| Achieving the perfect figure had never been such a rage before; so much so that yoga- long forgotten and badly distorted is back in demand and has become one of the most commonly spelt word in day-to-day life.
Let me make the reader a little more aware about power and perfection, the attributes that differentiate this science from the recently developed and constantly changing phenomena called exercise.
Ancients called it Sanatan—that which has always been there, unchanged. This science has stood the test of time and is technically so advanced that there is no need to innovate, add or subtract in what was given thousands of years back. It is a perfect science.
Out of all the asans known, not even one puts pressure on the 5th and the 6th vertebrae, as any pressure on these vertebrae causes injury to the spine. Breathing techniques practiced with the asans ensure longevity and slow down the ageing process, enhancing the youthful glow, strength and form of the body.
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Out of all the asans known, not even one puts pressure on the 5th and the 6th vertebrae, as any pressure on these vertebrae causes injury to the spine. Breathing techniques practiced with the asans ensure longevity and slow down the ageing process, enhancing the youthful glow, strength and form of the body |
The practice of Sanatan Kriya, eight-limbed path of yoga, also called Ashtang Yoga, re-introduces a person to nature and balance, body’s harmonious relationship with surroundings and self. The power of yoga lies not in the movements but in stillness. Sanatan Kriya, as taught at various Dhyan Foundation centres, helps a practitioner attain that state of stillness from which creation emerged— the true state of yoga, thereby enabling him to manifest his thoughts in his body and the environment.
A prerequisite for Yoga, is a strong spine. Spine, often called the second brain, controls reflexes in the body. Any kink in the vertebral column, prevents free flow of prana resulting in congestion and hence disease. For the seekers of Yoga, here’s a seven-step guide to a straight, strong and supple spine.
“You are as young, as straight is your spine…”
Lie flat on the stomach, legs straight, heels together and in sleeping position, forehead and chin resting on the floor. This is the preparatory position, from which you move into each of the seven asans. Each asan is to be repeated seven times, before moving to the next. The eyes remain shut and internal awareness is maintained.
SARPASANA – snake pose
Interlock your fingers and place the hands on the hips. Take a deep breath, stretch your arms backwards and raise your spine, shoulders and chest, keeping the head (facing down) parallel to the ground. Hold this posture for a count of seven. Exhaling, gently release and come down.
People with heart conditions and high blood pressure must not strain while performing this
asan.
ADVASANA – reversed corpse pose
Place your palms onto the floor with arms stretched forward. Hold this posture for a count of seven pushing the abdomen into the floor. Breath follows natural rhythmic pattern, eyes are shut, awareness on the breath and the spinal column.
To be continued in next issue.
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