Anant Yoga

Anant Yoga

Anant Yoga is a system of exercises for physical, emotional and mental well being. It combines stylised poses with deep breathing and meditation. It is a form of Raja Yoga.

Modern Yoga has defined itself primarily in terms of asanas or physical postures. These are usually taught en masse in exercise classes for people primarily seeking physical well-being. We identify Yoga teachers as those who conduct asana classes. Some of these Yoga teachers may have some knowledge of the greater system of classical Yoga, but many do not.

Anant yoga is based upon the teachings of Maharishi Patanjali, the great Indian sage known as the "Father of Yoga". Patanjali compiled and refined various aspects of Yoga systematically in his "Yoga Sutras" (aphorisms). He advocated the eight-fold path of Yoga, popularly known as "Ashtanga Yoga", for the all-round development of the human personality.

The eight stages of yoga stated by Patanjali:

1. The yama (universal moral commandments)
2. Niyama (self-purification through discipline)
3. Asana (posture)
4. Pranayama (breath/energy control)
5. Pratyahara (withdrawal of mind from external objects)
6. Dharana (concentration)
7. Dhyana (meditation)
8. Samadhi (state of super consciousness)

As well as the eight stages of yoga there are various forms of yoga such as:

Hatha yoga - the physical form of yoga

Karma yoga - the yoga of action

Bhakti yoga - the yoga of devotion

Jnana yoga - the yoga of knowledge

Raja yoga - Royal yoga, a combination of yoga forms.

Asanas

Anant yoga classes invariably start with asanas, the physical postures that most people associate with yoga. The asanas are carefully selected to suit the body constitution according to Ayurveda. The ability level and specific requirements of the individual student are also taken into account.

The asanas tone, strengthen and give flexibility to the body.

Pranayama

As well as asanas the classes also involve breathing exercises known as Pranayama.

The practice of pranayama helps to manipulate our energies. Most of us breathe incorrectly (only thoracically not using our abdomen, thereby utilizing only half of our lung capacity). Pranayama is a technique that re-educates our breathing process, helps to release tensions and develop a relaxed state of mind.

Pranayama balances our nervous system, reduces the need for sleep and encourages creative thinking. It also increases the oxygen supply to the brain, improves mental clarity, alertness and physical wellbeing.

These two stages of Anant Yoga have many health benefits and for many students this is sufficient.

For students who wish to practise meditation the asanas and pranayama are considered as necessary preparation, along with the consideration of Yama and Niyama from the eight stages as set down by Patanjali. Pratyahara and Dharana are also essential steps in the preparation before true meditation can be experienced.

This process is a scientific, step-by-step approach that leads to the meditative state.

Prospective students of Anant yoga first attend a consultation session. Here the student is assessed according to body type (Ayurvedic Constitution), previous experience and knowledge of yoga, flexibility etc. Any specific health issues and specific requirements of the student are also noted. The consultation takes up to 2 hours and includes one hour of simple yoga exercises.

The cost for the consultation is £45.

If a student then wishes to start a course, classes are booked in blocks of 12 and each class is individually prepared. The cost for 12 classes taught on a one-to-one basis is £300.

If you are interested to book a consultation session with Mrs. Mishra please use the form on the Contact Us page.

Anadi Anant

Yoga Meditation & Reiki Centre