by Christopher Key Chapple
Yoga offers a system for the individual to know the body, understand and lead the mind, and investigate and realize the possibilities of the spirit within. Through the integration of these vital aspects of life, one arrives at self-knowledge.
The first stage of yoga practice deals with physical exercise or asana. Tension and anxiety manifest themselves in the body as stiffness of the spine and poor posture. Through repeated practice of asanas the body becomes light, limber and strong. Relatively simple asanas such as the cobra and shoulder stand, practiced daily, can yield amazing results in a short time.
Mental understanding through the Science of Yoga begins with the practice of Yama and Niyama. These practices take the form of ethical abstinences and observances. The Yamas include the cessation of hurting, stealing, possessiveness, and untruthfulness. The Niyamas include the application of contentment, austerity, self-study and purity in everyday life. Through repeated practice of these techniques one can come to recognize and understand his or her shortcomings and strengths. Once understanding has been attained, the individual can actually change undesirable thought patterns.
The more subtle levels of yoga practice bring the individual to the realization of the spirit within. This realization is a personal experience. Whatever goal one sets for one-self is the goal one will reach. One who aims for Krishna consciousness will reach Krishna consciousness through yoga. One who desires a life of devotion to Christ will achieve that life through yoga. One who aspires to the Buddha’s heights of understanding will achieve that level of understanding through yoga. One who yearns to be a strong Jew will become a strong Jew through yoga. Yoga Anand Ashram offers all this and more. Within the context of our Ashram, one can become an enlightened Yogi, free to understand and actualize the truth in any and all great religions or systems of thought.
Yoga Anand Ashram is not associated with any centers in India or elsewhere. It was conceived and is being manifested through our Gurani, here on Long Island. We have met and are meeting the challenges of life in contemporary America. We feel that our answer to life’s problems is a unique one. We invite you to share in our uniqueness and to discover that which is unique about you. All classes, lectures and services are open to all. Please feel free to attend.