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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) & ETIQUETTE
What does yoga mean?
The sanskrit word ‘yoga’ means ‘to unite’ or ‘to yoke’. This implies that we are seeking connection with the whole of existence and with ourselves as we are at the moment.
What does yoga teach?
Yoga teaches discipline - the discipline of freedom. The teachings encompass social (yama) and personal (niyama) disciplines, body (asana), breath (pranayama) and sensory (pratyahara) disciplines and the mind disciplines of concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana) and equanimity (samadhi).
Yoga teaches us to live in contemplation of the body, feelings, mind and mind objects as a way of disentangling ourselves from the tendrils of karma in order to find liberation. Using the process tools of yoga postures, breath, sound vibration and affirmations (mantra), relaxation (nidra), concentration and meditation make disentangling ourselves from our beliefs and assumptions, projections, aspects of our personality, disidentification and centering not only more manageable but also fun and enjoyable. Yoga is about practice. In this way, it’s much more about how than what.
Are there many types of yoga?
Yoga is one. However, there are may approaches or styles within this oneness. Our style is Shanti Yoga. It has been developed by yoga master Shanti Gowans. It is yoga for every body and it is yoga you can do. It is a fully led style of yoga that incorporates the eight limbs of yoga with simple stretching, classical yoga postures called asanas, breathing and relaxation. You come in stressed out and leave blissed out.
Is exercise the foundation of yoga practice?
Self awareness - the practice of observing yourself without judgement - is the foundation of yoga practice.
How does balancing the chakras relate to me?
The chakras represent the psychic centres of energy in the body. The word chakra means wheel. Through your yoga practices, you will uncover a detailed understanding of the meaning, anatomy and function of the seven major chakras in your body. The five chakras in the body are keys to the five elements and the five senses and the two in the head represent the command centre and the gateway to cosmic consciousness. By ‘balancing’ the chakras through Shanti Yoga purification therapies and meditation practices, you will gain valuable insights into which practices will positively enhance your total well being. When knowledge of the subtler aspects of the chakras is understood and incorporated into your daily practice, consciousness is freed from the downward inertia of the fear-filled, animal nature and allowed to rise to the higher centers of consciousness. In addition, advanced healing that works through the energy of the subtle body will help open, balance and ground you. These profound practices will increase your vitality while enhancing your powers of concentration. Rediscovering your inner source of physical health, emotional contentment and spiritual peace, is simply a matter of finding the proper knowledge and then cultivating your will force.
What does yoga say about food?
Food in yoga must not only feed the body but nourish the soul. Yoga teaches that nutrition is much more than about what we eat, since we nourish ourselves by what we think, say, listen, see, our personal relationships and the world in which we live. Yoga advises us to cook and eat sattwic (pure) food, consciously. Understanding food to be like medicine you must use it without desire nor hate.
Would you like to learn how to prepare the healthy and delicious food that Shantiji and others yoga teachers and students eat daily? In this connection, we offer an all-day, hands-on workshop where you will learn to prepare and eat yogic breakfasts, lunches and dinners. You’ll benefit from the Meditation Institute’s 36 years of research, experimentation and practice with nutrition, vegetarianism, Ayurveda and alkaline and nutrient therapies. Menu preparation will respect your personal Ayurvedic body-type and dietary restrictions.
What is spirituality of the body?
In the Shanti Yoga (tantric) tradition, the body is considered to be the gateway to enlightenment. To discover the body in Shanti yoga, is to discover awareness and eventually, the awakened state. To look at the body from the outside, is to see form. However, when we view it through the eyes of yoga and meditation, we find it holds unlimited interpenetrating realities. To discover the body, is to discover your deeper self and in turn, to arrive at the genuine spiritual fulfillment all beings seek. Shanti yoga provides a series of body-based awareness practices - somatic protocols that open us to the full depths of our inner life in all its profundity and transformative power.
What if I have never done yoga before?
Beginners are able to attend all of the classes because of the way that Shanti Yoga is designed and taught. Every class is a ‘multilevel’ class which is guided and demonstrated throughout with safety features incorporated throughout the class.
Do I need to be flexible to do yoga?
No. You can start as you are. Shanti Yoga offers stretches and a gentle approach that slowly but powerfully encourage your muscles and joints to open and release, freeing tension and tightness. It is a gentle, yet powerful system of yoga that anyone can practice safely. Moving into your postures mindfully and with breath awareness, allows your body to enter into a comfortable stretch without strain or injury. It doesn’t matter how inflexible you are, with regular practice, you will be amazed at how quickly your body responds. Remembering that the body is linked with the mind, means that we need to also quieten and relax the mind in order to achieve a more open and relaxed body that will stretch.
Can I bring my partner to class?
Yes, classes are mixed and both genders are welcome.
Is Shanti yoga safe for pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a normal condition in a woman’s body. Shantiji has written a book for pregnant women entitled: Yoga in Pregnancy. Yes, Shanti yoga will help you during pregnancy and afterwards. There are no special classes delienated for pregnant women because they are encouraged to join the regular classes, where they are instructed by the teacher as to any safety modifications
Is Yoga beneficial if I have an injury?
Yes, for most injuries or pain, yoga is very therapeutic. Because Shanti Yoga offers a gentle, focused and slow program, sore backs, necks, knees and other injuries can be greatly improved and indeed, often healed. Remember that often, your body just wants to relax in order for it to heal and that is why learning to breath deeply, stretch gently, switch off your mind and practice complete relaxation, is the key to health and wellbeing.
What should I wear to class?
Loose comfortable clothing of any kind that will allow you to move freely is appropriate. It’s nice to have a few layers so that you can adjust your temperature. Yoga is practiced barefooted, so that you do not slip on your mat and maintain good contact with the floor. We have a ‘no shoes’ policy in the yoga room.
Do I need to bring any equipment?
Mats, cushions, blankets and props are provided and available at no extra charge, however you are welcome to bring your own equipment if you wish. Some students keep their own personal mats at the centre. You will see the bench they are stored under the moment you come up the stairs. These of course, are not for general use by other students. Please bring a fresh towel to place on top of your mat. Other considerations might include bringing an eye pillow.
May I bring water into the studio?
Feel free to bring your own water; we also have filtered water in an urn in the yoga room and sell natural spring water, Nirvana Living water, from Nirvana Wellness Retreat, our purpose-built yoga retreat centre.
Is there a place to change my clothes?
There is a small bathroom where you are welcome to change your clothes.
What if I leave something at the centre?
Lost and found is located at the front desk. Unclaimed items are kept for three months and then donated to charity.
How long after a meal is it okay to practice?
A general rule of thumb: come to class with an open mind and an empty stomach. So, avoid eating a heavy meal for at least an hour and a half to two hours before your yoga class. If you do need to eat before class, a piece of light fruit, a minimum half an hour before class should be alright.
Do I need to register for class or can I just drop-in?
Feel free to drop-in to any class. Workshops and courses require pre-registration.
Can I enter class if I am late?
The world does not stop for us to meditate and we can all do better by cultivating more compassion and tolerance. Most people try to be on time for the beginning of class. If you are late, please enter very quietly. If you believe that you are noisy or clumsy, just sit inside the yoga room while the beginning meditation is in progress. When the meditation is completed, come and settle yourself in.
Mobile phones, voices and sound
Please make sure mobile phones are turned off during class. At the end of class, please keep your voice low as a courtesy to students who like to remain quiet.
I do shiftwork . Can I leave class early?
If you need to leave early, good etiquette indicates that you would have informed your teacher at the beginning of class if an opportunity presented itself. Be sure to take a few minutes to sit or do a short savasana (corpse pose) before you leave. In consideration of others, please be quiet when moving around or leaving while the class is in shavasana.
Personal needs
If you have an injury or areas that require TLC, please tell the teacher at the beginning of class. If, at any time, you feel the need to rest during class, please do. If you prefer to not participate in partner exercises or receive gentle assistance from the teacher, let the teacher know.
Hygiene
If you are sick and contagious, please practice at home. Please wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet and using the restroom.
Car Park
SHANTI YOGA SANGHA, Community: Culture and Decorum
What is the Shanti Yoga community all about?
The garland that binds the Shanti Yoga community (sangha) arises from the teachings of Shantiji and practice of classical yoga, meditation and Ayurveda. The decorum of our philosophy radiates from all our centres and groups and from our own way of being. The environment of our circles represents our lineage through our welcoming behaviour, appropriate attire, imagery, beautiful decor and pristine condition. These express, in all their details, the meaning and power of Shanti Yoga. May blessings and presence be palpable everywhere. Let our culture and decorum as Shanti Yoga practitioners shine through our disciplined, compassionate and wise ways, always supporting the priceless gem of the teachings and practices we hold.
Is the Shanti yoga community a woman’s group?
Sometimes it seems like the Shanti Yoga community (sangha) is a women’s group. Of course, women possess a natural capacity to bond with each other. Invoking feminine wisdom empowers women to give birth to their innate wholeness. Exploring life’s delights and follies in a supportive environment encourages women to embody their unique gifts. When people feel cared for and safe, their inherent basic goodness naturally comes alive. Women generally educate themselves through contemplative practices including the art of listening and speaking, meditation, study about relationships, the arts, and play. However, it’s not a women’s group! If you would like to join us and celebrate both the pleasures and challenges of being a man or a woman - a human being - practice cultivating healthy relationships and deepen friendships, come along.
What happens at a Friday yoga dinner?
Our Friday night fellowship program includes both a seated meditation held in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere and satsang, an inspiring talk and philosophical discussion led by Shantiji. The silent, seated meditation practiced is simply to calm the mind and lasts for about 10-15 minutes. As a participant, you will simply be sitting in a chair with your head, neck and trunk straight, concentrating your silent attention on your breath. Some participants sit cross-legged on the floor. Meditation periods begin and end with the sound of a bell. After Shantiji introduces the topic and gives a small talk, an interactive discussion usually opens up. Deepen your wisdom by joining Shantiji for meditation and satsang. Following the meditation and satsang, everyone gathers for prasad, a social, buffet style, delicious vegetarian dinner that has been prepared and offered to the universe and then consumed with the faith that it has been blessed. The evening is alcohol, coffee and drug free.
How should I dress for the Friday evening yoga dinner?
Loose, comfortable clothing is best. Most people dress casually, as there are no specific requirements.
Do I need to bring anything?
Just your enthusiasm. Everything is provided.
Is there a fee for the Friday evening yoga dinner?
Yes, $30 for the guided meditation session, talk and dinner.
What is the Shanti Yoga book club?
It’s a book study group that meets on the fourth Monday of every month (during school terms) to discuss the Shanti yoga teachings. A book is chosen each month and you are encouraged to read the book of the month for discussion on the fouth monday of the month @ 1.15-2pm, during school terms. Please make sure to do the required reading prior to attending. We hope you will enjoy it! There is no fee for attendance. Please bring along your book.
What is the Bhagavad Gita?
The Bhagavad Gita is a practical spiritual handbook for Self-Realisation and daily life that teaches how to be creative and confident in every circumstance. It describes two paths in life, an appropriate path that leads to fulfillment and an inappropriate path that leads to sorrow. A very high percentage of all illness and crime is attributable to lifestyle choices. Lessons from the Bhagavad Gita are a perennial wisdom which will deepen your understanding of how skillful actions and wise choices can affect your entire well being. Teachings from the Bhagavad Gita are held on the first Monday of the month @1.15-2pm, during school terms. There is no fee for attendance.
What is chanting?
Chanting is like sacred singing that combines the celestial sound of the chanting voice with the vibrational elements of Sanskrit language and intricate rhythms of tabla and percussion instruments. Performed live, it’s a bit retro and the music is very enjoyable.
I haven’t had any meditation experience. Can I come to your retreats and holidays?
Yes, you are very welcome. Shanti Yoga retreats and holidays are perfect for the newcomer to yoga as well as for those with more experience.
I am not sure that I am up to a whole week on retreat
The week offers a very balanced time-out, with slow-release yoga, which is mixed with breathing techniques, relaxation, meditation and walking. There is also free time for you to rest and relax on your own if you wish. There is always flexibility. You are, at any time, free to choose an alternative activity or non-activity.
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