What is Sanatan (Classical) Yoga?
Origin of Sanatan Yoga
Sanatan Yoga, also known as Eternal Yoga or Divine Union Yoga, is a holistic approach to yoga that aims to unite the individual self with the higher self or divine consciousness. The Term Sanatan is derived from Sanskrit meaning eternal or universal and it emphasizes the timeless and universal principles of yoga.
The meaning of Yoga is to unite. To unite life to the universal consciousness changing the impure to pure, problem to solution, difficulty to smoothness makes the world joyful. This is the true meaning of yoga. A person who can accomplish this unity and practice regularly is called a Yogi. With the practical implementation of the Yoga path the realization of the mysterious truth of life through Yoga practice was realized. Extensive research provided different experiences from different people.
To bring all the experiences of different Yogis together they developed a variety of Yoga methods, rules, and paths. They also developed the yoga diet to keep the mind, body, and soul pure and refreshed. Different Yoga paths were developed but all of them ultimately aimed to achieve the same thing, a blissful and happy life. Yoga has traveled a long way over thousands of years to the present day. To bring Yoga to this place, many Yogis and Saints have contributed a lot through the Teacher/Student relationship. This is the authentic way of transferring the knowledge of Yoga and this is the true meaning of Traditional Yoga.
Living in the stressful and hectic life of the twenty first century, people from around the world have sought an escape and linked their life to Yoga or want to be connected. Yoga has reached every corner of the world from its origin in the East but the two important questions should be asked, “Is Yoga being taught the way it should be?” and “Is Yoga becoming too commercial and diverging from its authentic track?”.
These questions and others need serious answers. Yoga in the modern world has been developed as a fashionable form of exercise changing the fundamental essence of Yoga and downgrading its form. This watered-down form of yoga, can bring fun and fitness to people for a while but they remain far from the real experience and benefits of Yoga.
There is a dilemma that people who want to practice the traditional and authentic system of Yoga do not know where to find a teacher in the traditional method. There are different types of Yoga to suit people of different abilities and interests. They can choose their perfect type of Yoga once they are able to recognize their true physical, mental, spiritual, emotional and social condition. This makes self-exploration very important when choosing to practice the right Yoga in the correct way.
Taking all these things into consideration, we are committed to take Yoga ahead in its most traditional and authentic way without being diverted from its essence with our team of qualified and experienced Sanatan (Classical) Yoga practitioners and researchers.
Sanatan Yoga is based on classical Hatha yoga as outlined in the traditional texts, Hatha Pradapika and Gheranda Samhita, as well as traditional Astanga (8 Limbs of Yoga) outlined by Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
Pillars of Sanatan Yoga
Sanatan Yoga integrates the Eightfold Path
- Yama (Ethics): Principles such as non-violence, truthfulness and self-restraint.
- Niyama (Self-discipline): Practices like cleanliness, contentment and self-study
- Asana (Postures): Developing strength and flexibility to prepare the body for meditation
- Pranayama (Breathing): Controlling the breath to balance life energy.
- Pratyahara (sense withdrawal ): Detaching from External distractions.
- Dharana (Concentration) : Cultivating mental focus.
- Dhyana (Meditation): Achieving deep states of awareness.
- Samadhi (Union): Attaining spiritual enlightenment.
Benefits of Practicing Sanatan Yoga
Improved Physical Health
Sanatan Yoga includes a variety of physical postures that can help improve flexibility, strength balance and overall physical health.
Reduce stress and anxiety
The practice of sanatan yoga emphasizes mindfulness and relaxation, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Increased spiritual awareness
These practice includes breathing techniques that can help improve mental clarity and focus.
Enhanced sense of well-being
The holistic approach of Sanatan Yoga can help improve overall sense of well being including physical, mental and emotional health.
Increased self-awareness
Encourages self-reflection and introspection, which can help increase self-awareness and understanding.
Sanatan Yoga VS Modern Yoga
Modern Yoga often seen in studios and fitness centers, prioritizes physical fitness and flexibility. Sanatan Yoga is a spiritual discipline that incorporates physical postures as part of a larger work to achieve self realization. While modern yoga may focus on aesthetics, Sanatan yoga is about self discovery and inner peace.
Sanatan Yoga in Modern Times
In a fast paced world, the timeless teachings of sanatan yoga offers a sanctuary for the soul. From addressing stress to promoting a balanced lifestyle, it serves as a tool for transformation. Modern practitioners are rediscovering its relevance in combating issues like anxiety, depression, and lifestyle disorders. For the best practice the yoga is modified into different course packages that make all the yoga practice easy to learn and understand yoga. Some of the packages are Yoga Teacher Training 100 Hours, Yoga Teacher Training 200 Hours, Yoga Teacher Training 300 Hours and Yoga Teacher Training 500 Hours. Moreover for typical practice Yoga retreat in Nepal is one of the option foreigner can choose to start Yoga.
Conclusion
Sanatan Yoga is more than a practice it is a way of life to the eternal truths of existence. Regular Practice we can lead a life of balance harmony and spiritual fulfillment. Whether you are seeking physical well-being or a deeper connection with the universe, sanatan Yoga offers a holistic path to achieving it.