The Ancient School of Yoga
7180 East Saanich Road
Saanichton, BC V8Z5V1
Canada
ph: 250-652-4670
hvs_shu
GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO YOGA
Philosophy is an attempt by the human mind to present the questions of life, existence and knowledge
into a comprehensive and consistent framework. Of all the philosophical systems, the concept of body,
mind and spirit evokes the most interest.
Yoga balances the body, mind and spirit and ensures complete wellbeing.
In India Yoga is not merely a philosophy, it is a way of life.
In our modern, stress-filled world, daily practice of yoga is beneficial in itself, leading to improved health,
emotional well-being and mental clarity. Yogic techniques can improve the general efficiency of
individuals, as well as being of benefit in the prevention and cure of specific stress-related psychosomatic
conditions. It has also been known to be useful in childbirth and for post-natal care. It can improve
physical strength and flexibility and assist in the cure of sports related injuries and other illnesses.
The most popular and widely practiced Yoga system is known as Hatha Yoga. This is based on the theory
that the currents of vital force in our body flow through particular patterns. The way we think, feel and
act depends on the nature of these patterns. The channels through which the currents of vital force flow
are called "Nadis". There are innumerable such "Nadis" in a human being, all of which are interconnected
and form plexuses in various regions. Any improper functioning of the body and/or mind is
due to a disturbance in the passage of vital currents through one or more of these "Nadis". Hatha Yoga,
therefore, deals initially with the problem of correcting this fault and opening the natural passage of the
"Nadis" to enable the free flow of vital force currents. This process is called "Nadishuddi", which means
"cleansing of the 'Nadis'". This can be done through various practices of Hatha Yoga.
Philosophy is an attempt by the human mind to present the questions of life, existence and knowledge into a comprehensive and consistent framework. Of all the philosophical systems, the concept of body,mind and spirit evokes the most interest.Yoga balances the body, mind and spirit and ensures complete wellbeing.
In India Yoga is not merely a philosophy, it is a way of life.
The most popular and widely practiced Yoga system is known as Hatha Yoga. This is based on the theory that the currents of vital force in our body flow through particular patterns. The way we think, feel and act depends on the nature of these patterns. The channels through which the currents of vital force flow are called "Nadis". There are innumerable such "Nadis" in a human being, all of which are interconnected and form plexuses in various regions. Any improper functioning of the body and/or mind is due to a disturbance in the passage of vital currents through one or more of these "Nadis". Hatha Yoga, therefore, deals initially with the problem of correcting this fault and opening the natural passage of the "Nadis" to enable the free flow of vital force currents. This process is called "Nadishuddi", which means "cleansing of the 'Nadis'". This can be done through various practices of Hatha Yoga.
The above benefits/effects of yogic practices seem to be possible through three types of mechanism:
While the first two mechanisms are involved in the maintenance and promotion of psychophysical health,the third governs the spiritual aspect of personality.

Yogena chittasya padena vacham
Malam sharirasya cha vaidyakena
Yopakarottam pravaram muninam
Patanjalim pranjalir anato'smi
Translation
To the noblest of sages Patanjali
Who gave us Yoga for serenity of mind
Grammar for purity of speech
And medicine for perfection of the body,
I bow, I prostrate before Patanjali

The Ancient School of Yoga
7180 East Saanich Road
Saanichton, BC V8Z5V1
Canada
ph: 250-652-4670
hvs_shu