Yoga
At Yoga B.C., we teach in the tradition of Hatha.
Hatha yoga is in essence a type of Tantric yoga with four physical stages and three non-physical/meditative stages*. The philosophy of Tantra, is non-dualist, but is based on a structure of polarities. In Tantra, everything consists of opposite and attracting forces, such as female and male. “Ha” consisting of compressive, tensing, heating, masculine forces. “Tha” consisting of decompressive, reflexive, cooling, feminine energies.
Physical
| Sat-Kriya | cleansing processes |
| Asana | physical exercises |
| Mudra | energy control |
| Pranayama | breath control |
Non-Physical /meditative
| Pratyahara | meditative sense control |
| Dhyana | meditative contemplation or visualization |
| Samadhi | meditative absorbtion |
Although hatha yoga is typified by a series of exercises that are used to generate and manipulate physical and subtle forces of the body, its main aim is the same as every other form of yoga, namely self-realisation, to Gnosis-know-thyself as an non-local, eternal being playing in the midst of localized time-bound awareness.
The sole reason to learn ha-tha yoga(union of mind/body/spirit), as the ancients texts say and moderns celebrate, is to lead us to Raja yoga… the Royal path. This path that enables a gracious controlling of the mind, unifying one’s intelligence with one’s own consciousness.*
We have happily prepared the path for you and are happy to skip you on your way to the soulful forests of freedom and joy through the via the flowing brooks of vinyasa asanas(moving postures) and meditation (as taught in our Vedic-based Primordial Meditation courses- see "Meditation" for more info).
Our worldly teachers take teachings from many texts and regularly recite from the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga. There are a lot of books on yoga out there but we’ve come to appreciate Deepak Chopra and David Simon’s ability to put these mystified sometime mis-construed ideas into practical sense and practice for the people of Oz and beyond.
All of Yoga B.C. classes are open and no pre-registration is required.
Classes are divided into three levels.
- Open Level 1
- All welcome. This class offers a slower pace and offers additional explanations and variations for beginners to intermediate and are safe for pre and post-natal mamma-sans.
- Open Level 2
- All welcome. This class offers a more challenging yet accessible asana, pranayam and meditation practice. Six months or more experience of yoga is recommended, but beginners will still be able to easily keep up as all teachers first offer beginner-friendly simple asanas then move into more complex sequences.
- Open Level 3
- All welcome, however a good level of fitness and previous yoga experience is recommended. Again, don't be daunted as easier postures are first presented then more technically advanced asana are offered.
If you have any questions regarding your ability and the level of classes, either consult any teacher or call Grant on 0420-947-871 or email yogabcsydney@gmail.com.
As with any exercise practice, always participate at a level and energetic degree that is responsible to your physical condition and mental//emotional state on the day. It is advised to consult your doctor and/or holistic medical advisor before beginning any new form of physical exercise, especially if you are recovering from or have had any recent accident or illness that might affect your perfomance and well-being.
Yoga B.C. does not take responsibility for any injury and/or illness that might occur during or after participation in any yoga class, meditation course or private yoga therapy session.
Practice responsibly and daily culture self-care and awareness!
(* This helpful Hatha descriptive comes from the great sourcebook of Anatomy and Physiology of Hatha Yoga by Simon Borg-Olivier and Bianca Machliss.)
