Arkaya - Articles01

7/30/2019 Arkaya - Articles01

1/17

Sukha asana helps you stay relaxed, yet stable

CULTIVATE SUKHAM A demonstration of

Sukha Asana

In the yoga sutras of Patanjali, an asana is described as "sthiram

sukham asana". `Sukham' means `comfortable'. Sukham in this contexdoes not imply pleasure due to overindulgence. However, the sukh

asana is the dukha (uncomfortable and therefore causing pain) asana fo

many who are inflexible. In India, we are used to sitting on the floor

though this practice is on the decline now. Hence, a simple cross-legge

position is quite effortless. The sukha asana though simple has man

key points to keep in mind. It has to have the quality of firmness o

sthiram. Not be sloppy or rigid. We usually find most people in these tw

extreme positions. Sthiram also implies balance and homeostasis.

The minute I ask someone to be aware of their posture, they becom

rigid. This alertness is good and much better than jelly-like bodlanguage. However, this is not what we are looking at in Yoga. It is an

awareness of being relaxed, yet stable. This body language has a direc

impact on our approach towards life. Hence, we can cultivate positiv

mindsets by working on our body language consciously. It is a

interesting and intricate science and art. We first cultivat

sukham/comfort in simple positions or, in life, take on simpl

responsibilities and slowly work towards extending our comfort zone.

The technique

Sit in a cross-legged position. Hands can be relaxed on the thighs or in the yoga mudra as shown. There are many

other mudras like the gnyana mudra that can also be used. Be aware of how the base of your body is touching theearth. Be aware of your vertebral column and how you are holding it.

Be aware of your back muscles and how they are feeling. Check to see if your base, back and head are in alignment

Now observe your breathing. Then bring your mind to parts of the body that feel stiff and gently focus on those areas

as you breathe. Feel the breath loosen those areas.

Focus on your body, observe it and continue breathing gently. This asana prepares one for the art of sitting still. Thi

is important when one wants to sit in meditation. The body along with the mind needs to be prepared for meditation

Both need to be steady and focussed. This preparation is ongoing and not a one time event.

We are constantly preparing by cultivating sukham. We learn to grow comfortable in our own skin. We learn to accepthe good, the bad and the ugly.

If we are uncomfortable, sitting in this position, we know we have the choice to develop it through the various joint

loosening practices that we will see in the forthcoming weeks.

- MAITREYI


2/17

Jathis help release old, unhealthy patterns of behaviour

SIMPLE APPROACH A jathi is practised in tune with your

internal rhythm

Popular yoga postures seen in books are usuall

complicated body contortions that would scare a laypersonIn fact, practising such postures could cause harm, if th

body is not adequately prepared. Most of the posture

shown should carry a warning below that says, "Please do

not attempt without supervision."

Step by step

Those who have achieved this advanced level of bod

control have years of experience behind them. It is like the

stunt scenes performed in movies or commercials. There i

a specific preparation as well as approach to it. The

classical approach is a step-by-step one. The body has to

be prepared for those complicated postures. This back to

the basics approach has to be applied when learning the ar

of yoga. It is useful even for long-term practitioners. Simpl

need not mean ineffective. Hence a simple, systemati

approach in the beginning will do wonders.

Conscious movement

When it comes to working with the body we start with jathis, then move onto kriyas and asanas. A jathi is a conscious

movement done in tune with one's own internal rhythm. A jathi is done using the right side of the body as well as the

left. By consciously moving the right side of the body, one impacts the left side of the brain, and vice versa. Thenervous system can get trapped into unhealthy patterns of behaviour. Jathis are useful to release these old patterns.

They also open up new areas in the brain that have so far not been tapped. In the West, jathis are being used to

address many special needs of children as well as the invalid. The benefits have been evident in children with attentio

deficit disorder too. When the jathis are combined with lifestyle changes, there is a tremendous improvement in the

ability of the child to focus and concentrate. Movement therapy helps overcome past traumas and is useful whil

dealing with victims of abuse. The aware movements release toxic shame and guilt.

Jathis loosen and dislodge the toxins in the joints. They tone the muscles and soothe and strengthen the nervous

system. Remember to drink lots of water as you practise jathis. They can be practised in between asanas. If you find

sitting in any cross-legged asana painful, then always remember to stretch out and loosen, using simple jathis.Jathi for loosening the ankles

The technique: Sit up straight with your legs outstretched. Flex your ankles back and forth alternatively. Shake you

legs and relax. This improves the circulation in the legs as well as the hips. It increases the mobility of the ankles and

the pranic flow, when done consciously. Also note that the back is kept straight using the hands. The hands ar

pushed down beside the body. In the beginning, this downward push may be necessary till the back muscles ar

strengthened. To this simple jathi, add the mukha mudra of a smile to derive maximum benefit.

- MAITREYI


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4/17

The vajrasana helps one to stay focussed

SIMPLE APPROACH A jathi is practised

in tune with your internal rhythm

The Vajra is a diamond or a thunderbolt. Just as the thunderbolt i

focussed and powerful, the vajrasana hones these qualities. In Indiamythology, the thunderbolt is Lord Indira's weapon.

The quality of sharpness is also cultivated by sitting in the vajrasana

The diamond is known for its shine and sharpness. It is one of th

strongest materials known to man. Changes in pressure and othe

conditions over millions of years transform carbon into diamond. Th

vajrasana also applies pressure on the ankles. However, in th

beginning, one must be careful not to push one's body too far.

This pressure transforms the darkness into brilliance. The nerves ar

strengthened. The word `diamond' comes from the Greek word

`adamas', which means indestructible. Diamond is composed only o

carbon and, apart from graphite, is the only gem to be composed of a

single element. This posture is also called the adamantine posture due t

this single minded quality of the stone.

The far-sightedness of the rishis can be seen in the appropriate name

they have picked for the postures. The vajrasana is the best asana fo

pranayama, as it elevates the lungs and facilitates their expansion. I

helps in curing varicose veins. It improves circulation to the lower back

buttocks, thighs, knees, calf muscles, heels and the ankles. Th

vajrasana is extremely useful for digestive disturbances. This is one

asana that can be performed even after a meal.

The vajra nadi is the sciatic nerve. This is the longest single nerve in the body. It starts from the lower back and goe

all the way down to the feet. Practising the vajrasana alleviates sciatica, a painful condition caused by the pinching o

the sciatic nerve due to compression of the vertebrae or misaligned discs. I meet a lot of people with sciatica these

days and it can be attributed to over work and lack of conscious body activity. It becomes extremely painful to even

sit or stand in some cases.

Relaxing and strengthening the lower back muscles will help relieve sciatica. Constant practice of vajrasana helps i

lordosis, an exaggerated inward curve of the vertebral column, as well as scoliosis, a lateral curvature of the spine

Potts disease or spondylitis is also corrected.

The technique

Sit on your heels. Check to see if the back, neck and the head are straight. Ideally, the heels are kept together

However if it is too painful, then the heels can be apart. Be aware of your breathing in this posture. If the ankles hurt

then slip to the right side, sitting on the ground beside. Then sit back in vajrasana. Then take rest sitting on the lef

side. Stretch out the feet and practise the jathi that you saw in the previous article. Shake the feet and thump your

thighs to the ground. Then come back to the vajrasana.

Start with 30 seconds in the posture or less and then increase the length of time.

- MAITREYI


5/17


6/17

The leg to hand swinging movement not only soothes but also stretches out the muscles of the hands and

feet

DO IT GENTLY This jathi helps build flexibility in the body

Any gentle swinging movement is soothing and comforting. I

brings a nice rhythm into the system. It smoothens out the

pranamaya kosha, also referred to as the bio-magnetic field

or the aura. It releases tension and helps when there i

dissipation of the nervous system. The swinging movement i

used to pacify a baby. The swinging or rocking motion of the

cradle helps put the baby to sleep. Even the sight of th

rocking waves comforts us. It releases worries. The leg to

hand swinging movement not only soothes but also stretche

out the muscles of the hands and feet. Right from the

shoulders to the fingers, the muscles are given a goo

stretch. The swinging enables co-ordination between hand

and legs and puts the body to use in a way that we hav

rarely explored earlier. This is the advantage of the conscioumovement. By working on the body consciously, we are

reducing the risk of rigid muscles as well as mindsets

Spasticity of the muscle is helped.

where the muscles become rigid due to damage to the nerves.The signals are not sent or distorted thus causin

anything from slight stiffness to extreme and debilitating rigidity. The damage to the nerves can be due to physical o

emotional accidents, cerebral palsy or other ailments. This jathi is beneficial in such cases. This jathi is extremel

useful for athletes who want to build flexibility and agility in the body. The jathis are useful not only in curing but als

in preventing degenerative conditions. With regular practice, you will feel younger. The muscles atrophy if they are no

used and the jathis prevent and even reverse the loss of muscle movement.

The technique

Loosen your legs by shaking them and thumping the thighs on the floor. With your right hand, hold onto your righ

foot and swing it from side to side. In the beginning, you may not be able to keep the knees straight. Be gentle and

don't overstretch. Do 6-9 swings on the right side and then gently release your foot. Now, with the left hand, hold

onto the left leg and swing 6-9 times and release. Then relax the feet by shaking. As you progress, increase the

number of swings. Then you can also co-ordinate moving the head with the leg swings. As you swing the leg out, turn

the head in the opposite direction. So if you are swinging the right leg to the right side, then turn the head to the left

Similarly, do it with the left leg.

- MAITREYI


7/17

Here's a jathi that helps relax the hip joints

IMPROVES FLEXIBILITY Of the hip joints

This jathi works beautifully on loosening the hip joints. The hi

joints can lose mobility due to constantly sitting on chairs

Most Indians have much more flexible hip joints due to th

traditional method of sitting cross-legged. This posture work

on opening out the hip joint. This jathi gives the much-neede

circulation to the hips.

The bouncing movements make the body feel light. Take car

to do it gently and regularly and you will find that your legs

and hips are ready to walk in the right direction. It will literall

bring a bounce back to your step.

Constant fear of the future and fear of failure bring abou

pranic blocks in the pelvic and lower back regions. The stres

to achieve is so much that many youngsters end up with backpain. This constant fear throws their body off balance.

This jathi loosens up the lower back region as well. Practising the jathi enhances our creative approach to life. It help

us bounce back from life's disappointments. If we are stuck in the linear survival-oriented thinking, we miss out on th

many connections that are possible with fellow humans as well as the world around us. The more the fear, the more

the disconnect. The leg bounce brings about a beautiful connection between the legs, the knees, the hips, the lowe

back and the pelvic region.

The technique

Sit comfortably on the floor with feet stretched out and back as straight as possible. Bring the right leg over the lef

thigh. Bounce for as long as is comfortable. Feel the movement of the legs. Be aware of how the muscles are feeling

Be aware of any discomfort. Keep the mind focussed on the movement and enjoy it. Doing it with awareness enhance

the pranic (energy) flow. Then alternate and bring the left leg over the right thigh. Bounce the foot. Then relax the

feet by loosely shaking them and thumping the thighs. This can also be done sitting on a chair, if the person is no

able to sit on the ground.

- MAITREYI


8/17

RHYTHMIC MOVEMENT A stretch that relaxes the back

What we see and desire is where we want to be. Nowaday

there are many things that grab our attention and so w

desire it. However, this desire lasts as long as the nex

attractive thing catches our fancy. With yoga, we learn to

desire things that are good for us and ultimately desire to be

free of desire. When we aim to reach the stars, at least we

can be sure of reaching the treetops. In this particular jath

(conscious, rhythmic movement), the mind aims to reach th

toes in order to stretch the back. The stretch starts from the

lower back extending all the way to the shoulders and the tip

of the fingers. Be aware of keeping the fingers together. The

fingers denote the senses and by keeping them together w

are aware that our senses are disciplined.

Focussed mind

When the mind is focussed on the toes, you will find that with time you will easily be able to touch your toes. When

child looks at a mango on a tree and aims to reach it, his entire focus is on the mango. You can be sure he will get i

somehow. Either he will jump to reach it or enlist the help of someone who is taller. So also in yogic life, when w

have higher aspirations they may seem unreachable. However when we are focussed and determined like children, we

enlist the help of the entire universe. Even people of higher stature, our gurus, will stand by us in our endeavour. Help

will come from many directions. So when you start practising this jathi and feel it's difficult, do not get discouraged

Stay resolute and you will realise your goal. Do take breaks when you are tired. The aim is to enjoy the journey as

well as the goal. So be aware and do around nine rounds and then give yourself a break. These breaks actually hel

stretch and lengthen the muscles. But don't push yourself too far. Tired muscles are less elastic. The more number o

times you push a muscle to do a task, it leaves a kinesthetic memory, which may cause it to lose some of its flexibilitinstead of increasing it.

The technique: Sit with your back straight and feet outstretched. Bend your left knee over your right. Stretch

reaching for your right toes. Keep reaching and releasing, each time being aware of how your back feels. Let the

movement be slow, gentle and rhythmic. See to it that there are no fast or jerky movements. Practise for a few

minutes or until you get tired. Then you can hold onto your feet or wherever you can reach and stay in that position

for 30 seconds. Remember to breathe while doing the stretch. This will further stretch and loosen the muscles. Then

release the left foot. Now bend the right foot and reach for your left toes. Once again stretch gently. Then hold the

position and release.

- MAITREYI


9/17

ITS ALL ABOUT WINNING

"Winning is everything" This statement is enough to register an increase in the pulse rate of many. No one wants to

be left behind. All of us want to scurry along in the race. When the mind feels the urgency the body prepares itself to

compete in the concrete jungle of finding food or escaping from become prey to another animal. Winners are the ones

who walk away with the best and the most. The winner gets the best jobs, the biggest market share, the best reviews

the best accolades and the adrenalin rush. If you are not a winner your heart stops singing and your life is a series of

torturous climbs to reach that coveted summit. To have the best one definitely has to aspire to be a winner. But ther

is a fine distinction between being our best, being the best and having the best. We loose the present to the dream o

having the throne. Nerves are frayed or we escape into our webs of fantasy.

Winning is about being in competition with ourselves all the time. When one aspires to better himself he is not in an

unhealthy competition with others, he rather uses their competence as a yardstick and an awareness device. We are

all winners in our own ways. Every day when we wake up with a smile we have won over our laziness and defeatism

Every time we stop procrastinating we have won over our fear of failure. Every time we move we have won ove

inertia and every time we are still we have won over restlessness. We are changing each moment and every time w

direct the course of that change we have won over fatalism. Each time we let go, trust and surrender we have wo

over worry. Each time we hold two seemingly opposing thoughts in balance we have won over extremism. Every time

we smile at a stranger we have won over fear of being misunderstood. Each time we breathe more deeply we have

won over holding in the unwanted. Every time we rejoice in life we have won over ingratitude. Every time we lov

ourselves with our imperfections we have won over discontent. Every time we choose to sit up straight we have won

over conditioning. Every time we make lifestyle changes for the better we have won over resistance to change. Every

time we are willing to be reborn we have won over decay.

Redefining winning as a process and not as an end result or destination alone, will help each one of us be winners. A

winning attitude is a frame of mind that nurtures us moment to moment. It is an attitude of being grounded in reality

It is an attitude that tunes into infinity. It is an attitude that reflects our connection to others and ourselves. It is an

attitude of discipline, joy and freedom. With such an attitude at each moment and day we win.


10/17

LIFE SPEAKS TO ALL OF US

Life speaks to me all the time. The mosquitoes near my ear, the cars honking and the laughter of a friend are al

bringing to me messages about my environment, life and most important of all about myself. What a person, inciden

or an object evokes in me are indicators of how I relate to the world. Things I draw into my life mirror what I love o

hate, or fail to see about myself. My relation ship with the world is not as one-dimensional as I may want to think o

it. What do I see? What do I glean? What do I want and what I am looking to achieve are questions to which th

answers are not apparent. However they might be answered in a simplified way to avoid in-depth analysis. Th

answers are not as important as questioning my motives, fears, and motivations. "Why am I doing what I'm doing?" i

a question I keep asking my self. Each time I give an answer I look at the possibility that I might be deluded to think

so. Then the universe is then ever so willing to help and sends little messages that can be received by anyone with a

little sensitivity and interpreted by those who have common sense. But don't we need extra sensory perception o

great divining capabilities? Whew, we just cannot come to terms with the fact that the mundane things in life can

possess meaning. We yearn for magic and what greater magic these days than that of the celluloid. With very little of

our own we adopt media dreams. We want mega stuff, God in his million-dollar suit, his entrance marked by a visio

of psychedelic lights. We seek out the spectacular.

The small yet beautiful things in life lose light as our eyes are dimmed by the artificial brilliance that shines. The more

we see the more we want without realizing that this brightness is one day going to blind us. Like everything else tha

is acquired these tastes only lean towards perversion. A perversion of our senses. Natural foods are no longe

palatable, we want the colourings and the flavourings of the chemical industries. We want music that would be

connected with insanity a century ago to fill our minds, we want hips gyrating at our faces and want glamour at the

expense of substance. Sensationalism sells and we are the buyers. We undervalue and ignore that which is invaluable

Life is the keeper of the subtle and the small things. It's glory seen in the simplest of gestures. It's abundance in th

humblest of blessings. Yet we ignore it because we do no not want to acknowledge we have so much to be gratefu

for. If we are truly grateful then we can never call life a "bitch" only a "blessing". We know it is not life doling out

experiences but giving us what we need for our evolution. We will need less of the bothersome ones if we are quick o

the uptake. If we change what needs to be changed. If we do what needs to be done and ease into not doing what is

not right to do. If we don't, we know there is a price we are paying for it.And despite all the resistance life never tires of us. It cajoles us, nudges us, shoves us and then gives us a good kick

It is unfortunate that sometimes we learn only from the school of "hard knocks". It says "Dearest I will never give up

on you. Even if my heart breaks to see you at the edge of the cliff, I will never push you over".

Life speaks to you and to me all the time. Are we listening?


11/17

CLEANSING BREATH

Yogic Awareness:

Little irritations when bottled up turn to anger and then rage. Release little irritations then and there. When anythin

that stains spills on your shirt the sensible thing to do would be to wash it off then and there rather than wait for acouple of days. By then the staining agent would have seeped in deeper. Hence remember to be aware of things tha

bother you and release them then and there as much as possible. Do a regular spring-cleaning of your emotiona

baggage.

Yogic technique:

The Cleansing Breath: Sit in vajrasana or on the chair. See to it that the back neck and shoulders are in line and

straight. Breathe in for the count of 6 and breathe out through the mouth for the count of six with a whoosh noise

Whoosh out irritations and pain. This can be practiced any time you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Take two

minute breaks in office and practice. This can also be practised as you are involved in any activity. Constantly bring

your awareness to your breathing.

Yogic concept:The breath is related to emotions. The natural way for the body to release pent up stress is through a long sigh. This

natural body reaction was observed by the "rishis" or researchers of those days and systematized as a technique

Long exhalations are a good way to release pent up emotions. Most hold in worries, pain or disappointments. The

cleansing breath helps to release them.


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THE BRAHMARI PRANAYAMA

Yogic Awareness: Our sub-conscious mind is like a computer programme that can get into a loop of thinking and

enacting the same things. This definitely has its uses as tasks do not have to be re-learned and can be performe

automatically. However it can be the cause of energy loss if it loops into worry and negativity. We can substitutpositive vibrations for the negative ones that are going on again and again. When you tell the mind to not think of

particular thing it plays truant and thinks of the very same thing. Thus by substitution we are better able to let go o

the negative. This practise will help clarify the mind through using a sound vibration.

The Technique: Sit on a chair or on the ground in vajrasana. Keep your vertebral column straight and firm. Take a

deep breath for 4-6 counts thinking the sound "mmm". Now chant the sound "mmm" as you breathe out. Do 3-6

rounds. Then relax and be with the stillness.

Yogic Concept: The brahmari is the female bee. The queen bee controls all the worker bees. Hence the soun

"mmm" that resembles the sound of the bee controls all negativity and worry that recurs in our mind. Constant worry

will wear the system down. The queen bee gives direction to the worker bees that would waste their energy if no

properly guided. The mind is a powerful tool that can be used to create harmony so all work together. All of us havedys-functions in our lower mind that can get exaggerated in disharmonious environments. Practice this pranayama so

that the intellect that brings in the sense of higher purpose can be activated.


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MANMADHA KRIYA

Yogic Awareness: When we are scared the lungs get compacted and breathing is affected. When we wait for

situation to unfold in a horror film we hold the breath in fear and negative anticipation. Similarly in abusive situations

also our breath is affected. This is different when we hold the breath in awareness during certain pranayamas. Thi

version of the manmatha kriya can be easily practiced at office. When love is lost and you feel abused or hur

practicing the Kriya helps release the pain. The more we hold onto hurt the more we hurt.

The technique: Sit in vajrasana or on the chair. Hug yourself in the mid- chest area firmly. Breathe in to the count o

6 (or less if not possible) as though you are forcing free from any lower attachments. Relax and let the breath out for

6 counts and allow the higher ideals of love to flow into your life. Love and accept yourself for who you are. Repeat 6

times. Take a break shaking out your arms and then repeat 3-9 rounds.

Yogic Concept: Manmadha is our own Indian counterpart to "cupid" the god of love. Love can be binding when we

get locked into unconscious patterns of behaviour. This hurts and can also be frightening. Giving yourself spac

physically and emotionally helps in the healing. We open up the breathing in the Manmadha Kriya and thereby the

vision of love. In yoga we usually don't force but sometimes forcing the breath is necessary to shake us out of those

patterns. We aspire to shake ourselves out of downward spiraling, suffocating love and open up to a mor

encompassing love. This creates more pathways for positive energy to flow in and the mind also interprets situations

with a lot more compassion.


14/17

VYAGHRAH PRANAYAMA - Lessons from a cat

I was feeling bright that morning, despite a couple of weeks of overstretching myself. I started my walk with a lot o

enthusiasm. A cat spotted me along the way and our eyes met. I blinked my eyes slowly and softly at her. The nex

thing I knew, she was on the ground showing me her underbelly. I caressed her, rubbed her soft neck and stroked he

head gently. It seemed like she just could not have enough. After a while of being immersed in the joy of being so

completely trusted, I decided to feed my newfound friend. Much to her dismay, I carried her home. My ove

enthusiasm and restlessness was something she had to deal with. Seeing her discomfort, I took her and the food

down. Ignoring the food she glared as she left, which negated all the joy I felt before.

What an ungrateful cat, I thought, I only meant well! Yet when I stayed with her look I knew that I was the one wh

traumatized her. I had lost the trust I had gained so easily by trying to push it. I prayed and asked her to forgive m

as I did what I did in unawareness. I definitely do not want someone whom I trust to push me into spaces I don't

want to, how much ever they feel it will benefit me. I pray for awareness to not push or allow myself to be pushed. I

life the pushing is definitely going to be there but the more we grow in awareness the less harsh the pushes will be.

In yoga, we never push to a point where we break or where it hurts. "No pain, no gain" is not a yogic dictum

Consistency is the key. If only I had consistently met my dear cat, she may have trusted me enough to come home.

wanted all of it, all at once. That is the problem with most of us. We don't have the patience to wait for trust to

develop. The body needs to start trusting the mind. It needs to feel that it is not yet another whim that it has to cate

to. The body needs to feel that the mind will be planning long-term growth and not just short-term associations wit

people, foods or techniques. What truly nourishes the body is anything given with care and gentleness on a regula

basis.

Importance is given to allowing the body and the mind to unfold. Not force it open. We need torefrain from forcing

things down someone's throat. It is a great himsa or violence. Like the little cat we need to learn to ease off and enjo

our body. Stretch, move, crawl, roll and feel pampered. This is what the ancient yogis learnt from the big cats or the

tigers. They picked up various qualities from various beings and incorporated that movement or posture so that w

may develop the same quality. The vyaghrah pranayama is one such movement that facilitates a gentle yet effectiv

stretch to the entire back muscles and vertebral column in the most enjoyable fashion.

The vyaghrah pranayama is safe and non-intrusive. It increases suppleness and improves breath capacity. When we

observe the big cats, we can see the flexibility ,agility and grace that they posses.

CHATUS PADA KRIYA - Four - footed movement

Crawl around on your four feet. This is extremely good for back problems, pregnant women, corrects prolapsed organ

as well as strengthens knees and wrists. One may use pads for the knees if there is some difficulty. Crawlin

rejuvenates muscles and bones. Excellent for those suffering from arthritis. Breaks up cellulite in the thighs.

VYAGHRAH PRANAYAMA

In the chatus pada asana, check to see if your fingers are together, arms shoulder distance apart and feet relaxedBreathe in slowly and work from your lower back, push mid back down and stretch the neck up. Breathe out and arch

the back, shoulder and neck without moving or bending the arms. The back is lifted up as high as possible and head i

in between the arms. Do 6 repetitions.

Then stretch back and then come onto all fours. Do three repetitions of the stretches and then relax in vajrasana.

The vyaghrah pranayama works on all the back muscles as well as the vertebrae. Hence it is an excellent practice to

avoid back problems. It also facilitates full-chest breathing. This means that the three lobes of the lungs are stretche

out and the air moves into them. It especially works on the lower and mid portion of the lungs. The great cats are able

to move quickly but silently. They can pounce and leap great distances due to their elastic muscles. This sam

elasticity is brought into the human body and mind.


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Yogacharini Maitreyi has beautifully systematized and allowed into being what she has gleaned from life. Classica

ArkaYoga is shared.

Arka means light that heals and inspires. It is one of the names of the sun and symbolizes the guru spirit that leads u

back to our original selves.

The following practices are an inherent apart from various other tools that help us enjoy and stabilize our bodyemotions and mind and then transcend it.

Jathis -conscious rhythmic movement to build awareness

Kriyas -powering movement with energy to purify

Asanas - art of being and body language,

Pranayama -conscious expansion of energy

Mudra - mystic seal/mood modifiers

Mantra- tool to stabilize the mind

Bhajans - Singing source vibrations

Dharana - Concentration techniques

Preparation for Dhyana - Meditation or mystic absorption

Arkayoga moves away from compartmentalization and sees the seamless blending of Bakthi yoga (devotion to th

divine), Jnana yoga (clarifying and purifying the thought process), Raja Yoga (royal route to liberation), Mantra yoga

(science of sound vibration), Hatha yoga (balancing of yin and yang, sun and moon energies through the practices)

and Karma yoga (selfless service).

It looks into the system of Ashtanga yoga (eight limbed path) as a structure and guideline for evolution.

Arkayoga allows us to accept ourselves and life in its myriad shades. It is classical yoga to harmonise modern living.

It is Living Dakshina Marga Tantra - The right hand path of union

The focus in the classes is using the body, emotions and mind as an offering unto the universal potential of goodness

The principles of Sat (ultimate reality) Chit (pure consciousness) and Anandam (bliss) are tuned into.

The emphasis in Arkayoga is on awareness, alignment and harmonising of body, emotions and mind with the universa

consciousness.

The techniques and awareness take us from one level or state of existence to more aware states of being. One need

to take responsibility for ones life and stabilize in each state. Hence the emphasis is not just on ability but stability and

stickability. This paves the way for transformation.

The practices focus on cleansing and purifying the system. The nervous system is soothed and strengthened. The
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approach helps one ground in common sense. The development of sixth sense is a natural fallout of the practices. We

constantly die to old patterns of behaviour and are reborn into newer, more refined and happier ways of being.

The poem below by Rumi symbolizes these thoughts.

"I died from minerality and became vegetable;

An d Fr om ve ge tati ve ne ss I die d an d beca me ani ma l.

I died from animality and became man.

Then why fear disappearance through death?

Next time I shall die

Bringing forth wings and feathers like angels;

Af ter tha t, soa ring hi ghe r tha n ang el s -

What you cannot imagine,

I shall be that."

Maitreyi has studied the Ashtanga Yoga ofSwami Gitananda for many years. This

paramparya has nourished her body and spirit. She is connected to the lineage of

Rishi Brigu through Swamiji. Her gratitude to Swamiji and Amma, Meenakshi Devi

for the teachings.

As a gesture of love and gratitude Maitreyi is hosting a web site about Swami

Gitananda.

Heartfelt gratitude for parents who have taught her a lot about life and heartfe

gratitude to her grandfather who inspired her in many ways towards "simple living and

high thinking"

Love and gratitude to friends who are students and students who have become

friends.

Her love and gratitude to all the universal beings who have lit the pathless path.

The deeper teachings as one sees come from the Hiranyagarba or the golden womb. May we always be connected to

the Golden womb or the Source Energy. May the joy of BEING reflect in us. May the light shine through us.
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