::: About Yoga :::

Yoga, as described by the sage Patanjali a few thousand years ago in the Yoga Sutras, refers to the science of awareness. It offers the student certain guidelines such as: non-pride, non-pretentiousness, non-injury, compassion and alignment of thought, word and action. The sages understood that without these values first in priority, the further practice of asanas (postures) would lead to much confusion.

Effort is then on going with understanding and applying the values and it is very much through working with the next stage of asana that the student can apply and ground theoretical knowledge in actual experience.

By learning to position the body correctly for optimal use, the student has created a clear space for the free flow of life essence. A significant part of the process of yoga is purification and that is through the conscious use of the breath.

Shadow Yoga

Shadow style of yoga, as developed by Zhander Remete , has its roots in the tradition of Hatha yoga, Ayurveda, the science of life and the application of Marmasthana , vital points that control the energies in the body.

This is excellent preparation of the body, setting up the heat necessary for the transformation of body and mind. The heat created through this method of practice comes from a strong, internal, abdominal fire, which continues even after the practice, thus aiding in digestion and proper elimination; the foundation of well-being and health.

Powerful stance work and the use of bandhas are some characteristics that are the foundation of this style, based on principles common to the science of yoga, the Indian martial arts and dance disciplines.

The four fixed prelude forms of Shadow Yoga utilize the guiding principles of Marmasthana, (the Indian system of the 108 vital junctions of the body), combining body positioning with graceful movements and a steady rhythm of the breath to purify, strengthen and energize body and mind. When the vital breath begins to flow freely, life essence or prana is better able to nourish the body, dissolving the frozen layers in that surge of vitality of Universal energy.

The four prelude forms are extremely effective in preparing systematically the body and mind for further asana work and for the sitting meditative practice.

The core of this practice is the application of the various bandhas, energy locks throughout the body to contain and transmit in a safe, controlled manner the increase of energy due to the practice. The continued, steady rhythm of the breath also is pivotal and will help the practitioner in cultivating inner equipoise.

'Samatvam yoga ucyate' - evenness of mind is yoga and evenness of breath is definitely crucial in developing this.

BALAKRAMA - Stepping into Strength
This is the first and perhaps the most challenging of the forms as it requires the body to awaken fully by working the peripheral body, thus freeing energy especially in the lower limbs and hips to circulate more efficiently, clearing obstruction in the various layers progressively. is excellent in bringing balance to the imbalance usually found in the hips and shoulders. The encrustation of years of blockages from disuse and misuse of the body is gradually addressed and cleansed due to the dynamic quality of the work, with a healthy dose of patience and compassion.It is a good starting point for beginners as well as for practitioners coming from other traditions.

CHAYA YODDHA SANCHALANAM - Churning of the Shadow Warrior
With the vital energies flowing, the work is now to begin to channel it centrally, learning to harness, contain and direct that power. It is a gradual process of learning to purify body and mind by learning to observe and refine intentions behind thoughts while maintaining a grounded centredness resulting in balanced activity.

KARTIKEYA MANDALA - Garland of Light
Because these forms are taught progressively, the body is slowly able to adjust to the steady increase of life energy. Assuming that both body and mind have been cultivated, the energy now can circulate consciously. With this comes true freestyle, where the practitioner is able to connect to the inner guide within and move appropriately to further enhance freedom.

Iyengar yoga as developed by BKS Iyengar of Pune, India, has been central to the expansion of yoga worldwide, due to the precision and accuracy of the teachings. The awakening of awareness is facilitated through detailed knowledge of body movements and specific sequencing of asanas to create certain effects in the body and mind.

One of the characteristics of this style is the innovative use of props to help the student overcome gradually certain limitations that may be in the body. The posture is usually held a little longer so that awareness working through the mind together with the breath can penetrate more fully into the various layers of the body. With more time in the asana, the effects of posture, breath, awareness can penetrate into the organs, benefitting all the systems in the body, such as the digestive, circulatory and nervous systems.

Anyone can practice yoga! At any age!

Knowledge of the body - correct alignment - conscious freedom.

For any questions or to schedule a class please call 65-6736-1958 or email us through the enquiries form in the 'Contact Us' page.