Sri Sri Yoga (A Basic Practice Manual)

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Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a universally revered spiritual and humanitarian leader and the founder of Art of Living which has touched over 300 million people in 156 countries across the world. He has pioneered numerous self-development programs that eliminate stress, restore emotional and physical well-being, enhance human values and encourage people to unite in a spirit of service and celebration. His simple message of love, compassion and practical wisdom continues to inspire and transform millions across the globe. “Like a flower bud, human life has the potential to blossom fully. Blossoming of human potential to fullness is yoga”.

From a very young age Krishan had an inclination towards spirituality in quest for the higher purpose of life. Interest in the scriptures and spiritual practise, and ability to grasp the truth quickly were inherent in him. He studied yoga with various teachers from various disciplines. Even though he studied and practiced yoga for years he only experienced the true and in-depth meaning of yoga after he met his spiritual Guru, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. He says, before he met his Guru, it was like living under the clouds: even though you know that Sun is there but you can’t see it. After meeting the Guru, it was like living under the sun.

He is the director of International Sri Sri Yoga Training Programs. He teaches Sri Sri Yoga Training programs and Art of Living Courses worldwide.

He has been bestowed with the titles of Yoga Shriomani and Yogacharya.

He is a Professional Electrical Engineer but resigned from his job with the Province of Nova Scotia. Canada as Senior Electrical Engineer to devote his full time to the Art of Living Foundation.

Sri Sri Yoga developed by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a spiritual master of unusual depth. It is taught around the world by teachers trained under His direction. It is a blessing to have him as a continuous source of grace, guidance and yogic knowledge. This book has been written to give you a brief introduction to Yoga and to serve as a guide for practicing Sri Sri Yoga that you have learned or will be learning in Sri Sri Classes.

The instructions in this book have been kept short and simple-you will learn details in the classes. The poses, breathing exercises and other techniques that are taught in Sri Sri Yoga course, when practiced correctly and regularly, will provide you with good health and happiness and will prepare you for the advanced yogic practices that are taught in Sri Sri Yoga advanced classes.What is Yoga? The term ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit word’yuj’ meaning union. Yoga is a natural way of living healthily and happily. It is the ancient wisdom for realizing your full potential. It is a wholesome harmony between them. In this state of harmony you experience oneness within yourself and feel united with the whole creation.

The knowledge of Yoga can be found in ancient scriptures dating back more than 5000 years. Though Yoga comes from Hinduism, the knowledge of Yoga transcends religion. The knowledge whether it is scientific or spiritual, has universal application regardless of its origin. For example many scientific discoverties have been made in the West but their applications are universal. It would be foolish of people in the East to say that they will not use televisions and telephones just small minded for non-Hindus to say that they will not practice Yoga because it is well established in Hinduism, even though the benefits of practicing Yoga are well known.

There are many scriptures that contain knowledge of Yoga. Some of the scriptures are: Patanjli Yoga Sutras, Bhagvad Geeta, Hatha Yoga Praddepika, Gherand Smitha.

In the scriptures many different paths of Yoga have been prescribed. Some of them are: Bhakti Yoga (Path of Devotion): Acknowledging, honouring and serving God Karma Yoga (Path of Action): Putting 100% effort skilfully and with good intentions, and serving humanity selflessly. Gnana Yoga( Path of Knowledge): Studying of scriptures, receiving knowledge directly from your spiritual master and applying the knowledge in day-to-day life.

Hatha Yoga (Hatha means strong determination): Making a determined effort to achieve wellbeing of body and mind, where emphasis is on practicing Asanas and Pranayamas.

Raja Yoga (Royal Path-The Effortless Path): After putting effort one must come into a state of effortlessness. Emphasis is on effortless meditation, and living life without a struggle.

Ashtanga Yoga- The Eight Limbs of Yoga Discipline

The mind is constantly engaged in all kinds of mental activity, most of the time without awareness. The more activity there is without awareness, the more clouded the mind becomes. With increased awareness the mind becomes calmer. The calmer mind perceives more clearly and remains free from fears and worries.

Patanjali, an ancient sage, defined Yoga as the ‘restraining of thought waves’. He complied ‘Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras’, the aphorisms of Yoga, in which he provides an eight-limbed approach for the well-being and purification of body, mind and soul. This eight-limbed approach, known as Ashtanga Yoga, is not to be mistaken as a step-by-step approach. It is a multidimensional approach in which all eight limbs are practiced simultaneously.

The Eight Limbs of Yoga;

1. Yamas -the five social ethics or the universal vows.

a) Ahimsa-non violence in action, speech and thoughts.

b) Satyam-Truthfulness in intention, remaining established in the higher truth.

c) Asteya-non-stealing physically and mentally (not desiring things that belong to others).

d) Brahmacharaya-has two meanings: continuously abiding in the awareness of the Divine Consciousness and celibacy9moderation in all pleasures).

e) Aparigraha-not accumulating things unnecessarily.

2. Niyamas-the five personal etichs.

a) Shaucha-cleanliness of the body and mind.

b) Santosha-contentment and happiness.

c) Tapas- austerity and self-discipline

. d) Swadhyaya-study of the Self and abiding in the Self.

e) Ishwarapranidhana-honouring and surrendering to the Divine.

3. Asanas-Yoga Poses 4. Pranayamas-proper regulation of life-force (Prana) through certain breathing techniques.

5. Pratayahara-taking the awareness inwards.

6. Dharana-one-pointed focus.

7. Dhayana-meditation.

8. Samadhi-merging with the Self, a super-conscious state beyond words.

Sri Sri Yoga is a discipline that is both gentle and powerful for uniting the body, breath and mind in awareness. It integrates elements from all the different paths of Yoga mentioned earlier. In Sri Sri Yoga, the wisdom and techniques of Yoga are brought to you in a very joyful manner. It is a beautiful combination of disciplined practices, wisdom, and fun.