Yoga Asanas:
Yogasana classes at Shreyas are, conducted by our experienced instructors,
based on both classical Hatha Yoga and Ashtanga Vinyasa for beginner,
intermediate and advanced levels. Twice daily group classes are included
in the stay for all guests at Shreyas. Apart from the Yogasana classes,
guests can participate in sessions on Pranayama (understanding and regulating
our breath), Pratyahara (withdrawal / internalization of sensory inputs),
Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) processes drawn from the
Patanjali Yoga Sutras – ancient Yogic doctrine that aims to integrate
our body, mind and soul for complete living.
Yogasanas will help restore and heal the physical body, and bring about strength, flexibility and balance in daily life. Yoga processes are considered a holistic form of exercise today and have been shown to bring positive changes to our emotional state as well.
Hatha Yoga Classes
In Sanskrit, the word ‘Ha’ means the Sun aspect that denotes the active masculine principle, represented by the right nostril breath (Pingala). The word ‘Tha’ means Moon aspect that denotes the passive intuitive feminine principle represented by the left nostril breath (Ida). In this context, the word ‘Yoga’ needs to be interpreted as ‘communion’. Thus, the sustained practice Hatha Yoga enables harmony between the sun and moon aspects of our being. Traditional Hatha Yoga is based on Swatmarama’s Hatha Yoga Pradipika and it includes a set of breathing techniques (Pranayama), select postures (Asanas), Yogic locks (Bandhas) and Yogic gestures (Mudras) using fingers / hands. Assiduous Hatha Yoga practice leads the aspirant to learn and master other subtler spiritual practices including Meditation. Another way to understand Hatha Yoga is: the word 'Hatha' can be translated as ‘adoption of consistently forceful means of any practice till the set objective is realized.’ Thus Hatha Yoga can be understood as the systematic practice of Yogic processes to realize higher states of consciousness.
Ashtanga Yoga Classes
This style of Yoga practice consists of carefully sequenced postures, flowing in a precise and ceaseless sequence from start to finish. To maintain stability and flow (Vinyasa), complete awareness is required along with continuous ujjayi from the start of the practice through to its conclusion. A total and absolute concentration develops over time, leading gradually to a heightened sense of awareness and deeper connection to, and understanding of, life, oneself, and others.
In addition to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, the principle scriptures that we refer to are the Bhagavad Gita, selected Upanishads, Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Yoga Vashista. These scriptures are universal in nature and its essence is applicable to all sincere spiritual seekers. A brief description on each of the other Yoga processes practiced at Shreyas is given below:
