"God is Love. Love is God. God is sweeter than the sweetest thing. He is All-milk,
All-love, All-sweetness. He is the inflowing honey and nectar." – Sri Swami Sivananda
'Yoga Not Restricted to Saints and Sages'
from Yoga2You
"Yoga Not Restricted to Saints and Sages" is a headline plucked from the yoga news wires today. It is a point I often like to make (as those who know me know ;) -- Accepting where we are, no matter where we are, is such an important part of yoga. It is the reason we generally don't applaud poses in class, because while Handstand may be an accomplishment to some, lying in Sivasana (also known as Corpse or Relaxation pose) is a great challenge to others--especially to those with hip, spine, neck or other issues. Many who come to yoga fall somewhere between the two.
There are benefits to yoga no matter where we are on the learning and practice curve. I often find yoga to be like a well that never runs dry, open to anyone who comes to drink, turning no one away thirsty. So even though some of us may still enjoy a glass of wine (or our own variation thereof) instead of pranayama or ansana practice for relaxation, remember there are huge benefits to even a few minutes of yogic relaxation. So, simply make the attempt--saint or sage though we may not be, no matter. Accept where you are each day and begin there. And remember, every day is different.
[This is not, by the way, what the news story said, just my own meanderings on the subject. Please click here to read the article from The Hindu.]
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Why yoga works—simply
Ancient yogis knew the benefits that came with regular yoga practice. Today, advancements in technology enable scientists to show precisely how these ancient practices work to benefit the mind and body. Yogis have been passing on the teachings of yoga for nearly 5,000 years.
Most simply, using proper breathing, especially during asana practice, enables the average person to develop the breathing apparatus and strengthen the vital life force. Once that begins, everything else flows from it. Why yoga works is really that simple. Any time you lie on the mat and breathe, the benefits of yoga begin.
There is a saying in yoga that when we control the breath, we control the life force, and when you think about that, it's really true.
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The Universal Prayer by Swami Sivananda
O Adorable Lord of Mercy and Love,
Salutations and prostrations unto Thee.
Thou art Omnipresent, Omnipotent, Omniniscient.
Thou art Satchidananda.
Thou art Existence, Knowledge and Bliss Absolute.
Thou art the indweller of all beings.
Grant us an understanding heart, equal vision,
Balanced mind, faith, devotion and wisdom.
Grant us inner spiritual strength to resist temptation
And to control the mind.
Free us from egoism, lust, hunger, greed,
Hatred and jealousy.
Fill our hearts with Divine Virtues.
Let us behold Thee in all these names and forms. Let us serve Thee in all these names and forms.
Let us ever remember Thee.
Let us ever sing Thy glories.
Let Thy name bve ever on our lips.
Let us abide in Thee for Ever and Ever.
Om Bolo Sat Guru Sivananda Maharaj Ji Ki! Jaya!
Om Bolo Vishnu Devananda Maharaj Ji Ki! Jaya!
“Health is wealth, peace of mind is happiness. Yoga shows the way.”
