whole of Katmandu city
10. To feel your stay like own home and being a part of yogic family
11. Get the different experiences of Nature hiking yoga, world heritage sites seeing yoga
12. To get a yoga alliance certificate for global validity

Introduction: Yoga Nidra

“Yogashchittavrittinirodhah” – Yoga means the cessation of fluctuated thoughts in Chitta. Chitta is a composition of four fundamentals e.g. mind, ego, intellect, and consciousness. The spiritual form of yoga is Samadhi. Yoga or Samadhi has itself infinite goals. Meditation is the final tool for this submission. When yogis reach Meditation (state of devoid) through specific techniques or paths, then yoga or harmony begins. Meditation is still a state or entire homeostasis, is a kind of mission with ecstasy, one meditates to feel that enthusiasm within. Meditation is not done, just makes the atmosphere. It is not easy to attempt the meditation how the people, even the most of Yoga Guru think about the meditation practice and merits.

Patanjali Yoga Darshana, the first and authentic pure sacred yogic text is the systematic and modified version of all the yogic experiences from the Shiva civilization and Vedic civilization to the classical period of the Yoga era. Maharshi Patanjali summarized the yogic patterns into Ashtanga yoga, the eightfold path of Yoga which is given below.

Ashtanga Yoga (Eight Limbs of Yoga):

“Yama- Niyamasana- Pranayama- Pratyahara- Dharana Dhayan -Samadhayoastavangani”  P.Y.S 2:29

1. Yama (Social Ethics)    
2. Niyama (Self Ethics)
3. Asana (Body Ethics)
4. Pranayama (Breath Ethics)
5. Pratyahara (Mind Ethics)
6. Dharana (Attitude Ethics)
7. Dhyana (Wisdom Ethics)
8. Samadhi (Consciousness Ethics)

Pratyahara (Mind Ethics or Withdrawal of senses) is the fifth stage of Ashtanga yoga which is neither external nor internal. It is just a bridge from Bahiranga Yoga (External) to Antaranga Yoga (Internal).  It is the condition in which the senses have no contact with the objects of their nature of Chitta. As a pratyahara practice, Yoga-Nidra (Yogic sleep or psychic sleep) is the major tool and also the use of the five senses in silence patterns.

Yoga Nidra is rooted in Tantra Yoga as a self-healing or self-hypnotism healing. Yoga Nidra is an art of physical, mental, and emotional relaxation. It is also for the union of body and mind. It is the foundation for meditation. But for people with modern stressful life is itself full of meditation. It is the inner awareness creation practice. In this state between sleep and wakefulness, contact with the unconscious and sub-conscious dimensions appears spontaneously. Yoga Nidra is the practice of hearing and feeling. It is the rotation of awareness throughout the body parts. It is performed in shavasana.

The following methods can be used in yoga nidra practice.

1. Body preparation and relaxation
2. Resolve
3. Awareness of breath
4. Awareness of atmosphere
5. Rotation of awareness throughout the body
6. Feeling of sensations
7. Resolve
8. Bring back the awareness to the  breath
9. Bring back the awareness to the body
10. Concluding

PRAYER: Mantras for Daily Prayer

Mantra yoga is a type of yoga that uses mantras to awaken the Self and deepen the meditative aspects of a physical yoga practice. Mantra yoga is an exact science that is meant to engage the mind through focusing on sound, duration, and number of repetitions. Mantra yoga may also be referred to as Japa yoga. Japa is a Sanskrit word for the act of repeating mantras.

The word mantra comes from two Sanskrit words: ‘man’ meaning mind and ‘tra’ meaning vehicle or instrument. A tool to transport the mind from a state of activity to one of stillness and silence. Easiest and effective way to have Bhakti Yoga, Pratyaharaand Dhyana Yoga, Samadhi, or Raja yoga.

Stages of Physiological Change:

# Inner purity, rest, peace and internalizing the senses

# Concentration setting

# Awakening of Kundalini

# Expansion of Consciousness

Pranava Mantra Practice

AUM:   A……………………………………………….U…………………..M…………….        AUM:   A…………………U………………………………………………..M……….…….        AUM:   A…………………U…………………..M……………………………………………  

A: U: M stands for
3:1:1 – Long A frequency makes Physical effect High
1:3:1 -Long U frequency makes Mental effect high
1:1:3 – Long M frequency Makes Spiritual effect high

Deviya Mantra Practice:

1. Guru Mantra:               
   
   Om Namo; Guru DevA Namo!

Meaning:               

I bow to the infinite Master/ Guru within, and open myself to the infinite source of wisdom and creativity within me.

2. PRANAVA MANTRA:
              
Omkāram Vindu Samyuktam, Nityam dhyāyanti Yoginah!
Kāmadam Mokshadam Chaiva, Omkārāya Namo Namah!!

Meaning:                             

Salutation to the AUM which is united with that point. Yogis meditate on that point every day. AUM fulfills our desires and liberation, so hail to hail AUM.

3. GAAYATREE MANTRA: 

AUM Bhoor Bhuvah Svah, Tat Savitur Varenyam; Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayaat !

Meaning:               

O Earth, Space, & Heaven; and Divine Mother beyond these who are Truth, Consciousness, and Bliss. We meditate upon the glory of that Supreme Being Sun God who has created this universe; fit to be worshipped, the embodiment of knowledge & light and the remover of sins & ignorance. May he guide and illuminate our actions and intellects at all times in the right direction. (Rigveda 3.62.10)

4. GURU MANTRA:

Twameva Mātā, Cha Pitā Twameva!
Twameva Bandhush, cha Sakhā Twameva!
Twameva Viddhyā, Dravinam Twameva!
Twameva Sarvam, Ma Ma Deva Deva!

Meaning:      

You are my mother and also Father, you are my sibling and friend, You are my Knowledge and Wealth, you are everything to me as my almighty.

5. GURU MANTRA: 

Dhyāna Mülam Gurur Murti!
Püjā Mülam Gurur Padam!
Mantra Mülam Gurur Vākyam!
Moksha Mülam Gurur Kripā!

Meaning:              

The main source of meditation is through Guru or His Statue. The root source of worship is the lotus feet of Guru. The main mantra is the words of the Guru. The root of liberation is the compassion of the Guru.

6. KAMANA MANTRA:

OM Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah; Sarve Santu Nirāmaya!
Sarve Bhadrāni Pashyantu; Mā Kashchid Duhkha Bhāg Bhavet!!

Meaning:

May all be happy, May all be healthy, May all be enlightened, May none suffer misery and sorrow.

• LIGHT MANTRA:
  
  OM Asato-mā Sat Gamaya!                   
  Tamasomā Jyotir-Gamaya!!
  Mrityor-māAmritam-Gamaya!!!             
  OM SHĀNTIH!  SHĀNTIH! SHĀNTIH!

Meaning:               

O Divine Power! Please lead me from Untruth to Truth, from Darkness to Lightness, and from Mortality to Immortality.
OM PEACE! PEACE! PEACE!

Why yoga Retreats In Nepal????

Nepal is the land of ancient wisdom and philosophy, the land of Rishi Bhoomi (Sages and seers), the Land of Tapo Bhoomi ( Sadhana Zone), the Land of Shiva, the Land of Veda Vyasa, the Land of Maharshi Kapil, Land of Maharshi Patanjali, Land of Yogi Matsyendranath, Yogi Gorakhnath, Land of Buddha, Land of King Janak. It is also considered Dev Bhoomi (Land of divine Power).  Thousands of Saints, sages, seers, and  Yogins were born and used to practice here on lap Hills, rivers, mountains, and jungles.

People are so much stressed and suffering with modern life and technologies. People are unhealthy and unhappy due to the absence of nature and culture. So, they need free and real retreats where they will attempt relief from the hustle and bustle of life, from busy and crazy life.

But Nepal is such a land where we can get natural beauty, cultural things, different costumes, traditions, lifestyles, natural energy, and spiritual energy. Here the people will naturally refreshed, and happy, feel a sense of humanity, and originality, and feel the real and karmic life which is a plus point for retreats.

Some Reasons to do Yoga retreats in Nepal:

1. Right adjustment of Natural resources
2. Seeing of Natural and original beauties
3. Feeling of Energy of spiritual land
4. Energy of Himalayas, such as third pole of the world.
5. Country of Peace, love and Harmony, influence of land of Buddha
6. Rich in Cultures, so will have great experiences
7. Cultural foods as different cultures, festivals, ethnics group
8. Core value of Rest, relaxation and recreation
9. Experience of Upavas (Fast) and Maunavratta (Speechless)
10. Silence eating, silence walking experiences
11. Open hearts, intuition, entire potency
12. Rejuvenation of life on land of Yoga and spirituality
13. Experience of Ultimate land for Spiritual sadhana in life

Stress & Yoga : Abstract

Strategy of Stress:

1. Ethical changes i.e. social ethics, self-ethics

2. Better way of living  i.e.

• Positive Nature, (Samyaka Prakriti)
• Positive Food ( Samyaka Aahar)
• Positive Action ( Samyaka  Vihar)
• Positive Rest & Relaxation (Samyaka Vishrama)
• Positive Thinking (Samyaka Vichara)

3. Body warm up/ Preparation by the subtle exercise and cleansing process.

4. Yogasana, Pranayama and overall Workout routine.

5. Yog-nindra (psychic sleep),music healing.

6. Shavasana: a complete rest and balance pose.

7. Meditation: a way of inner awareness, sound rest, and mind purity.

8. Counseling i.e. talk therapy and life coaching.

9. Body relaxing therapy and spiritual healing.

10. Other helpful tips:

•     Proper knowledge of body, mind, and spiritual issues associated with stress.
•     Action oriented life pattern.
•     Realistic goal setting.
•     No compromising with your norms, values, and beliefs.
•     No competition in life, always try to be excellent but not the first one.
•     Low-stress lifestyle.
•     Love to all.

Brain functioning nature and calming pattern. Our brain fires 14 to more cycles of thoughts called beta waves a second which is for getting tasks done. But it is not for enhancing your learning capacity of new things. So doing any type of relaxation practice keeps sound rest at atom levels which minimizes the high consumption of oxygen and energy which provides better life and long life. Taking a few minutes to relax deeply slows our brain waves down which are alpha waves, occur at between 7 to 14 cycles a second can empower of learning level and soundness in life.

CONCLUSION

Finally, yog is all the solution of life. If one problem is in mind, hundreds of solutions you have in mind. But just one hour of going to yog studio and practicing yog is not a yogic life. This complete world is a yog studio and this precious life is itself a huge yog laboratory in which we have to do well experiments for ourselves. This beautiful life gifted by nature is itself a huge chemical, biological, and physics industry where we can find all the requirements for your experimental fulfillment of our being and consciousness. So, please globalize the yog science for peace, harmony, happiness, and bliss with the exploration of wisdom and intelligence all over the world.

Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutation and enough clearance to stretch the arms above the head while standing.

It consists of 12 series of postures that are performed continuously and combined with synchronized breathing. Each position counteracts the preceding one producing a balance between flexions and extensions.

There are two types of Surya Namaskar: Traditional and Modern. Here we will be talking about the Traditional Surya Namaskar:

Pose 1: Prayer Pose (Pranamasana)

Stand at the edge of your mat, keep your feet together, and balance your weight equally on both feet. Expand your chest and relax your shoulders. As you breathe in, lift both arms from the sides, and as you exhale, bring your palms together in front of the chest in a prayer position. Then Pray the Sun Salutation Mantra.

Pose 2: Raised Arms Pose (Uttanasana)

Breathing in, lift the arms up and back, keeping the biceps close to the ears. In this pose, the objective is to stretch the whole body up from the heels to the tips of the fingers. To get maximum benefits, you may pull the pelvis forward and ensure reaching up with your fingers rather than going backward.

Pose 3: Hand to Foot Pose (Hastapadasana)

Breathing out, bend forward from the waist, keeping the spine erect. As you exhale completely, bring your hands down to the floor, beside your feet.

Pose 4: Equestrian Pose (Sanchalasana)

Crescent moon pose. Inhale and raise the arms above the head and extend the spine backward arching the back from the waist and moving the hips forward. Let the eyes follow the hands while relaxing your neck.

Pose 5: Mountain Pose (Parvatasana)

Exhale and bring the left foot back in line with the right. Lift the hips high like a mountain. Push the heels and head down and look at the toes with the head down between the arms.

Pose 6: Salutation Pose: Astanga Namaskar

Put the knees down first and then bring the chest down. See that eight parts of the body are touching the floor including two feet, two knees, two hands, the chest, and the chin or forehead. Sashtang means eight limbs and dandawat means paying homage by touching the floor. Make sure the hips are slightly raised above the ground. Inhale and exhale in this position. Keep the feet together.

Pose 7: Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)

Lower the pelvis and abdomen to the floor. Inhale and stretch the toes on the floor. Raise your head slowly up, arch the spine and neck, and look up. Keep your legs together and the elbows alongside the body slightly bent and keep the shoulders down.

Pose 8: Mountain Pose (Parvatasana)

Exhale and wiggle your toes forward allowing your feet to rest on the soles while you raise the hips as you did in number 5.  If possible, try and keep the heels on the ground and make a gentle effort to lift the tailbone, going deeper into the stretch.

Pose 9: Equestrian Pose (Sanchalasa)

Inhale, and bring the right foot forward, and assume pose number 4 exactly as before. In this position, make a gentle effort to push the hips down towards the floor, to deepen the stretch.

Pose 10: Hand to Foot Pose (Hastapadasana)

Breathing out, bring the left foot forward. Keep the palms on the floor. You may bend the knees, if necessary. Gently straighten the knees and if you can, try and touch your nose to the knees. Keep breathing.

Pose 11: Raised Arms Pose ( Uttanasa)

Breathing in, roll the spine up, hands go up, and bend backward a little bit, pushing the hips slightly outward. Ensure that your biceps are beside your ears. The idea is to stretch up more rather than stretching backward.

Step 12: Prayer Pose (Pranamasana)

Exhale and stand erect bringing the hands back to the center of the chest with palms together as in pose number 1.

Benefits of Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation)

1. Improves Muscles Flexibility
Each of the asanas done in Surya Namaskar centers around various muscle activities and operational hubs called Chakras. This aids in conditioning practically the entire of your body parts including arms, abs, thighs, and butt. It improves the body’s adaptability. As the muscle tone improves your general identity is upgraded also.

2. Improves Blood Circulation of the Body
Due to the active process of inhalation and exhalation, the lungs are constantly ventilated and the blood remains oxygenated. It’s a great way of detoxing your body and helping it get rid of excess carbon dioxide and other toxic gases. Surya Namaskar’s sequence of postures is the most scientific as it completes the circuit within the body. The cycle of blood flowing in and out from the heart into the right and left sides of the body is completed.

3. Good Digestion And Help in Weight Loss
Appropriate exercise and legitimate rest alongside a decent eating routine outcomes in improved insulin affectability and expands digestion. This certainly animates the stomach-related tract by creating the correct sort of stomach-related juices. Diverse asanas in Surya Namaskar guide the bloodstream to different indispensable organs which ensure improved execution.

4. Improves Energy and Awareness Levels
Alongside asanas, the breathing example is additionally a significant part of Surya Namaskar. It gives a profound cognizant unwinding to the body and brain. It expands the mindfulness. The casual personality and more beneficial body at that point result in improved vitality levels.

5. Anti-anxiety and Calming Properties
Surya Namaskar helps to improve memory and the nervous system. Moreover, it stabilizes the activity of the endocrine and thyroid glands. Thereby reducing anxiety and inducing the sensation of complete calmness and tranquility.

6. The sensitivity of the Heart Chakra
While engaging Surya Namaskar, both hands are joined together connecting to the center of the heart, these many beliefs activate the heart chakra and motivate the lotus heart to become more sensitive. 

Stress and Yoga: Abstract

The term ‘Yoga’ in Sanskrit means the union of existence. Yoga is gaining popularity now all over the world and becoming a part of life as a precious thing. According to Yoga Philosophy, all existence is itself yoga, all life is yoga, all nature is yoga, all creation is yoga, and all galaxies are yoga. The connection of five elements (Panchamahabhootas) is the yoga of nature, and the connection of soul, intellect, mind, and body is the yoga of human life. The trilateral integration of the universe, nature, and human life is the yoga of existence. If there is any disconnection among them, everything around them will be disturbed.

Yoga is the ethic of life under the biological clock of the universe. It is considered a way of a complete transformation of our nature which harmonizes precious life and also appeals to having peace, love, non-violence, happiness, and bliss in human life. This is not a science just some decades before somebody discovered it. It is ancient human science based on ancient wisdom for ethical and spiritual life.

Practically yoga is the science of the soul that drives our mind and body. The absolute purity of soul keeps the life more balanced and sound and also releases happiness, positivity, and calmness in the mind. If thoughts are positive, we are purified and then can be free from stress and all the suffering. So right way of yoga understanding and regular yoga practice is the total way of getting rid of stress, tension, anxiety, depression, restlessness, frustration, and loss of concentration which usually cause psychosomatic problems that are mind-related to diseases or stress diseases.

What is stress?

According to Yoga science, stress is an imbalance at physical and mental levels. Stress is the autonomic response of the body to any physical and mental demands placed on human life. Imbalance is misery that causes conflicts and disorders in life.

Stress levels:

1. Moderate: It can improve our performance and efficiency and also drive in a positive way.
2. Too little: it can result in boredom and tension.
3. Too much: It can cause an unproductive anxiety level and whole body disorders.

Effects of Stress:

1. Physical effects

• Weight gain / loss
• Heart palpitations
• Hypertension
• Unhealthy skin and wrinkles
• Unexpected hair loss
• Early aging
• Bodyache

2. Emotional effects

•   Mood swings
• Tension and anxiety
•  Leading depression
•  Leading to bad expression
•  Coping strategies i.e. Drugs, Alcohol
•  Difficulty in making decisions
•  Sexual and romantic indiscretions
•   Feeling worthless, inadequate, and insecure
  
  Symptoms of Stress:
             
  1. Moderate levels: 

Tension headache, Indigestion, Loss of concentration, Tight jaw, Muscles tension, Sweaty limbs, Restlessness, Cold limbs, Loss/increased appetite, Sleep disturbance, Irregular Bowl

• Severe levels:

-chest pain; hypertension; allergies; phobias; anxiety/depression; fatigue/ tiredness; confusion/ memoryless; chronic constipation; sexual disorders; Infertility; dermatitis; menstrual distress

to be continued…..

Overview of Yoga :

Let’s Talk about Yoga the Journey. Yoga is a very common and universal subject today’s all over the world and becoming a global interest and necessity. It is a state of happening which is infinite, never complete but it is always full. It happens by practice and regular experiments in life. The final and inner means is Dhyana (Meditation). So It is more about Dhyana. Yoga starts from the practice of Dhyana. Dhyana is a means of transport for Yoga or Samadhi. There are so many pre-practices as yogic kriyas for preparation for Dhyana, and finally for Yoga.

YOGA: This word determines lots of terminological meanings. E.g. Union, Harmony, Balance, Existence, Connection, Creation, Good Luck.

The meaning is supposed to be the Union of the Universe, Harmony of the World, Balance of Human Life, Existence of Nature, Connection of Matter and Energy, Creation of Atom (electron, proton, and neutron), and Good Luck of moments.

Meaning: YOG (Sanskrit) – Root- ‘Yuj’ means to unite, to join, to add, to bind,

Yoga (English) but used to say Yogaa (Modern Tongue), come from Yogasana

Human Life = Body + Breath = Rhythmic Breath/Body + Mind = Soul

So, Yoga = Body/ Breath + Mind + Soul = Union = Self realization/Liberation

The Sanskrit, the Indo-European language of the Vedas, as eastern ancient sacred texts, gave birth to both the literature and the technique of yoga. One definition of the word Sanskrit, “is well-formed and refined perfectly,” connotes (to imply/mean) substance and clarity, qualities exemplified in the practice of yoga. The Sanskrit word yoga has several translations and can be interpreted in many ways. It comes from the root ‘yuj’ and originally meant “to hitch up,” (as in attaching horses to a vehicle). Another definition was “to put to active and purposeful use.” Still, other translations are “yoke, join, or concentrate.” Essentially, yoga has come to describe a means of uniting or a method of discipline.

It is more about than mastering postures and increasing your flexibility and strength.

It is a perfect practical system of self-culture. It is an exact science which aims at the harmonious development of the body, mind, and soul. Yoga is the discipline of the mind, senses, and physical body which helps in the coordination and control of the subtle forces within the body. It brings peace and everlasting happiness.

Almost every corner of the world is now familiar with this term. Though it has gained a lot of popularity, there are still many misconceptions about yoga among people. The the yoga is gaining popularity as an alternative means of good health these days. As a result, only Asanas, Pranayamas, and Meditation techniques are being popularized in the name of yoga as these are the therapeutic tools of yoga. Even to get good health and to sustain good health the proper understanding of the philosophy of yoga is important.

What is Yoga?

Yoga is essentially a spiritual discipline based on an extremely subtle Science which focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body. It is an art and science for healthy living. The word “Yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj meaning “to join”, “to yoke” or “to unite”.

According to Yogic scriptures, the practice of Yoga leads to the union of individual consciousness with universal consciousness. According to modern scientists, everything in the universe is just a manifestation of the same quantum firmament. One who experiences this oneness of existence is said to be “in Yoga” and is termed as a yogi who has attained a state of freedom, referred to as Mukti, nirvāna, kaivalya, or moksha.

“Yoga” also refers to an inner science comprising a variety of methods through which human beings can achieve a union between the body and mind to attain self-realization. The aim of Yoga practice (sādhana) is to overcome all kinds of sufferings that lead to a sense of freedom in every walk of life with holistic health, happiness, and harmony.

Generally, yoga is explained as a way of living. It is true but only when we are concerned about health. But yoga is not limited only to the health aspect of life. It deals with our existence. Yoga is the answer to all the questions we get about our existence. It answers the fundamental questions of our life – what? Why? How? When? Every human being on the earth irrespective of cultural and religious background faces these fundamental questions as it is the basic nature of human beings. So when these basic confusions or doubts get cleared one comes to know the reality of life, the reality of oneself, reality of existence. Then the person will lead a happy and satisfied life. And this is nothing but the purpose of yoga.

DEFINITION:

1. Way of Living—How to live throughout biological clock pattern.  E.g. how to wake up, sleep, work, practice, eat, drink, rest, entertain, speak, think, help, behave, love, etc.
2. Realization of Union = Body + Mind + Soul i.e. Body management (Hardware); Mind management (soft ware) and Soul exploration (Power/light).
3. “Yogaschittavrittinirodhah” PYS 1.2 – Patanjali Yoga Sutra—–Meaning: the cessation of modified thoughts in chitta (Mind+) is yoga.
4. Yogahkarmashu Kaushalam- Bhagavat Gita 2.50—Skillful Action In Hand ( but head and Heart too)
5. Yogah Samadhi -Bhagbhat Gita  – Yoga is itself Samadhi (Liberation)

Self-realization, fully conscious mind/ self guided.

Samadhi in Yoga

Samadhi in Yoga is the 8th and final stage or step in the system of eight-limbed Ashtanga Yoga. Samadhi is explained in the Yoga Sutras of Maharishi Patanjali as total absorption in the object of meditation, where the mind becomes completely still. There are various stages of Samadhi each leading to a higher superconscious state of mind.

How to practice Samadhi ?

Samadhi cannot be practiced. It happens spontaneously just like meditation. There is no effort involved. One cannot forcefully practice Samadhi. We have to start from the process of Dharana or concentration with effort and in due course of time experience Dhyana or a state of meditation, which occurs spontaneously. In Dharana (concentration), there is focus and effort; in Dhyana (meditation), there is de-focus, relaxation, and effortlessness. In Samadhi, there is a sudden jump from the state of Dhyana or meditation into a state of total absorption in the object of meditation, where the knower, knowing and known merges into one conscious reality. This is effortless. Samadhi is an experience of a superconscious state of mind. It can be compared to deep sleep, except that we are not conscious in deep sleep, while in Samadhi one is fully conscious.

Brief history and Development

The science of Yoga has its origin thousands of years ago, long before the first religion or belief systems were born. According to Yogic lore, Shiva is seen as the first yogi or ādiyogi and the first guru or ādiguru. Several thousand years ago, on the banks of Lake Kantisarovar in the Himalayas, ādiyogi poured his profound knowledge into the legendary sapta rishis or “seven sages”. These sages carried this powerful Yogic science to different parts of the world including Asia, the Middle East, northern Africa, and South America. Interestingly, modern scholars have noted and marveled at the close parallels found between ancient cultures across the globe. However, it was in India that the Yogic system found its fullest expression. Agastya, the sapta rishi who traveled across the Indian subcontinent, crafted this culture around a core Yogic way of life.

This is widely considered an “immortal cultural outcome” of the Indus Saraswati Valley Civilization. It dates back to 2700 BC and has proven itself to cater to both the material and spiritual uplift of humanity. Several seals and fossil remains of the Indus Saraswati Valley Civilization with Yogic motifs and figures performing Yoga sādhana suggest the presence of Yoga in ancient India. The seals and idols of the mother Goddess are suggestive of Tantra Yoga. The presence of Yoga is also available in folk traditions, Vedic and Upanishadic heritage, Buddhist and Jain traditions, Darshanas, epics of Mahabharata including Bhagawadgita and Ramayana, theistic traditions of Shaivas, Vaishnavas and Tantric traditions. Though Yoga was being practiced in the pre-Vedic period, the great sage Maharishi Patanjali systematized and codified the then-existing Yogic practices, their meaning, and their related knowledge through Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.

After Patanjali, many sages and Yoga masters contributed greatly to the preservation and development of the field through well-documented practices and literature. Yoga has spread all over the world by the teachings of eminent Yoga masters from ancient times to the present date. Today, everybody has conviction about Yoga practices towards the prevention of disease, maintenance, and, promotion of health. Millions and millions of people across the globe have benefitted from the practice of Yoga and the practice of Yoga is blossoming and growing more vibrant with each passing day.

The Fundamentals of Yoga

It works on the level of one’s body, mind, emotion, and energy. This has given rise to four broad classifications of Yoga: Karma Yoga where we utilize the body; Jnāna Yoga where we utilize the mind; Bhakti Yoga where we utilize the emotion and Kriya Yoga where we utilize the energy. Each system of Yoga we practice falls within the gamut of one or more of these categories.

Every individual is a unique combination of these four factors. Only a guru (teacher) can advocate the appropriate combination of the four fundamental paths as is necessary for each seeker. “All ancient commentaries on Yoga have stressed that it is essential to work under the direction of a guru.”

Traditional schools

The different philosophies, traditions, lineages, and guru-shishya paramparas of Yoga led to the emergence of different traditional schools. These include Jnāna Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, Pātanjala Yoga, Kunḍạlini Yoga, Haṭha Yoga, Dhyāna Yoga, Mantra Yoga, Laya Yoga, Rāja Yoga, Jain Yoga, Bouddha Yoga etc. Each school has its approach and practices that lead to the ultimate aim and objectives of Yoga.

Yogic practices for health and wellness

The widely practiced sadhanas are: Yama, Niyama, Āsana, Prānāyāma, Pratyāhara, Dhārana, Dhyāna, Samādhi, Bandhas and Mudras, Shatkarmas, Yuktāhāra, Mantra-japa, Yukta-karma etc. Yamas are restraints and Niyamas are observances. These are considered to be prerequisites for further Yogic practices. Āsanas, capable of bringing about the stability of body and mind, “kuryat-tadasanam- sthairyam”, involves adopting various psycho-physical body patterns and giving one an ability to maintain a body position (a stable awareness of one’s structural existence) for a considerable length of time.

Prānāyāma consists of developing awareness of one’s breathing followed by willful regulation of respiration as the functional or vital basis of one’s existence. It helps in developing awareness of one’s mind and helps to establish control over the mind. In the initial stages, this is done by developing awareness of the “flow of in-breath and out-breath” (svāsa-prasvāsa) through nostrils, mouth, and other body openings, its internal and external pathways and destinations. Later, this phenomenon is modified, through regulated, controlled, and monitored inhalation (svāsa) leading to the awareness of the body space getting filled (puraka), the space(s) remaining in a filled state (kumbhaka) and it getting emptied (rechaka) during regulated, controlled and monitored exhalation(prasvāsa).

Pratyāhara indicates dissociation of one’s consciousness (withdrawal) from the sense organs which connect with the external objects. Dhārana indicates the broad-based field of attention (inside the body and mind) which is usually understood as concentration.

Dhyāna (meditation) is contemplation (focused attention inside the body and mind) and Samādhi (integration).

Bandhas and Mudras are practices associated with Prānāyāma. They are viewed as the higher yogic practices that mainly adopt certain physical gestures along with control over respiration. This further facilitates control over the mind and paves the way for higher Yogic attainment. However, practice of dhyāna, which moves one towards self-realization and leads one to transcendence, is considered the essence of Yoga Sādhana.

Śaṭkarmas are detoxification procedures that are clinical in nature and help to remove the toxins accumulated in the body. Yuktāhāra advocates appropriate food and food habits for healthy living.

THE BIG QUESTIONS
Tradition seeks to provide credible answers to such profound questions as, “Who am I?”, “Whence do I come?”, “Whither do I go?” and “What must I do?” These are the sorts of questions that, sooner or later, we all end up asking ourselves. Or at least, we have our unconditional answers to them, though may not get around to consciously formulating them. Deep down, we all are philosophers, because we all need to make sense of our life. Some of us postpone thinking about these questions, but they don’t ever go away. We quickly learn this when we lose a loved one or face a serious health crisis.

So, we might as well ponder these questions while we are in good shape. And don’t think you have to feel gloomy to do so. Yoga doesn’t champion dark moods, but it is definitely in favor of awareness in all its forms, including self-awareness. If we know the stuff we are made of, we can function a lot better in the world. At the very least, our self-knowledge will give us the opportunity allow us to make conscious and better choices.

While talking about Yoga for Mental and Emotional Management, it is better to know the growth factors with chemicals produced in the body. A few simple practices starting from an early age around the age of seven- eight will help to develop and balance the mental and emotional changes and vital energies. It preserves the pineal gland, thus delaying sexual maturation and presenting needless psycho-emotional distress. The child can be taught AUM chants, recitation of Gayatri Mantra and other mantras, Surya Namaskar, a dynamic exercise involving twelve different movements, and mostly asanas named from animals. This provides stretching, flexibility, and relaxation for the body which enhances the strength, stamina, endurance, and efficiency of an individual.

Nadi sodhana pranayama, Bharamari pranayama, and Udgit Pranayama energize the body tissues and refresh and purify the mind. Nadi Shodhana pranayama balances the 72,000 nadis and the whole nervous system and empowers the children how to induce calmness and creativity in themselves. It helps to refine the energy. He can practice shambhavi mudras (focusing the gaze on the eyebrow center). It is essential for maintaining the normal functions of brain centers, brain tissues, and pineal and pituitary glands.

More About Yoga for Mental and Emotional Management

In dealing with mentally and emotionally unstable children. We must remember that they are not necessarily receptive, cooperative, obedient, and patient. A person attempting to teach them yoga practices may easily become frustrated when confronted by a negative, resentful child in the beginning. The key point is to remain objective, the child may be defiant and show anger and feelings of enmity (hostility). He is likely to be using the instructor to express the anger he feels for someone else, perhaps his mother or father. In any case, yoga cannot be forced on anyone. So it is up to the adult to devise ways of introducing these techniques. So that they appeal to the imagination of the child. If the child can experience even a brief period of mental relaxation, he will gain some insight into his behavior.

For mentally and emotionally distressed children, who find inactivity almost unbearable, the combination of physical and progressive relaxation is most appropriate, looking at restlessness. So it will be good to introduce Yogic means in proper ways focusing on their needs and natures. After Surya Namaskar the child will willingly lie down in Shavasana for yoga Nidra which is the perfect practice for balancing and promoting mental and emotional changes. Following the progressive relaxation of the body parts, the instructor may run through a series of visualizations such as elephant, horse, house, and so on. The purpose of the exercise is to induce deep relaxation on physical and mental levels. So that negative impression locked in the unconscious mind will float to the surface and be dissipated, then a new formation of mind and consciousness will reset and direct the positivity and management system in their life.

The results of the yoga study and practice seem to indicate that those children who received the yoga training regular basis, not only performed in better ways had showed a remarkable change in good discipline and manner. So yoga education in experimental ways can change children’s lives and make them realize the real modes and patterns of life which can easily and effectively manage mental and emotional disturbances and fluctuations.