Hata Yoga Online Classes

Like Chanakya’s (from the above) the yogic journey of an individual is divided into three stages based on their Understanding, Practice, Breath & awareness. They are: Adhama ( अधमा ) Madhyama ( मध्यमा ) & Uttama ( उत्तमा )

1. Adhama ( अधमा ): This is the Initial stage of the Yogic journey. This classes involves more emphasis on alignment , Movement & breath (Asana Practice). Eligibility: Been practicing yoga < 2 year 

2. Madhyama ( मध्यमा ) : This is the middle stage. This class involves progression in all spine movements & control over breath (Asana Practice). Eligibility: Practicing yoga > 2 year 

3. Uttama ( उत्तमा ) : This is the Final stage. This class involves  Asana Practice. Eligibility: Teachers & students practicing for more than 4 years.

Prananigraha ( प्राणनिग्रह: ) – Prana means Breath in this aspect & nigraha means gaining control. These classes involve asana practice + Breath controlling practices. This is the starting stage of Pranayama. Eligibility: Adhama & Madhyama can join.

Yoga Nidra ( योग निद्रा ): Yoga Nidra is a systematic method of inducing complete physical, mental and emotional relaxation. This practice can be applied to overcome emotional trauma/fear, to develop the memory and to transform one’s nature with healthy habits If one can manage to separate consciousness through Yoga Nidra from external awareness. Eligibility: All are eligible

स्थिरसुखमासनम् ॥४६॥

sthira-sukham-asanam ||46||

The above is the 3rd Limb from the Ashtanga Yoga System by Saga Patañali. Let us explain the sutra with the help of a story.

During Dvapara Yuga, there was a kid Chanakya in the village named Rudravaram. The only source of water for them is the lake outside the village. So Villagers used to carry Clay pots to the lake to get water for drinking and other activities. Chanakya lost his father at a very young age, so the mother used to do everything. One day he noticed the difficulty his mother was going through in carrying water from the lake to home, not once but more than 15 times in a day. He requested his mother not to carry water from the lake instead he will start getting water.

Day one he dipped the pot in the lake but he didn’t know how to lift it and ended up by breaking it. On the 2nd day, he requests his mother to accompany him to the lake & teach him how to lift & place it on his shoulder. Today he can lift but couldn’t place it on his shoulder. But carrying it anyway by taking many stops in between to home by the time he reaches there’s little water left. He spelt the water over him on his way to home and It continued for 6 months. Instead of 15 times moving back and forth from lake to home in a day, these 6 months he used to move 25 times. Later he can place it on his shoulder but it was heavy, so we walked fast home. Instead of 25 times, it has become 23 times but continues to spill water. After 1 year he started carrying the pot with stable steps but still couldn’t carry the water in the pot without spilling on him. After 3 years, he was able to move with stability & carry the water in the pot without spilling a drop by moving 10 times a day. There’s a path &  progression in his journey.

We all start our yogic journey like Chanakya. Initially struggling with everything but eventually, we gain control over one thing at a time. The end what he established is the state of the asana from Sutra. If someone can move or hold our physical body with control during yoga practice with stability in Breath ( like water in Clay pot) then you achieved ASANA and you’re ready to practice Pranayama as per the sutra.