Q&A
We want to welcome you to our yoga
community here at Arizona Yoga. Beginning students might find helpful
the following answers to commonly asked questions.
What is Yoga?
What is Ansuara Yoga?
Is Yoga safe for people with
chronic or recent injuries?
Can I do Yoga if I
am inflexible?
Can I begin taking classes
at any time?
Are my classes
transferable to another person?
Should I attend the
same class each week?
What does Namasté mean?
What does OM mean?
What does the
Invocation song mean?
What do I need to bring to
class?
What do I wear?
What is Yoga?
Yoga is the art of remembering our goodness. It is an art in
which each person can creatively and uniquely participate in the process
of aligning with the flow of nature. using postures, breathing
exercises, and meditation. The practice of yoga brings more awareness
and integration of body and mind so that we can remember our spirit. Our
hearts open and our lives begin to flow with more vitality and joy.
What is Anusara Yoga?
According to
John Friend, "Anusara Yoga is heart-oriented, spiritually inspiring, and
yet grounded in the Universal Principles of Alignment for both the inner
and the outer body. It is a uniquely integrated style of Hatha yoga in
which the artistic glory of the human heart blends magically with the
scientific principles of biomechanics."
Is Yoga safe for people with chronic or recent
injuries?
Yoga is safe for people with chronic pain and/or injuries as
long as it is taught according to the universal principles of alignment,
by instructors who have experience and a good understanding of these
principles and their application.
Basics
and
Gentle
Yoga are recommended as starting places for people who come to yoga with
specific requests for pain relief. In some cases, a private lesson may
be the way to begin. Anusara yoga is known for it's therapeutic nature
and all students are trained with the notion that yoga postures should
never create pain, which is differentiated from the sensation of
stretching muscles. We regard pain as a signal that an action is being
performed in such a way that we are out of alignment with nature.
Can I do Yoga if I am inflexible?
Absolutely, through steady, intelligent practice, stiffer
students will gain flexibility, just as weaker students will gain more
strength. Anusara is always taught as balanced action regarding strength
and flexibility. They must be developed simultaneously for safety.
Can I begin taking classes at any time?
Yes, and if there is some concern regarding the appropriate
level, try a
Basics
class and then talk to the teacher.
Are my classes transferable to another person?
Yes, as long as they have not yet expired.
Should I attend the same class each week?
One of the unique advantages of studying yoga at Arizona Yoga
is that all of our teachers are trained in the Anusara method. While
having one teacher that gets to know you is an ideal way to learn, it is
also great to learn from different people who are trained in the same
way, so at this studio, this is entirely up to the individual student
and their schedule.
What does Namasté mean?
The Divine in me salutes the Divine in you. I honor the place
in you where the entire universe resides. I honor the place in you of
Love, of Light, of Truth, of Peace. I honor the place in you where if
you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, there is
only one of us.
What does OM mean?
Om is an ancient mantra, a primordial vibration. It is so old
that its very nature is innately sacred. We follow the tradition of
beginning our classes chanting Om and the invocation to create a sense
of harmony and unity among the students in a powerful way.
What does the Opening Invocation mean?
Namah Shivaya Gurave
"I offer myself to the Light, the Auspicious Lord, who is the
True Teacher within & without."
Saccidananda Murtaye
"Who assumes the forms of Reality, Consciousness and Bliss."
Nisprapancaya Shantaya
"Who is never absent and is full of peace."
Niralambaya
Tejase
"Independent in His existence, He is the vital essence of
illumination."
What do I wear?
Please wear comfortable, but not baggy, clothing. Bare feet
and an empty stomach are essential.
What do I need to bring to class?
We have mats and as well as blankets, blocks and other props
for students' use. However, most students prefer to bring their own
mats.
