...is much more sophisticated than that. It is also pretty technical, but there is no avoiding that.

Yoga is the suppression of the modifications of the chitta, is the beginning statement of the Yoga Sutras as well as being Patanjalis definition of yoga. Meditation establishes our consciousness in the true self and renders the chitta (mental energy, mind substance) free from outer-caused modifications or vrittis (waves). We should look at this further.

To the purusha the chitta is the sole object in the form of its modifications. And chitta with its modifications [vrittis] inhibited [suppressed] would no longer be an object, according to Shankara. The spirit, whose nature is consciousness alone, experiences the modifications of the mind (chitta) and mistakenly identifies with them. Though it seems to see many things, the only thing it ever really does see is the chitta as it dances before it in the form of ever-changing waves (vrittis). It is this objective consciousness that is the root of bondageactually is the state of bondage. For Vyasa comments on Sutra 4:22: Though unmoving and unchan...more

Designing a Plan to Become a Yoga teacher, Part 1

...If you have decided that becoming a Yoga teacher is your passion, your next step is to create a plan of action. When doing anything that requires a major change, a call to action is one of the hardest hurdles to overcome. There are so many people who wish for goals, but do not plan to go after them. Lets look at a few ways to make your plan of action to become a Yoga teacher.

What kind of help or support system do you need to teach Yoga? Remember the saying, no man is an island. Everyone needs encouragement, even if you are very confident in your abilities. Will you need financial help, educational resources, or to be ment...more

Yoga

...ancient practice that places an emphasis on having full control over the body and the mind. Many people who use it believe that they will be able to gain insight into the underlying structure of reality. The Yogi is a person who will attain an state of enlightenment where their thoughts will cease, and they will achieve a type of union. Yoga is a very complex subject which can mean different things for different people. Even if one does not wish to attain enligtenment, this practice can allow them to enhance their own insight. Even though yoga has strong connections to Indian religions, it is not a religion itself. Even though the exact age of this practice is not known, it is estimated that it has existed for at least 6,000.<...more

Yoga Teacher Training: The Value of the Sage in Yoga

...a great deal about common sense, philosophy, and how to apply them to every day life.

The value of a sage cannot be under estimated. Unfortunately, the news shows us that wisdom and common sense have been taking a vacation for awhile. In Yoga, a sage does not need a light show, fireworks, smoke, explosions, or special effects to capture the imagination of his or her Yoga students.

In Yoga, we look to the sages of the past, and present, through the written or spoken word. The sage is a Yoga teacher who can capture your imagination and guide students without any special effects. Maharishi Patanjali might be the firs...more

Yoga Advanced Positions