Yoga Chara

7/24/2019 Yoga Chara

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yogachara

I would like to thank Prof. Mahendra C Patel and Prof Keyur S.

Sahrabudhe for their direction, assistance and guidance.

In particular, Prof. Mahenrda C patels recommendations and

suggestions have been invaluable for the project.

Project Mentor : Prof Mahendra C Patel

Photography Guide : Prof Keyur S. Sahrabudhe

Styling : Mitali Ambekar

Models : Medha Srivastava

Anastasia Damani

Vanshaj Kapur

Acknowledgements


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CONTEN

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5

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The Journey of Exploration

The Ultimate Expression

I Do : asana or the postural practise

I Think : pranayama or the breathingpractise

I Feel : self realisation with yoga


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A

JO

URNEYOFEXPLORA

TION

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YOGAA JOURNEY OF EXPLORATIONThe word Yoga means "unity" and is

derived from the Sanskrit word yuj

meaning "to join". Yoga is aboutjoining the individual "spirit" with

the Divine "Spirit" or individual con-

sciousness with Divine Conscious-

ness to realize our already complete

nature. It is a means of balancing

and creating harmony between the

body, mind, breath and emotions.And, like finely woven cloth, yoga

weaves together layers of expression

to create an integrated whole. It is a

multidimensional expression of who

we are.

As our yoga practice deepens we

begin to see that each posture has

many levels of expression. It is reallya form within a form created and

sustained by the dualities of

movement and stillness, tension and

relaxation. This could be expressed

as the yin and yang of each posture,

the coming together and balancing

of opposing forces. It is in exploringthese energies in every posture that

we can begin to understand who we

are more deeply.

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THEULTIMA

TEEXPRESSION

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Yoga truly enhances every moment

and creates an experience of explo-ration at every level of our being.

There are three different aspects to

the mind: thinking, feeling and

willing. This gives rise to three differ-

ent approaches to life and three

kinds of persons who start out more

empowered in one of the modes ofperception. Some people see their

self and others in terms of power

and action, some see in terms of

meditation and thought, and some

perceive through emotions and

feelings.

The mottos of these three types are:

Asana (postural practice)

Traditional yoga postures are woven

into a creative, intelligent vinyasa

style that promotes alignment, core

strength, and flexibility. In addition

to a phenomenal physical benefit,

learning to move in the flow of yoga

develops grace, confidence, and cu-

riosity.

Pranayama (breath

practice) Working with the breath

promotes mental concentration and

is extremely helpful for stress man-

agement. We use the breath, which

is always present and ever-changing,to learn about compassion and

foster self-awareness, as well as

move energy through the body.

Dhyana (meditation

practice) Learning to explore our

thoughts and calm our internalchatter is a valuable tool for anyone.

I do

I Think

I Feel

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THEULTIMATE

EXPRESSION

Ido


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the eagle pose9 yogachara


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GARUDASANAGarudasana or Eagle Pose is one of the cultural

asanas that embodies the twofold twists of the ex-

tremities in one pose. It mimics an eagle, a bird

reputed to have fantastic powers of concentration.

Garuda means eagle and asana means pose. The

suppleness and the elasticity indicate the freedom

of movement. This is a balance asana that can help

loosen your joints, improves your powers of concen-

tration and your poise and your balance.

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the tree pose11 yogachara


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Also known as the tree pose, Vrkasana improves

body and mind co-ordination and sense of balance.

It Strengthens thighs, calves, ankles, and spine and

Relieves sciatica and reduces flat feet.

VRKASANA

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Also known as balancing stick pose, tulandasana

helps in straightening and strengthening every

muscle. It builds up balance and flexibility and can

also be caused as a stress buster as it helps create an

emotional balance too while performing this pose.

yogachara 14the stick pose

TULANDASANA


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the camel pose15 yogachara


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Ustrasana or Camel pose s a beautiful backbend and

can help to open up the chest and the thoracic spine.

It strengthens the back muscles , improves postures

and Stimulates the organs of the abdomen and neck.

USTRASANA

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In the Sanskrit language, kona means angle and tri

stands for three. Therefore, trikonasana is also

referred to as the triangle pose. Trikona asana

provides a great long stretch to many of the muscles

of the body, stimulates circulation to the spinal area

and excites reflex nerve activity, benefiting thecranial nerves associated with the sensory organs of

the head, especially the eyes.It benefits all muscular

groups simultaneously, reduces saddle bags and is

good for kidneys, thyroid and adrenal glands.

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the triangle pose

TRIKONASANAIn the Sanskrit language, kona means angle and tri

stands for three. Therefore, trikonasana is also

referred to as the triangle pose. Trikona asana

provides a great long stretch to many of the muscles

of the body, stimulates circulation to the spinal area

and excites reflex nerve activity, benefiting thecranial nerves associated with the sensory organs of

the head, especially the eyes.It benefits all muscular

groups simultaneously, reduces saddle bags and is

good for kidneys, thyroid and adrenal glands.

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the triangle pose

TRIKONASANA


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This asana is an integral pose in most yoga traditions,

providing intense psoas stretches, quadricep

strengthening, a wonderful backbend and strong

shoulder opening. The Kripalu websites call this

lunge ashwa sanchalanasana, which is Horse or

Equesterian pose.

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the lunge pose

ANJANEYASANA


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ARDHA MATSYENDRASANA

the full pose

Matsyendra meaning the lord of the fishes is also

called the full pose . it is very difficult and reserved

for advanced yoga adepts. The health benefits of this

pose are so extensive that the an easier variation of

the great matsyaendra was devised that can be per-

formed by everyone. This is called ardhamatsyen-drasana , ardha meaning half. This Asana improves

liver efficiency and removes debility of kidney. It

tones the roots of the spinal nerves and sympathetic

nervous system.

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URDHVA

DHANURASANA

the wheel pose

Also known as Chakrasna, chakra meaning

wheel, Urdhva Dhanurasana means a raised

bow. Urdhva means raised, elevated or upright

and dhanur means bow. Both wheel posture

and raised bow posture describe the appear-

ance of this asana. This asana has an overall toniceffect for the entire body. It strengthens the arms,

shoulders and upper back as well and stimulates

the cardiovascular system.


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the pigeon pose

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Kapo meaning a dove or a pigeon, Kapotasana

means imitating the kings puffed pigeon chest. This

asana rejuvenates the lumbar and dorsal regions of

the spine, the pubic region, and the urinary system

and helps the Endocrine glands receive a fresh

supply of blood. This asana is a slightly more chal-

lenging than other backbends. However, when

done, it feels great in the shoulders, spine and hips.

KAPOTASANA


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In Sanskrit paschima means back or west and the

word mottana means to give mobility to the spinal

cord (tan) by stretching. So this yoga asana can be

rightly known as the back stretch pose. It is consid-

ered one of the most potent and powerful asanas as

it ensures the proper circulation of the blood in theentire body. pascimottana asana combats many

deadly diseases like dyspepsia, gastritis, and diabetes

and stimulates the appetite, removes lethargy,

weakness and anxiety in the being.

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PASCHIMOTTANASANA

the back stretch pose


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the warrior pose

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Virabhadrasana , also called as the warrior pose, is

not the pose of an anonymous warrior, its the pose

of Virabhadra, the auspicious hero born from a

bead of sweat from Lord Shivas forehead. Whats

really being commemorated in this poses name, and

held up as an ideal for all practitioners, is the spiritu-

al warrior, who bravely does battle with the universal

enemy, self-ignorance (avidya), the ultimate sourceof all our suffering.

VIRABHADRASANA


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The final position of this Asana resembles the

Hooded Snake hence, it is called Bhujangasana.This

pose is both good in and of itself, and it is one of the

standard poses in the Surya Namaskar (Sun Saluta-

tion) sequence. For good reason as cobra energizes

your sympathetic nervous system as it strengthensyour back muscles.

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BHUJANGASANA

the cobra pose


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the cow pose


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Gomukha means head of a cow. The legs assume a

triangular form and the body in this position resem-

bles the cows head. This asana loosens shoulders

and releases neck tension. The practice of Go-

mukhasana brings out poisonous elements from the

legs, knees, waist, and kidneys. This helps bringing

down the blood pressure to its normal level.

GOMUKHASANA


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I THINK

Pranayama is the art and science of

systematically observing, accepting,

understanding, and training each of

the levels of our being, such that we

may coordinate and integrate those

aspects of ourselves, and dwell inthe direct experience of the center

of consciousness. Pranayama or

Breathing Exercise promotes proper

breathing. In a Yogic point of view,

proper breathing is to bring more

oxygen to the blood and to the

brain, and to control Prana or the

vital life energy.

Pranayama Yoga also goes hand in

hand with the Asanas. The union of

these two Yogic Principles is consid-

ered as the highest form of purifica-

tion and self-discipline, covering

both mind and body. This practice ofopening up the inner life force is not

merely to take healthy deep breaths.

It is intended for yoga practitioners

to help and prepare them in their

Meditation process.

whenso i

TH


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HEU

LTIMATEEXPRESSIO

N

IThin

k

the breath is still,the mind still

eel


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THEULT

IMATEEXPRESSION

IFe


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Learning to explore our thoughts

and calm our internal chatter is a

valuable tool for anyone. Different

spheres of consciousness become

accessible to a yoga practitioner.

Yoga ensures good physical &mental health one can utilise this to

the best advantage by deep medita-

tion on the inner self. Self realisation

is its major role. It can be achieved

by remembrance of god, by right-

eousness, by a life virtue. The highest

aim of yoga is realisation of the trueself. This leads to cosmic Love, a

feeling of oneness with all & the ex-

perience of pure being, unflawed

knowledge & infinite bliss.

By practicing yoga attention is

focused on inward finding integra-

tion, balance, compassion & Love.

Intense practice of yoga has been

found to activate intuitions & crea-

tivity, unfold artistic capabilities &enhance mental power. Yoga is no

magic pill but leads to the desired

goal through patient and systematic

practice. Yoga starts with the mind

and its goal is a complete stilling of

mind so that the light of indwelling

spirit may shine out.

I FEEL

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