Our Regular Yoga Classes

Being quiet physical in nature Hatha Yoga was never meant to be just about muscle work. It is primarily about releasing deep inner tensions and working with the energies inside our body. Ha-tha is a combination of two sanskrit syllables Ha and Tha. Ha represents the sun, prana, the life force, and Tha represents the moon, the mind, the mental energy. Through special exercise, asana (steady posture), pranayama (breathing techniques) and concentration we create yogic heat that melts the blockages inside our body and purifies it. Through undoing tension and letting go of old patterns of holding, we balance and channelize the energies flow. Thus we prepare ourselves for more subtle practices of Raja Yoga.
In the words of Sri Aurobindo: "The body, thus liberated from itself, purified from many of its disorders and irregularities, becomes, partly by Asana, completely by combined Asana and Pranayama, a perfected instrument. ..... The gross body begins to acquire something of the nature of the subtle body and to possess something of its relations with the life-energy."

Kriya Yoga is a highly practical and effective ( and secret in the past ) system developed in ancient times for a rapid transformation and progress. A word "kriya" can be translated as "action with awareness". The method consists of different kriyas or exercises done in a sequence directing prana and consciousness in the body and aimed at harmonising and synchronising of natural forces and energies being present in every human. It brings a balanced and harmonious body, mind and spirit and unfolds a highest human potential.

Raja Yoga is about both body and mind but the emphasis is on mental and spiritual development. It can be defined as the royal path to unity, the meditative path. As such it is considered to be the supreme form of yoga. In fact, its practices which are dealing with the mind, work best when integrated with the other paths of yoga.
As Sri Aurobindo describes: "Asana is used by the Rajayoga only in its easiest and most natural position, that naturally taken by the body when seated and gathered together, but with the back and head strictly erect and in a straight line, so that there may be no deflection of the spinal cord. The object of the latter rule is obviously connected with the theory of the six chakras and the circulation of the vital energy between the muladhara and the brahmarandhra. ..... It opens entirely the six centres of the psycho-physical system and brings into the waking consciousness the power of the awakened Shakti and the light of the unveiled Purusha on each of the ascending planes. Coupled with the use of the mantra it brings the divine energy into the body and prepares for and facilitates that concentration in Samadhi which is the crown of the Rajayogic method."

Meditation is a key inner practice of many traditions.
In our approach to meditation we follow a classical yogic method which is truly scientific and effective. It involves gradual steps of correct sitting posture, centering, relaxation, breath awareness and concentration. The technique involves a type of inner attention that is quiet, concentrated and at the same time relaxed. It is therapeutic from the beginning. We ask our mind to cool and slow down. As a result we achieve a state of tranquility, awareness and enjoyment.

In the words of Sri Aurobindo: "The calm, the detachment, a peaceful strength and joy must be brought down into the vital and physical as well as into the mind". He points to: "The vastness, the overwhelming calm and silence in which you feel merged is what is called the Atman or the silent Brahman. It is the whole aim of many Yogas to get this realization of Atman or silent Brahman and live in it. In our Yoga it is only the first stage of the realization of the Divine."

Yoga Nidra or yogic sleep, is a meditative conscious practice that is intended to induce total physical, mental, and emotional relaxation. It is done while being in Shavasana ( corpse pose ) with instructions coming from a teacher, who takes your attention to specific places through a series of steps—including guided imagery and body scanning—to aid relaxation. Unlike a quick Shavasana at the end of asana practice, Yoga Nidra allows enough time for practitioners to physiologically and psychologically sink into deepest possible states of relaxation while still maintaining full consciousness. The technique is practical and easily accessible, while being so restorative for health and mental peace.

Tao masters are famous for inventing methods of prolonging life span and their ability to accumulate inside the body large reserves of vital energy, needed for brewing a "pill of immortality". While not pursuing this sort of ambition, we use main principles and techniques set by them in Tao Yoga. This is a holistic system of coordinated body posture and slow flowing movement, rhythmic breathing and calm meditative state of mind. The goal is to cultivate and balance Qi (Chi) or life energy (prana in Indian philosophy), to build strength, develop breath and mind control, and increase vitality. Though the main principles Tao Yoga is based on, use the same key laws of nature as Indian systems, the approach rather differs in techniques, stands, movements and breathing patterns. Tao Yoga has more similarities with inner martial arts systems such as Tai Chi, Qi gong and others. It is accessible to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
Let the force be with you! ;-)