Ashta translates into eight, anga limb and yoga, union. These eight limbs are broken down into the following headings.

• Yama- ethical disciplines
• Niyama- self observation
• Asana- posture
• Pranayama-breath control
• Pratyahara- sense withdrawal
• Dharana-concentration
• Dhyana-meditation
• Samadhi- a state of joy and peace.

Patanjali decribes the eight limbs of yoga as a tree. Patanjali’s analogy is the perfect image.

Wisdom and spirituality unfold in the same manner as the tree grows. Nature is steady and gradual. Each tree has the same goal, to reach the light, one tree’s method is not better than another. When practiced with regulation and awareness, the tree begins to sprout, practice is the only means of feeding it, to know Ashtanga yoga it must be tasted through practice.

According to David Swenson, through regulation of practice, each of the eight limbs are nourished. Personal insights begin to manifest, we become aware of what we put in our bodies and hoe we interact with the world around us. From this type of introspection the qualities of yama and Niyama begin to develop. Asanas and Pranayama grow when focussed awareness of the breath is applies when doing each posture. As we keep the mind fixed on the sound and quality of the breath, the senses are encouraged to turn inward and the element of Pratyahara manifests. As we improve our abilities of Dharana, in time the practise moves further internally and refinement of concentration develops as our ability to remain present is enhanced.  The practise then grows into a deep resounding medative experience know as Dyhana. At this stage we are creating greater to explore the finest realms of yoga known as Samadhi in which we realise the pure essence of all that exists.

Yoga is not just a physical exercise or a way to fill emptiness, but a method of bringing back life and vitality to those areas, awareness of the deeper , inner parts of ourselves. As our concentration increases, the breath, mind body and soul come into union. Ashtanga yoga is a focusing technique that joins the main life forces, beating in unison to an internal rhythm, with control of the breath, the mind becomes calm and there is a sense of one with the universe. There are many different dimensions to yoga , understanding each of the eight limbs helps us to see the bigger picture and how essential each limb is both individually and collectively. When each factor is integrated, it creates the unique discipline that is yoga.

Each individual’s journey with yoga may be different, some more focused on the asanas, some more the meditation, but if we understand the different dimensions or eight limbs and we are aware that Samadhi even if it may not be reached, it is a goal.Surely all individuals’s ultimate goals are to reach a state of joy and peace? Incorporating these limbs and being aware of them will hopefully ensure we have a more positive spiritual journey with ourselves and others, become well rounded individuals, understand ourselves and ultimately have a much better practice.

सह नौ भुनक्तु

Chakra means wheel or any circular arrangement.It also indicates movement which is essential to transform pshycophysical energy into spiritual energy.Chakras cannot be fully described from the materialistic standpoint.Just like painting cannot be described by the kind of curves,lines,colors though its forms the basic structure similarly chakras cannot be described physiologically or by neurochemistry. But chakras are not imaginary centres,they are subtle centres which can be activated by various techniques.

Chakras are active at all times whether we are conscious of them or not. The energy influenced by five elements earth,water,fire,air and akasha (void/space)constantly move through these chakras producing different physic states. These elements are constantly moving inside the body  as we breathe in and produce different temperaments.With training it is possible to observe oneself and see energy moving through these psychic centres.

Following are the seven major chakras associated with the areas of the body and elements as shown:-

1. Muladhara chakra:-base of spine and associated with element earth.
2. Swadhishtana chakra:- genitals and associated with element water.
3. Manipura chakra: navel and associated with the element fire.
4. Anahata chakra:Heart and associated with element air.
5. Vishuddha chakra:throat and associated with void(space).
6. Ajna chakra:point between the eyebrows and associated with the combination of the essence of all elements in the purest form.
7. Sahasara chakra: At the crown of the head,transcending all elemental influence.

Each of this chakra is associated with a specific colour and seed sounds( bija mantra).The logical reasoning behind this association is that one of the twin hemisphere of the brain is verbal and the other is visual.The visual hemisphere works with the images of these chakras which can also be the deities linked with each chakra.So by concentration on the images of these deities can generate consciousness related to the chakra.

The verbal hemisphere is engaged with the seed sounds(mantras) and by the repetition of these mantras the deity present in the sounds of mantras come alive and aspirant can experience his presence.

As energy passes through these chakras starting from the base to the head one begins to feel spiritually awakened and starts experiencing liberation from the ever changing world of illusion(maya).

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Chakra -by Shikma Jacoby-

The Chakras are energy centers, they are special spots in our spiritual body were 3 types of energy meet.

In a way the spiritual body acts exactly like the physical one, it has veins, arteries, blood, bones, organs, skin and cells. I see the chakras as the organs of the spiritual body. They are sensitive and powerful centers all connected to one another and each one of them is in charge of the existence of the spiritual body and is a center within itself that has its own unique spiritual energy.

For me both bodies are connected, non separated, and therefore if the spiritual body is not well the physical one will soon follow. There is nothing that happens to us emotionally/spiritually that will not have an effect on the physical body and I think that is why it is believed that each chakra is located in a specific area of the body and directly influences the same area in the physical body.

The 3 spiritual forces that are meeting and forming the chakras are believed to be the way for us to reach the highest level of existence. When the chakras are ‘open’ those strong energies slowly rising up our body and can climb higher and higher till they reach the highest point.

I believe that things are not as literal, I think that the chakras are used as a metaphor for something that might be too hard for us to comprehend in an abstract way.

I believe that we carry energy with us, negative and positive, and that everything that happens to us in our life is loading a type of energy on us, good or bad. I think that the chakras are the main places were we store those energies as they are connected to the most important parts of our physical body. I think that to clean and clear those energies might be the hardest thing a person can do as it is not only 7 spots that we are cleaning it is every part of our physical and spiritual existence.

I think that to reach the highest level of existence is to go back to the moment you were born, as I believe that we are born clean- that all our physical and spiritual channels are wide open and clear and that every moment that passes after that the energies in our bodies are being stained and loaded. To ‘open the chakras’ and the path to the highest level of existence is like being born again but in a stronger more beautiful way as you are being born again when you are aware of your rebirth.

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Chakra -by Charlotta Lidstrom-

Chakra means wheal in Sanskrit. The chakras are like wheals of prana, energy, in the body located where the nadis, ida and pingala meet, crossing each other, and the nadi shushumna. The chakras are aligned along the spine. All the chakras are horizontal, except the first and the last one, they are connected with each other.

There are seven chakras are:

• Muladhara, located at the same place as mula bandha, between the genitals and anus. This is where the three main nadis are born. The colour of Muhla dara is red.
• Swadhistana is located three fingers below the navel, the colour of Swadhistana is orange.
• Manipura is located at the solar plexus, same place as uddiyana bandha, and its colour is yellow.
• Anahata is located at the heart and its colour is green.
• Vishuddi is located at the throat, same place as jalandhara bandha, and its colour is blue.
• Ajna is located at the forehead, the third eye, this is where the three main nadis meet for the last time, and the colour of Ajna chakra is indigo blue.
• The last chakra is located at the crown of the head, it is called Sahasara and has the colour purple.

The chakras need to be in balance to function properly. They have their physical representation in the endocrine nervous system, every chakra is represented by a gland. If a chakra is not balanced it affects the physical health of the organs represented by the chakra, as well as the persons mental health.

One can think of the chakras like wheals spinning at different speeds. A chakra can be lazy, happy (balanced) or overactive. There are several ways to balance a chakra. For example: chromo therapy, crystal healing, aromatherapy.

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Chakra -by Andrea Brady-

According to yoga philosophy, a chakra is one of the seven centres of spiritual energy in the human body. Chakras are centres of distribution of energy throughout the body. There are seven major centres which govern a multitude of lesser centres throughout the body. Five of the major centres are located along the spine and two in the head. The chakras are not within the dense physical body. They exist in the etheric matter and in the aura, outside the physical body.

Each of the major chakras is associated with a gland and major nerve plexus and governs the area of the physical body in which it is found. By influencing the endocrine system and its hormones, the chakras affect the functioning and structure of the tissues of the body, including the organs. The chakras are also associated with various aspects of our experience on the emotional, mental and spiritual levels.

“Chakra” is a Sanskrit word meaning “wheels of light”. This is descriptive of the appearance of the chakras which are like vortexes of energy which spin. Each chakra is structured uniquely to receive and transmit the particular qualities of energy which are necessary for the area of functioning governed by the chakra.

The seven major chakras are:

1. The “root” or “base” chakra the first being  Muladahra related to the Earth, physical identity and self preservation.
2. The second is sacral chakra is also known as svadistana relating to water, emotional identity and self gratification.
3. The third is Manipura, meaning Fire, ego identity orientated toward self gratification.
4. The fourth is Anahata relating to air, social identity self acceptance located at the heart centre.
5. The fifth chakra also known as Visshudda relating to sound, creatitvity and self expression also known as the throat chakra.
6. Number six is the crow chakra  also known as Ajna, associated with light, archetypal  identity and self reflection.
7. The final chakra is the crown chakra, Sahasara  this is related thought, universal identity and self knowledge.

The three lower chakras are often described as being related to our functioning as a human being on the “earth plane”. They are controlled by the energies of the planetary physical plane. The chakras above the diaphragm are controlled by the energies of what is called the “cosmic plane”. The upper three chakras, in particular, are involved with the processing of “spiritual” energies. The heart, lying in the middle, is thought to be the connector or transformer which bridges “above and below” or “heaven and earth”. As we progress spiritually, the upper chakras are awakened, producing the expansion and development of the spiritual layers of the aura. The energies of upper and lower chakras are also brought into relationship, transforming each other. The whole chakra system and aura are actually in a state of evolution.

The chakras are commonly described as having the colours of the rainbow, beginning with red at the root and ending with indigo at the 6th (ajna or brow) chakra. The crown chakra is usually thought to be mostly white light, although some describe it as a light violet hue. There are other systems which describe the chakras as having different colours. The rainbow colours are actually the colours of the chakras at the 2nd, or emotional layer, of the energy field. Since those colours are the brightest, it may be that they dominate in the overall colour perceived in a chakra. Also, at this point in time in human evolution, the emotional energy body is very active and this also may account for the popularity of this particular colour scheme.

The appearance and structure of the chakras from person to person will vary considerably, depending on:

• The particular energies which constitute that person’s makeup — there are variations in the basic energetic “constitution” of individuals (ray energies).
• The point in “evolution” of the person’s chakra system. Chakras can be in various states of “awakening”.
• The overall health of the energy field. Energy field disturbances can be seen as distortions of the chakras.
• The current life issues and transitions occurring at a particular time — the chakras can be in a considerable state of flux.

The chakra system is a tool for self awareness, diagnosis and healing the soul’s journey. It can be a used as a map for the journey of self healing and our quest to find our life’s purpose. Using this map, the journey can be more direct, more profound and more deliberate. This system maps onto the body through the human nervous system, maps onto psyche through developmental stages of childhood, maps onto the spiritual quest through the states of consciousnesses, and transforms the culture through planes of external reality. The chakras are truly a set of portals between the inner and outer worlds.

It is thought if the outer world is to be transformed, the process must begin within. The value of the chakra system is that e become aligned, spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically. The chakra system describes the energetic structure through which we organise our life force. By understanding this internal arrangement, we can understand our defences and needs and learn how to restore balance.

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Chakra – by Ben Aldridge-

There are seven primary chakras which lie along a linear path down the body from the crown chakra at the top of the spine, to the root chakra at the base, at the crossing points of the nadis. They have no physical structure, but are part of the body’s subtle energy system.

Chakra is the sanskrit word for “wheel”, and each of them is said to spin at a different frequency – if the chakras are spinning effectively (in their balanced or “happy” state), they can perform their job, bringing prana to the physical and subtle bodies and removing stale energy from the system, keeping you in good physical and energetic shape. However it’s often the case that the chakras aren’t spinning as they should be – they can also be overactive or lazy. These dysfunctional chakras cause imbalances in the subtle energetic body and cause problems, sometimes even manifesting as physical illnesses. As the chakras work together as a system, when one isn’t functioning properly, it may affect other chakras as well.

The chakras, from bottom to top, are:

• Muladhara chakra, located behind the pubic bone – this chakra is our grounding energy centre.
• Svadhistana chakra, below the navel and towards the diaphragm – this chakra is the centre of our emotions, sexuality and desires.
• Manipura chakra, located at the solar plexus – this deals with our vitality, our will, our sense of personal power.
• Anahata chakra, the heart chakra – this chakra is associated with love and compassion.
• Visshuda chakra, at the throat – this chakra is the centre for communication and creativity.
• Ajna chakra, at the third eye – this chakra is associated with intuition and dreams.
• Sahasrara chakra, at the top of the head – this is our spiritual gateway.

Each of the chakras can be developed and worked on using techniques such as physical exercises, therapy, visualisation and mantras.

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Chakra -by Danielle Toomey-

Chakra is known as the ‘spiritual energy centre’ & there are seven primary Chakras that flow through our body. They are located in specific places of the body, have their own structure, function, number, colour and appearance. Five of these are known as the “root” or “base” chakra, sacral chakra, solar plexus chakra, heart chakra and throat chakra and are located along the spine and two in the head called the brow chakra and crown chakra. These exist in our aura, outside the body.

Each chakra is linked to a gland and major nerve and looks after their specific body area. The chakras can affect the function and structure of the tissues of the body, including the organs, as well as our physical health, mental state, spiritual and emotional well being. By removing blockages within our chakras we are able to eliminate blockages within our lives and discover our true self.

The first Chakra- Root/Base Chakra (Muladhara) is Red in colour & located at the base of the spine. It can be referred to as our animal instinct which lies within all of us and urges us to survive. People who have less energy through this chakra often feel insecure, on edge and life can be a struggle. When energy flows freely through the charka it allows us to release and let go, feeling more stable and grounded and connected to earth. It’s the first of the Charkras that tells us to walk bare feet and to really appreciate nature’s beauty.

The Second Chakra – Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana) is orange in colour, located just above the base of the spine around the sex organs. When this chakra is blocked it brings about a deep sense of insecurity within our own sexuality and with an over active Sacral chakra people tend to focus too much energy on sex. A well balance sacral chakra can enjoy a healthy sex life, proper flow of energy through the reproductive organs, and has the ability to express creative energy from within. This chakra aids Muladhara with survival and adds desire to reproduce.

The Third Chakra- solar plexus chakra (Manipura), yellow or gold in colour, located in the belly associated with the ‘core’ and the digestive system. An unbalanced or stressed 3rd Chakra can lead to indigestion and a well balanced one adds to strong digestion and strong core stability. This is the Root of personal power and is constantly challenging people at work, in relationships or within themselves.   An under active 3rd chakra can lead to powerlessness and an over active can be over powering to others, typically very selfish. Being the power chakra this helps to regulate the flow of energy to the other Chakras. A balanced chakra gives us the ability to influence and change our surroundings leading us to improved sense of self and self esteem, which increases our ability in the long run to help others.

The Fourth Chakra- Heart Chakra (Anahata), colour is green and potentially pink, located between the shoulder blades just above the heart. The heart chakra plays an important role in balancing the chakra systems. To achieve a proper balance and flow of energy through the higher and lower chakras, that energy must be equally integrated across the heart Chakra. By maintaining well balanced charka’s we are able to find & eliminate blockages as our life evolves. This chakra tends to be an area, as humans, we require most healing as everyone at some stage in their life will get hurt by a loving relationship. It is within the heart chakra that the healing takes place. A well balanced 4th chakra allows you to love, give freely, and the ability to heal ourselves and others. If we can listen to and operate our heart chakra it will help to achieve our purpose.

Fifth – throat chakra – (Vishuddha) blue in colour, located in the throat near the adam’s apple and is linked to creativity and the centre of communication. A well balanced 5th chakra enables us to speak the truth and voice our intentions, giving us the confidence to express ourselves & help facilitate the creativity brought from the 2nd chakra. This then improves relationships with others, unlike an overactive chakra which tends to express themselves constantly at inappropriate times and an out of balanced chakra can be uncommunicative.

Sixth Chakra- (Ajna), colour electric blue and deep purple, located directly between the eyebrow centre on the forehead, commonly known as the minds ‘Third eye’.

Lack of energy flowing in this chakra may lead to challenges for people to project their thoughts and they may experience difficulties with their sense of intuition.

With an overactive Third Eye, people may be referred to as slightly erratic in nature and focus too much of their attention within their own mind. A well balance chakra can access their intuition at a much higher level and connect with their conscious mind.

Seventh Chakra- Sahasrara- colour light purple or violet, located at the crown of the head. In a baby it’s known as the ‘soft spot’. This is the centre connected to our souls, and all souls. The 7th Chakra represents a location for great spiritual potential, but this is not the main focus of yoga as there must be a balance. If the 7th chakra is blocked it prevents the flow of divine light to flow through our body. Those with an overactive crown chakra, unbalanced across the heart center may be mentally erratic and unstable at times.  Having a well balanced chakra you are able to connect with your soul and have the ability to realise your souls purpose.

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Chakra -by Rebecca Minor-

Chakras are part of the subtle energy system within the human body.  In Sanskrit the word Chakra means wheel, each wheel helping to control the spiritual energy in each person.  The chakras are located vertically within the body starting at the base of the spine travelling up to the top of the head.    Each chakra is said to be linked to the endocrine and nervous system and influences our organs.  Chakras also work with our mental, physical and emotional feelings.

Each chakra has many characteristics including an element, a colour, a link to one of the senses, a gland, body parts, various disorders, diseases and more.  There are seven primary Chakras in the body:

1. Muladhara:  located in the perineum area is known as the base or root chakra.  Muladhara relates to the colour red, and is linked to self-awareness;
2. Swadhisthana:  located around the last bone in spinal cord and is known as the sacral chakra. This chakra relates to the colour orange and is linked to self-respect.
3. Manipura: located in the naval area it is known as the solar plexus chakra.  The manipur chakra relates to the colour yellow and is linked to self-worth;
4. Anahata:  located in the heart area and is known as the heart chakra.  This chakra relates to the colour green and is linked to self-love;
5. Vishuddhi:  located in the throat and neck area and is known as the throat chakra.   Vishuddhia relates to the colour blue and is linked to self-expression;
6. Ajna : located at the third eye between the eyebrows.  The Ajna chakra is related to the colour ingigo and is linked to self- responsibility; and
7. Sahasrara; located at the top of the head and is known as the crown chakra.  This chakra relates to the colour violet and is linked to self-knowing.

It is important to look after our chakras because if they are not functioning correctly it can affect our daily lives and result in a number of outcomes such as illness.  There are various activities that can be carried out to help regulate the 7 primary chakras of the body.   One way is to use meditation and mudras.  A mudras is a specific position of the body, mainly hands and fingers, to help influence the energy of each chakra.  Each chakra has its own mudras symbol or position and its own chanting sound.  Other ways include physical activities, using gems and crystals, various forms of art, eating particular foods and using suitable affirmations. It is important to understand the activeness of the chakra – lazy, happy or super active – to ensure the correct healing method is used.

Healthy chakra’s help to create a healthy mind and body.

Prana is a spiritual cosmic energy and a force of life.

It is believed to enter our body in different ways, one of those is through breath.

In Hebrew the word breath and the word soul are coming from the same root.

I see a special connection between these two words, a connection that may have been long forgotten. In Hindi the word Prana is coming from the same root as the word ‘to fill’, when I’m thinking of Prana this is exactly what I feel, I feel fullness, a wholeness and complete sensation.

I believe that Prana is a strong, maybe the strongest energy we have in and around us on a cosmic spiritual level, and this is one of the reasons why we and everything else in the Universe are connected.

It is easier to imagine life when we are thinking in scientific terms and thou the concept of a spiritual vital life force is known in many different sets of belief and religions philosophies (like Sufi, Chinese tradition and Kabalah), when it comes to the spiritual dimension it is harder for us to comprehend.

I believe that to every worldly physical and intellectual aspect of our being there is a spiritual parallel and the three work hand in hand through out our lives and all through nature.

Prana to me is the spiritual creator and birth giver force of all the things we consider alive and I see it in everything, in humans, animals, and even trees.. In a way Prana is timeless as it is a force that is in everything, in all forms of matter and existence. We were a part of this force before we were born and we’ll be a part of it after we’ll fly away, as energy never vanishes it just changes it’s form. I find this beautiful.

In some schools Prana is being associated with the sun and the sunshine is believed to be the source of Prana itself, it is amazing how the physical and scientific world is so intertwined with the spiritual one.

And so like the blood and vains of our physical body, the Prana flows through energetic channels in our spiritual body, like the organs of our physical body so are the Chakras of the spiritual one, like our brain which has different functions on each side so does the spiritual energy that flows differently on each side of our spiritual body. Both bodies have sexual energy that is beautiful and powerful in its own way, and both bodies have blocks, gates, ways to treat and cure and ways to grow stronger and whole.

Prana is a force that is pure yet powerful and thou can hardly be described in words it can be felt in all its power by each one who open the gate for it to flow.

I find it beautifully ironic and fascinating that something that cannot be grasped by our mind is in a way the essence of all.

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Prana -by Shweta Thakur-

Prana comes into existence with the first breath that we take soon after we are born.Though the medium of bringing prana in the body is breath but it dosenot mean that breath is prana. Its a vital energy in our body that stays with the body till its alive.So do we all feel this energy.. May be at times but majority of us dont feel this energy or dont use it to the optimum. The formula to realise this energy is to learn a proper respiration method.BY inhaling oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide the flow of prana takes place continuously in our body through ida ,Pingala and sushmna nadi.The objective is to maintain a regulated flow of prana. And this is where Pranayam comes in picture which is nothing but extension of prana.Regulated flow of prana ensures that the mind ,body and intelligence are in balance and which in turn is a sign of good health.

So when does prana ceases to exist? It leaves the body at the time of death.Since all the functions in body are peformed by prana so in its absence all the body function becomes inactive.It is believed that the dead body also has soul but it becomes inactive and unconscious as prana leaves the body. The soul is related to the prana and hence it also leaves the dead body and goes in search of a new body.A good analogy to support this belief is that the fire element is present in the wood but it cannot come out in the absence of oxygen similarly soul has all the power but in the absence of prana it becomes inactive.

Hence to sum it up all I can say is that Prana is the essence of life and the day we all know how to regulate its flow we will all be free from major ailments eeeeby6hn and sufferings and we will be one happy soul.

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Prana -by Ben Aldridge-

The word prana, in its Sanskrit roots, comes from “pra”, which means “prior”, and “ana”, which means “that which lies at the foundation of everything”. According to Swami Sivananda it is the sum total of all the energy in the universe. Everything that lives is a whirlpool of this energy.

As humans beings, we take in prana through the air we breathe – indeed the word can also be translated as breath – but it’s also in the food we eat and the water we drink.

This energy can be stored in the nervous system. In the body it moves through the nadis – channels which flow through the body. The most important nadis are the ida, the pingala and the sushumna, which pass through the locations chakras. In ashtanga yoga we engage the bandhas to direct the flow of the prana in the body. Moola bandha and jaladhara bandha stop it escaping and uddiyana bandha forces it up the sushumna nadi. Pranayama exercises also help control the flow of prana (ayama meaning to master).

Through these exercises, kundalini – dormant cosmic energy – can be awakened in the body, at the base chakra, moving up through the chakras until the practitioner reaches higher levels of consciousness.

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Prana -by Ben Evans-

Prana can be described as the “vital energy force sustaining creation”. Although in many contexts one can use prana synonymously with breath it is not breath. Prana is finer than breath and all breath contains prana. All atoms and objects also contains prana.

There are fine types of pranas or vayus (winds) in the human body. These include:

• Udana Vayu – Responsible for powering movement in the throat and facial expressions.
• Prana Vayu – is the absorption of the prana in the body and typically takes place in the chest area of the body although there are many yogic practices that focus on absorbing prana in other parts of the body.
• Samana Vayu – Is responsible for assimilation in the body and is situated around the middle of the body where the manipure chakra is.
• Apana Vayu – Is responsible for powering the elimination and excretion in the body.
• Vyana Vayu – Is responsible for circulating the prana around the entire body;

These vayus are components of the pranayama kosha or the subtle body and cannot be seen. Many yoga exercises focus on using prana.

Pranayamas are breathing exercises that allows the practitioner to harness prana, increase their vibration and eventually retain the vayus in the body by becoming completely still.

Bandhas are energy locks that stop prana from leaking from the body.

Mudras as gestures that are often used to redirect prana to a certain part of the pranayama kosha for a particular affect. For example hridaya mudra redirects prana to the anahata chakra to cleanse and open it.

Whilst prana is very similar to the oriental concept of qi/chi they are not the same. Chi is a more grosser form of energy.

Finally, when moksha is attained it is said that prana and chitta (mind) will merge.

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Prana -by Rebecca Minor-

In terms of yoga and in the Sanskrit language prana means vital life.  Everything in life has energy and therefor has prana.  Although it is not something that can be seen with the eye,  prana is energy that travels through the subtle channels of the body distributing the energy throughout.  To help to understand this system it can be compared to the veins in our bodies transporting and distributing blood to all regions of our body.   These energy channels are called Nadi’s and there are considered to be 72,000 Nadi’s within the human body. The three main Nadi’s are Ida, Pingala and Shushumna.

Within yoga prana can be regulated using pranayama techniques.  Pranayama in simple terms controls the breath, for example alternate nostril breathing.   By practising pranayama we control our breathing which in turn controls the flow of energy through the various channels within the body.  By doing this there are many benefits, such as calming and controlling the mind.  To help keep the energy flow within the body without escaping during our yoga we activate our bandha locks -  Mula Bandha and Jalandhara Bandha.  The Uddiyana Bandha, when activated, then helps the flow throughout the body.

Prana is always present within our bodies, once prana is no longer present it is considered in spiritual terms that the soul has left the body.   The body and mind cannot exist without prana.

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Prana -by Andrea Brady-

What is prana? This can be a difficult question for the analytical, scientific mind. After all, we can’t see it, we can’t smell it, we can’t hear it, or even taste it, nor does it register on any scientific instruments that have been invented so far.

The mysterious energy that is prana can be broken down into its Sanskrit roots, pra which means ‘prior’ or ‘to have previous existence’, and ana, which refers to a singular element, that basic unit, anu (or atom), which lies at the very foundation of everything. In this sense, the word prana literally implies that which is the ‘precursor of’ or ‘prerequisite for’ manifestation or material life.

Prana is another word “vital life”, it is a source of energy. It enters the body through breath and this is then sent to every cell through the circulatory system. Prana can be found in everything, as well as being inhaled, it can also be absorbed into the body through the skin, and by consuming food and water. As well as the breath, it can be found in the blood and it’s most concentrated form is semen in Men and Vaginal fluid in women. It is the life force in each and every one of us. It is often referred to as “Maha Prans” or great prana.

The sun is a great source of Prana, we consume pranic energy from the sun. It is thought that during the winter months when there is less sunlight, our pranic batteries can run low. This can lead to our immune system being more vulnerable. To increase our levels of prana, we can use techniques such as pranayama, removing clothing so the skin is more exposed. I was once told by a teacher walking on grass bare foot is a good productive way of boostong our pranic levels.

Prana can be broken down into five catergories.

• Prana – responsible for the beating of the heart and the breathing.
• Apana – Responsible for the elimination of waste products from the body through the lungs and excretory systems.
• Samana – Responsible for the digestion of food and cell metabolism (i.e. the repair and manufacture of new cells and growth).
• Udana – Responsible for producing sounds through the vocal apparatus, as in speaking, singing, laughing, and crying.
• Vyana – Responsible for the expansion and contraction processes of the body, e.g. the voluntary muscular system.

Prana is believed to flow through a network of channels called nadis.

The three main channels of prana are the Ida, the Pingala and the Sushumna. Ida relates to the right side of the brain, and the left side of the body, terminating at the left nostril and pingala to the left side of the brain and the right side of the body, terminating at the right nostril. In some practices, alternate nostril breathing balances the prana that flows within the body.

These “nadis” or highways of energy can often become blocked, stagnated, over stimulated, or simply imbalanced. When this occurs, toxins are produced and disease settles into the body. It is important to become consciously aware of prana so we can manipulate, harness and channel it for greater health, strength, vitality and greater degree of awareness.

Some teachers will refer to it as a luminous light when inhaled which literally floods through the body, by envisaging this, it can be a helpful visual tool for people to appreciate its benefits. Once the powerful prana has entered the body, it has an almost healing affect, it can be directed to areas of tension or where an injury is being carried to work it’s majic.

Just because we cannot ‘see’ prana, we should be no less certain of its existence. Just as we know the wind by its effects on the trees, so too can we just as easily know prana through its effects. With every thought, every word and every movement of life we see the action of prana.

Prana is most certainly a super mysterious cosmic power, a power that is a difficult concept to grasp, but a power, that should nonetheless never be underestimated.

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Prana -Charlotta Lidstrom-

Prana is the vital life force, energy that exists in all living things. The absence of Prana is death.

Prana flows through the body in subtle energy channels called nadis, the three most important nadis are shushumna ida and pingala.

The energy locks called bandhas that are used in ashtanga yoga, help to keep the prana in the body and distribute it.

Practising pranayama is a way to bring consciousness of the way the breath captures and direct prana in your body.

There are five different types or “vayus” of prana. Vayu means wind in Sanskrit. Though the five vayus cover different parts in the body, they also work as one together.

1. Prana vayu is the energy that enters the body in forms like air food or drinks. It moves through the center of the body in a downward direction from the throat to the navel. The seat of prana vayu is the heart.
2. Apana vayu is the force that gets rid of waste of the energy that entered the body (prana vayu). Apana vayu moves primarily in the lower abdomin from the navel to the floor of the pelvis. The seat of apana vaju is in the core of the pelvis.
3. Samana vayy separate the good and bad things in the prana vayu. Samana vayu moves primarily in between prana vayu and apana vayu, the region between the navel and heart. The seat of samana vayu is the navel.
4. Udana vayu is the force behind all growth using the prana vayu through samana vayu. Udana vayu is also the force that expels air with the exhalation in order to produce sound. Udana vayu rules the region of the throat and head, as well as the sensory functions of the eyes ears and nose, and also the muscle function and strength in the extremities. The seat of udana vayu is the throat.
5. Vyana vayu circulates nutrients and energy in the body it runs through all the nadis, connecting the functions of the nerves, veins, muscles and joints. Vyana vayu moves from the center of the body to the periphery and pervades the whole body. Vvyana vayu has no specific seat.

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Prana -by Danielle Toomey-

It is believed that all forms of life, specifically human are infused with a non-physical body of essential energy. This energy is necessary for us to stay alive and in yoga this life force or vita energy and breath is known as Prana in Sanskrit. Meaning ‘Vital Life” and to fill up from the root. Prana allows the energy to flow through and around the body and is responsible for our “aliveness.” Without Prana we wouldn’t be alive.

Prana can enter the body in many ways, through the air we inhale, all the food and drink.

Prana is generally associated with the breath, however the air we breathe is not the actual life-force energy, or does the air actually contain the prana. Through the yogic practices of asana (movement) and pranayama (breathing techniques) this enables us to use the breath to promote, control, and direct the flow of prana.

One of the main purposes for practicing hatha yoga is to move the prana throughout the body, with the purpose of creating a physical and energetic balance.

There are 72,000 energy channels called nadis in the body and out of these there are three main channels that direct the primary flow of energy throughout the body.

1. Sushumna is the central energy, fixed within the spinal canal. When a person awakens deep spiritual energy, ‘Sushumna’ is the channel responsible for containing the flow of this energy from the base of the spine all the way to the crown of the head and often leads the individual to experience total joy and perfect happiness.
2. Ida is located on the left of Sushumna. Characteristics have a cool, loving, feminine energy.
3. Pingalai is located on right of the Sushumna. Characteristics associated with heat, intense, masculine energy.

In healthy individual’s prana flows alternately between both the Ida and Pingala Nadis.

The directional flow and movement of Prana throughout the body can be broken down into the following traits as with the energy of Ida and Pingala.

• Udana is the positive upward energy, expanding physical, mental and spiritual awareness and responsible for movement in the throat and facial expressions.
• Prana is the absorption of the prana in any form into the body and typically takes place in the chest area although there are many practices that focus on absorbing prana in other body parts.
• Samana is responsible for assimilation in the body and is situated around the middle of the body. It means drawing energy in and “balancing air” which helps aid digestion in our food.
• Apana is responsible for the elimination and excretion down and away from the body like carbon dioxide and removal of bodily waste.
• Vyana is responsible for controlling the circulation of prana energies in and around the entire body.

Yoga is made from the word Yuj, which means the act of joining. In spiritualism this word is used to unite soul and supreme soul.Yoga is like a spiritual journey.You start with discovering yourself-your inner strength,your inner peace till you reach a stage where your soul has found a connection with the supreme soul.

The detachment of soul from the supreme soul is the cause of all problems and sinful actions, disharmony, crime, immorality, etc arise due to these. Everybody wants to live happily but due to ignorance they search for happiness in temporary things. They search for happiness in wealth, fame, respect name, woman, son, relatives, society etc. but in the end they get sorrows only.It is only when you have found a peace in you and achieved that enlightment you can feel the divine bliss.

The philosophy of Yoga is centred around achieving complete harmony between our body and mind through special exercise (posturing), breathing and meditation.

In Yoga through practices of holding a variety of body positions or asanas, and the centering of the mind and breath in a meditative way, the practitioner increases body awareness, posture, flexibility of body and mind and calmness of spirit. To achieve this an individual has to gain complete control over ‘prana’ . Prana is the subtle force , the essence which pervades all life . The objective of Pranayama is to attain complete control of the Prana .It is the breathing process or the control of the motion of inhalation, exhalation and the retention of vital energy.

Yoga is different.While in most forms of exercise the physical results are the sole goal,in yoga the soul is the goal.The ancient yoga texts insist that the mind and spirit are more important that the physical body.While many other mind – body fitness also encourage this awareness,no other physical practice has the ultimate goal of union with the divine.In yoga the process of attaining this union is as important as the actual attainment.

The history of Yoga can be divided into four periods:- Vedic Yoga period Pre classical yoga Classical yoga Post classical yoga.

Vedic yoga period:-The existence of vedas marks this period.This is the period when people relied on yogic gurus to teach them how to live in divine harmony.They mainly performed rituals and ceremonies to attain unity with the divine.

Pre classical yoga:-The creation of upanishads mark this preclassical period.It is also marked by creation of bhagvad gita.Gita is about bringing three most impotant facets in ones life-Bhakti(devotion),jnana(knowledge),karma(selfless action).Gita tried to unify Bhakti yoga,jnana yoga and karma yoga.

Classical yoga:-Its is marked by another creation called Yoga sutra.Written by patanjali it was an attempt to define classical yoga.It is composed of 195 Sutras that forms the base of raja yoga and it underlines priniciple of eight limbs of classical yoga .During this time people mainly concentrated on meditation and ignored asanas.Only Later people started treating their body as temple and performed asanas to make it immortal.

Post classical yoga.This period actually for the first time started emphasizing on present.Yoga in this period taught people to accept their present and live at the moment rather than separating them from the reality.This period is marked by the two most famous yogic gurus-Maharishi yogi(known for transcendental meditation )and Sivananda.Sivananda most famous work is his modified five principles of yoga:

1. Savaasana
2. Asana
3. Pranayam
4. Proper diet
5. Dyana(meditation).

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Description of Yoga -by Danielle Toomey -

Yoga has been used as a tool for meditating for thousands of years. As with the bible it is not know exactly when and by whom, that yoga began.

Yoga is a path and a continuous, never ending journey we take, bringing together our mind, body, spirit and heart. It allows us to graciously increase our strength and discover our flexibility. Even as teachers we are constantly learning and developing ourselves.

The concept of yoga is to connect with your breath and movement, stretching body parts, meditating on what your body is feeling at that particular moment and connecting with your inner self and feel complete  (‘one with the universe’).

Yoga is particularly good for increasing strength, flexibility, endurance, self- confidence, balance and mental focuss and awareness of our bodies by relieving any stress leading you to relaxation and meditation.

There are many different styles or yoga, from iyengar, bikram, Ashtana or power yoga, sivananda, white lotus, vinyasa.  These styles have some similarities and differences, main being that they all come from the main path known as ‘Hatha Yoga’ so when practice either one you will do the main Hatha yoga poses.

Yoga is for anyone and everyone and each practice is personable to that individual. We know our bodies better than anyone else, where we hold tension and can set ourselves achievable goals by not pushing our bodies to the limit. A yoga session will leave you feeling more relaxed, happy and energised.

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Description of Yoga -by Ben Evans -

Yoga, for me, means union with the divine. More specifically I would define it as union with the divine intelligence inherent in each and everyone’s heart. The process outlined by many of the schools of yoga guide the aspirant to complete union with the highest consciousness, or super-consciousness, by, first, cleansing the various kosha’s by satisfying some of the karmic bonds.

More generally yoga is a process or path that leads to the liberation (moksha) of the jivatma or individual soul. Moksha is attained through yogic techniques that allow the yogi to attain union with something they perceive to be purely divine.  This is true whether the yogis IshtaDev is a deity, guru or some abstract energy within the universe.  The yogi aspirant may not necessarily have fulfilled all karmic deeds but only enough of them to focus purely on the divine and surrender to it. Once pure focus on the divine is achieved the divine will merge with the yogi and burn all karma automatically.

Many things that many people do in the world today could be called yoga.  The process of yoga is not necessary just stretching with breathe but could be any action (subtle or gross) that allows the seeker to reach moksha. The traditional schools of yoga use asanas (Hatha), pranayama (Hatha), mudras (Hatha), dhyana (Raja and Jnana), kirtan (Bhakti), bhajans (Bhakti), puja (Bhakti), atma-vicara (Jnana)  to name but a few to reach moksha.

Yoga is not the same for any one person as each person has their own path.

The system that I have adopted and know yoga by is a combination of atma kriya yoga, bhakti yoga, hatha yoga and karma yoga.

Each path in this system waters the root of the yogi at different points. Karma yoga is an act of service to the divine that I typically give through spiritual healing to others and encourages me to see the divine action in all that I do. Hatha yoga is a set of techniques that strengthens and cleanses the mind/body/spirit and grounds the power of the spirit in the body.

Bhakti yoga, or yoga of the heart, is time to purely surrender to the divine through singing with joy and to praise the beauty in all things.

Atma Kriya yoga is a system of pranayams, mudras, spiritual asanas and meditation techniques that energises the nadis, expands divine consciousness and opens the heart.

In short, yoga can be achieved through union with any two distinct concepts. For me union with love is the highest.

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The definition of Yoga by Shikma Jacoby

Yoga is a philosophy of existence and that which lay behind.

It is a philosophy that leads to the highest level of consciousness and teaches the delicate relationship between oneself and ones body, mind and inner-self/spirit, as well as ones relationship with Humanity and Nature.

The meaning of the word Yoga in Hindi is ‘to unite’ and the name is symbolic of it’s goal – to unite all levels of ones existence and to create a state of harmony in oneself and between oneself and the world around.

Yoga is a way of life. It is built upon ethical guidelines and combines a series of and postures and breathing technics which are aimed to lead the seeker along their path of becoming a purer being.

The ethical guidelines and the postures are meant to prepare one for the practice of meditation. By practicing meditation a higher cosmic level of awareness can be achieved and a universal sense of oneness is being formed, the mind and soul/spirit are cleared, cleaned and open to be united with the endless energy of all that is.

Both the physical and the moral practices cover all aspects of human life, teaching one who lives by them how to distinguish between what is good, pure and necessary and what is harmful and vain, what is true and what is an illusion of ones Ego, how to clear the mind and soul of the white noise that wraps it and to be able to hear the peaceful sound of union.

These ethics and posture are leading one to become a centered, clear, peaceful and harmonised being.

Through the practice of Yoga one learns their own inner truth, their place in the cosmic rhythm and their unlimited abilities. One learns how to flow in the natural rhythm and to become a single unit with all that surrounds them in every moment and on every level of awareness and consciousness.

Yoga is a beautiful life path, transforming ones existence into a calm flowing river, on the way to the great sea.

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Yoga by -Charlotta Lidstrom-

In the introduction of the book ”The yoga sutras of Patanjali” Vidya Vonne explains how nowadays people mostly think of yoga as only the physical practice of the body.

When I first started doing yoga it was for that reason; I wanted to make my body stronger. But soon I would notice that yoga does so much more for you than just that.

As Vidya Vonne also explains, the physical practice of the body is only a small part of yoga, and a relatively recent development. Yoga was primarily designed to practice the understanding and complete mastery of the mind.

The word ”Yoga” is most commonly translated as “union”. I would like to look at it as the union through communication, between body, mind and spirit. It’s about finding peace through controlling your mind and body. Unite them, strengthen them making them aware and make them listen to each other. Becoming one whole. As in any relationship there must be a good communication for it to be a healthy thriving relationship.

Yoga is about bringing awareness into your life. To be able to practice the asanas and the breath control in a correct way you need to focus and concentrate, this practice I think creates awareness at first in your body, then in your mind.

As they are one, the body and mind, and dependent on each other, a truly healthy mind can only reside in a healthy body.

The second of the sutras of Patanjali says:  The restraint of the modifications of the mind-stuff is yoga. As Sri Swami Satchidananda explains this is the one sutra, which all the other sutras are trying to explain. It is the goal of yoga.

The absence of distraction having patience and finding peace. Yoga is about being pure and true, getting rid of toxins, and cleansing your body and mind.

Mahatma Ghandi said: “Be the change that you want to see in the world.”

It all starts with you. Your own body and mind is the only things you can control in life. If you can control your mind you control your world, with the right attitude.

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Yoga by -Ben Aldridge-

In the vedas, yoga means to join the soul of the individual to that of the infinite – the paraatman.

There are many routes which can take you towards this ultimate goal. Some might tend towards karma yoga which is the path of action; others towards the path of wisdom, jnana yoga. Bhakti yoga, devotion, is another route; as well as raja yoga, the meditative path, of which hatha yoga, the practice of asanas is part. Although through the practice of asana – whichever style you might practice – you can stretch and strengthen the physical body, that wasn’t in fact the historical goal of the practice of asana, which were a preparation for meditation.

Patanjali says in his yoga sutras that yoga is the control of the modifications of the mind. Most of the time we don’t see the world directly – our thoughts, our memories, our egos get in the way. We might for example react badly to a particular person but a friend of yours might like them a lot – that person isn’t objectively “bad”, otherwise your friend wouldn’t like them – you’re just having a different reaction to them. If you are able to make the mind steady through yoga, then the self can get established in its own true nature and experience the world as it really is. To find the true self, you need to get past thought patterns like attachment, aversion, and fear, and Patanjali says practice and non attachment are the key to this.

There are eight limbs to the path of yoga according to Patanjali and if you practice only one of these then you are not practicing true yoga. They are yama – moral restraints; niyama – discipline; asana – postures; pranayama – breath work; pratyahara – mind withdrawal from the senses; dharana – concentration; dhyana – meditation; and samadhi. The aim is that we should be working on all of these together and not just when we come to the mat.

Yoga is being a good person, towards yourself and others. Being selfless, bringing good energy to this world. Starting a good circle of positive energy For me Yoga is like therapy it makes me healthier happier and stronger  Do good, feel good, be good.

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Description of Yoga by -Rebecca Minor-

Yoga dates back thousands of years and today there are many different types of yoga forming from the traditional Hatha Yoga.   Some of the known yoga practices include Vinyasa, Kundalini, Ashtanga and Iyengar to name a few.   With such a variety, each person may prefer to practice a particular form of yoga that is best suited to their needs and beliefs.

The word yoga means to unite or union.  Each person may have their own definition of what yoga is or idea of what yoga means to them, encompassing a wide range of areas such as meditation, physical exercise and enjoyment on a spiritual level.  Yoga is an adaptable discipline allowing you to practice at your own level, reaping the many benefits it can give. There are a large number of benefits some of which are increasing flexibility of the body, improving balance, preventing sickness, increasing energy, reducing stress, regulates the mind and giving relaxation.

Yoga can be a journey of discovery that never ends.  There is always more to achieve if continuous practice is given.   Each individual is able to choose their own path, to decide how far they want to go and what they would like to achieve.

For me, yoga is about uniting the movement with breathing whilst releasing all thoughts from the mind.  Yoga requires patience, devotion and passion.   Most importantly, yoga should be enjoyed.

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Description of Yoga by -Andrea Brady-

Yoga, which translates as “union” is a complex procedure or uniting the mind, body and soul using an assortment of tools. These tools such as pranayama, asanas are ultimately ways in which we can help to create a quiet, still mind.

The parts of the mind such as the ego, intellect and senses and desires make it difficult for a person to be able to become effective in connecting to themselves and to be fully present in the here and now, but, through practicing asanas with breathing and meditation techniques this becomes achievable. Yoga becomes a part of everyday life, requires patience, devotion and faith. Non attachment and dispassion should also go with the practise.

Yoga is an act of selflessness, it’s about surrendering to something higher, through yogic thinking we should be able to embrace everything without any exceptions or without anything in return.

Whilst the overall aim is to gain control of the mind, yoga is much more than this. It is about being true to yourself and others, and striving to be a better person. Yoga is not just a way to keep fit, or to fulfill spiritual needs, it is a journey, a life long journey and it requires, honesty, integrity and courage from the individual, with the hope that one day enlightenment may well be reached.

Gayatri Mantra (the mother of the vedas), the foremost mantra in hinduism and hindu beliefs, inspires wisdom. Its meaning is that “May the Almighty God illuminate our intellect to lead us along the righteous path”. The mantra is also a prayer to the “giver of light and life” – the sun (savitur).

Oh God! Thou art the Giver of Life,
Remover of pain and sorrow,
The Bestower of happiness,
Oh! Creator of the Universe,
May we receive thy supreme sin-destroying light,
May Thou guide our intellect in the right direction.

Aum = Brahma ;
bhoor = embodiment of vital spiritual energy(pran) ;
bhuwah = destroyer of sufferings ;
swaha = embodiment of happiness ;
tat = that ;
savitur = bright like sun ;
varenyam = best choicest ;
bhargo = destroyer of sins ;
devasya = divine ;
these first nine words describe the glory of God
dheemahi = may imbibe ; pertains to meditation
dhiyo = intellect ;
yo = who ;
naha = our ;
prachodayat = may inspire!
“dhiyo yo na prachodayat” is a prayer to God.

Origin, Benefits and Chanting of the Gayatri Mantra

The Vedas are widely considered to be the source of all true knowledge, the word “Veda” itself meaning “Knowledge”. Gayatri Devi also gave to mankind the “Gayatri Mantra”, also known as the “Guru Mantra” or the “Savitri Mantra”. It is one of the oldest mantras, and generally thought of as being amongst the highest and most powerful mantras of all. This mantra is therefore often referred to as “the Mother of the Vedas”. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna had proclaimed to Arjuna – “Among all the mantras, I am the Gayatri”.

Rishis selected the words of the Gayatri Mantra and arranged them so that they not only convey meaning but also create specific power of righteous wisdom through their utterance. The ideal times for chanting the mantra are three times a day – at dawn, mid-day, and at dusk. These times are known as the three sandhyas – morning, mid-day and evening. The maximum benefit of chanting the mantra is said to be obtained by chanting it 108 times. However, one may chant it for 3, 9, or 18 times when pressed for time. The syllables of the mantra are said to positively affect all the chakras or energy centres in the human body – hence, proper pronunciation and enunciation are very important.

Chanting of Gayatri Mantra removes all obstacles in our path to increased wisdom and spiritual growth and development. The teachings and powers incorporated in the Gayatri Mantra fulfill this purpose. Righteous wisdom starts emerging soon after Jap(recitation) of the Gayatri Mantra is performed. The Gayatri Mantra “will protect you from harm wherever you are, make your intellect shine, improve your power of speech, and dispel the darkness of ignorance (Dhiyoyonah prachodayaath)”.