The Various Yoga Disciplines VIII
Swami Vishnu Devananda's was developed by Swami Vishnu Devananda, who was sent to the West by his teacher, Sivananda, to draw people onto the Yogic path. He established Sivananda Yoga Vendanta Center in Montreal in 1959, and has trained over 10,000 teachers with numerous Sivananda Centers around the world. It is one of the largest schools of Yoga. He was a great promoter of traditional Hatha and Raja Yoga. He studied various styles of Yoga for ten years before he came to the West. In 1958 he authored a very thorough guide to Yoga called The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga, which was published in 1960. Sivananda was one of the early Western forms of Yoga and it helped set the tone for many of the first Yoga classes taught in the country. Devananda and my teacher, Richard Hittleman, were some of the first Yoga influences for teaching the Westerns in class form. Devananda was known as the "flying Swami" for the different peace missions he accomplished around the world.
limitless energy and profound inspiration lead him to found and direct the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers. There are now 20 Yoga Centers, seven Ashrams (the dwelling of the teacher), and many Affiliated Centers and teachers. The Swami created the first Yoga Teachers Training course which to date has trained more than 8,000 certified teachers in the field of Yoga and spirituality. He brilliantly summarized these ancient summarized these ancient and vast teachings into five principles of Yoga which are easy to understand and convenient to incorporate in one's daily practice. Throughout his whole life, the Swami was deeply concerned about the well-being of the world and the constant disaster of wars. This led him to fly and then personally pilot a small plane over several troubled areas of the world, this is how he got his name "Flying Swami." He created discussion and awareness in the news media on these war torn areas. He also bombarded these areas with flowers and peace pamphlets while repeating the peace mantra Om Namo Narayanaya.
Sivananda is a promoter of traditional Hatha Yoga. During a ninety-minute class, Sivananda incorporates asana, breathing, and deep relaxation. In an effort to simplify and clarify the complex philosophies and teachings of Yoga, the Swami summarized the wisdom of Yoga in five principles. The five points show the way to developing physical and mental health as well as spiritual growth: 1. Proper Exercise (Asanas), 2. Proper Breathing (Pranayama), 3. Proper Relaxation (Savasana), 4.Proper Diet (Vegetarian), 5. Positive Thinking (Vedanta) and Meditation (Dhyana).
Swami's contribution to the world is to have revived the tradition of the Yoga synthesis, integrating the four main paths into a well-balanced spiritual discipline. The essence of his teachings can be summarized in the aphorism "Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realize". He highly recommended you adopt a vegetarian diet and positive thinking with meditation to encourage a healthy lifestyle. Sivananda Yoga classes are gentle in approach and usually follow the twelve postures found in the Sun Salutations. Classes are easy to follow and begin with short chants and concludes with deep relaxation and a closing chant. The environment is relaxed and gentle. There are four main paths of Yoga that the Swami incorporated in his teachings. Each is suited to a different temperament or approach to life. All the paths lead ultimately to the same destination....to union with Brahman or God.....and the lessons of each of them need to be integrated if true wisdom is to be attained. The paths are: Karma Yoga, the Yoga of action and it's the path primarily chosen by those of outgoing nature. Bhakti Yoga, the path of Devotion and Divine Love and it appeals particularly to those of an emotional nature. Jnana Yoga, the path of knowledge or wisdom and it's the most difficult path because it requires tremendous strength of will and intellect. Raja Yoga, the science of physical and mental control and it offers a comprehensive method for controlling the waves of thought by turning our mental and physical energy into spiritual energy. Here's To Your Dancing Health!
Wide Leg Stretch
This exercise builds and offers a full expression of our range of movement. The effect is expansive . In the first stage the flexibility of the SPINE and NECK are enhanced. Your QUADS, HIPS, ABDOMEN, CHEST, and THROAT are stretched and toned. Your MENTAL CLARITY and FOCUS is worked through the BALANCE. Portion of this exercise. Perform only what you can comfortably. Dancer and I disclaim any liabilities or loss in connection with the exercise and advice herein.
1. Spread your legs as wide as you can comfortably and still maintain your balance. Place your hands on your hips and lower back behind you for back support. Make sure your weight is spread evenly between your legs.
2. Keep your eyes open as you lift your chest upward and take your head back, bending in the spine. Hold for 10-20 counts. Return to your beginning position, rest and repeat.