SUNDAY SERVICE: Extended Open Class with exploration into the Hatha Yoga Pradipika
Oppdatert: 6. sep.
SUNDAY SERVICE, the extended Jivamukti Open Class at Prindsen Yoga & Terapi, provides the opportunity to delve deeper into all aspects of yoga. This fall, we have begun a series exploring the Hatha Yoga Pradipika.
HATHA YOGA PRADIPIKA is a text from the medieval period, approximately 600 years old. It incorporates earlier scriptures and concepts, blending them with new ideas on using the body to clear the mind and harness its power by manipulating bodily energy.
About a thousand years ago, yoga evolved into a more physical practice presenting new viewpoints, such as seeing hatha yoga as a refuge for anyone experiencing pain. It emphasizes that yoga is accessible to everyone, not just a select few. The key is to engage in the practice, and the benefits will become apparent. All one needs is to do the practice, and the effect will be felt.
Its fusion of tapas and tantra results in a new involvement with the body, where the body is no longer seen as the problem. Instead, it is characterized as a form of enforced yoga or abstract meditation, compelling the mind to retreat from external distractions (objects). Hatha means force. Tapas means to cultivate an inner heat (by doing difficult things with the body) and self- discipline to burn impurities. Burning away the causes of suffering, or cultivating powers. Instead of mortifying the body to seek liberation, tantric practitioners aimed to transform the body preparing to worship and even unite with the divine, working with vital energies including the breath to harness the flow/power of energy.
Asana (postures) is said to give steadiness, health and lightness of the body, and it's the first step of the system to transform the body. Then Hatha Yoga will lead to Raja Yoga (meditation). The physical practice of yoga is for a higher purpose, using the body to go beyond the mind. Breathwork is the primary practice for transforming the body, with asanas being merely the preliminary step to prepare for sitting. When the breath is steady, the mind becomes steady.
HYP also offers up simplified options and many forms of yoga: Mantra Yoga, Laya Yoga (visualisation), Hatha Yoga (yoga of force) and Raja Yoga (meditation). It states that one needs a teacher, and that the teachings should be respected and kept secret. It has its own version of ethical insertions, which in short emphasizes non- violence and eating moderately.
If you feel intrigued to hear and explore more, please join the extended class and practice every Sunday 10.00 - 12.00 at PRINDSEN YOGA & TERAPI (Storgata 36c). I hope to see you there <3
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