‘Love melts into bliss. Love sustains all beings here.
From love the world has come. In love it exists. To love it returns.’
-Swami Sivananda
From love the world has come. In love it exists. To love it returns.’
-Swami Sivananda
Yogaprema The Sanskrit word 'Prema' means Divine or Supreme Love and 'Yoga' means union or to join. Yoga is life in perfection, peace, lasting happiness and eternal Bliss. Yoga opens the heart and shows the way to the divine. Yogaprema is committed to propagating the teachings of yoga according to tradition and the scriptures. We offer humble respects at the lotus feet of our teachers Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj, Sri Swami Vishnudevanandaji Maharaj and to all Yogi's and Masters of Yoga.
The Essence of Practice
The aim of yoga is to realise that we are all connected, we all share one heart, one consciousness, and one Divine source. The practice of yoga takes us on a journey through the different levels of our being, providing experiences to help us connect to the Divinity within.
Consciousness, awareness and breath are vital for a moving mindful meditation in practice. Through the practice of Pranayama (breathing exercises), the mind is brought to a state of stillness.. withdrawing from external influences to the stillness of the inner world. When we can really connect to the inner world, we feel total peace, harmony, balance and well being. Breathing exercises purify the respiratory system, build a vast store house of energy, reducing stress, balancing hormones and bringing clarity and peace of mind.
The essential order of practice begins with Pranayama (breathing exercises), Sun Salutations to warm up, followed by a sequence of 12 postures (asanas), which follow in order of the chakra system (energy centres), the endocrine system (glands) and in order of the spine, ensuring the movement of the spine follows a systematic order so as one posture complements the other (e.g. a backward bend follows a forward bend).
This powerful, complete practice develops strength, flexibility, vitality and balance. Each individual is guided to be in the stillness of the present, without expectation, ego or a competitive attitude.... you don't have to be flexible to practice yoga! Flexibility is a side effect of the practice. As individuals we listen to the wisdom of our body and to how we feel each time we step onto the mat, each day will bring a different experience.
As we progress in practice and purification, naturally we develop the heart and feelings of love and compassion... developing an affinity with all beings and conscious awareness of preserving peace and protecting all living beings, nature and the planet.
We begin to remove the veil of darkness which obscures us from seeing our own true potential, the light of divinity, wisdom and truth reveals itself. We awaken the consciousness that is all pervading, truthful, blissful and inherent within us all.
The Five Points of Yoga… a foundation for healthy living
By closely observing the lifestyles and needs of people in the west Swami Vishnudevananda synthesized the ancient wisdom of yoga into five basic principles that can easily be incorporated into one’s lifestyle and provide a solid foundation for healthy living. It is around these five principles that the teachings are based.
Proper Exercise (Asanas) acts as a lubricating routine for the joints and muscles and other parts of the body by increasing circulation and flexibility. The asanas not only produce physical benefits, but are also mental exercises in concentration and meditation, promoting optimum good health.
Proper Breathing (Pranayama) connects the body to the solar plexus, where tremendous potential energy is stored. Through specific breathing techniques this energy is released for physical and mental rejuvenation.
Proper Relaxation (Savasan) is a vital part of keeping the body and mind healthy. Yoga teaches three levels of relaxation – physical, mental and spiritual.
Proper Diet (Vegetarian) is eating with awareness. A yogi takes food which has the most positive effect on the body and mind and the least negative effect on the environment.
Positive Thinking and Meditation (Vedanta and Dhyana)relieves stress and replenishes energy. Meditation is well-known to improve concentration and to bring peace of mind and spiritual strength. Meditation is beneficial for everyone, especially those with a hectic, stressful life.
Proper Exercise (Asanas) acts as a lubricating routine for the joints and muscles and other parts of the body by increasing circulation and flexibility. The asanas not only produce physical benefits, but are also mental exercises in concentration and meditation, promoting optimum good health.
Proper Breathing (Pranayama) connects the body to the solar plexus, where tremendous potential energy is stored. Through specific breathing techniques this energy is released for physical and mental rejuvenation.
Proper Relaxation (Savasan) is a vital part of keeping the body and mind healthy. Yoga teaches three levels of relaxation – physical, mental and spiritual.
Proper Diet (Vegetarian) is eating with awareness. A yogi takes food which has the most positive effect on the body and mind and the least negative effect on the environment.
Positive Thinking and Meditation (Vedanta and Dhyana)relieves stress and replenishes energy. Meditation is well-known to improve concentration and to bring peace of mind and spiritual strength. Meditation is beneficial for everyone, especially those with a hectic, stressful life.
