For those wanting to learn yoga but who don’t know how to start, Dr Hansaji J Yogendra answers some common questions so that “yoga beginners” can find their yoga path, the role of asana, choose a practice, find a yoga teacher and more.
1. Is yoga all about asana? What is real yoga?
Yoga is not a physical form of exercise, as is commonly misunderstood by most people. “Yoga” means union. Even science proves that the whole existence is energy in some form, but most are not seeing it that way. If you can break this delusion that you are unconnected and experience the oneness, it is real yoga. There are various yoga steps in classical yoga. Asanas are part of yoga and not the whole of yoga.
There are other levels to this, but to simplify, if you observe yourself with awareness and consciously get your body into different asanas or postures, you can raise your energy levels and consciousness so that way yoga asanas help.
We teach classical yoga, which is a holistic approach. Real yoga is being better and better every day and transforming yourself through all aspects of yoga, i.e., following Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama , Pratyahara, Dharna, Dhyana. We teach that at our Institute.
2. There are so many yoga gurus offering yoga; how does one decide and become a yoga teacher?
Many people search and come to yoga for relief from aches, pains, backache; we provide a range of certificate courses, diplomas and teacher training courses that can help you become a professionally qualified yoga teacher.
We were the first school to get a quality certificate from AYUSH for teaching and training more than 50,000 yoga teachers who are spreading the yoga knowledge the world over. In 2018, The Yoga Institute was recognised for its efforts in spreading yoga knowledge to the world and was awarded the prestigious Prime Ministers award.
Must Know: Benefits of YOGA for Beginners
3. YouTube, social media, the internet, so many yoga teachers and courses are online. Is it safe to learn over the internet or online?
Yoga learning requires a committed resolve. We learned in the presence of our Gurus and teachers; it truly helps to transform, but if mishandled by wrong teachers or techniques online, it can have devastating results.
In Indian vernacular, languages are many, and we offer yoga teaching and learning online in Hindi, English, Marathi and Gujarati. We have experienced teachers who make the participants comfortable. We spread yoga for all householders’ benefits, and techniques are simplified.
4. Yoga has gained a tremendous following in the west, and that has produced many types of yoga, including beer yoga and goat yoga. Your comments
Yoga has been around for thousands of year, and Shri Yogendraji revived hatha yoga practices in India and Abroad. We continue to teach classical yoga in its proper form and shall continue to spread yoga to all. Well, beer and goat yoga is business techniques to woe the commercials. Yoga is a rich legacy people are wise enough to know that real Yoga at The Yoga Institute is something everyone should know and experience.
5. How to find a true yoga guru amongst so many fake ones?
Well, Shri Yogendra Ji always said when a student is ready, the teacher appears. That is so true. Other way is to keep trying because yoga always helps. There is no such thing as a real or fake guru. It is our thinking.
6. There are so many yoga paths; how can one understand the correct form from fake ones?
Yoga is a way of life. It’s not just asanas or just mediation. It is not something you do when you feel like it. It takes honesty, dedication and hard work. Try every day till you get to real yoga life.
Check Out Our Course: Weekend Yoga Asana Classes - (Men & Women) - On Campus