Yoga is a family of ancient Hindu
spiritual practices that originated in India, introduced to Sri Lanka centuries ago Yoga in Sri Lanka remains
a vibrant living tradition and is seen as a means to enlightenment. Karma Yoga, Bhakti
Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Raja
Yoga are considered the four main yogas, but there are many
other types. In other parts of the world where yoga is popular,
notably the West, Yoga has become associated with the asanas (postures)
of Hatha Yoga, which are popular as fitness exercises.
We offer Yoga lessons and classes in various locations in Sri Lanka. All conducted by experienced, well-known Yoga teachers.
For more information click here...
Bhakti Yoga
Bhakti yoga is the Hindu term for
the spiritual practice of fostering of loving devotion to God,
called bhakti. Traditionally there are 9 forms of bhakti yoga.
Hindu movements in which bhakti yoga is the main practice are
called bhakti movements. Bhakti yoga is generally considered the
easiest of the four general paths to liberation, or moksha (the
others being Karma, Raja and Jnana Yoga). In scriptures such as
the Bhagavata Purana, bhakti is described as a perfectional stage
in itself which surpasses even moksha as a level of spiritual
realization.
Bhakti is the Sanskrit term that signifies a blissful, selfless
and overwhelming love of God as the beloved Father, Mother, Child,
Friend or whichever relationship or personal aspect of God that
finds appeal in the devotee's heart. Bhakti incorporates a number
of universal principles, also common in other world religions.
Jnana Yoga
Jnana in Sanskrit means "knowledge",
and is often interpreted to mean "knowledge of the true self".
In the Vedanta school of the Hindu religion, to know Brahman as
one's own Self is jnana. To say, based on experience "I am
Brahman, the pure, all-pervading Consciousness, the non-enjoyer,
non-doer and silent witness," is jnana. To behold the one
Self everywhere is jnana.
One of the philosophical fundamental pillars of Jnana yoga is
nondualism which is a fundamental belief in the unity of the universe,
especially of the individual soul atman with brahman or transcendent,
all pervasive ultimate reality. This is expressed in Hindu philosophical
school of Advaita Vedanta. The desire for liberation mentioned
above might be described as "wanting to be one with the universe."
Karma Yoga
Karma Yoga, or the "discipline
of action" is based on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita,
a holy scripture of Hinduism. One of the four pillars of yoga,
Karma yoga focuses on the adherence to duty (dharma) while remaining
detached from the reward. It states that one can attain Moksha
(salvation) by doing his duties in an unselfish manner.
Per Hinduism, the gist of mundane life centers on Karma. It is
believed that a man is born with certain Sanskars, his past pushes
him towards doing certain Karma and these Karmas are then deposited
in his virtual account. The process continues until the individual
attains a zero balance, wherein one achieves liberation from the
cycle of rebirth.
Following the practice of Karma yoga, an individual can potentially
become a true spiritual seeker and realize his true nature as
Atman. He can live in & work for this world but still remain
untouched by the grossness of mundane pleasures.
Raja Yoga
Raja Yoga involves psycho-physical
meditational techniques which attain experiences of the truth
and finally achieve liberation. Raja yoga is also known as Ashtanga
Yoga. The term Ashtanga means eight limbs, thus Ashtanga Yoga
refers to the eight limbs of yoga. The eight limbs of Raja Yoga are:
Yama: Code of conduct - self-restraint Niyama - religious observances Asana - integration of mind and body through
physical activity Pranayama - regulation of breath leading to integration
of mind and body Pratyahara - abstraction of the senses Dharana - concentration, one-pointedness of mind Dhyana - meditation (quiet activity that leads
to samadhi)
samadhi - the quiet state of blissful awareness, superconscious
state.
Yoga lessons
in Sri Lanka
only US$ 60
*twelve individual lessons under the guidance of a professional Yoga teacher. Free, unlimited practice at the Yoga Studio.
