Topic 2.01 – What is Yoga?

Traditional Yoga is primarily concerned with personal transcendence on the part of a ‘normal’ or healthy individual.

Yoga is a complete and integrated practice of movement and contemplation as well as an agent for education which can help people through every stage of their lives, from childhood to the advancing years. It is one of the fastest-growing health and wellness interests in the world.

Shanti Yoga programs are an extensive exploration of classical yoga’s varied toolbox. Shanti Yoga has revived various dimensions of this ancient science that are largely absent in the world today.  These programs offer an unparalleled opportunity to provide natural, mind-body treatments for improving health, well-being, and spirituality that are low-tech, inexpensive, and generally very safe.

Yoga does not mean twisting your body, standing on your head, or holding your breath. The form of ‘studio’ yoga most people are learning today is not in its classical form, not in its full depth and dimension. Health is a side benefit of classical yoga, which is a powerful and comprehensive system to prepare the system for a cosmic download and experience oneness in your consciousness.  To experience this unity within you, you work with guiding principles, the body, breath, and mind, and then move to the inner self.

The Yoga Sutra is the living source of wisdom of the yoga tradition. Using it as a guide, we can unlock the hidden power of yoga, and experience the promise of yoga in our life.