Frequently Asked Questions

What does Hatha mean? The word hatha means wilful or forceful. Hatha yoga refers to a set of physical exercises (known as asanas or postures), and sequences of asanas. The postures are also designed to open the many channels of the body-especially the main channel, the spine-so that energy can flow freely. Hatha is also translated as ha meaning "sun" and tha meaning "moon." This refers to the balance of masculine aspects-active, hot, sun-and feminine aspects-receptive, cool, moon-within all of us. Hatha yoga is a path toward creating balance and uniting opposites. In our physical bodies we develop a balance of strength and flexibility. We also learn to balance our effort and surrender in each pose.

Hatha yoga is a powerful tool for self-transformation. It asks us to bring our attention to our breath, which helps us to still the fluctuations of the mind and be more present in the unfolding of each moment.

What does Om mean? Om is a mantra, or vibration, that is traditionally chanted at the beginning and end of yoga sessions. It is said to be the sound of the universe. Somehow the ancient yogis knew what scientists today are telling us-that the entire universe is moving. Nothing is ever solid or still. Everything that exists pulsates, creating a rhythmic vibration that the ancient yogis acknowledged with the sound of Om. We may not always be aware of this sound in our daily lives, but we can hear it in the rustling of the autumn leaves, the waves on the shore, the inside of a seashell. Chanting Om allows us to recognize our experience as a reflection of how the whole universe moves.

How many times per week should I practice? Yoga is amazing-even if you only practice for one hour a week you will experience the benefits of the practice. If you can do more than that, you will certainly experience more benefits. Don't let time constraints or unrealistic goals be an obstacle-do what you can and don't worry about it.

How is yoga different from stretching or other kinds of fitness? Unlike stretching or fitness, yoga is more than just physical postures. Patanjali's eight-fold path illustrates how the physical practice is just one aspect of yoga. Even within the physical practice, yoga is unique because we connect the movement of the body and the fluctuations of the mind to the rhythm of our breath. Connecting the mind, body, and breath helps us to direct our attention inward. Through this process of inward attention, we learn to recognize our habitual thought patterns without labelling them, judging them, or trying to change them. We become more aware of our experiences from moment to moment. The awareness that we cultivate is what makes yoga a practice, rather than a task or a goal to be completed. Your body will most likely become much more flexible by doing yoga, and so will your mind.

I'm not flexible-can I do yoga? Yes! You are a perfect candidate for yoga. Many people think that they need to be flexible to begin yoga, but that's a little bit like thinking that you need to be able to play tennis in order to take tennis lessons. Come as you are and you will find that yoga practice will help you become more flexible. This newfound agility will be balanced by strength, coordination, and enhanced cardiovascular health, as well as a sense of physical confidence and overall well-being.

What do I need to begin? All you really need to begin practicing yoga is your body, your mind, and a bit of curiosity. Any clothing that allows you to move freely is suitable. No special footgear is required because you will be barefoot. Extra layers of clothing or a blanket will be helpful to keep your body warm during a period of relaxation yoganidra. As your practice develops you might want to buy your own yoga mat.

What is Sukshma Vyayamaa? Yogic Sukshma Vyayamaa was developed, designed and propagated originally by his His Holiness Maharishi Karthikeyaji Maharaj of the Himalaya . He had great kindness and compassion for humanity and taught Swami Dhirendra Brahmachari, who in turn propagated it to the modern world, including the Nehru family.Shri Dhirendra Brahmachari and various other yoga experts. So, in conformity with the approach of bringing to the common people and normal society, some of the simplified and easier aspects of Hatha Yoga, Yogic Sukshma Vyayamaa as is implied by the name, is meant for the subtle body or Sukshma Sharira(subtle body). It is not meant for the Sthula Sarira (gross body ).  There is a separate set of exercises for the gross body - Sthula Vyayamaa which succeeds Sukshma Vyayamaa but it is just about half a dozen exercises of gross nature similiar to other gross exercises such as swimming and running or various physical and cultural excercises. Yogic Sukshma Vyayamaa, however, is on a different footing. It is meant for the subtle body of the human being, as per Indian traditional philosophy.  As per the yogic philosophical tradition there are five bodies for every individual - which is the annamaya sarira, pranamaya sareera, manomaya sareera, vigyanamaya sareera and anandamaya sareera. So, Sukshma Vyayamaa deals with the second level, that is the subtle body or the pranamaya sareera.