This term we have been reflecting in class ‘what is underneath us’. Learning to accept ourselves for who we are and forgive and love all our little foibles goes a long way to enable our enjoyment of life and to see the good in all those around us too. This poem is a lovely bringingContinue reading “Foundation Stones”
Category Archives: Philosophy
What are the Chakras?
Chakras are talked about a lot in yoga – but what exactly are they? The simple answer is energy centers. The ancient yogis developed the concept of many energy pathways called ‘nadis’ criss-crossing all around the body. In a similar way to our veins or nerves, however they are not visible. The energy that runsContinue reading “What are the Chakras?”
Why Sanskrit?
Yoga is a way to keep healthy and happy. It was developed way before we had the science of medicine and so relied very much upon nature and observation. Yoga was developed by Sages and Gurus (wise men and teachers) thousands of years ago. Sanskrit was the language used to pass the methods on (byContinue reading “Why Sanskrit?”
A Pilgrimage of Leicester Temples
On Snday 25th March there will be a Tirth Yatra (Pilgramage) of Leicester’s Hindu Temples. Why not join in this Yatra to celebrate the 20th year of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and the 10th year of the Leicester Friends group on the auspicious day of Ram Navami? This is a Sponsored Walk visitingContinue reading “A Pilgrimage of Leicester Temples”
Seeing yourself through the lens of the Gunas
We all know and love the story of Goldilocks and the 3 bears. Just as some porridge is too salty, some is too sweet and some is just right… we can learn to balance out our energy with the use of an ancient philosophy devised by yogis thousands of years ago. According to these ancientContinue reading “Seeing yourself through the lens of the Gunas”
How to Begin at Yoga
Yoga is the ability to direct and focus mental activity. This is the 2nd verse from chapter 1 of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra – the insight below is by Michelle Corrigan from her book ‘Your Quest for a Spiritual Life’. I feel that it is an updated view of what Patanjali was trying to communicate toContinue reading “How to Begin at Yoga”
HOW TO BEGIN AT YOGA
“Start doing yoga from where you are now. Not from where you were yesterday, not tomorrow, not next week. Start from the present. HERE begins the teachings of yoga with the right intent at the right time… NOW. If you seek a class teacher (which is advisable), find a teacher who you feel comfortable with,Continue reading “HOW TO BEGIN AT YOGA”
A Pilgrimage of Leicester Temples
On Saturday 12th March the Friends of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies will be organising a Sponsored Walk visiting the beautiful temples of Leicester ending at Gandhiji’s memorial statue. Why not join this special day as the ‘Tirath Yatra’ (pilgramage) coincides with Gandhiji’s Dandi March (also known as the Salt March) whilst that wasContinue reading “A Pilgrimage of Leicester Temples”
Yoga – what do you see in your reflection?
You may come to yoga classes to build fitness, strength and flexibility; which of course you will over time; however, through these practices, right from the off, we are engaging in the act of Swadhyaya. We flow through postures using breath and movement, building concentration… we scan the body, we bring our awareness to ourContinue reading “Yoga – what do you see in your reflection?”
Let Your Light Shine!
When we greet with Namaste! We are greeting the light within the person or people we see. It is not their physical shape, attitude or energy of the body but the light within. You can think of this as a persons soul or spirit. Yogis consider a person or being to be made of severalContinue reading “Let Your Light Shine!”