...One common thread among all Yoga practitioners is the desire to make the world around them a better place to live on all levels. Many Yoga teachers volunteer community time in selfless service or contribute to local charities.

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi once said, We must be the change we wish to see. What are the deeper implications and universal meanings of these words? You could spend years analyzing the words of Mahatma Gandhi. In a Yoga class, he is often mentioned as the shining example of a Karma Yogi.

Now lets reflect on his inspiring words and apply them to the present. We live at a time when change must be accepted, but some of us resist change, even in the face of disaster.

As one example: Look at the lack of human action, with the inevitable consequences of global warming right in our path. We cannot leave the responsibility of changing our planet up to governments, corporate empires, or somebody else.

Global warming, tolerance, poverty, world peace, and hunger concern all of us, ...more

Yoga - An Early history

...ally date back to 3000 BC in the Indus valley, at least according to archaeologists. These signs are in the form of yogic postures found on ancient walls and artefacts. The Vedas, which is actually a collection of ancient indian scriptures, dates back to 2500 BC mention yoga. Yoga is also mentioned in the Upanishads which actually provide the main foundation of yoga teachings. Even the Mahabharata, which is an epic of indian mythology, has instructions from Lord Krishna to Arjuna in yoga to help him to achieve liberation by fulfilling one's duties in life. The science of yoga started at the beginning of human civilization and slowly evolved and was developed by ancient sages from all over the world. There are some traditions wh...more

Universal Principles of Yoga, Part 5

...Kundalini Yoga: Is unity through awakening psychic nerve force, which indicates the depth of this Yoga style. Kundalini Yoga is sometimes referred to as the Mother of all Yogas. On the surface Kundalini Yoga might resemble Hatha Yoga, but the emphasis on the subtle body, chakras, mantras, meditation, and Pranayama is presented in a uniquely powerful way.

Kundalini Yoga was cloaked in secrecy until Yogi Bhajan gave a lecture in Los angeles during January of 1969. Until that time, most information about kundalini Yoga had been exchanged verbally from teacher to student. So, this was the beginning of kundalini Yoga teaching going public.

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What Should a Hatha Yoga teacher Know? - Part 2

... five self restraints.

Ahimsa: A Yoga teacher should be a living example of how to avoid violence, harming, and especially killing. This principle can be carried further, as you should avoid purposely injuring yourself in any way. To avoid harming animals could also be included within this principle of Yoga. It is one more reason to consider vegetarianism or, at least, to cut back on meat consumption.

Satya: To be true and honest in every way. This is a very simplistic principle and includes avoiding deception of any kind, shape, or form. However, the truth can sometimes hurt people deeply, so you must use your best judgment when you want t...more

Yoga International February 1998 Issue