What Is Classical Yoga?
12/12/08 19:33 Filed in: Yoga
In our experience teaching yoga, we have noticed that many people use yoga as exercise or for flexibility or even spirituality ‘lite’. DurgaDas was trained for some time in a classical monastic tradition, and both DurgaDas and Shakti took their yoga teacher training from a Classical Yoga organization- the Sivananda organization. Fundamentally, this method of teaching, therefore, follows in the philosophical vein of Smartism.
Even though our perspective is informed by other traditions and methods, the core of our teaching could be summarized as follows:
Even though our perspective is informed by other traditions and methods, the core of our teaching could be summarized as follows:
- An ancient system of knowledge based on the Vedas and Yoga scriptures. The understanding transmitted is larger than any individual.
- The method of transmission is through a lineage of spiritual teachers (masters/gurus) to students (disciples) in the Gurukula system; literally "in the house" (kula) with the remover (gu) of darkness (ru). What is transmitted is beyond mere information, but also attitudes and spiritual energy.
- It is a complete system. Yoga teachings are not intended to be partial; the yogic teaching system includes body/mind/spirit unifying practices including yoga postures, diet, austerities, ethics, meditation and much more.
- It is a discipline and the training is rigorous: it is not a quick fix and takes time. The student needs to be consistent, persistent and put effort into it.
- It is universal - not sectarian: the teachings are good for all, irrespective of cultural, religious backgrounds and other social conditions.
- It is selfless - spiritual knowledge can not be sold. All teachers are expected to behave with a spirit of karma yoga, detached from the fruits of their efforts.
- The goal is inner peace or Self-realization: i.e. realization of one's highest potentials.