Why Yoga in Nepal

Nepal is the origin of yoga. This is the country of yoga, the country of Tantra, and the country of spiritual practice. There are many reasons why Yoga in Nepal is considered the best place to learn yoga and do various courses such as yoga teacher training courses, reiki courses, singing bowl courses, meditation courses, and many more beautiful spiritual experiences.

1. Country of enlightened people:

This is the country that has enabled numerous people have attain enlightenment. Especially, during the time of Buddha, many meditators were enlightened. Though Nepal lacks good governance and a political system, it is very good in yoga and spiritual practice. You can feel the spiritual vibrations during your practice. Since many yogis, hermits, sages, solons, savants, recluses, eremites, etc. have attained a higher level of the spiritual realm, this is the best place for yoga, the best place for meditation, and other types of spiritual practices.

2. Favorable Geography:

The places and the relationships between people and their environments in Nepal are one of the best in the world. This is very favorable for yoga, meditation, and other techniques of spiritual practice. It is located between 26° 20′ and 30°10′ north latitude and 80° 15′ to 88° 19′ east longitude. This part of the earth is proper for yogic practice. That is why yoga originated here. This is the part of earth auspicious and sacred for spiritual growth. It is great in both ways- the physical properties of Earth’s surface and the various human societies that live there. People in Nepal are connected to spirituality.

3. Yoga and Spiritual Centers:

There are many types of spiritual and yoga centers in Nepal. Whatever type of practice you want, is available in Nepal. People are of different types. One likes a type of practice while the other likes other types of practice. Since Nepal is full of spiritual practice, you will find it here according to your interest.  

4. Access to Scriptures:

Many scholars in Nepal can impart knowledge and wisdom in Vedic Sciences such as Karma yoga, Bhakti yoga, Jnana yoga, etc. Spiritual Scriptures such as the Puranas, Bhagavad Gita, Dhammapada, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, etc. You will have access to all the ancient text here.

5. Multiple ways of understanding:

There are five major heterodox schools—Jain, Buddhist, Ajivika, Ajana, and Crvka—and six major orthodox Eastern schools—Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mīmāṃsā, and Vedanta. They teach spiritual knowledge in a unique way. You can understand philosophy from various perspectives.

6. Practicing Yoga with Yogis from Around the World: 

We welcome visitors from all around the world on an annual basis. Gain new insights into your yoga practice from yogis around the world. Together, you may practice, walk, cook, volunteer, and forge connections that will last a lifetime. We take pride in building a volunteer community where everyone feels supported and at ease expressing who they truly are. Spend your evening leading your preferred workshop, participating in other events, or sitting in the tipi with your new friends and sharing poems and stories. Talk to us if you have an idea for a fun activity to do while camping, hiking, or trekking; we’ll help you set it up.

7. Practice Seva Yoga (Selfless Service):

Even if a selfless act is conducted without regard for the outcome for the individual, it results in collective benefit and gain. One must face his or her challenges, reluctance, and negativity when doing selflessly. One gains awareness of his or her thought processes, habits, and other personality traits. Let go of personality traits that are no longer helpful to them via this increased self-awareness and discover an inner calm that is independent of and unaffected by external circumstances.

Seva yoga combines Bhakti yoga, the yoga of love and devotion, with Karma yoga, the yoga of action. One helps others through their deeds and does it with a mindset of unadulterated, selfless compassion when one engages in Seva yoga. “The word’s roots are thought to capture the spirit of Seva yoga. Seva derives from the Sanskrit words Saha, which means “with that,” and Eva, which means “too.” Seva, therefore, means “together with.”

8. Practice Yoga in the Himalayas:

There are many mountains and Himalayas which are best suited for yoga practice. You can enjoy the natural beauty, peaceful environment, and ancient system for the practice.

9. Time with Local people:

You can visit local people and understand their culture, lifestyle, habit patterns, traditions exploring, and many more. If you are interested to explore various secrets of Nepal, this is one of the best methods.

10.   The climate and weather in Nepal:

It varies greatly depending on the season and altitude. The Terai region in the south, which is less than 500 meters above sea level, and the High Himalayan region in the north, which is more than 5,000 meters, can both be classified as different climate zones in Nepal. Average temperatures in Nepal’s highest mountains drop to sub-zero levels after reaching a peak of around 24°C in the south. The amount of precipitation varies depending on where it falls in the country, with some high-altitude places in the north receiving less than 1,000 millimeters (mm) and some central and northern pockets receiving more than 3,000 mm. It is neither too hot, nor too warm, neither too rainy nor drought. It has a perfect climate.

11.  Strengthen Your Hatha, Jnana, and Bhakti Yoga Practice   

HATHA YOGA

The yoga style that Westerners are most accustomed to is hatha yoga. The word is derived from the Sanskrit words ha, which means “sun,” and tha, which means “moon.” The goal of the practice is to bring together the active and receptive traits that each heavenly entity represents. The goal of Hatha yoga is to develop harmony between the active body and its environment through proper breathing and physical alignment. Physical strength, physiological health, and emotional well-being are the results of this equilibrium.

Jnana Yoga

Self-awareness is the focus of Jnana Yoga. If you can do it, Jnana Yoga has the power to improve your life as well. Jnana Yoga doesn’t include performing any physical asanas, unlike Vinyasa or Hatha Yoga. Instead, utilizing the appropriate understanding is one of the four paths to enlightenment.

BHAKTI YOGA

The goal of Bhakti yoga is to realize the union of the individual self with God by dedicating oneself to the Divine that is present in everything. It has been called the loveliest of the yogic paths since it fosters love and acceptance for all beings and is driven by a love of God rather than a fear of adverse consequences or retribution. Yoga practitioners who follow the Bhakti path may worship through chanting, mantras of devotion, prayer, kirtan, and rituals.

Sun Salutation B or Surya Namaskar B is an advanced variation of the traditional 12-posture sequence of flowing movements. There are many different Sun Salutation variations, with Sun Salutations A, B, and C ranking among the most popular. Sun Salutation B features 19 poses that offer a full-body stretch that opens the heart, shoulders, hips, back, and chest, and a cardiovascular workout.

Sun Salutation B or Surya Namaskar B increases energy in the body, boosting overall vitality and preparing the body for more advanced poses. When you focus on the preceding breath to movement and flow gracefully from one pose to the next, you will move from practicing physical asanas to moving meditation.

The proper method to synchronize your breath to the movements of your body.

1. Utkatasana – Chair pose

Start in the mountain position, or Tadasana, at the front of your mat. To calm and be within yourself, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Inhale, squat your knees and raise your wrists so that your upper arms rest just above your ears. The knee should not cross the toe level but can be behind your toe level. Try to maintain soft shoulders, a long spine, and legs that don’t “overshoot” your toes. Bring your wrists in front of you while bending your elbows if your shoulders are tight.  Gaze fix to your thumbs.

2. Uttanasana – Standing forward fold

Exhale, straighten your legs by pushing through your feet and sweep your body forward and downward while hunching at the hips. Maintain a long spine, move your shoulders away from your ears, and align your fingers with your toes. Bend your knees and put your fingertips on the ground or your hands on blocks if this is too challenging for your hamstrings. Gaze fix to your navel or tip of your nose.

 3. Ardha Uttanasana – Half-standing forward fold

Taking a breath, extend your sternum forward until it touches your fingers. In order to avoid compression, maintain your neck long on the sides and back. Imagine the crown of your cranium and your sit bones as sources of opposing energy that radiates outward.

You could adjust by putting your palms on the tops of your thighs or shins.

4. Chaturanga Dandasana – Four-limbed staff pose / low press up

Deeply bending your knees will allow you to press your palms solidly into the ground. When you become an advanced practitioner, you can try it without bending your knees.  As you exhale, engage your abdominal muscles to support your spine, focus your attention on a spot just in front of your toes, and jump back into Chaturanga Dandasana, sending your energy and sternum’s base towards this focal point. Land with your shoulders aligned with your forearms and your elbows bent. You have to engage your arms, shoulders, and core properly. Your elbows should be about 90 degrees, in this situation, forearms happen to be perpendicular to the ground.

5. Urdhva Mukha Svanasana – Upward facing dog pose

Take a deep breath in, roll onto your toes, and push your sternum forward and upward until your chest passes through the opening between your upper arms. Draw the thighs away from the floor while pressing the tops of the feet, particularly the big toes, solidly into the ground. Try to engage the entire palm region and fingers, not only the heel of your hands. Lift the sternum and look upward while keeping the abdomen slightly engaged to safeguard the lower belly.

6. Adho Mukha Svanasana – Downward-facing dog

Exhale, Raise the belly in and up, and tightly press the palms together. Step over your toes or roll your hips up and back to balance on the balls of your feet with your feet hip distance apart. Press the tops of the thighs back while extending through the sit bones and the crown of the cranium. Instead of pressing your heel to the floor, try to lengthen your spine.

7. Virabhadrasana I – Warrior 1

Exhale, grip your palms tightly and draw your belly in and upward. Step over your toes or roll your hips up and back to balance on the balls of your feet with your feet hip distance apart, it can be zero distance as well. There should be a balanced weight on both legs. Press the tops of the thighs back while extending through the sit bones and the crown of the cranium. Instead of forcing your feet to the floor, try to lengthen your spine.

8. Chaturanga Dandasana

As you exhale, frame the right foot with your hands and return to Chaturanga. Make sure your shoulders don’t drop below the line where your arms are.

9. Urdhva Mukha Svanasana / Upward facing dog 

Inhale and go ahead to Urdvha Mukha Svanasana / Upward facing dog pose.

10. Adho Mukha Svanasana – Downward-facing dog

Exhale, then return to Adho Mukha Svanasana.

11. Virabhadrasana 1 Warrior 1 on the other side

Inhale, Step forward with your LEFT foot into Virabhadrasana from Adho Mukha Svanasana.

12. Move through Chaturanga 

13. Urdvha Mukha Svanasana

14. Adho Mukha Svanasana; hold the pose for five deep breaths

15. Ardha Uttanasana – Half-standing forward fold

Deeply squat on your knees while gazing at your hands at the conclusion of the fifth breath. Hug your abdominal muscles in and up, then firmly push your palms into the ground. Keep your elbows slightly pliable as you rise onto the balls of your feet and hop or float to the top of your cushion. Inhale, returning to your fingers, take Ardha Uttansana, and extend your sternum forward once more.

16. Uttanasana – Standing forward fold

Exhale, Fold deeply, extending the back of your neck and vertebrae, and bringing your palms once more to the outside of your feet.

17. Utkatasana – Chair pose

Inhale, Take a deep breath in, flex your knees, and raise your arms back up towards the heavens. Keep your tailbone long and your neck’s sides open.

Exhale, straighten your legs by pressing into your feet and bring your hands together so that they rest at the base of your heart.

Take five lengthy, deep breaths while standing in Tadasana with your eyes closed. Then, repeat the process. Start with three to five cycles.

Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana is a standing posture that fosters equilibrium, balance, and increased focus. The word is a combination of the Sanskrit words utthita, which means “standing,” hasta, which means “hand,” padangustha, which means “big toe,” and asana, which means “pose”. It is known as the Extended Hand To Big Toe Pose.

How to do Utthita hasta padangusthasana-A:

• Stand straight and tall in samasthiti.
• Inhale and lift your right leg, and grab your right big toe with your right hand while keeping your left hand on your left waist.
• Exhale and pull your leg closer to your chin and slightly fold forward towards your leg.
• Gaze fix to the big toe. Hold the pose for about five deep breaths.

How to do Utthita hasta padangusthasana- B:

• From Utthita hasta padangusthasana- A, inhale and release your forward fold. Continue holding your big toe and keep your body straight
•  Exhale and slowly move your right leg towards the right side while holding your big toe with your right hand. Turn your head to the left side. Gaze fix far to the left.
• Hold the pose for about 5 deep breaths.

How to do Utthita hasta padangusthasana- C:

From Utthita hasta padangusthasana- B, bring your leg back to the front and pull your right in front with both hands. This is done only for one breath according to the Ashtsnga Vinyasa Series. Yet, if you want you can increase its duration up to five deep breaths.

How to do Utthita hasta padangusthasana- D:

• From Utthita hasta padangusthasana-C, inhale, release your both hands and keep them on your waist.
• Keep your leg extended forward parallel to the floor.
• Hold the pose for about five deep breaths, gaze fixed on the big toe, and release.
• Repeat the same process on the other side as well.

Benefits of Utthita hasta padangusthasana:

•  Utthita hasta padangusthasana boosts the strength of your leg.
•  It enhances a person’s feeling of balance, both physically and mentally.
•  It boosts mental focus during meditation, harmonizes feelings, encourages mental steadiness, and heightens self-awareness.
• In addition to strengthening the core and opening the heart, this posture aids in maintaining a sense of calm and equilibrium that is always present.
• It helps to balance the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
• If you do this pose regularly, it works for anti-aging.
• Utthita hasta padangusthasana stimulates the Muladhara (root) and svadisthana (spleen or sacrum) chakras. A person’s feeling of stability, openness to intimacy, creativity, and sense of self are all strengthened when these two chakras are stimulated.
• Stretches and opens the hips, shoulders, and arms while strengthening the legs, ankles, and muscles around the knees.
• It also thoroughly stretches the hamstrings or back thigh muscles.
• Improved digestion and lower back pain relief are both benefits of this practice.

Modifications :

• Beginners who need modifications can use a strap to hold on to the foot, maintain the leg bent, and open the hip to the side. As soon as one is balanced enough to turn to the side, one can also keep looking forward.
• Another adjustment is to bend your knee and hold on to the top of your shin, which is near your knee, rather than your big toe.
• If your balance is not proper, practice it next to a wall or pillar. As and when necessary, take support of it.

Contra-indication for Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana

You should never perform Padangusthasana if you have any of the following medical problems without first speaking to a qualified yoga instructor or ayurvedic physician:

•   Pregnant women later than four months.
•   Knee pain or Arthritis
•   Recent surgery in the neck, abdomen, or knees.
•   Chronic diarrhea
•   Injury in the back, quadriceps, or hamstrings.
•   Persistent headaches or migraine.

Who should not miss Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana?

Padangusthasana can be readily altered to accommodate various fitness goals, ages, and health conditions.

This asana is good for all but very important for:

• Children
• Seniors
• Those who have issues with their kidneys and stomach.
• People who wish to lessen their anxiety and tension.
• People who suffer from lower back pain.
• Those who often experience stomach issues.
• People who experience occasional light headaches.

Remember:  

Deep breath during an asana is very important to gain strength to hold the pose for a longer duration and maintain stability and balance. It is better to observe a deep breath from nostrils to tandem (area 2 inches below your navel) and tandem to nostrils. This practice will continue to recharge your body.

Ayurveda, having origin in the Vedas, focuses a lot of accent on a diet (Aahara) and food (anna), and it holds that a balanced diet nourishes the body, mind, and soul. Ayurveda does not categorize food as good or bad; rather, it places prominence on several factors that affect it, including its biological characteristics, place of origin, environmental factors, seasons, preparation, and freshness. It also offers a logical justification for how to balance food by a person’s dosha and physical requirements. Scriptures state that no letter cannot be a mantra, and no root can be a medicine.  Every man is useful in some way.

According to Ayurveda, “Aahara” (diet) and “Anna” (food) are very important for a healthy life, health, and wellness. Mind, body, and spirit are all nourished by wholesome, healthy food.

Even though each person’s digestive ability may vary, a healthy life requires eating food of sufficient quality and quantity. Food, when consumed in the right amounts, gives you energy, and a healthy complexion, and supports the health of your tissues.

Science, philosophy, and spirituality, according to the 6000-year-old Ayurvedic medical system, are all crucial aspects of living a healthy life. Ayurveda is recognized as a complete medical system as well as a way of life. The individual is inseparable from his or her environment and a “microcosm” within the “macrocosm.”

Ayurveda talks about six tastes. When ingested in the proper quantity, each taste elicited by the meal helps to nourish the body. Sweet enhances the quality of life generally, gives skin luster, strengthens the body overall, and is good for the throat. However, overuse will exacerbate kapha and exacerbate problems including obesity, congestion, and other illnesses.

The right digestive powers (Agni) are stimulated by sour tastes, which also give energy, arouse the mind, and cause salivation. However, frequent use will result in indigestion, water retention, and heartburn. When used in moderation, salt, which is greasy and heavy, acts as an antispasmodic, a stimulant of energy, and a supporter of electrolyte and water balance. Salt, however, causes water retention when used in excess, raises blood pressure, and causes nausea. Rock salt should be used in the diet since it contains minerals, according to Ayurveda.

Pungent assists with digestion, absorption, and sinus cleaning when used sparingly. It also promotes circulation and aids with excretion. It contributes to the body’s health and vigor while acting as a blood thinner. However, overuse can result in sterility, exhaustion, and extreme thirst.

Bitter foods like fenugreek, aloe Vera, turmeric, and dandelion boost all other flavors. They remove fat, tone the pancreas, and function as an antipyretic. Overconsumption may make you feel lightheaded.

“Sour taste” in Ayurveda typically refers to acidic foods or fermented foods, as in “the milk has gone sour.” Yogurt, wine, beer, miso, and pickles are examples of sour foods. Citrus fruits and sub-acidic fruits like peaches are also regarded as sour; nevertheless, sour fruits cool the blood as opposed to ferments, which heat it.

Unripe bananas, pomegranates, and chickpeas are a few examples of astringent foods that are binding and aid in absorption. Use in excess will cause blood coagulation, constipation, and whining.

Indigestion, flatulence, acidity, and the formation of toxins in the body can occur when various foods are consumed together and their qualities are not complementary. However, the same food may be quickly digested and may even encourage “agni” when consumed separately. Ayurveda offers recommendations for food combinations that promote healthy digestion and optimal nutrition. Additionally, it advises using herbs and spices when cooking (Ayurvedic cookery) to make the food easier to digest. Ayurvedic cooking is a great science that teaches how to combine foods and food ingredients in the right ways to keep good health.

Ayurvedic Diet :

According to Ayurveda, every root is a medicine, thus there is no such thing as good or bad food. It also offers a logical method for creating balanced meals for the best nutrition by creating harmonious food groups, encouraging appropriate digestion, and maximizing nutrient absorption. Food that is comparable to one’s dosa will make the dosa worse. To balance the dosa, one needs to choose the right food group. Ayurveda advises:

(a) Right consumption of raw (uncooked) food, fruits, and vegetables,

(b) Prior understanding of the effects of herbs, and

(c) Should stay away from incompatible food pairings, such as salt and milk.

According to Ayurveda, the plants and plant-based foods that make up our diet have a significant impact on how we feel physically and mentally. Ayurveda advises avoiding leftovers and consuming a moderate amount of raw foods in order to have appropriate digestion. It is advised to eat handmade, freshly prepared food for proper nutrient absorption. Spices are used to mellow the negative effects of the dish and make it more palatable. Warm food is advised because it stimulates the Agni and digestive enzymes.

Food intake timing is also taken into account; for example, Vata people may choose smaller portions and eat more frequently. The best times to eat are at dawn and dusk. While Kapha persons can skip breakfast and make lunch their greatest meal, Pitta individuals can eat their largest meal at noon (a maximum of three times). Other aspects to take into account are gender and age. Older people should follow an anti-vata diet, whereas middle-aged people and youngsters should follow an anti-pitta diet.

Similar to how women choose a more anti-Kapha diet, men may explore a more anti-pitta diet. It is advised to have a calm and relaxed attitude for the best digestion. It is advised against eating when one is experiencing strong emotions like stress, rage, or grief, among others, as these things might cause abnormal digestion and have a detrimental effect on the mind, which is the seat of all sensory perception and control. Spices’ Function in the Ayurvedic Diet: Ayurvedic nutrition places a high value on herbs and spices since they are utilized to balance the humoral qualities of food.

For example, ginger neutralizes the heavy quality of the food thus adding ginger will convert the property of heavy food into a lighter state. Similarly, when combined with different food agents it will change its mode of action as ginger when taken with rock salt will reduce vayulvata symptoms, with rock candy it will reduce pitta and when used with honey it will reduce kapha. With its versatile qualities ginger is used for treating indigestion, flatulence, colic, vomiting, stomach spasm, colds, cough, and asthma. In addition to their medicinal qualities herbs and spices enhance the taste and flavor of the food and aid digestive secretions. Herbs and spices also provide mineral and vitamin supplements. Five of the commonly used spices are described below. Influence of food over mind and emotions

For instance, adding ginger will make the property of heavy food into a lighter state since ginger neutralizes the heavy character of the food. Similar to how changing dietary agents can affect a substance’s mode of action, ginger can diminish vayulvata symptoms when mixed with rock salt, pitta symptoms when combined with rock candy, and Kapha symptoms when associated with honey. Due to its adaptability, ginger is used to treat a variety of conditions, including indigestion, flatulence, colic, vomiting, stomach spasms, colds, coughs, and asthma. Herbs and spices provide health benefits in addition to enhancing the flavor of food and promoting the release of digestive juices. Additionally, herbs and spices offer vitamin and mineral supplements.

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

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

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

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

Biological Importance of Breathing in Yoga

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

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

Mental Importance of Breathing in Yoga

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

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

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

Termination of Miseries:

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

The Science of AUM

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

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

Formation of AUM

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

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

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

Association of AUM and Chakras

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

Prayer: How to chant AUM or OM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rishikesh

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

Kerala

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

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

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

Goa

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

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

Auroville            

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

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

Dharamshala

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

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

Varanasi

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

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

Mysore

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

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

Final Words

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

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

What is Padahastasana?

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

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

How to perform Padahastasana?

The following are the steps to perform this pose:

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

Benefits of Padahastasana :

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Stress

11. Anxiety

12. Fatigue

13. Speeding up metabolism and concentration

Precautions for Padahastasana:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who should avoid Padahastasana?

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

•     Back pain

•     High blood pressure

•     Heart disease

•     Abdominal hernia

•    Knee Problem

Final words:

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