Yoga Sound Gauranga And Yoga Paths

Since human beings began practicing yoga thousands of years ago, the symbol of a tree has often been linked with the discipline – and for good reason! Yoga has a multitude of branches when it comes to how you choose to practice and all of them are based on the same philosophy, or trunk, of spirituality. Hatha yoga is the one most well known to Westerners – the physical act of practicing poses. Here are a few other paths that you may choose to combine with your personal yoga practice.

Raja Yoga

In raja yoga, the main goal is a calm and spiritual, meditative state. There are eight principles that are followed strictly and in order in raja yoga and, though important, physical movement or poses is not the focus. The eight principles or stages are:

* Ethical standards or ‘yama’

* Self-discipline or ‘niyama’

* Posture or ‘asana’

* Breath control or ‘pranayama’

* Sensory withdrawal or ‘pratyahara’

* Concentration or ‘dharana’

* Meditation or ‘dhyana’

* Liberation or ‘samadhi’

Karma Yoga

The focus of karma yoga is on service and treatment of others. The basic idea is that our experiences today are a direct result of our past actions. Therefore, everything that those who practice karma yoga do today is in an effort to create a better future for themselves and those around them. They do this by eliminating the motivations of pessimism and egotism. This means living for others instead of ourselves.

Jnana Yoga

Those who practice jnana yoga are most concerned with the development of the mind. They are scholars interested in the philosophy behind yoga and their yoga practice focuses on studying and understanding ancient and traditional texts. This is thought to be one of the most intense yoga disciplines as the learning is intense and difficult.

Unlike branches on a tree, the paths of yoga often intersect and overlap. Though it is difficult to hang from two or three tree branches at once, it is not difficult at all to practice more than one path of yoga.

Try Mantra Yoga

Find a nice quiet place, so that you won't be disturbed.

Use the Yoga Mantra GAURANGA which is easily pronounced in 4 sylables Gaur Ra An Ga

Sit with your eyes softly closed. As you inhale think about the Yoga Mantra-Gauranga. As you exhale, say out loud for the full extention of the out ward breath ...

Gauranga.

Very simple to practise but has many benefits.

• Also known as a vibro massage which benefits tissues in the mouth, the voice box, all the way down into the upper lungs.

• Increases lung capacity.

• Gently vibrates the throat area benefiting the thyroid and parathyroid glands

• The sound vibration has a peaceful and calming effect on the mind, soothes the emotions and nourishes the heart.

Gauranga Yoga Mantra is a non-material spiritually uplifting sound, the positive effects of which are soulful and ever lasting. I highly recommend it. A truly holistic yoga technique benefiting body, mind and spirit.