In Ashtanga Yoga there are eight parts - Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. Yama Niyama is comprised of five rules (observations) each on ethical points. The asanas (postures) are taught according to the body nature of the person considering his weakness, any disease, age etc. Persons having diseases like heart troubles, diabetes, bronchitis or others are taught in therapeutic way to reduce or cure according to the intensity of the diseases. They can feel the change of betterment of the body within one Week of the practice. After a few months' practice the body becomes purified and strengthened. When the persons overcome diseases they become more confident in their daily activities and they can reduce or stop the medicines. Persons having no disease can do the asanas to the maximum perfection and live long to fulfill their karmas. After retirement all aspirants can do more meditation to reach God. Simple pranayama (control prana through breath) techniques are used initially according to the capacity of the persons. Once the asanas are practiced pranayama is necessary to strengthen the body and mind and to do meditation. There are five main pranas in the body viz Prana, Apana, Samana, Udana, Vyana. Samana prana is controlling the Prana (intaking) and apana (outgoing) pranas. Udana controls neck upwards and Vyana spreads the whole body as a protective covering. When prayama is done these different pranas function well and various sidhis (powers) come to the person. But this is to be learned from an able Guru (teacher). Pratyahara is withdrawal of mind from senses and objects. Dharana is fixing of mind of an object. Dyana (Meditation) is contemplation of the object in mind. In the initial stages one gets peace of mind and all stress/tensions are relieved. But that is not the aim of meditation. Observation of Yama and Niyamas is a must for successful meditation. Through meditation one becomes the master of the mind and reaches God. Without meditation no one reaches God. It is done to make silent the body, prana and mind. Initially meditation is practiced on gross objects and then subtler ones to avoid troubles. Without a master no meditation is perfect and cause troubles. Samadhi (oneness with the object) is the final outcome of meditation. Practice of meditation for long hours is necessary to reach this stage. One has to fulfill and finish all worldly desires/karmas to reach this sublime stage of Self realization. Those who are desirous of learning Yoga and Meditation may contact the Ashram in the address given below in advance. On reaching the International Air Port, Trivandrum/Railway station guidance will be given to the visitors to reach the Ashram.
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THAPOLOKA Centre for Yoga and Meditation Maharaja Gardens, Kowdiar, Trivandrum - 3 Kerala, India Tel:+91-471-2436361 Mob: 9447411558 E-mail: rajayoga@thapoloka.com
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