Philosophy

Savitri Yoga Shal

Yogic diet
The proper yogic diet is traditionally a lacto-vegetarian diet, consisting of grains, pulses, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and dairy products. As well as being simple, natural and wholesome, this diet takes into account subtle affect of food has on the mind and prana.

Karma & Reincarnation
“Every action one performs attracts a karmic reaction, a similar principle to the law of physics that for every action there is an equal & opposite reaction.

We enjoy or suffer in the future the results of our present actions and we are enjoying or suffering now as a result of previous activities performed, not only in this life but in previous lives as well. We cannot escape the past which invariably comes back to haunt us. We are tightly bound up by the stringent laws of material nature.

“As the embodied soul continually passes, in this body, from boyhood to youth to old age, the soul similarly passes into another body at death. a sober person is not bewildered by such a change.” (Gita-ch 2 mantra 13)

Bhagavad-gita
The Bhagavad-Gita is universally renowned as India’s jewel of spiritual wisdom. It provides a definitive guide to the science of self-realization. Its  philosophical or spiritual work reveals, in such a lucid and profound way, the nature of consciousness, the self, the universe and the Supreme.

This book is the most influential and widely read work in Indian philosophy. This timeless wisdom leads to illumination of the self through transcendental knowledge.  Through its sublime teachings we are able to transcend all the problems we encounter in our lives and live a life of perfect peace and harmony.

Yoga Sutras
The eight fold yoga system
To appreciate Yoga as a science you need to understand where all the stretching and natural health techniques in Yoga are coming from.
Basically these techniques are coming from the Astanga Yoga system and Astanga Yoga ultimately leads one to Self-realization. Astanga Yoga means “eightfold” and includes yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dhyana,  dharana and then Samadhi.

“Yama” – Restraints, personal hygiene
“Niyama” – Observances, social conduct
“Asana” – Steady Pose. The stretching exercises  and practicing the sitting postures we see in the Hatha-yoga, Raja-yoga, and other yoga systems.
“Pranayama” Control of the vital energy using breathing techniques
“Pratyahara”-  controlling the mind and the senses.
“Dharana” – Concentration of the mind on one object and its field.
“Dhyana” -  Deep, steady meditation
“Samadhi” trance or total enlightenment.

Yamas & Niyamas
These qualities will develop gradually in the practitioner. As you practice asana, pranayama, meditation naturally you will follow these yamas and niyamas. You should not force these restraints and observances otherwise you will create a spilt personality in your being and you will become completely unhappy and agitated which is the opposite of what yoga is meant to do.

Over a period of time of steady practice, you will naturally develop these qualities

Yamas – Restraints

a. Ahimsa: Non violence, non-injury

b. Satya: Truthfulness

c. Brahmacharya: Chastity, sublimation of the sexual energy

d. Asteya: Non-stealing, non-covetedness, lack of jealousy

e. Aparigraha: non-accepting of gifts and bribes

Niyamas – Observances

a. Saucha: Purity (external and internal)

b. Santosha: contentment

c. Tapas: austerity

d. Swadhyaya: Study of religious scripture

e. Ishwara-pranidhana: worship of the Lord, surrender of the ego