Top 5 certification of Yoga in the World

by Tirtha Acharya | Nov 19, 2021 | Yoga

Top 5 Certification of Yoga

Yoga certification is a teacher authority granting that is done by a certain organization. Yoga with its emerging popularity started gaining lots of people who wanted to emerge as teachers. However, being a field that need high knowledge and experience and not everyone being able to do so yoga certification was invented. Yoga certification only allows the worthy and experienced one to be the yoga teacher. Moreover, the yoga certification also manages the flow of people who try to become yoga instructor.

Top 5 yoga certifying organizations are as follows:

1) Yoga Alliance USA
2) Yoga Alliance Australia
3) Yoga Alliance India
4) Yoga Alliance Italy
5) World Yoga Alliance

Yoga Alliance USA

When yoga began to spread very vastly to the west, people started to think the best way forward is to create yoga certification. Yoga Alliance USA is a non-profit organization established for the purpose of yoga certification. The organization was created in year 1999 with the motive of promoting yoga. The organization developed a voluntary registry to recognize yoga schools and yoga teachers whose training met their existing standards. Year by year yoga alliance developed and enhanced itself as more and more people recognized the organization. Then in 2007 the country went international.

Yoga certification achieved through Yoga alliance is one of the top yoga certifications in the entire world. The organization uses its core curriculum sets to give an individual or organization its yoga certification. From the moment of creation due to good leadership, impeccable service, dedicated team members yoga alliance is only getting better and bigger in the years. As the years yoga alliance came up with online teacher registration.

The feature was available 10 years after the birth of the organization. Due to this online registration system after going international the organization reached to new heights with applicants all over the world. The same year specialized credentials for children and parental yoga were launched by the organization.

Yoga Alliance Australia

Yoga Alliance Australia was established in 2013 with its headquarters located in Sydney. The organization that had humble beginnings, in now considered one of the most innovative yoga organizations of the world. The organization was established by the renowned gurus John Scott, Ginji Lee, Alexandar medin and many others. The organization was established with the objective of developing a voluntary online registry to recognize yoga teachers and schools whose training met their designated standard in various aspects.

The founders with the volunteer board of directors with their specialty in relative fields, massive experience and dedication made the organization what it is today. Due to their massive efforts the organization is now hailed as among best yoga certification in entire world. From its establishment in 2013 the organization has come a long way. Year by year more people joined, the organization also kept renovating and updating itself with time.

Yoga Alliance India

Yoga Alliance India is the first international yoga alliance of India. It came into existence as a registered organization in year 2006. Sri Swami Vidyanand is the founder as well as the president of Yoga Alliance India.It is a vast organization that is providing yoga knowledge and certification to those who want to move ahead in the yoga field. Yoga Alliance India is so vast that it has 185+ certified yoga schools in India with 6000+ yoga teachers.

Yoga Alliance India is very dedicated to nurturing authentic yoga traditions throughout the world. Its certification standard and teaching system and curriculum are one of a kind in the world. The strength that Yoga Alliance India holds over other organizations is its location on the land who gave birth to the yoga. Its source location gives the root connection to the yogic principle and technique, which others will have tough time to get.

Yoga Alliance Italy

Yoga alliance Italy with its curriculum, team and courses made it to one of the top yoga certifications in the world. The organization like in many countries is going ahead with progress never looking back. Yoga Alliance Italy with its unmatched efficiency and one of the best standard set for certification is what it is today.

Yoga Alliance Italy in 2017 with aid of national CSEN, introduced RYS 250 plus standard for yoga teacher training. The method was so amazing and well-integrated that today thousands of Italian as well as International yoga centers practice it. Introducing new Training structure and creating new enrollment levels when the pandemic hit was some of the best decisions of the organization. With the innovations, ideas to tackle the market, professionalism got Yoga Alliance Italy what it is today.

World Yoga Alliance

World Yoga Alliance is an exceptionally large organization and has members over 80 countries worldwide. The headquarters of the organization in located at Swaroop Nagar, New Delhi. It is a non-profit organization that aims to share the yoga knowledge and technique to the world. The organization has an extraordinarily rich history form its establishment to turning into a yoga heaven that it is today.

The concept and amassing of yoga knowledge and professionals started back in the 1990. However, world yoga alliance was officially registered as an organization in 2011 Nov 17^th.

World Yoga Alliance has many features and facilities both providing yoga knowledge as well as yoga certification. With its online application and information gathering combined with other features makes it client’s favorite. Due to this remarkable feature and dedication, it is one of most cherished yoga certifications in the world now.

Yoga certification is the yoga trend of today. Moreover, it is also a need of the yoga world. The most important thing yoga certification can do is control the flow of yoga teacher maintaining standard. Today one can wake up and decide he can teach yoga tomorrow. Is it right? Of course, not Yoga teaching is a delicate field. One need a fair share of experience and knowledge to be able to teach yoga. However, that’s where yoga certification comes in. The organizations judge individual on the various aspects of their knowledge, experience and teach them required course and then only provide them with yoga certification.

If someone is aiming to become a yoga teacher, they should aim to get their certification form an organization with best reputation. Then pursue their goal to become a better yoga instructor

Nepal Yoga Home is registered with Yoga Alliance USA, Yoga Alliance Australia, Yoga Alliance India, and Yoga Alliance Italy all. So, when you complete your yoga teacher training from NYH then you will be an internationally certified yoga teacher and you can teach yoga all over the world.

Ashtanga Vinyasa Intermediate Series

by Tirtha Acharya | Oct 26, 2021 | Yoga

Ashtanga Vinyasa Intermediate Series

Six series

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga consists six sequences- Primary, Intermediate and four Advanced Series.

Ashtanga Vinyasa Intermediate series

The Ashtanga Intermediate Series is also called as “Nadi Shodhana” which means “Nerve Cleansing”. This is focused on backbend which helps in nerve cleansing. Back bending asanas activates the suppleness of the spine and opens the energy channels to allow Prana flow without blockage.

Ashtanga Vinyasa Intermediate Series from Padangustasana to Parsvottanasana is the same as the Ashtanga Vinyasa Primary series. After parsvottanasana, continue with vinyasa flow to

1. Pasasana: Sit down stepping with feet. Bring knees closer to the chest. Exhale, twist to left 90 degrees to reach the right armpit to the outer side of the left knee, wrap left thigh, and shin from the left sit with the right hand. Clasp the right hand with the left hand from behind the back. Drishti: far to the left or left shoulder. Hold the pose for 5-8 deep ujjayi breaths. Switch to the other side too…. Vinyasa flow….
2. Kraunchasana: Sit down on hips. Bend the left leg, keep the left foot at the side of the left hip. Knees join together. Hold the right foot with both hands. Inhale, lengthen the spine. Lift the right foot up with the knee straight vertically upwards. Exhale, chin to shin. Touch the shin with the chin. Drishti: right big toe. Hold 5 to 8 deep ujjayi breaths. Inhale and release. … Vinyasa flow…  Repeat to the other side too.
3. Salabhasana A: sequence of 3rd step of Ashtanga Vinyasa Intermediate Series are as follows, Lie down on the abdomen. Keep the hands straight at the side of the waist. Inhale, stretch the entire body, lift the chest, and leg up. Only the abdomen and the lower arms will rest on the floor. Drishti: 3^rd eye. Hold the pose for 5-8 deep ujjayi breaths…. Vinyasa flow…
4. Salabhasana B: Lie down on the abdomen. Bend the knees, heels above the knees. Palms on the floor, wrists, and elbows at the same level. Exhale, lift the thighs and chest up. Drishti: 3^rd eye. Hold the pose for 5-8 deep ujjayi breaths…. Vinyasa flow…
5. Bhekasana: Lie down on the abdomen. Bend the knees and place heels towards the hips. Keep the hands on the top of the feet. Exhale, lift the head and trunk up from the floor, look upwards. Rotate the palms (one by one) on the top of the feet, point the fingers frontwards. Palms will push the feet towards the floor. Drishti: 3^rd eye or upwards. Hold the pose for 5-8 deep ujjayi breaths. … Vinyasa flow…
6. Dhanurasana: in this step of Ashtanga Vinyasa Intermediate Series, Lie down on the abdomen. Bend the legs, hold the ankles with the hands. Exhale, lift the legs and chest up, stretch the back, and arc backward as much as you can. Drishti: 3^rd eye or upwards. Hold the pose for 5-8 deep ujjayi breaths. … Vinyasa flow…
7. Parsva Dhanurasana: Lie down on the abdomen. Bend the legs, hold the ankles with the hands. Exhale, lift the legs and chest up, stretch the back, and arc backward as much as you can. Finally, roll over right. Rest the head on the floor pushing head behind the shoulder. Drishti: upwards. Hold the pose for 5-8 deep ujjayi breaths. Now roll over to the other side too. Again lift the legs up to the center in a normal Dhanurasana. Hold the pose for 5-8 deep ujjayi breaths. … Vinyasa flow.
8. Ustrasana: Kneel down on the floor, face the soles upwards. Place the palms on the hips. Stretch the thighs, keep the thighs perpendicular to the floor and curve the spine back, ribs will remain extended. Exhale, place the palms on the soles. Stretch the coccyx and dorsal regions, contract the buttocks. Stretch the neck backward. Drishti: upwards back. Hold the pose for 5-8 deep ujjayi breaths. … Vinyasa flow.
9. Laghu vajrasana: sequence here for Ashtanga Vinyasa Intermediate Series is, Kneel down with the feet together. Curve the spine backward. With the support of elbows, keep the crown of the head on the floor. Curve more to reach the palms to the knee and head to the soles of the feet. Drishti: 3^rd eye or upwards. . Hold the pose for 5-8 deep ujjayi breaths. Release the pose… Vinyasa flow.

10. Kapotasana A: Begin with supta vajrasana. Fix the palms at the sides of the ears, pointing the fingers towards the shoulders. Bear the weight on the palms and raise the whole body from the knees. Join the knees. Contract hips, stretch and curve the spine, place the elbows on the floor, move the palms towards the toes. Try to touch the head also to the soles. Drishti: 3^rd eye or upwards. . Hold the pose for 5-8 deep ujjayi breaths. Release the pose to Kapotasana B.

11. Kapotasana B: Inhale, lift the elbows up fixing the palms still on the floor. The arms will remain straight while fingers facing towards the toes. Drishti: 3^rd eye or upwards. . Hold the pose for 5-8 deep ujjayi breaths. Release the pose to vinyasa flow.

12. Supta Vajrasana: Sit down with Baddha Padmasana. Lie down curving at chest and trunk, rest the crown on the floor. Drishti: 3^rd eye or upwards. Hold the pose for 5-8 deep ujjayi breaths. Sit down and lay down five times, keep holding the toes keeping the arms crossed behind the back. Finally again stay in the Supta Vajrasana for 5-8 deep ujjayi breaths.  Release the pose to vinyasa flow. Note: You may need the support of a friend to do this asana.

13. Bakasana A: Fix the palm on the floor. Shift the weight on the finger regions too. Engage the shoulders and core. Lift the knees up and keep them nearby the armpit. In the beginning, elbows will remain bent, as you become perfect keep the elbows straight. Drishti: 3^rd eye or frontwards.  Hold the pose for 5-8 deep ujjayi breaths. Release the pose to vinyasa flow.
14. Bakasana B: During the vinyasa flow jump into Bakasana from Adho mukha svanasana. Drishti: 3^rd eye or frontwards. Hold the pose for 5-8 deep ujjayi breaths. Release the pose to vinyasa flow.
15. Bharadvajasana : Sit down, half-lotus with left leg. Bend the right leg at the knee, bring the heel beside the right hip. Twist left, hold the left toes with the left hand from behind the back. Insert the right fingers underneath the left knee. Twist the head far to the side. Drishti: far to the side. Hold the pose for 5-8 deep ujjayi breaths. Repeat the other side too. Release the pose to vinyasa flow.
16. Ardha Matsyandrasana: flow of this asana of Ashtanga Vinyasa Intermediate Series is, Sit down. Bend the right leg, keep the right heel at the left of the left hip. Keep the left foot at the right side of the right thigh. Twist to the left pushing with the right arm against the left thigh. Hold the ankle left leg with the right hand or keep the right palm under the left foot. Drishti: far to the left. Hold the pose for 5-8 deep ujjayi breaths. Repeat the other side too. Release the pose to vinyasa flow.
17. Eka Pada Sirshasana: Exhale, keep the right leg behind the head. Keep the back straight. The left leg will remain extended forward straight on the floor. Join your palms in front of the chest. Drishti: the tip of the nose or frontwards.  Hold the pose for 5-8 deep ujjayi breaths.
18. Skandasana: Exhale, forward fold, while right foot still behind the head. Drishti: the tip of the nose or frontwards.  Hold the pose for 5-8 deep ujjayi breaths.
19. Charokasana: This is merely a transition for here. Inhale and head and back up vertically straight. Palm fix on the floor. Lift the body up. Release the pose to vinyasa flow and another side both Eka Pada Sirshasana, Skandasana , and Charokasana.
20. Dwi Pada Sirshasana A: Keep both feet behind the head one after another. Sit near the tail bone and balance. Join your palms. Drishti: 3^rd eye. Hold the pose for 5-8 deep ujjayi breaths.
21. Dwi Pada Sirshasana B: Stamp on the palms and lift the hips up. Drishti: 3^rd eye. Hold the pose for 5-8 deep ujjayi breaths. Transitions- Titibhasana and Bakasana. .. Vinyasa flow…
22. Yoga Nidrasana: Lie down. Keep both feet behind the head. Clasp the hands from behind the back. Drishti: 3^rd eye. Hold the pose for 5-8 deep ujjayi breaths. Release, roll back with chakrasana… vinyasa flow…
23. Titibhasana A: flow of Ashtanga Vinyasa Intermediate Series goes here like this, Stamp on with the palms. Fix the thigh on the side of the upper arms. Balance the body with the arms. Keep the legs straight. Hips will remain above the floor.
24. Titibhasaba A: Jump forward with legs outside the arms. Fix the palms on the floor. Rest the thighs on the side of the upper arms.  Lift the butt up. Stretch the leg outside. Drishti: 3^rd eye or nose tip. Hold the pose for 5-8 deep ujjayi breaths.

25. Titibhasaba B: Keep the feet on the floor about 1 foot apart. Fold forward, insert the hands through the thighs, and clasp the hands behind the back. Drishti: 3^rd eye or nose tip. Hold the pose for 5-8 deep ujjayi breaths.

26. Titibhasaba C: In the same position, walk five steps forward and five steps backward.
27. Titibhasaba D: Maintain the same position. Arms through the inside the legs clasp the hands around the ankles. Drishti: 3^rd eye or nose tip. Hold the pose for 5-8 deep ujjayi breaths. Release the pose through the transitions – Titibhasana A and Bakasana.
28. Pincha Mayurasana: Keep the forearms and palms parallel on the floor. Lift the body and legs vertically up. Engage the core and arms.  Drishti: nose tip. Hold the pose for 5-8 deep breaths. Vinyasa flow..
29. Karandavasana: Begin with pincha mayurasana, make padmasana over there. Engage the core and keep knees down on the upper arms. Drishti: 3^rd eye or nose tip. Hold the pose for 5-8 deep breaths… Vinyasa flow…
30. Mayurasana: 30th step of Ashtanga Vinyasa Intermediate Series is Mayurasana. Keep the elbows at the side of the navel. Rest the abdomen on the elbows. Keep the palms on the floor. Lift the toes above the floor. Keep the body horizontally straight. Drishti: straight forward. Hold the pose for 5-8 deep breaths… Vinyasa flow…
31. Nakrasana: Begin with Chaturanga Dandasana. Jump five steps forwards and five steps backward. .. Vinyasa flow..
32. Vatayanasana: Begin vinyasa with Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana. The final position- right foot on the root of left thigh, stand up stamping with the right knee and left foot on the floor. Keep right thigh perpendicular to the floor. Keep the back erect and straight. Keep the left elbow on the right elbow to the level of the chest and wrap the arms with each other. Join the palms each other. Hold the pose for 5-8 deep breaths…. Vinyasa flow.. Repeat to the other side too. .. Vinyasa flow..
33. Parighasana: Sit down. Bend the left leg and keep the foot at the side of the hip. Keep the right leg straight extending to the right. Inhale, stretch the hands up. Bend to the right, face upwards. Try to hold the right toes. Drishti: upward. Hold the pose for 5-8 deep breaths… Vinyasa flow… Repeat to the other side too. .. Vinyasa flow..
34. Gomukhasana A: Sit down on the left heel. Keep the right knee on the left knee and the right foot to the side of the left hip. Clasp the hands around the right knee. Engage Moola bandha and Jalamndhar bandha. Drishti: nose tip. Hold the pose for 5-8 deep breaths.
35. Gomukhasana B: Keep the right elbow behind the head, clasp the right hand with the left hand behind the back. Face upwards. Drishti: 3^rd eye. Hold the pose for 5-8 deep breaths… Vinyasa flow… Repeat to the other side from Gomukhasana A and Gomukhasana B. .. Vinyasa flow..
36. Supta Urdhva Pada Vajrasana: Lie down. Move the leg over the head to Halasana. Keep the left foot at the root of the right thigh. Clasp the left foot with the left hand. Keep the right leg straight on the floor. Clasp the right toes with the right hand. Roll to sitting pose. Place the right foot towards the right hip. Twist to the left. Insert the right hand under the left knee. Drishti: far to the side. Hold the pose for 5-8 deep breaths… Vinyasa flow…  Repeat to the other side too … vinyasa flow..
37. Mukta Hasta Sirsasana A: Mukta Hasta Sirsasana A of Ashtanga Vinyasa Intermediate series has following flow-Headstand, keeping palms and head in the shape of an equilateral triangle, elbows bent. Engage the core, body vertically straight on the floor. Hold the pose for 5-8 breaths… Vinyasa flow…
38. Mukta Hasta Sirsasana B: Headstand, keeping hands straight in front. Engage the core, body vertically straight on the floor. Hold the pose for 5-8 breaths… Vinyasa flow…
39. Mukta Hasta Sirsasana C: Headstand, keeping hands straight sidewise. Engage the core, body vertically straight on the floor. Hold the pose for 5-8 breaths… Vinyasa flow…
40. Baddha Hasta Sirsasana A: Headstand, palm by the side of the head, elbows, and head in an equilateral triangle shape. Engage the core, body vertically straight on the floor. Hold the pose for 5-8 breaths… Vinyasa flow…
41. Baddha Hasta Sirsasana B: Headstand, palms at the sides of elbows of the other hand, in front of the forehead. Engage the core, body vertically straight on the floor. Hold the pose for 5-8 breaths… Vinyasa flow…
42. Baddha Hasta Sirsasana C: Headstand, balance the body keeping forearms at the sides of the ears on the floor. The forearms will remain parallel, where the head will remain at the center. Engage the core, body vertically straight on the floor. Hold the pose for 5-8 breaths… Vinyasa flow…
43. Baddha Hasta Sirsasana D: this step of Ashtanga Vinyasa Intermediate Series starts with Headstand, palms at the side of the neck. Elbows will balance the body. Engage the core, body vertically straight on the floor. Hold the pose for 5-8 breaths… Vinyasa flow…
44. Urdhva Dhanurasana: In this step of Ashtanga Vinyasa Intermediate Series, Lie down on the back. Lift off the back with the support of the hand and leg. Curve the back. Hold the pose for 5 breaths. Rest for a breath. Continue it two more times. Each time bring the hands and feet closer. After the third time lift the body up and stand up straight. Drop back to Urdhva dhanurasana and up. Continue to drop back and stand up 5 times. Finally, hold the pose again for 5 breaths. Stand up… Vinyasa flow..

The rest of the asanas of Ashtanga Vinyasa Intermediate Series are the same as the Ashtanga Vinyasa primary series.

What is Forrest yoga

by Tirtha Acharya | Oct 20, 2021 | Yoga

What is Forrest yoga?

When most of us had heard about forest yoga, like snow yoga done in snow, goat yoga done with goats we may have thought forest yoga is something we do in the forest. However, it is not the case it is called Forrest yoga because it was invented by Ana T. Forrest. The technique was invented by Ana in year 1982 and is one of most popular form of yoga since then.

Thousands of years ago yoga came into existence. From its creation time and ages have come a long way. Also, in those periods some masters and gurus have either modified yoga for better efficiency or even introduced some new forms.

Ana forrest used Sivananda yoga, Iyengar yoga and ashtanga yoga to derive a new form what we know now today as Forrest yoga.

The four pillars of forrest yoga are:

Breath
Strength
Integrity
Spirit

Breath is for the air element of the body. Breath connects air with the body. Strength is the in durance and power within the body. Integrity watches the emotional part of the body and spirit is the pillar of freedom of mind and soul.

Forrest yoga is inspired by and is similar to many other forms of yoga. So, many of the moves of Forrest yoga may seem similar to others.

Some of the basic moves of Forrest yoga are:

Deep breathing

Deep breathing is most common as well as important move in most yoga forms. To do this one need to take a deep breath filling your belly then slowly releasing the air. The technique is done while resting in a comfortable position.

Ujjayi Breathing

Ujjayi breathing is done by first sitting in a comfortable position. Then one must close the mouth and constrict the throat to make rushing sound similar to snoring sound.

Expanding Ribs

Another move of Forrest yoga is expanding ribs. To do this one must Cross the hands so that your right hand feels your left rib and vice-versa. Then expanding the ribs with taking in the air slowly. Holding one two seconds and slowly release the air.

Active Hands

To do active hands of Forrest yoga stretch either hand fully even the fingers away from each other. Holding for few seconds and releasing it. Then same process is repeated with another hand.

For active feet step on the ball of your right feet, with almost 60% body weight inhaling the air and stretching the toes. Then while exhaling step with your complete feet letting go of the stretching toes. Then try the same process with other leg.

Telescope Ribs

In telescope Ribs of Forrest yoga, first the hands are placed at either side of ribcage. Then a long deep breath is taken in to lift rib cage away from the belly. Then slowly the breath is released after holding for few seconds.

Lengthening the tailbone

One hand is placed at the belly and other at the tailbone in this move of Forrest yoga. Take a long breath and releasing the breath with little pressure tuck the tailbone. This releases the pressure on the lower back of the body.

Wrap Shoulders

Place your both arms at 90 degree with the ground for wrap shoulders in Forrest yoga. Spread your fingers as much as you can. Then try to close the gap between the elbows as you can pretending a ball between the elbows. All this while taking in and releasing the breath.

Relaxing the neck

Active the feet, take a deep breath. Then tilt your head slowly to the either side of the body. After tilting try telescoping the ribs and relax. Then hold out for few seconds and slowly lift the head back with palm of the hands. Then try the same process with another side of the body.

Hatha Yoga pradipika- A complete lesson of yoga

by Tirtha Acharya | Sep 15, 2021 | Yoga

Hatha Yoga pradipika- A complete lesson of yoga

Hatha yoga pradipika is one of the ancient yoga books on hatha yoga. The book is believed to be written around fifteenth century by svatmarama. Hatha yoga pradipika is one of the original classics that has survived till date. The book is hailed as one of the best yoga books on the world as of now. The book is divided into four chapters in total. The book like Shiva Shamita also tells, the knowledge that was given by lord shiva or Adhinatha who gave yoga to the human beings. The entire books give the knowledge about chakra, shakti, posture and asana.

The knowledge of hatha yoga is believed to have been given by lord shiva. In the ancient time, lord shiva incarnated as Aadi yogi and taught yoga, meditation, and other yogic knowledge to the peoples. The hatha yoga, is also believed to have been given by the Aadi yogi to us.

Before the 15^th century the hatha yoga scriptures, knowledge, texts, and technique were very scattered. Svatmarama complied the previous records, texts and scriptures that were available on hatha yoga. He also added his findings and experience on hatha yoga. There is also some evidence that scholars believe that some of his work on hatha yoga pradipika comes from Buddhist scriptures also.

The four chapters of hatha yoga pradipika are as follows:

Chapter 1- The prerequisites

The first chapter of hatha yoga pradipika introduces yoga to its readers. Aside, from introducing yoga to the readers it also tells the various rules the yogi should follow in order to gain maximum benefits from the yoga. It at first introduces yoga and its previous maters. Then after doing this, it describes certain yoga poses and postures. Then the first chapter, starts talking about various rules. How should the yogi eat? When should the yogi eat? What foods the yogi should eat? What should the yogi avoid eating at any cost? Are some of the questions that are answered by the first chapter of hatha yoga pradiika.

The first chapter of Hatha yoga pradipika consists of 67 verses in total. Various verses serve various purposes in the chapter. Only the verses 17 to 54 describe the 15 asanas of hatha yoga. While other verses introduce, describe and elaborate the various aspects of Hatha yoga.

Raja yoga, the royal yoga is the ultimate yoga that everyone desires to attain. The desire is so imbedded into our whole being that we strive the raj yoga without even being aware about it. Raja yoga is the perfect self-knowledge and cosmic consciousness as described by the hatha yoga pradipika. For those who are ignorant of Raja yoga wandering into the darkness of too many options, compassionate svatmarama gives the light of Hatha.

This chapter describe Hatha as the sanctuary for those who are suffering from every type of pain. The Hatha science and technique should be kept top secret by the user, to gain desired success. The knowledge is potent when concealed and kept secret, however, becomes impotent.

A small door, no windows, no rat holes; not too high, not too low, not too long; well plastered with cow dung, clean and bug free, are some of the characters of the yoga hut where hatha yoga is to be practiced. Living in the hut with those characters, one should practice yoga as instructed by the guru.

Overeating, overexertion, talking too much, performing needless austerities, socializing and restlessness are the six factors that makes one’s yoga to perish. While, courage, enthusiasm, openness, enthusiasms, knowledge of the truth, determination and solitude are the factors which awakens as well as strengthens their yoga.

Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of Hatha yoga pradipika deals with pranayama and sat karma. The second chapter consists 78 verses in total. Respiration is the key to life in all living beings. When respiration becomes disturbed, the mind becomes disturbed. By restraining respiration, the yogi gets steadiness of mind.

The first verses of second chapter describes the importance of Pranayama and Nadi cleansing. This takes places within the 6 verses of second chapter. Nadi cleansing is the technique where one cleans and strengths the chakras points and balances the energy centers of the body.

After this the verses 7 to 20 describes methods of pranayama. There are various types of pranayama and each have specific function and give specific benefit when practiced. Pranayama is the control of breath, and breath (wind) is the life element in all of us. Pranayama is the technique to control the breath. 13 verses are used in Hatha yoga pradipika to define pranayama.

After Pranayama, the second chapter talks about sat karma. Sat karma are the techniques that are used to cleanse one’s body. There are in total six sat karma, mentioned in the Hatha yoga pradipika that cleanses the body from inside and outside. In the second chapter from the verses 21, the sat karma are described to verse 41. The sat karma are as follows:

Dhauti

Dhauti is the first satkarma. The area of cleansing of dhauti is digestive tract, respiratory tract, external ears abd eyes.

Basti

It is the cleansing technique which cleans lower intestine and colon. It is also known to have clean the toxin from the body and keep the temperature of the body in check.

Neti

Neti is the cleaning of nasal passages. It is particularly important because nasal passages are the path of thw wind (prana).

Trataka

Trataka is the sat karma for cleansing of eyes. A reference point is used to increase the focus and cleanse the eyes.

Nauli

Nauli kriya is the process of cleansing the abdomen. The muscles of the abdomen are moved at certain pattern to cleanse it.

Kapalbhati

Kapalbhati is the satkarma for improving the functioning of the brain, using the various breath technique and body posture.

Kumbhaka
Kumbhaka are described from verse 42 to 77. It is the process of retention of breath in Hatha yoga pradipika. Kumbhaka is a state of yoga where is neither inhalation nor exhalation of the air. Kumnhaka the state where one can stop the breath at will, is a state considered on the same level as samadhi. It is the state where one achieves the divine knowledge and self-awakening.

Chapter 3

Chapter 3 of Hatha yoga pradipika consists of 130 verses in total. The first verses tell the importance of awakening the goddess kundalini. This is done in the verses 1 to 5 in chapter 3.
It says as chief of the snake is the support of the earth with all the mountains and forests in it, alike all the tantras rest in kundalini.

Asanas are the various postures and techniques those when practiced gives good health and healthy mind to the practitioner.

Ashta siddhi

Ashta siddhi are the eight divine knowledge that are believed to grant superhuman and god like abilities to the user. Among the eight parts, each one has a unique feature which grants a unique ability. Flight, shape shifting, creation, teleportation are some of the abilities gained by the person who has achieved Astha Siddhi. Verses 6 to 9, of chapter 3 of Hatha yoga pradipika describes Astha siddhi along with some unique mudras.

Maha mudra

Chapter 10 to 18 escribes Maha mudra. Maha mudra are the set of techniques which when practiced provides control and balance over the sexual potential. Various chakra and energy points are affected by the practice of Maha mudra. It heals as well as balances them. The verses also define the benefits of Maha mudra.

Maha Bandha

Verses 19 to 25 define and elaborate Maha bandha. Jalandhara Bandha, Uddiyana Bandha and Mula bandha are the three-bandha mentioned in the Hatha yoga pradipika. These bandhas are practiced for numerous benefits: Maintaining cardiovascular health, getting rid of sleeping and anxiety problems, mood disorders are some of the benefits of Maha bandha.

Khecari Mudra

Khecari mudra of Hatha yoga is practiced by curling up the tip of the tongue back into the mouth. The goal is to be able to reach the soft plate or nasal cavity with the tip of the tongue. Verses 32 to 54 describes the khecari mudra. It is believed that if one practice khecari Mudra on a daily basis:
– Better voice and tone
– Increased energy and will power
– Get over ego, rage, Jealousy, and other harmful thoughts

Mudras

Verses 78 to 112 explains various mudras and postures. These are the core mudras mentioned into chapter three. From verse 78 to 118 they are introduced, defined, and explained how to perform. The mudras are as follows:
Viparita karani, Vijroli, Sahajoli, Amaroli, and shakti Chalana

These are the core mudras with numerous benefits. They help the user to achieve various mental, physical, and spiritual feats.

Kundalini Awakening

The remaining verses of chapter 3 gives the information about how to awaken the kundalini. Verses from 112 to 130 define how to awaken the kundalini. The pranayama, asanas and mudras when mastered individually, then morphed into one will awaken the kundalini.

Chapter 4

Chapter 4 is the chapter of samadhi. This chapter has 114 verses in total. Different verses describe various aspects of Hatha yoga in chapter 4.
Chapter 4 of Hatha yoga pradipika begins with salutation to the guru. Guru is the dispenser of happiness to the world. Appearing as Nada, Bindu and Kala. The people who are truly devoted to him attain the highest bliss in the world. Samadhi is the knowledge which destroys death, it is the medium which gives true happiness. Samadhi gives brahmanda to the one who achieves it.

Raja yoga, samadhi, unmani, maounmani, Amarativa, Laya, Tatwa, Sunya, Asunya, Parama pada, Amanaska, mukti etc are all synonym and in true sense mean the one and same thing. When salt is put into water it dissolves and becomes one. Likewise, when Aatma and mind becomes one it is called samadhi. This equality of oneness of the self and the ultra self, when all sampkalpas ceases to exist, then samadhi is born.

By the means of various postures and different kumbhakas, when the great power kundalini awakens, then the prana becomes absorbed in sunya. The sunya is the state where one will attain samadhi. The yogi whose shakti has awakened, who has renounced all actions, attains to the state of samadhi without any effort.

When the prana flows in the Susumna, and the mind has entered Sunya then the yogi is free from all the effects of karma. Breathing is lessened when mind becomes absorbed, and the mind becomes absorbed when prana is restrained. Both the mind and breath are united together, like milk and water. Both of them are equal in their activities. Mind begins its activities where there is breath and prana begins its activities where there is mind.

According to, Hatha yoga pradipika when all the thoughts and activities are destroyed then the Laya stage is produced. Laya stage is beyond the definition of speech and words. It can only be self-experienced. Placing the mind into kundalini, and by looking in the mind with intellect and reflexivity the brahma is attained. Keep the Aatma inside the brahma and place brahma inside the Aatma. Having everything pervaded with brahma, think of nothing else.

According to Hatha yoga pradipika, one should become void in and void out, and voice like pot in the space. Full in and full out, like jar in the ocean. He should be neither of his inside nor of outside world. Leaving all thoughts, he should think of nothing.

When the yogi enters samadhi, he becomes free from all aspects. He is not devoured by death nor he is bound by any actions. In samadhi he neither feels smell, color, touch, or sound. His mind is neither awake, sleeping, waking, disappearing, or appearing but is liberated. He feels neither pain, heat cold or pleasure. Such a yogi is immersed in samadhi as per, Hatha yoga pradipika.

The yogi immersed in samadhi, cannot be killed by any instrument and is beyond the controlling power of the being. He is beyond the reach of the incantations and charms.

Kashmir Shaivism- The Concept Revolves Around Mahadev (Shiva)

by Tirtha Acharya | Sep 10, 2021 | Yoga

Kashmir Shaivism

Kashmir Shaivism is one of the many concepts and ideology of the Hindu mythology. The concept, teachings and followings of Kashmir Shaivism diverts from the mainstream following of Hinduism. This nondual tradition originated around 850CE. Even though it is a Hindu concept many Hindus may not know about this culture. Kashmir Shaivism is a tradition and concept that revolves around Mahadev (Shiva) as the center component. It has its own teachings, following and unique traditions.

Hinduism is a very vast religion, there is no religion that is more complexed and diverse than Hinduism. There is never just explanation and interpretation to the concept of Hinduism. The religion celebrates multiple gods, atheism, singular god, female gods, elemental gods all at the same time. The religion is most prominent around the south Asian sides I.e., Nepal, India, and other surrounding country.

Religion is widely integrated into the religions and people celebrate the religion very differently than one another. Some celebrate one or two deity above other deity; some are Hindu by religion but do not believe in the concept of God. All these diversity on the concept exists inside the roof of the same religion.

Kashmir Shaivism is another concept of Hinduism where Lord Shiva is the main god. To understand Kashmir Shaivism lets first understand Shiva.

Lord Shiva

Lord shiva is one of the trinities of Hindu mythology aside from Brahma and Vishnu. Among the trinity Lord Shiva is called as the destroyer as his duty to the universe is to destroy it. When the universe completes its life lord shiva destroys the universe so that new life can be created from there.

Lord Shiva has the companionship of Goddess Parvati. Lord shiva and goddess Parvati lives on Mt. Kailash and have Lord Ganesh and Lord Kumar Kartikaya as the children. Aside from having the duty to destroy the universe Lord Shiva have many tasks to the world. Lord shiva is also called as the god of dance as well as the founder of yoga. He also destroys the evil demons and evil doers who hampers the delicate balance of the universe.

In Hindu mythology the appearance of Lord Shiva is depicted as a tall male with a third eye in forehead. He has long hair with half crescent moon in it and from the hair’s goddess ganga originates. He wears tiger and elephant skin as clothes, wears snake in neck as ornaments. He decorates his body by the ashes, wields the weapon Trishul in one hand and wields Damrau in other. His rides an old ox to travel which name is Nandi.

What is Kashmir Shaivism

Kashmir Shaivism is a teaching, and these teachings are derived from the ninety-two tantras. These teachings are told by Lord Shiva himself to Goddess Parvati. The ninety-two tantras are also known as Agamas.

There are ninety-two tantaras in Kashmir Shaivism of which only sixty-four are purely monistic. Among which eighteen are monistic-dualistic, and ten are dualistic. The core of Kashmir Shaivism is the sixty-four tantras. These sixty-four tantras are also sometime referred as the Bhairav tantras.

Kashmir Shaivism teaches about the singular god and the world. Other religion tells the existence of physical world, soul plane and many other things. However, Kashmir Shaivism says that there is only one reality. The only way we are experiencing the world is true and there is nothing more. The matter and the consciousness are the same thing. They are often depicted and described as the different things but Kashmir Shaivism says they are same.

The teachings further describe God as the one. God is the world that we exist in and, vice-versa. While some other variations of Hinduism teach the physical world as the maya and illusion. It teaches physical world should be avoided and spiritual world and peace should be pursued.

However, Kashmir Shaivism teaches that God created everything and is everything. There is nothing more and real than the world. Only one reality exists and that is the world we live in. The true illusion is the idea of dualism and existence of the multiple worlds. The idea holds god’s creation as superior and inferior, diversifies and is not logical and is invalid.

Shiva, Tantra, and Kashmir Shaivism

Tantras are the special Mantras, Chanting or ability that has mystic ability and grants the chanter the thing they desire to some extent. Tantras existed in Hinduism from thousands of years ago. It is said that when the Dwapur Yug ended and the age of Kali begun with Kali Yug the Tantras were lost into time. Lord Shiva then incarnated in the form of Shrikantha Nath and then he taught Rishi Durvasha all the Tantras.

Rishi Durvasha after learning the tantras was tasked by lord Shiva to teach the Tantra to the peoples. Rishi Durvasha searched the world to find a student capable of learning and handling the power of Tantras. Even searching through meditation, he found no one worthy enough to hold the power. Then the Rishi created three sons from his mind so that he could teach Tantra to them.

The name of the first son was Tryambaka. Sage Durvasha taught the first son the Bhairav Tantra, its philosophy and its core knowledge. In time the core knowledge of Bhairav Tantra, sixty-four monistic tantra became the base of Kashmir Shaivism.

History of Kashmir Shaivism in Kashmir
Kashmir Shaivism was formed around 850CE. It was not always called as Kashmir Shaivism. The tradition of Shaivism was most prominent around the regions of Kashmir hence, it is today now known as the Kashmir Shaivism.

Kashmir is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The place is gifted with the most beautiful and mesmerizing natural scenery in the world. However, this beautiful place had time and time again was clenched by battles and war. This various fluctuation caused in Kashmir due to these events massively affected Kashmir Shaivism also.

The tradition of Kashmir Shaivism is an oral one. Meaning the teaching and learning of one generation is passed down to the other generation in oral form in Kashmir Shaivism. The oral practice to pass traditions, teachings have been used in multiple religions from thousands of years ago.

Kashmir Shaivism is a topic of interest to many as it is key to understand the ancient civilization and its teachings. However, most of the knowledge, teachings, books, and scriptures are lost to the time.

Swami Lakshman Joo is someone whose name must be spoken whenever the topic will be Kashmir Shaivism. But who is he? Why he should be mentioned? What is his contribution to the subject matter?

Swami Lakshman Joo is the current master in the series of passing of the knowledge of Kashmir Shaivism from generation to generation. He has been a boon to the historians and researchers who have been trying to find more and more about Kashmir Shaivism for a long time. There is hardly any subject matter, books, or publications without the contribution of Swami Lakshman Joo. Swami had given numerous books, lectures, and publications about Kashmir Shaivism.

Concepts in Kashmir Shaivism

Anuttara is the main concept of Kashmir Shaivism. The tradition is based in the singular god, and Lord shiva is the only god. The tradition cultures depict the world as the only real thing. Anything beyond the world is fake. Here there is only one God, God is the world and the world is the god. Everything created by the god, is part of the god. Nothing is superior and inferior as everything is God.

Shiva is Shakti (Parvati) and Shakti is Shiva, they are identical one and the same. The person who has realized the truth of Anuttara can feel the presence of God in all the existence. While, God resides in everything and everyone, Anuttara makes the presence of the God felt.

Aham

Aham in Kashmir Shaivism is defined as the supreme heart, the heart of Shiva. It is the ability to transcend and go beyond and rise above. Rising above means to gain infinite consciousness but not above everyone as in this tradition everyone in the existence in equal. Aham is the final resting place, it is the destination of who has regained their consciousness and have true knowledge. Aham is also called as the Beeja mantra. It is the core and energy of all the mantra and mantra energy in the world.

Kaula

Kaula in Sanskrit is the family name. It exists in Hindu family in an extraordinarily complex manner. Every family has a unique Kaula name. Everyone with the same Kaula name is considered as the family. Kaula is the bond of blood within the family members and ultimately with the Lord Shiva himself.

Swatantra

Swatranta is the free will and independence. However, the Swatantra that is explained by the Kashmir Shaivism and what we know are hugely different things. Before the creation of universe, a cosmic force of freedom awakens and manifests itself inside the conscious of Lord Shiva. The culture tells that this is how life was formed in the universe. Swatantra is the property of life itself and the property of the universe, which ultimately makes it the character of Lord Shiva.

We think we are free in our lives and are experiencing true Swatantra. However, comparing it to the freedom described in Kashmir Shaivism what we are experiencing is only a small fragment of true freedom. We are bound by emotions, relations, and illusion. Freedom always exists beyond the illusion and the glitters of maya. Swatantra is the true and ultimate nature of Lord Shiva. This nature also exists within us as we all are the part of Lord Shiva himself. The Swatantra will get us beyond illusion and glitter, towards Lord Shiva himself.

Guru

Guru is the path. It is told in Kashmir Shaivism. Guru is the one to hold highest of spot in any divisions of Hinduism. Whatever the region, diversification, gods, and goddess the spot of guru remains always unchanged. The spot of guru is above everyone else, can never be replaced and the positive change that a guru brings into the life of the students can never be repaid.

Lord Shiva is the ultimate Guru of the world. As a matter of face, Lord Shiva was the first Guru of the world. He became the first guru of the world by teaching yoga, meditation, and other knowledge to the seven individuals. These individuals later were known as the seven celestial sages of the world.

The Siva sutras

Vasugupta was a man living in Kashmir. He was a righteous man who lived by following the rules of Dharma. In his daily life he always did the right thing and also helped the one around him as much as he could. One-night vasugupta saw Lord Shiva in his dream, who told him to go to Mahaddev mountain in Kashmir. On the mountain Vasugupta found the verses inscribed into the rock. These verses that were inscribed into the rock were the Siva sutras of Kashmir Shaivism. These sutras are also known as agamas in Hinduism.

The four schools of Kashmir Shaivism

Karma

Karma is the mono dualistic discipline in the stages that are needed before the realization. Karma is the true nature within everyone. Even the nonliving objects have their karma. The karma of the fire is to burn everything and give heat. The karma of water is to cool and end thirst. True karma of the individual sets them on the path of eternal liberation.

Kula

Kula is the family. The kula teaching makes the skeleton of Trantaloka and Trantasara.

Spanda

Spanda is the movement of consciousness. It was introduced by Vasugupta himself. Movement is life, from minute atoms to cosmic bodies everybody is in constant movement. However, Spanda is even beyond that it is the movement of the conscious itself. It does not take place in this space and time but in supreme consciousness.

Pratyabhijna

Pratyabhijna translates to spontaneous recognition. Unlike in above types, in Pratyabhijna there is nothing to learn or practice. The only task here is to know who you are? And find yourself, your true self.