Symbolism in Yoga Practice

According to principles of Hinduism, an image or a symbol, is a device for harnessing the eye and mind on God. Sometimes, derided as a religion of 330 million gods, Hinduism uses metaphor and symbolism to explore the vastness that is its spiritual life. No wonder, then, that symbolism also plays a rich role in Yoga.

We know that asanas have names, both in Sanskrit and in English. The names are sometimes fanciful, sometimes descriptive. However, they have another meaning, as well: a symbolic meaning. Asanas are named in groups, such as plants, birds, animals, or structures. To look for a poses symbolic meaning, start with its name.

Take, for example, Tadasana or Mountain pose. What is the meaning of a mountain in your current culture, and how does it differ from the meaning for a swami 200 years ago? When you stand in Mountain pose, you have struggled to ascend, and you stand, proud, and unchanging like the mountain.

Cobra pose, or Bhujangasana, reflects the dual nature of the snake, representing both death and rebirth. The snake sheds its skin and can transform itself; and it was Indian masters who discovered that snake venom can also be used for healing.

Dhanurasana, or Bow pose, can be considered to need both strength and sensitivity, like the drawing of a bow. Ramachandra, destroyer of the wicked in Hindu mythology, carries a bow. In Western mythology, Cupid uses his bow to make two people fall in love. The bow bends, but does not break; instead, it can let fly with vengeance or with love. All of this symbolism can be meditated upon in the course of practice or contemplated during the course of a day. Considering what obstacles lie before you as a Yoga practitioner, you learn that you can balance tension, surrender, or release judgment. One might say, "the truth may fly like an arrow."

Understanding asanas, as having a value beyond exercise, and their appellations as having a value beyond convenience and labeling, is a step towards bringing deeper spirituality to your Yoga practice. There is no "right answer" about what a pose means. It can have varying significance for the same person, at different times. Recording your revelations in different Yoga poses is an excellent way to chart the insights that your practice is giving you, and can provide a "road map" for you to point the way to where further study is needed.

© Copyright 2011 - Aura Wellness Center - Publications Division

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

Symbolism in Yoga Practice

According to principles of Hinduism, an image or a symbol, is a device for harnessing the eye and mind on God. Sometimes, derided as a religion of 330 million gods, Hinduism uses metaphor and symbolism to explore the vastness that is its spiritual life. No wonder, then, that symbolism also plays a rich role in Yoga.

We know that asanas have names, both in Sanskrit and in English. The names are sometimes fanciful, sometimes descriptive. However, they have another meaning, as well: a symbolic meaning. Asanas are named in groups, such as plants, birds, animals, or structures. To look for a poses symbolic meaning, start with its name.

Take, for example, Tadasana or Mountain pose. What is the meaning of a mountain in your current culture, and how does it differ from the meaning for a swami 200 years ago? When you stand in Mountain pose, you have struggled to ascend, and you stand, proud, and unchanging like the mountain.

Cobra pose, or Bhujangasana, reflects the dual nature of the snake, representing both death and rebirth. The snake sheds its skin and can transform itself; and it was Indian masters who discovered that snake venom can also be used for healing.

Dhanurasana, or Bow pose, can be considered to need both strength and sensitivity, like the drawing of a bow. Ramachandra, destroyer of the wicked in Hindu mythology, carries a bow. In Western mythology, Cupid uses his bow to make two people fall in love. The bow bends, but does not break; instead, it can let fly with vengeance or with love. All of this symbolism can be meditated upon in the course of practice or contemplated during the course of a day. Considering what obstacles lie before you as a Yoga practitioner, you learn that you can balance tension, surrender, or release judgment. One might say, "the truth may fly like an arrow."

Understanding asanas, as having a value beyond exercise, and their appellations as having a value beyond convenience and labeling, is a step towards bringing deeper spirituality to your Yoga practice. There is no "right answer" about what a pose means. It can have varying significance for the same person, at different times. Recording your revelations in different Yoga poses is an excellent way to chart the insights that your practice is giving you, and can provide a "road map" for you to point the way to where further study is needed.

© Copyright 2011 - Aura Wellness Center - Publications Division

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

Student Etiquette for Yoga Classes

If you are a student who is planning on attending a local Yoga class, please read on. If you are a Yoga teacher, without safety guidelines for students or firm policies in place, please feel free to use any ideas below for creating the best possible class experience.

Etiquette can make the difference between an enjoyable Yoga class and one that you cannot wait to leave. Encouraging, and practicing, good student etiquette helps everyone have a great experience. Below are constructive tips for Yoga class participation.

Avoid cluttering the space. In some spacious rooms, it is fine to bring a backpack, while leaving your shoes, eyeglasses, and an extra sweater beside the mat during practice. In most classes, however, this inconveniences everyone and crowds those who wish to practice. It also creates an awkward shuffle when the mat is pulled up to the wall for poses. Try not to bring too many items to class, and leave extras outside the studio space. Most Yoga studios, or classes, have a waiting room, sitting room, coat room, or locker room; and it is best to leave excess clothing behind whenever possible.

Do not be late to Yoga class or leave early. Class needs to start on time for the benefit of the entire group. Many people begin to practice Yoga, in order to reduce stress in their lives. Some look forward to the full savasana period at the conclusion. This resting pose is just as important as more active poses, and it changes the feel of the experience, if students get up and leave during this period.

Make room for everyone. Do not leave others without space to lay down their mats by leaving large gaps between mats. Share props if the class is full. Do your best with only one block instead of two, if necessary. Try to be aware of how full the class is, and do not force the instructor to police the room, re-directing mat usage.

Do not bring in food or chew gum. It is distracting and against most studio policies. Plain water is usually fine, but ask to be sure. Do not wear strong perfume or smoke directly before class. A sponge bath before Yoga is also a wise precaution.

If you borrow a mat, clean it when you are finished with class. Many studios provide wipes or spray for this purpose. Try to return mats and props to the position in which you found them, such as rolled neatly or stacked.

It is fine to be practicing a modified posture (asana) if you discussed this with your instructor before the class. In most schools, modifications are perfectly acceptable. However, some instructors have different policies in regard to modifications. Therefore, it is wise to arrive early before class and let the instructor know, quietly, before class, if there are any medical conditions that he or she should be aware of - there may be poses or pranayama techniques that are not recommended for you.

Please shut off your cell phone or leave it in your car. Your classmates really want some down time away from technology, and there is no need to be plugged in to an electronic device while practicing Yoga.

© Copyright 2011 - Aura Wellness Center - Publications Division

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/