Sutra Neti

Sutra Neti (Nasal cleansing with thread)

Sutra Neti is a Hatha yoga technique to clean your nasal cavity. It is one of the six methods of purification or Shatkarma as given in the yogic text Hatha Yoga Pradeepika. There are various types of Neti practiced by Yogis including Jala Neti (with water), Dughda Neti (with Milk), Sutra Neti (with cotton string), etc. A waxed cotton string is traditionally used to clean the nasal cavity in Sutra Neti.

Breathing: Breathing is performed through the mouth.

Duration: The practice takes about 10 minutes. Once every few days or once a week is sufficient.

Awareness: Physical –on relaxing the body and moving the catheter or thread smoothly and slowly.

Sequence: Sutra Neti should be performed before jala neti as the latter will flush out all the impurities and particles in the nose which have been dislodged by sutra neti.

Preparation of Sutra Neti (Nasal cleansing with Thread )

This practice involves passing a length of cotton thread through the nose. Traditionally, a specific prepared cotton thread, sutra, was used. Several strands were tightly wrapped together and dipped in melted beeswax. The width was about 4mm and the length was 36 to 45 cm.

Nowadays, people commonly perform the practice by using a thin rubber catheter lubricated with melted ghee, butter, edible oil, or saliva, allowing it to slide easily through the nasal passage. The size of the catheter depends on the individual nasal passage. Beginners often start with size 4 and later progress to size 6.

Steps

Basic practice

1. Take any comfortable standing, sitting, or squatting position.
2. Relax the whole body.
3. Tilt the head slightly back. Gently and slowly insert the narrow end of the catheter or the waxed end of the thread into whichever nostril is flowing more freely.
4. As the thread is inserted, twist it so that it enters the nostril easily. Always keep the tip pointing downward towards the base of the nose. Never push the catheter straight up because the nasal cavity is behind the nose, not at the top of the nose.
5. When the thread reaches the back of the throat, insert the index finger and thumb, or the middle and index fingers, into the mouth.
6. Pull the catheter or thread gently and slowly out through the mouth, leaving a few inches of thread hanging out of the nostril.
7. This action may cause retching at first, but it will become easier with practice.
8. Hold each end of the sutra or catheter with the fingers. Very slowly and gently pull it backward and forward, no more than 15 times on the attempt.
9. Remove it slowly through the nose and repeat the process with the opposite nostril.
10. Technique II: Advanced practice
11. After completing technique I, leave the thread with one end passing through the mouth and the other through the nostril.

Advanced Practice

1. Gently insert the waxed end entering from one nostril into the other nostril and pull the end through the mouth.
2. In the final position, both waxed ends together so that they merge, and twist the thread so that the two ends become cut away so that the join may pass easily through the nostrils.
3. The thread is now circular.
4. Slowly draw the join the mouth, progressively sliding the thread through the nostrils.
5. Eventually, the join should be located between the entrance to the two nostrils.
6. Disconnect the join.
7. The thread now enters one nostril and emerges from the other; it no longer passes through the mouth.
8. Gently pull the sutra to and fro, a few times only to begin with it there is the slightest discomfort, stop the practice immediately.
9. Pull one end of the thread and slowly withdraw it from the nose .

Precautions

Do not use force under any circumstances. The interior of the nose is very delicate. After persistent attempts, if the thread or catheter will not pass through the nose, consult a competent teacher. Make sure that the sutra is perfectly clean before inserting it into the nostril. It is best not to try sutra neti until jal neti has been perfected.

Contra – indications

Those people who suffer from chronic bleeding in the nose should not do sutra neti .Anyone nasal septum turbinate should first seek the advice of a yogic or ayurvedic doctor.

Benefits

The benefits are the same as for jala neti.

1. Sutra neti can rectify the problem of deviated nasal septum.
2. If one or both nostrils are not flowing freely due either to deformed bone or fleshy outgrowths, the regular friction of sutra neti causes these obstructions to disappear within a few months.
3. Helps to prevent respiratory system related illness.
4. It calms and influences on the brain.
5. It activates depression, anxiety, anger and removes drowsiness.
6. Balances the prana flow throughout both nostrils and corresponds the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
7. It makes the head feel free, light and fresh.
8. It increases the concentration and makes better memory.

YOGIC poses (Yogasanas ) are many. They are practiced for the improvement of physical health in normal physiological conditions and the treatment of many diseases. The regular practice of some asanas for meditation exerts beneficial effects on mental health.

Only a small number of asanas are recommended for meditation. They are siddhasana, padmasana, svatikasana, vajrasana, and sukhasana. For meditation, the five asanas just mentioned are in order of preference.

Asanas for Meditation

Siddhasana

Follow the following steps for sitting in Siddhasana (accomplished one). Only men should do this asana and not suitable for women.

1. Sit on the floor with legs extended  in front.
2. Bend the left leg at the knee. By holding the left foot with hands, place the left heel near the perineum. The sole of the left foot should rest against the right thigh.
3. Bend the leg at the knee. Place the right foot over the left ankle, while keeping the right heel against the public bone.
4. Place the right sole between the left thigh and the left calf muscle.
5. Do not rest the body on the heels.
6. Stretch the arms in front . Place the backs of the hand on the respective knees ,with palms facing upwards. Join the respective  thumbs and the index fingers, keeping the others fingers extended.
7. Keep the back, neck and head erect .
8. Repeat the same procedure for the right leg by placing the near the perineum first  and then the left foot over the right ankle .

Siddha-Yoni Asana   

This is the female accomplished pose, recommended for females as a substitute for siddhasana. Follow the following steps for sitting in Siddha Yoni Asana:   

1. Sit on the floor  with legs extended in front of you .
2. Fold the left leg at the knee. Place the sole of the left foot against the inner right thigh.
3. Place the left heel inside the labia majora of the vagina .
4. Fold the right leg at the knee.Place the right foot on the left leg in the space between the calf and thigh.
5. Make the spine and head fully erect and straight .
6. Practice the asanas in conjunction with cin-mudra or jnana-mudra.

It may be practiced with either leg uppermost .

Padmasana

Follow the following the steps for sitting in padmasana (lotus pose).

1. Sit on the floor.
2. Bend the the right leg at the knee. Holding the right foot with the hands, place it at the root of the left thigh so as to keep the right heel near the navel.
3. Bend the left leg at the knee. Hold the left foot with the hands and place it over the right foot at the root of the right thigh to keep the left heel near the navel. The sole of each foot should be turned up.
4. Keep the back, the neck, and the head perpendicularly straight. While stretching the arms, place the backs of the hands on the respective knee, with the palms upwards. Bend the index finger and the thumb of each hand to touch each other. Alternatively, place the hands in the middle where the feet cross each other, with the palms facing upwards and with the back of the right hand kept upon left palm. This the bhairava-mudra.

Swastikasana

Follow the following the steps to sit in svastiksana :

1. Sit on the floor. Stay the base position .
2. Fold the left leg thigh and calf muscles. Bend the right leg and place the right foot in the space between the left thigh and calves of the opposite leg.
3. Place the toes of the both feet between the thighs and calves of the opposite leg.
4. Place the hands on the corresponding knees in jnana or chin-mudra or the lap, with palms facing upwards and with the back of the right hand kept on the left palm.

NOTE :

The final process of the siddhasana and swastikasana look alike. In the former, the heel of the lower leg pressed the perineum, whereas in the latter it does not.

Vajrasana

Vajra means thunderbolt. Hence vajrasana is the thunderbolt pose. Vajra is the name of a major nadi (pranic channel) in the subtle body. It is directly connected with the genito-urinary system. This nadi regulates the sexual energy of the body. Sequentially follow the following steps to sit in vajrasana:

1. Sit with both the legs folded at the knees and feet stretched backwards and big toes crossed.
2. Keep the knees together , but the heels apart .
3. Lower the buttocks to place them in between the feet, the bottoms of which face upwards. Keep the heels at the sides of the tips.
4. Place the hand on its respective knee , with palms downwards .

Vajarasana is the only pose that can be practiced right after meals to improve digestion . It is the only meditative pose for persons suffering from sciatica and sacral infection .

Sukhasana

Follow  the following steps to sit  on the sukhasana:

1. Sit on the floor and stretch both the legs in front of the body .
2. Fold the left foot under the right thigh.
3. Fold the right foot under the left thigh.
4. Place the hands on the laps , with palms upwards and with the back if the rughgt hands / palm on the left .
5. Keep the head, neck, and back erect.

Sukhasana is the ideal meditative pose for beginners for whom the classical meditative poses are difficult. After mastering any of the classical meditative poses, the meditator should dispense with the sukhasana. A folded blanket at the back below the two buttocks may improve this meditational pose.

Savasana

The corpse pose or savasana is not a meditative pose. Since we recommend pranayama to precede meditation and since every pranayama session is followed by savasana, we deem it proper to briefly describe this asana. The technique is given below:

1. Lie fat on the back, without any pillow with the hands a little away from the thighs and with the palms up.
2. Keep the heels together and the toes apart.
3. Close the eyes .
4. Relax the whole body. All the skeletal should be placid. limbs and joints should not be tense at all. The lower jaw should be loose. The tongue and the pupils of the eyes should be passive.
5. Breathe slowly and evenly, without jerky movements.
6. Keep the mind passive, free from thought.
7. Stay in the pose for 15 to 20 minutes .

Sheetali Pranayama or the cooling breath is usually done after practicing other asanas and pranayamas. This Pranayama cools the body. Sheetali in Sanskrit means ‘cooling’. Sheetali pranayama is mentioned in the yoga texts Hatha Yoga Pradeepika and Gheranda Samhita.

In the ancient text of Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Swami Swatmaram says that a person becomes young and attractive by practicing this pranayama. Also, he says that this pranayama removes excess heat accumulated in the system, reduces the excess biles, corrects the disorders of the spleen, and works on fever. This pranayama gives control over hunger and thirst.

Steps of Sheetali Pranayama

1. Sit in any comfortable meditation posture.

2. Close the eyes and relax the whole body.

3. Extend the tongue outside the mouth as far as possible without strain.

4. Roll the sides of the tongue up so that it forms a tube.

5. Practice a long, smooth, and controlled inhalation through the rolled tongue.

6. At the end of inhalation, draw the tongue in, close the mouth, and exhale through the nose.

7. Practice yogic breathing throughout.

8. The breath should produce a sucking sound.

9. A feeling of icy coldness will be experienced on the tongue and the roof of mouth .

10. This is one round.

Benefits of Sheetali Pranayama

1. This practice cools the body and affects important brain centers associated with biological drives and temperature regulation.

2. It cools and reduces mental and emotional excitation, and encourages the free flow of prana throughout the body.

3. It induces muscular relaxation, mental tranquility and may be used as a tranquilizer before sleep.

4. Gives control over hunger and thirst and generates a feeling of satisfaction.

Contra-Indications of Sheetali Pranayama

1. People suffering from low blood pressure or respiratory disorders such as asthma, bronchitis, and excessive mucus should not practice this pranayama.

2. Those with heart diseases should practice without breath retention.

3. This practice cools down the activity of the lower energy  centre and therefore those suffering from chronic constipation should avoid it.

4. Generally, practitioners should avoid practicing this pranayama in winter or cool climates.

“Prevention is better than Cure”

Care and share the preventive measures of Corona virus/ Covid-19 to all

Himalayan Yoga Academy presents an article on The Natural Ventilators for Corona Care. Our Lungs are our natural Ventilators, nostrils are entry pipelines of natural ventilators and the heart is the computer Monitor of ventilators. Lungs and the heart work hand in hand which means work together in a circular motion. We should know how to cleanse and open these ventilators and also we should know how to ventilate them. By breathing act, we can easily ventilate this. Simply, we do breathe in and out to empower the natural ventilators. Rather than covering and depleting the flow of breath through natural ventilation, we should activate the ventilators and naturalize the mechanism of ventilation.  The practical information is given below.

Human Body structural fact

Our body is the temple of ekadashadwara (11 gates) which are ears-2, eyes -2, nostrils-2, mouth -1, navel-1, anus -1, urethra-1, cosmic path -1 which is the 11^th  gate stands on perpendicular from root perineum to top of the head (Brahmarandha).  We should purify all the gates purposed to accelerate our life force or cosmic energy in that temple.  We should worship in the temple.

This human body is a combination or structure of Panchamahabhootas (five elements). The human body is the source of diamonds, the values of life. Our life force, prana is running in our body.  It is a very natural, universal ventilator made by the almighty, it is not a machine just made by man. This natural ventilator is a living machine that runs on certain mechanisms. This is itself a great scientific system, no scientists can structure it.  It always warns and alarms human beings and creatures.  But we don’t know this phenomenon. We completely neglected it.  When we keep these natural ventilators pure and open, we can update and multiply our capacity and efficiency thousands of times more.

Preparatory phase for Physical Foundation

1. Gargle with salty water or herbal water, Jala neti morning and evening, but in the corona period before bed will be better.
2. Moderate exercises and Yogasanas.

How to cleanse and revitalize?

The following Swasa kriyas and Pranayamas are the recommended for prevention of COVID-19 and the revitalization of the Immune System.

1. Breathe in and out 8 times through the right nostril (Surya nostril/Pingala swara), also called Daya Ekanasikaa Bhastrikaa. Then, breathe in and out 8 times through the left nostril (Moon nostril/Ida swara), known as Baya Ekanasikaa Bhastrikaa. After that, breathe in and out 8 times through both nostrils (Susumna Swara), referred to as Bhastrika Kriya. In between, perform Kapalbhati Kriya to cleanse the waste. Gradually, repeat 2 or more times, aiming for a total of 64 breaths as your target. Ensure the same force and repetition for all steps. Anything beyond this should be practiced under the guidance of a Yoga Master (Guru).
2. Gradually, you can progress to Bhastrika Pranayama with Kumbhaka and Bandhas under the supervision of experts. Bhastrika is practiced in three stages: i. Manda – slow pattern, ii. Madhyama – medium pattern, and iii. Tibra – fast pattern.
3. Shitalee Swasa Kriya or Shitali Pranayama can be done. E.g. by breathing in through the tongue making a canal tube, to those who cannot fold their tongue, then can do Kaki mudra. 
4. Surya Anuloma-Viloma (Surya Swasa Kriya) and Chandra Anuloma-Viloma (Chandra Swasa Kriya) serve as preparatory practices (Nadisodhana 1st phase) for Nadi Shodhan Kriya or Nadi Shodhan Pranayama.
5. Anuloma Viloma – Alternate Nostril Breath (Nadi Shodhana 2^nd phase),  breathe in 5 counts and breathe out 7 counts
6. Nadishodhana Pranayama – Inhale 6 counts, Hold in 8 counts, exhale 8 counts, and feel blank (Hold out)  4 counts. (Under guidance only).
7. Bhramari Swasa Kriya ya Pranayama 7 time’s repetitions with Shanmukhi Mudra (seven gates lock).

Additional Suggestion

1. Healthy, natural, balance diet
2. Proper sleep in right time.
3. Positive thoughts
4. Good human relation
5. Charity and good Karma
6. Value the lives, do not count the dead bodies

Svastha (Healthy),                             Masta (joyful),                             Vishuddha chitta (absolute purity)

Meaning and Definition

What is Yoga for New Generation? Firstly, what is Yoga? The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘yuj’ meaning “to unite” and yoga means “Union or Harmony”. Ultimately Yoga is an aim or mission. We reach or achieve via yogic acts (kriyas).

History of Yoga

Yoga originated 15,000 years ago in the Himalayan Belt (Himavat kshetra). Then initially developed in the whole South Asian region (Bharata Khanda). Over time, yoga developed as philosophy, spirituality, psychology, science, and health as well. Yoga has been promoted and developed in different periods of ancient times. It is very essential for the coming generation. It plays a vital role in keeping the new generation healthy, happy, moral, disciplined, creative, visionary, etc.

 Aim of Yoga

                 To get satchittaanaanda – Truth, consciousness, bliss, and liberation

Objectives of yoga

• Activate the muscles and nerves.
• A strong and flexible body free of pain and physical tension.
• Warm up and open the joins.
• A balanced autonomic nervous system with all physical and physiological processes,  e.g.  Digestion, Respiration, Circulation, Endocrinal secretion
• A calm, clear, and tranquil mind from yoga
• Increase concentration and memory

How it works

Yoga is the easiest way to save the young generation from moving towards violence, suicide, depression, restlessness, etc. When today’s new generation moves towards violence, moves towards suicide, and lives in depression, in such situation yoga will be the easiest way to save them. It also helps to build a better and more beautiful future ahead. It saves genetic degeneration.

Yoga and the Young Generation

We tend to think of yoga as something for adults. Generally, it is a way of increasing overall physical and mental well-being. It includes those who have begun to feel the aches, pains, tension, and stresses that inevitably come with being a grown-up. But yoga can also benefit younger people and any age of people.  Ages 7 to 100 years more also can practice yoga because yoga is for all.

Studies have shown that yoga increases working efficiency, creativity, flexibility and overall ability to concentrate and focus. Yoga cherishes inner rest, peace, relaxation, and breathing in a very active way, enabling children to channel their energy into goal-driven tasks.

Yoga can also have an impact on stress management, obesity (also as a part of physical exercise), and better concentration & memory.

Research work on Yoga

Research has shown that educational curricula incorporating stress-management programs improve academic performance, self-esteem, good knowledge, well discipline, morality, social and family relations, classroom behavior, concentration, and emotional balance.

Various individual controlled studies have shown that yoga appears to be a promising complementary therapy and stress-management tool for children, adolescents, and adults with very low reports of adverse effects. Yoga as a therapeutic intervention has positive effects on psychological functioning, especially in children coping with emotional, mental, and behavioral health problems. Yoga deals with good food habits, good sleep, recreation, rest, psycho-counseling, etc.

Additional potential benefits for school-aged children include improved determination, concentration, imagination and self-esteem.

Merits of Yoga for new generation

Scientific and experiential evidence proves many of yoga’s well-established advantages. From physical to mental to spiritual, devoted yogis everywhere race to their mats to reap the rewards.

1. Physical merits

It has been shown that yoga increases flexibility, builds muscles, increases coordination and balance, and improves aerobic endurance in young people. Yoga also improves posture or alignment and can help prevent muscular-skeletal problems from developing over time – something that younger people, who spend much of the day hunched over a desk require as much as older people.

2. Educational merits

Yoga can help teens mentally refocus on the task at hand. By practicing living in the moment on the mat, teenagers can more fully concentrate on the present moment off the mat.

The growth of digital and social media has meant that the average human attention span is on the decline. By providing a tech-free space of physical and mental concentration, however, yoga can help younger people perceptually focus on the task at hand. Young people who practice yoga have even been shown to perform better in tests than those who do not.

3. Mental merits

Yoga’s mental benefits are fairly well documented, and as evidenced by the study mentioned above, teenagers who practice yoga show more positive moods, less anxiety, and depression, and greatly enjoy asana practice.

With the stress and anxiety of exams, placement tests, speeches, and all of the other pressures that plague high school kids today, yoga can be a step in the right direction.

4. Emotional merits

By taking the time to concentrate on the present moment, yoga can also help young people develop deeper emotional intelligence – the ability to identify how they, and others, are feeling. This can help them recognize and deal independently with negative feelings, increasing mental resilience. It can also help them to develop kindness, compassion, and empathy for others.

In addition to connecting you with your emotions, yoga encourages self-love and self-acceptance. This benefit is especially powerful for teens struggling with body image. It’s a beautiful way to learn to love you and appreciate the body for what it is and what it can do, rather than what it looks like. It builds compassion for the self which then radiates to compassion for others.

5. Social merits

Yoga is non-judgmental, and the more we practice, the more acceptance and less judgment we’ll have in our daily lives. Yoga will help teenagers become more compassionate for one another.

Though digital and social media have grown exponentially in recent times, the idea that sitting alone at your desk or behind a screen builds interconnectedness between people is – perhaps – a little optimistic. By doing yoga with others in Physical Exercise, in an afterschool class, or with the rest of the family, yoga can build stronger social bonds between younger and older people and foster togetherness and mutuality.

6. Spiritual merits

Yoga promotes a sense of calmness, inner peace, exploration of energy, cultivation of awareness, a deeper bodily and energetic awareness, good knowledge, and good feelings, removes blocks keeping one from fully experiencing life, opens one to creativity, and healing, improves imagination power, and integration.

“Prevention is better than Cure”

What are the things to do for Coronavirus Cure? Viruses are lives, that naturally appear and develop. We have natural resistivity power to fight against all types of microbes. So using masks & sanitizers, and staying quarantined or isolated is not a solution, just it can be a little bit of precaution. Only one final solution or permanent solution is to empower our natural or intrinsic original immunity.  

The immune system: innate and adaptive immunity

There are continuous advances in our current understanding of the immune system and how it functions to protect the body from infection. The immune system refers to a collection of cells, chemicals, and processes that function to protect the skin, respiratory passages, intestinal tract, and other areas from foreign antigens. Such as microbes (organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and parasites), viruses, cancer cells, and toxins. Beyond, the structural and chemical barriers which protect us from infection, the immune system can be simplistically viewed as having two “lines of defense”: innate immunity and adaptive immunity.

Innate immunity represents the first line of defense to an intruding pathogen. It is an antigen-independent (non-specific) defense mechanism that is used by the host immediately or within hours of encountering an antigen.  Adaptive immunity, on the other hand, is antigen-dependent and antigen-specific and, therefore, involves a lag time between exposure to the antigen and maximal response.

In case this immunity is down and weak, the microbes from outsides can attack in the body. Then it slowly makes us infection.

Things to note at the first stage

• Cleanse nose with Salty  water or Do Jala Neti, rinse and gargle as well
• Do exercise lightly if no fever, no tired, if not do exercise, walking,  or yogasana or work in farm until sweat breaks.
• Take long breath in and out or do pranayama, especially Bhastrika series and Sheetali  if you know.
• Steam inhalation with herb drops or leaves.
• Take a sun bath at 7 to 10 am and 4 to 6 pm in the evening (Time for summer).
• Gargle when coming from outsides and before beds
• Chant any mantra or beej mantra, or any form of Dhyana (meditation) as you know.
• Listen sentimental  music to increase concentration and for energy flow
• Take multivitamins, vitamin C, and Natural balance diet in right time right way right purpose .
• Intake of less sweet things, less kapha associated foods and emphasize vegetarian and vegan food if possible.
• Drink enough water as need warm or lukewarm, or day time normal room temperatue
• Drink herbal tea like Tulsi, Mint, Lemon grass, Caraway seed (Jwano), cinnamon, and ginger etc.
• Take some more herbs like Turmeric powder (Besaar), Pepper, Tinospora cordifolia (Gurjo), Garlic, Liquorices (Jethimadhu), Long pepper (Pipla), Green gooseberry (Amala), etc.

• Take one spoonful of Chyavanaprasa twice a day
• Intake of Honey 1 teaspoon twice / thrice a day
• Take rest, proper sleep and build up your willpower, self-confidence etc.
• Laughing and clapping therapy
• Stay in ventilated room, but don’t watch TV news at all and don’t read the news paper.
• You can read motivational and inspiring books, stories, poems, spiritual texts, etc, do something creative things and engage in your hobby.
• Don’t use the Mask in private isolated rooms or alone in open place or morning walk, but must use in more people together and keep the door and windows open and ventilated as well.
• Minimize your duty hours if possible and be mask free more time a day 

Second stage

1. If there are symptoms and complications, further treatment should be done. You may choose firstly Nature Cure, Ayurveda, and natural or spiritual healing etc.
2.  Modern medicines as needed.

Note: It is better to have optimum use of natural VENTILATION rather than the entry into VENTILATOR.

Yoga as a current issue

Yoga Retreat In Nepal is a perfect zone for all Yoga Enthusiasts. Yoga is balance, either in life or in the universe. Yoga is the aim of life and the rule of universal existence. For this purpose, firstly we should keep our life healthy, happy, and harmonious, and then we achieve yoga, the state of the void ‘ Yogashchhittavrittinirodhah ”. The yogic process is the programming of a busy and stressful life. So, the subject of Yoga is a common interest and needs people.

Yoga Retreat as Refreshment Programming

A retreat is a quiet, separated, or peaceful place that you go to in order to rest or to do things in private. It is refreshing and balances programming.  If you retreat from something such as a plan or a way of life, you give it up, usually in order to do something safer or less extreme. It works as a pill for modern and stressful life.

What is Yoga Retreat ?

A yoga retreat is a withdrawal to focus on the practice of yoga and the means of healing. A retreat can be solitary and/or local, but often involves a trip to a location. It offers group yoga activities as lifestyle management.

Purpose of Yoga Retreat in Nepal

While the purpose of a traditional yoga retreat requires a slower pace, some modern-style retreats are recreational vacations that feature five-star accommodations, high-end restaurants, and a range of activities. It includes yoga asana classes, Pranayama, meditation, massage, hiking, trekking, and sightseeing.

Many traditional retreats with a focus on mindful awareness and the spiritual practice of yoga can be found throughout the world with price tags that range from high-end to modest. With the guidance of an instructor or guru, yogis learn to let go of distractions as they immerse themselves in asana, pranayama, and meditation practices. The retreat may also focus on eating habits and the practice of a natural lifestyle to improve overall physical and spiritual health, as well as instruction in yogic philosophy.

A yoga retreat ideally involves traveling to a place that is surrounded by natural beauty. Relax your body, mind, and soul by taking the practice of yoga asana and meditation on the beaches or in the shadow of towering mountains or trekking in Nature, or staying in a Yoga academy.  Connect closely with nature and feel an intimate sense of rejuvenation, health, harmony, and happiness. Yoga Retreat should be applied in Yoga Academy, Ashram, Retreat centers, etc.

The purpose of a retreat is to allow yogis to deepen their practice without the distractions of life. Yoga retreats are temporary breaks from the daily routine that typically last from a weekend to a week or more. It is a kind of detachment as well.

Advantages of a Yoga Retreat in Nepal

As the word intimates, a retreat is a wonderful chance to step back from our daily lives to find a moment of rest and refreshment, to get in touch with you, and simply find inner peace and calmness. Yoga Retreating is a way of taking time out and assessing our life decisions, helping us to bring clarity to the challenges ahead. A retreat helps all the distractions fall away so you are free to work on the projects that are most inviting to you. It reduces the stress levels from daily work broaden and too much thought.  As an added bonus, this causes us to actually follow through, making us our most productive selves. Being away from our routines, comforts, and amenities is difficult.

Retreats remove us from noise and distraction making us close to nature and into a place of spiritual refreshing and renewing. It is a way of entering into the presence of the almighty and allowing him to nourish our souls. As we settle into the stillness, we notice the stirrings of our soul, our deeper longings, and the Almighty’s quiet whisper to us.

Vacation of Yoga Retreat in Nepal

A retreat is essentially time away from our everyday lives. Whether we need a break from work or the children or are recovering from a breakup or a personal loss or cultural & traditional practices, or political pressures, or business pressure.

Conclusion of Yoga Retreat in Nepal

In the time of mechanical and technological life, stress levels rise rapidly. So, a Yoga retreat is very necessary for all faculties. A yoga retreat is not only the Asana or physical exercise; it includes all types of cleansing processes, physical exercise, Yogasana, breathing exercises & pranayama, Meditation, natural spa & wellbeing, dietetics,  full rest, sleep quality, entertainment, adventures, traveling, good relations,  healing, etc.  We are initiators of Yoga and spiritual tourism promotion in Nepal with good plans and projects since 1997, and now we are running these types of retreats at Himalayan Yoga Academy.

CHAKRA RECOGNITION

In Sanskrit, the word “chakra” means “disk” “wheel” or spiral and refers to the energy centers in our body. These wheels or disks of spinning energy each correspond to certain nerve bundles, major organs and glands. To function at their best and the regulation of energy in the body our chakras need to stay open, or balanced. If they get blocked, we may experience physical or emotional symptoms related to a particular chakra.

There are 114 different chakras in the body and 112 chakras are physical. 7 main chakras run along our spine. They start at the root, or base, of our spine and extend to the crown of your head. The chakras most often referred to are the seven main ones that we’ll explore in more detail below.

Major seven chakras

The energy center system refers to the energy centers we have in our bodies. There are seven major chakras, each in a specific location along your spine. Locating and analyzing the chakras can help in healing old emotional and physical wounds. Here is a look at the location of the 7 energy centers in our body and their functions:

1. Mooladhaara (Root) chakra

The root center, or Mooladhaara, is located at the base of your spine, exactly in perineum junction. It provides us with a base or foundation for life and it helps you feel grounded and able to withstand challenges. It gives the sense of “I am”. Your root chakra is responsible for your sense of security and stability.

Its beej mantra is ‘Lam”
Colour: Red
Element: Earth
Body functions: Legs, feet, bones, large intestine and adrenal glands
Represents: Stability, grounding, foundation, family, your connection to the earth, survival, financial and physical security
Excessive: Heavy, sluggish, stagnant
Deficient: Ungrounded, ‘head in the clouds’, fearful, anxious

2. Swadhisthana (Sacral) chakra

The sacral center, or Swadhisthana, is located just below our belly button, exactly at the root of our genitals. This chakra is responsible for our sexual and creative energy. It’s also linked to how you relate to your emotions as well as the emotions of others. It gives the sense of “I feel”. This chakra is associated with the lymphatic system and is responsible for expressing emotions. It also helps us to get in touch with your sexual desires.

The beej mantra is ‘Vam’
Colour: Orange
Element: Water
Body functions: Kidneys, bladder, circulatory system, reproductive organs and glands
Represents: Emotions, desire, pleasure, sexuality, procreation, and creativity
Excessive: Addicted to pleasure, restless, indulgent, overly emotional
Deficient: Depressed, impotent, joyless, rigid, numb

3. Manipura (Solar plexus) Chakra

The solar plexus center, or Manipura, is located in your stomach area. It’s responsible for confidence and self-esteem, as well as helping you feel in control of your life. It gives the sense of “I can do it”. This chakra is also responsible for the ‘gut feeling’. For the uninitiated, gut feeling is getting a cue about something that isn’t right for us.

The beej mantra is “Ram’
Colour: Yellow
Element: Fire
Body functions: Digestive system, muscles, pancreas, and adrenals
Represents: Power, transformation, self-will
Excessive: Quick to anger, aggressive, dominating, controlling, lack of compassion
Deficient: Indecisive, insecure, timid, needy, passive, poor self-esteem

4. Anaahata (Heart) Chakra

The heart center, or Anahata, is located near our heart, in the center of your chest. It comes as no surprise that the heart chakra is all about our ability to love and show compassion. It gives the sense of “I love). This energy center is responsible for emotional healing and sound mental health.

The beej mantra is ‘Yam’
Colour: Green
Element: Air
Body functions: Lungs, heart, arms, hands, and thymus gland
Represents: Love, relationships, joy, peace, forgiveness, trust
Excessive: Loss of personal boundaries, needy, co-dependent, narcissistic
Deficient: Closed, shy, lonely, isolated

5. Vishuddhi (Throat) Chakra

The throat center, or Vishuddhi, is located in our throat. This chakra has to do with our ability to communicate verbally. It symbolically relates the knowledge. It gives the sense of ‘I express”. This chakra is associated with voicing your expressions and being creative. The throat chakra is located right above the heart and is responsible for expressing the truth and sharing your opinion with others.

The beej mantra is ‘Ham’.  
Colour of the chakra: Blue
Element: Ether
Body functions: Neck, shoulders, arms, hands, thyroid and parathyroid glands
Represents: Communication, voice, self-expression, judgement
Excessive: Overuse of voice, loud, inability to listen
Deficient: Shy, quiet, scared to speak up, unable to express emotions

6. Ajna (Third eye) Chakra

The third eye, or Ajna, is located between our eyes. We can thank this chakra for a strong gut instinct. That’s because the third eye is responsible for intuition. It’s also linked to imagination and intuition. It gives the sense of ‘I see’. The sixth chakra is the third eye energy center, which loosely translates to “beyond wisdom”. This center is responsible for garnering information about ourselves and beyond the materialistic world. It is located in between eyebrows-the third eye.

The beej mantra is OM.   
Colour: Indigo
Element: Light
Body functions: Visual perception, pituitary gland, neurological function
Represents: Intuitive wisdom, discriminating, decision-making
Excessive: Delusional, paranoid, difficulty concentrating
Deficient: Poor memory, denial

7. Sahasrara (Crown) Chakra

The crown, or Sahasrara, is located at the top of our head. Your Sahasrara represents our spiritual connection to ourselves, others, and the universe. It also plays a role in our life’s purpose. It gives the sense of ‘I realize’. The seventh center is known to be responsible for the direct connection with the almighty and the conscious energy. This center is located on the top of your head and is associated with the Buddhist concept of achieving nirvana–which is simply not possible for humans. Trying to balance this chakra will help you gain insight into yourself and balance your other chakras. It is not possible to completely balance this chakra for a human.

The beej mantra is ‘AUM’
Colour : Violet
Element: Consciousness
Body functions: Cerebral cortex, central nervous system, and primarily the pineal and pituitary gland
Represents: Connection to source, ultimate truth, awareness
Excessive: Overly intellectual, spiritual addiction, dissociation from body
Deficient: Disconnection, depression, spiritual cynicism

Himalayan Yoga Academy presents an article on FUNDAMENTAL CONTENTS OF YOGA (योगको आधारभूत तत्त्वहरू ) for a better understanding. It is briefly discussed below.

Understanding of Yoga

Omkar introduction –

A-U-M Om : (Divine Power)
A – Creation / Birth; U – operation / existence / life; M – Holocaust / Resurrection/ Death

PRAYER – प्राथना

AUM /OM:
A: U: M =     A……………………………………………………………….………….U…………………….………..…………M..…….
A: U: M =   A…………………..……U…………………………….…………………………………………..……….M……………..….
A: U: M =    A…………………U……………………..M……………….………………….………………………………….……..……..

YOGA Bandana,- GURU MANTRA:

OM Namo Guru Dev Namo! “ॐ नमो गुरु देव् नमो”-
       Meaning:     I bow, or salutations to the divine Master.

Meaning of Yoga as Different Texts

According to Panini Sanskrit grammar, yoga is made up of the “yuj” dhatu/root but the meaning is different for each.
 I) Divadiganiya ( दिवादिगणीय), ‘Uj – Samadhau’ ‘युज – समाधौ’ from Dhaatu – Samadhi.
 II) Rudhadiganiya (रुधादिगणीय), ‘Ujira Yoge dhaatu’ युजिर योगे धातु’ Samyog (Coincidence) or Mel (Union)
III) Churadiganeeya (चुरादिगणीय) -Yuj-samyamane – “युज- संयमने, restraint or regulation from root

Definition of Yoga –

I. Yoga commentator Maharshi Vyas wrote “Yoga: Samadhi“,“योग: समाधि”-Yoga is Samadhi.

II. “Yogashchittavrittinirodhah”: Pa. Su.1; 2 योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोध: पा. यो. सू..१; २; Yoga + sh + Chitta (mind, ego, intellect, Consciousness)  + vritti (Thoughts) 24-40 /sec.  + Nirodhah – Patanjali Yoga Sutra—–Meaning: the cessation of modifications of thoughts in chitta (more about of Mind+) is yoga.

III. “Sthitametata Sven Rupena” – “स्थितमेतत स्वेन रुपेण”(Chhandogya 8.3.4) – Yoga – The soul is situated in the self-form in the state of form by samadhi.

The personality and development of a yogi – acknowledgement of Yogi’s personalites, and also developing process via yogic means.

The field and usefulness of yoga = study of different yogic feilds and need of Yoga in human life. 

Identity related to yoga literatures – study fo different literatures for expanding our areas of knowledge.

The emergence of yoga and history of Yoga

Context of origin, Discussion of the interrelationship between Shiva civilization and Yoga

• Om Shiva’s Yoga Chaturtha: Hatha, Mantra, Laya and Raj Yoga – Advaita. The first disciple was Parvati and the second groups of disciples were the seven sages (Sapta Rishis).
• Description of Kailash and Himavat region and emergence of Himalayan civilization.
• Shiva na yoga inquirer, seeker, adiguru. Adiyogi, Yogeshwar, Adinath.
• Pashupatinath area as the first school of Shiva.
• Tantra Yoga as a dialogue between Shiva and Parvati, as well as Kundalini Yoga.

Tradition (परम्परा): Two traditions – Vedic and Nath (Hatha)

Vedic Tradition: Om Hiranyagarbho Yogastha Vaktaa  Nasyah Puratanah!  हिरण्यगर्भो योगास्थ वक्ता नास्य:पुरातन:।:. -Hirandagarbha is the oldest or the original spokesperson of yoga.
Naatha Tradition: Aadinaatha Shiva

Kaal Khand – Pre-Vedic period, Vedic period, Pre-classical, philosophy / Classical and Upanishad period, post classical and modern period.

Vedic period of yoga
Yogas in the Vedas and earlier Upanishads. The Rig Veda is the first reference text of Yoga. In 108 Upanishads, many refer to direct yoga. RIG VED – 3000 to 2000 B C. Poorva Upanishads 800- 600 BC

2. The importance or necessity of yoga in modern life

Health sector;  Medical field;  Education sector; Family sector;  Social sphere; Political sphere; Economic sector;  Mental sector; psychological sphere, Intellectual realm;  Spiritual realm.

3. The discipline of yoga

Praarambha ( Initiation) Deerghakaalin (Long term);  
Nirantarataa (Continuity); Shraddha (reverence);                                                    
Dhridha Prayatna (Perseverance);

4. The influential elements or obstacle elements of yoga

According to Hatha Pradeepika

Obstacles to the yoga path – Talkativeness; More labor/ Exertion; Over eating; Urging adherence to rules; More contacts; Flexibility of mind

The positive elements of the yoga path – Enthusiasm; Courage; Patience; Real knowledge; Resolution;  avoiding the company of common people,

5. Objectives:

Yoga education helps in self-discipline and sales control, leading to multiple levels of consciousness, concentration and higher levels of consciousness. In a nutshell, the aims and objectives of yoga education are:

1. Improve a person’s integrated health
2. To practice mental hygiene
3. Achieve emotional stability
4. To have inner peace, purity, rest and relaxation
5. Integrate moral values
6. To eternizing the mind and developing concentration
7. To awaken kundalini, the faminine power or spiritual energy
8. Get happiness, harmony, and bliss
9. To achieve a higher level of consciousness

6. Yog-charyaa (Yogic Attitudes)

1. Goals of life                                                                                                2. All victorious                 
3. Four means – Shastra, Guru, Sadhan, Paramatma                                     4. Preparation of sadhanaa    
5. Silent practice;                                                                                           6. Mantra recitations                
7. Sublime thoughts,                                                                                     8. Abandoning addiction
9. Abstinence from sleep,                                                                            10. Perseverance/effort

7. General Rules of Yoga Class

Introduction of Class;                          Environment of venue or Hall;                        Arrangement of Class,
Timing of class; Dress & Clothing;                                 Diet;                                 
Lifestyle;

8. Discussion of the types of yoga related literature, introduction, importance and features

* Karma Yoga, Gyan Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Dhyana Yoga mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita.
* According to Shiva Samhita, Hatha Yoga, Mantra Yoga, Laya Yoga and Raj Yoga.
* Tantra Yoga, Japa Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Swara Yoga based on Tantra Yoga
* Sanatan Yoga, Sankhya Yoga, Kriya Yoga, Akshatanga Yoga, based on Vedic Vagmaya

 9. Understanding Eastern Philosophy and the Yoga References

* Yoga elements in Vedanta and Mimamsa philosophy
* Yoga theory in Samkhya philosophy and yoga philosophy
* The importance of yoga in Nyaya and Vaishesika philosophy
* Use of yoga in Buddhist and Jain philosophy

“Hari Om Tat Sat” OM Shantih! Shantih!! Shantih !!!

OM TATSAT BRAMANE NAMAH !! ओम तत् सत् ब्रमणे नम: !!!  

 HAPPY NEW NEPALESE YEAR 2078 B.S. (2021 AD) TO ALL THE DIVINE SOULS!!!
नव वर्ष २०७८ को सम्पूर्ण दिव्यात्माहरुलाई हार्दिक मंगलमय शुभकामना !!!

COVID YEAR

Last year’s New Year began with the epidemic of Covid-19. Now the situation was supposed to be comfortable, but again Corona is reported to have returned with a new dress. Those who say the vaccine can eradicate the covid-19, but somebody has been re-infected and have got already two doses of the vaccine.

Miscomprehension

Those of us who live a mechanical or artificial life today give value to external or artificial means and devices more than internal or natural means and rules. We have lived in hope, desire, and expectation more than improving ourselves, activating the entire potency, and disciplining the body and mind. People are looking and becoming so hopeful and then expressing their hopes in this way:

Oh! Some countries are going to make the vaccine; next month’s expression is: another country has already started to make it; another country has already made it, and now the vaccine is coming to our country. Now the agreement is done by the government with the country. It is coming within a month. 1 million has already been imported. Now then they have again debated whether the Indian vaccine is safe or the Chinese one or the English one, etc. But these types of faith also increased the self-confidence and resilience of the people of the world community.

But there was no any focus and role on saving nature, saving oneself, saving life, saving existence, no regreting, no realizing the facts and truth what we missed, misused or misguided. After all, life is alive with disease and pandemic, disruption and ignorance, but we couldn’t feel and experience the complete sense of life that we lost.

Ultimate Solution

Sirs! Epidemics are not solved via an artificial and temporary solution. Mask and Vaccines are not the final answer. To get rid of them, we should understand the universal ethics, code and conduct of life, manage our lifestyle and build the underlying natural vaccine within us. And also we should apply healthy food habit, good workplan, proper sleep, proper rest, positive willpower, self-confidence etc..

Daily Walk for 30 – 45 minutes, do at least 25 minutes of yoga asana, 20 minutes of pranayama, and 15 minutes of meditation. Do pranayama and meditation twice a day if possible. Yoga is not practiced, it is achieved and experienced. It is about reaching in discipline and getting Chaitanya (Higher consciousness. Yoga is the goal, which is achieved through meditation and Samadhi by preparing our ethics, values, asanas, pranayama, etc.

If possible, work in the field for 2 to 4 hours for farming, increase lung and heart function, break the sweat once, and strengthen your natural ventilation. So that it does not make us go into Ventilator. The two lungs inside our chest are our natural ventilators. The two nostrils are the doors to the ventilation. The heart between the two lungs is the computer of the natural ventilator. The pulmonary vessels of the heart and the airways of the lungs are the pipes of the ventilator. As long as you don’t keep it active, you can’t imagine a healthy life, a happy life, a long life, a happy life.

Therefore, regular aerobics exercises, asanas, breathing exercises, pranayama, gesture (Mudra), meditation, it is important to strengthen the lungs, heart and all vital organs what we have.

Eat organic and natural foods, do not eat meat, eat fewer dairy products, do not watch the news, do not read the news, sleep soundly, have fun, love nature, serve and love animals and humans, and be your shepherd rather than the shepherd of others. Be positive in life except covid-19 and be able to win easily from corona. And be happy with New Year’s new energy, new vigor, new hope, new wishes, new dreams, new goals.

Bhavatu Sarva Mangalam. भवतु सर्व मङ्गलम।

Happy New Year, 2078 again!

Hari om tatsat !! हरि ओम तत् सत् !!