History of Yoga in India
While studying at ILSC in India, you have the added benefit of practicing yoga in the place where it all began. Yoga has been practiced by many for around 5000 years. The history began in the Indus Valley where carvings of figures in different yoga positions were uncovered in archeological sites.
Yoga later, spread to other parts of the world in the 18th century. Since the 1950s and 60s, its popularity has gained incredible momentum as people learned about the many overall health benefits.
Classical yoga or 8-limbed yoga, was described by the Indian scholar Patanjali, in written Sutras in 100-200 A.C. Known to most as Ashtanga yoga, it is an all-encompassing form of yoga with physical poses, meditation, pranayama (breathing exercises), and emphasizes moral practice and spiritual unity. Yoga today has branched off into many different styles to cater to personal preferences and needs, as well as to accommodate people of all ages and physical conditions.
Health Benefits
Yoga appeals to people for many different reasons. The benefits of yoga vary from the spiritual aspect of meditation and the control of internal energies, to building strength and flexibility. This can aid in the treatment of certain health problems and physical ailments, preventing the development or onset of any health problems. Other benefits include detoxifying and cleansing the mind and body, losing excess weight, etc.
Without even being aware, yoga can also has positive effects internally by lubricating the joints, ligaments and tendons, massaging the organs, and increasing blood flow which removes toxins from the blood stream and allows nutrients to reach all regions of the body.
For whichever specific reason for practicing yoga, inarguably, everyone can reap all of the benefits as yoga promotes stress-relief, relaxation and an overall healthier lifestyle.
Where to practice in Delhi
There are numerous yoga centers offering classes in English, in different styles, and at various levels in and around Delhi. If you are looking to practice yoga closer to the school, here is some information on a centre nearby.
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Nataraja Centre
Established by H.H Swami Sivananda and Swami Vishnudevananda in 1992 as a non-profit organization. This centre provides daily, open classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced learners. Located only 13 minutes away from ILSC by rickshaw, it’s a perfect way to wake up and start your day!
Rates
- Come to the center by noon on Sunday and sign up for a free trial yoga lesson with a real Indian yogi!
- Single class: Rs 200
- Unlimited Monthly pass: Rs 800 Members/Rs 1000 non-members
- Unlimited Yearly pass: Members only Rs 6000
- 10 class card (valid 6 months): Rs 1000
Class times - 60 and 90-minute classes
- Free trial class: 12:30-2 pm every Sunday
- Beginner: 5 am daily, 6-8 pm on Sat/Sun
- Open classes: 6:30-8 am, 8:30-9 am, 10-11:30 am, 4-5:30 pm, and 6:30-8 pm daily
*Please see link below for more details on class times
Directions
The staff at ILSC can provide you with a brochure and directions to the center. It’s location in G.K. 1 – “A” block, which is around 15 minutes away from the school.
More Info at: http://www.sivananda.org/delhi/index.html
Where to practice outside of Delhi
To the north of Delhi is the town of Rishikesh (6 hours by train), which is known the world over as the center of yoga practice and meditation in India. The Rishikesh Yog Peeth center is an ideal place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and here you can take a 1 to 6-week intensive yoga and meditation course. The center caters to international travelers and it provides clean rooms, healthy vegetarian meals and daily yoga and meditation practice. They also have a yoga teacher's certification program. |
How Yoga can improve your English
Check out this interesting link from CBC radio to see how yoga can improve your English!
 Radio Interview: English Through Yoga at ILSC-Montréal
Different types of Yoga
Vinyasa
Like Hatha, Vinyasa is a general term that is used to describe many different types of classes. Vinyasa, which means breath-synchronized movement, tends to be a more vigorous style based on the performance of a series of poses called Sun Salutations in which movement is matched to the breath. A Vinyasa class will typically start with a number of Sun Salutations to warm up the body for more intense stretching that's done at the end of class.
Kundalini
This form uses the combination of asanas and pranayama to control the movement and release of energy from the lower body, upwards. Kundalini uses rapid, repetitive movements rather than poses held for a long period of time. The teacher will often lead the class in call and response chanting.
Iyengar
B.K.S Iyengar developed this style of practice to focus on the alignment of the body. Meaning, to ensure accuracy and precision of the poses performed to obtain the maximum benefits and avoid injury. This is done by holding the poses for longer periods, with little ‘flow’ and often uses props such as blocks, blankets, straps, bolsters to improve alignment.
Ashtanga
This classical method is better known today as one of the more intense, fast-paced and physically demanding forms of yoga. Participants are constantly moving from one posture to the next in the same set order to build strength, flexibility and stamina. Power Yoga is based on Ashtanga.
Hatha
This is a general term for many of the physical types of yoga. In contrast to Ashtanga, Hatha has a more slow-paced and calm approach and so is appropriate for beginners. Ananda is one example of Hatha and uses asanas and pranayama to awaken the energies within oneself.
Bikram/Hot Yoga
This form of practice is concerned with warming and stretching the muscles, ligaments and tendons. Bikram Choudhury's yoga is uniquely known for performing a series of 26 asanas in a hot, hot room (95-100 degrees) so be prepared to sweat!
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