Category: Iyengar

The Importance of Lineage

12/6/2019

Ancestry Means Something

It's nice to know where you came from. Your individual ancestry can help you to identify who you are. In the same way, the line of teachers that provided knowledge and guidance to the one you practice with can provide you with a better understanding of why they teach the way they do. Lineage in Yoga is a valuable bit of information.

Roots

Did you know that Raja is the root of all Yoga? Hatha is the seed of modern Yoga. All Yoga began at the time of the Vedas during which traditions and practices were shared orally. It wasn't until people began to write (The Vedas and Upanishads) that the practices were codified.

Knowing who your teachers are can make a difference in your understanding of the practice. If your teacher can trace their training back to a teacher who is trained in the traditional and authentic practice (Raja and Hatha) they probably have a stronger grasp on what Yoga is.

If your teacher cannot identify the lineage in which they were trained they may not be a teacher at all. Instructors can tell you to move, to breath and to focus. Teachers give you the tools to access Yoga. Those who continue to study, observe and deepen their own practice become guides who can show you the way to practice Yoga authentically.

Religion, Culture, Wisdom

LIfestyle practices including Hinduism and Buddhism influenced the way in which Yoga was described. As the stories of the Vedas were written, they were transformed by the way in which people were living at the time. Each new translation of the stories; from Sanskrit to Persion, then to Latin and eventually English, that which was written was changed. Beliefs, religion, culture and more effected the way in which the ancient texts were translated.

Even today there are new books, insights, perspectives and thoughts on how to practice Yoga. Every instructor has their own ideas they want to share. It can be challenging to find a guide with whom you connect. Keep practicing and searching for the right one.

Yoga In Everything, Everywhere

Every time we read the writings as they are translated by a new story teller, we are given a new perspective. The explanations change as a result of current culture, influence, experiences and individual meta-cognition.

Although the practices remain consistent; Asta-anga (eight limbs) must be practiced in order for Yoga to occur, the approach changes. Dependent upon where you were raised, your beliefs, teachers, guides and circumstances effect your practice.

One thing remains true for all of us: Yoga exists in everything, everywhere. We just need to reveal it. Stick with it. Practice Yoga Everywhere. Discover your Self.

If you would like to discuss or learn more about the history of Yoga and the practices of Raja and Hatha book a Realignment Coaching Session with Jenay or begin deepening your practice through the Lake Tahoe Yoga School 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program.

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8 Limbs & The Many Paths to Enlightenment

11/14/2011

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October began our study of the Yoga Sutra. Throughout the next few months we will be following the Yoga Sutra from Pada Eka through the end. The most important lesson to remember is from Sutra 2:1: Yogas chitta vrtti nirodha; "Yoga is the quieting of the mind's chatter." The rest is just direction for accomplishing this task. Each sutra is like a gentle guide drawing us along the path to finding union and separation. Join in as we reference translations by Saccidananda and Iyengar. Our study will continue until we complete the book.

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The Importance of Lineage

Ancestry Means Something

Roots

Religion, Culture, Wisdom

Yoga In Everything, Everywhere

8 Limbs & The Many Paths to Enlightenment

Jenay, E-RYT, Director

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