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FAQs
How is
Anusara Yoga different from other kinds of Yoga?
Is the Anusara Certification process hard?
How do I contact Unfold Yoga?
I have a chronic/recent injury. Is Yoga
safe for me?
Can I do Yoga if I am inflexible?
What do I wear?
What do I need to get started?
What does OM mean?
What does Namasté mean?
How did you learn about Yoga Philosophy?
How can I learn more about Yoga
Philosophy? Can you recommend a good book on the
subject?
What are the words to the Anusara
Invocation that you begin class with and what do they
mean?
What are some other Anusara or Rajanaka
resources?
I love your website. Who designed it?
How is Anusara Yoga different from other kinds of
Yoga?
According to John Friend, "Anusara Yoga is
heart-oriented, spiritually inspiring, and yet grounded
in the Universal Principles of Alignment for both the
inner and the outer body. It is a uniquely integrated
style of Hatha yoga in which the artistic glory of the
human heart blends magically with the scientific
principles of biomechanics."
Is the Anusara Certification process hard?
Yes! It was both an intense and intensely rewarding
process. Anusara Certification was more rigorous than my
entire 4 years of undergraduate work. The standards are
very, very high--which is great news for Anusara
students. Some people liken Anusara Certification to the
Harvard of Yoga Certifications. Having completed it I
can see why.
How do I contact Unfold Yoga?
Bernadette Birney
Certified Anusara Yoga
phone: 203-220-9024
email:
bnbirney@optonline.net
I have a chronic/recent injury. Is Yoga safe for me?
Yes--when it’s taught according to the Universal
Principles of Alignment, by an instructor who has
experience and skill. In fact, Anusara yoga is highly
regarded for its therapeutic nature. Anusara students
are taught to respect the body’s innate intelligence and
with the understanding that yoga postures should NEVER
cause pain. Pain is regarded as a warning that a posture
is not being performed in optimal alignment. If you’re
coming to yoga specifically for pain relief, a private
lesson may be the most intelligent choice for you.
Can I do Yoga if I am inflexible?
Definitely. In fact gaining/maintaining fluidity and
range of motion is a good reason to begin a regular
practice. Though steady, intelligent practice, tight
muscles will gain mobility and weak muscles will gain
strength. Anusara simultaneously develops balanced
action—both stability and flexibility. Stability is
essential in order to unfold the body’s natural
flexibility safely.
What do I wear?
Please wear clothing that’s comfortable but not baggy.
Bare feet and a relatively empty stomach are essential.
What do I need to get started?
Not much. You’ll need a yoga mat. You may also find it
helpful to have a belt and a block. Yoga props are
widely available. You can sometimes even find them at
your local supermarket. Or you can buy them at many
online sites, including
www.huggermugger.com
What does OM mean?
Just as we begin a yoga practice by establishing a
steady seat, we establish an inner intention by chanting
Om. Om is an ancient mantra, a primordial vibration. It
is the sound of unfolding potential, of the world we
experience around us, and of our own infinite and
ephemeral nature.
What does Namasté mean?
The Divine in me bows to the Divine in you. I honor the
place in you where an entire Universe of light, truth
and peace resides.
How did you learn about Yoga Philosophy?
I study closely with my teacher Dr. Douglas Brooks. This
lineage that was handed down to him by his teacher,
Gopala Iyer Sundarmoorthy is called Rajanaka Tantra, or
sometimes “the Tradition of Auspicious Wisdom.” There’s
not enough room here for me to give account of Douglas’s
credentials but you can check them out at
www.rajanaka.com. I spend about 4 or 5 weeks every
year in advanced study with Douglas. I’ve been
incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity and I’m
deeply, deeply grateful.
How can I learn more about Yoga Philosophy? Can you
recommend a good book on the subject?
I get asked this all the time! Right now the best
resource available is Dr. Douglas Brook’s CD, “Currents
of Grace.” It’s available on the Anusara website. Also,
Douglas says that his forthcoming book, “Rajanaka Heart”
is close to publication. Look for it sometime in 2006.
What are the words to the Anusara Invocation that you
begin class with and what do they mean?
Om Namah Shivaya Gurave
Satchidananda Murtaye
Nischprapanchaya Shantaya
Niralambaya Tejase
“I open to the light, the teacher of all teachers,
within and without
The light that assumes the forms of truth, consciousness
and bliss
Always present and full of peace
Self existent, this light is the vital essence of
illumination.”
What are some other Anusara or Rajanaka resources?
www.rajanaka.com
www.anusara.com
www.seasonalyoga.com
www.virayoga.com
www.opentograce.com
www.elementsyoga.com
http://www.wildspirityoga.com
http://www.matrikayoga.com
http://www.yogavillage.net
I love your website. Who designed it?
Carrie Senise of HulaBlue Design in Rochester, NY
created this site.
If you are interested in a web site or graphic design
work,
please contact her at
carriesenise@gmail.com |
