The Oriental Spa takes great pride in being true to tradition. Yoga is enjoyable and is accessible to everybody. Whether it be light hearted or serious, our overall aim is to ensure we stay true to the teachings of previous Masters and their experiences over the years.
Our journey is based on authenticity. The styles of Yoga we offer can be traced to a lineage and tradition and have stood the test of time and awakened an inner core of wisdom amongst its practitioners.
We are dedicated to creating events where practitioners from various styles of Yoga can come together. We believe that every person should explore the practice that works best for them. By bringing together the various disciplines of Yoga, we allow practitioners to learn from each other and develop a better understanding of their practice.
Our classes welcome all students of Yoga, from the complete novice to the advanced practitioner. Our only requirement is patience. Patience to give the practice a chance and experience the gradual improvement it has on our whole being.
What is Yoga?
The practice of Yoga is designed to facilitate a connection to your inner most nature. This may be physical, emotional, mental or physiological. With every style of practice, techniques may differ, but the goal is the same- an awakening of our ‘inner most potential.’
Yoga has made headlines around the world. For many people Yoga has become equivalent to a ‘physical’ workout, used to increase fitness, stamina, weight loss or simply become healthier. Whatever the association, Yoga is rapidly growing around the world.
The primary reason for this growth is the significant benefits that result from the practice of Yoga. In particular, Hatha Yoga (physical yoga) purifies the body and nervous system, sharpens the senses and makes us more receptive to our innate nature.
The origins of Hatha Yoga are difficult to trace but appear to have been part of Indian tradition for millenniums. Some disciplines trace their origin and lineage back to great Masters who embodied the highest realizations within the field of Yoga. Regardless of the origin, Yoga has something to offer to everybody.
Benefits of Yoga
Much has been written about the benefits of Yoga in recent years. We do not promise miracles but we can guarantee that anybody who comes to practice will experience a greater sense of well being. Your physical body will improve, your nervous system will improve and your mental capacities will improve. At first you may be reminded of some physical tension and stagnation in the body. But that is only temporary. Anybody with a longing to explore their infinite potential, is welcome to enjoy what we have to offer.
Ashtanga Yoga
We teach authentic Ashtanga Yoga through classes or private sessions.
Ashtanga Yoga is first mentioned in the classical work on Yoga, ‘The Yoga Sutras’ by Patanjali. It is mentioned in the second chapter of Patanjali’s work as ‘Ashta-anga,’ which literally means the ‘eight-limbs’ of Yoga. In this chapter Patanjali lists out eight different steps on how one may gradually come to realize the inherent quality of Purusha (the self or pure consciousness):
Moral Observance
Introspective Observance
Physical Postural Practice
Breathe Control
Sense Withdrawal
Concentration
Meditation
Super-Concentration/Concentration Free of Disturbance
Much can be said about each of the eight steps, but it is sufficient to mention that the full integration of all the steps is essential for any deeper understanding of Yoga.
Ashtanga Yoga is also the name of the style of ‘physical’ Yoga taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore India. It is a physical practice and the originator of ‘Power Yoga’ and many other modern forms. Pattabhi Jois claims that it is not mere physical practice, but rather it helps us better understand and reflect upon our own soul. It is physically challenging and although it is considered to be the most advanced form of physical yoga, offering more advanced postures than any other school, the end goal is not about physical perfection, but rather a total surrender to our own consciousness.
The practice begins with sun-salutations, then standing postures, an asana (postural) sequence and finally inversion postures followed by relaxation. The postures are fixed and the asana sequences are designed to gradually open the ankles, hips, knees and other parts of the body. It is physically challenging, but rewarding with inner health, radiance and beauty that emanate from the dedicated practitioners.
Ashtanga Yoga offers a direct way to better connect with our breath and free up tension, stagnation and various imbalances. It aims to allow you to better understand your self, your body, your mind and the source of your existence.
Pattabhi Jois believes it is important to approach Yoga slowly and carefully. This means that you should allow the body to open from within when it is ready and able, rather than push according to will and fancy to reach a desired result. Yoga is best experienced without any expectations, wants or cravings. It is simply about learning to rest, reflect and stay present with the conditioning of our body and mind. To eventually experience and accept our limited circumstances is the greatest challenge, but when we do, a natural space of freedom opens up from within which allows us to better breathe and be comfortable with our individual condition. When we can rest in that, we have attained the true practice of Yoga.
