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An Introduction to the Philosophy Of Yoga

Yoga introductionThe word yoga, from the Sanskrit word yuj means to yoke or bind and is often interpreted as “union” or a method of discipline. Unlike stretching or fitness, yoga is more than just physical postures. The physical practice is just one aspect of yoga. Today most people practicing yoga are engaged in the third limb, asana, which is a program of physical postures designed to purify the body and provide the physical strength and stamina required for long periods of meditation.

Even within the physical practice, yoga is unique because we connect the movement of the body and the fluctuations of the mind to the rhythm of our breath. Connecting the mind, body, and breath helps us to direct our attention inward. Through this process of inward attention, we learn to recognize our habitual thought patterns without labeling them, judging them, or trying to change them. We become more aware of our experiences from moment to moment. The awareness that we cultivate is what makes yoga a practice, rather than a task or a goal to be completed. Your body will most likely become much more flexible by doing yoga, and so will your mind.

Therefore, it is totally a misconception to say that Yoga is a religion. It is a philosophy that began in India an estimated 5,000 years ago. The father of classical ashtanga yoga (the eight-limbed path, not to be confused with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois’ Ashtanga yoga) is said to be Patanjali, who wrote the Yoga Sutra. These scriptures provide a framework for spiritual growth and mastery over the physical and mental body. Yoga sometimes interweaves other philosophies such as Hinduism or Buddhism, but it is not necessary to study those paths in order to practice or study yoga.

Hence, Yoga is not a religion and it is also not necessary to surrender your own religious beliefs to practice yoga. Yoga is an immensely deep and wide field of study. Dedicated students never stop learning and exploring the many aspects of Yoga.

Langkawi Yoga

Langkawi Yoga aspires to provide the best quality of education and has developed a simplified manner of teaching for non yogi or yogi practitioners who are in search of a better understanding to the way of life.

Langkawi Yoga teaches a comprehensive and balanced program of Ashtanga Yoga that includes the Hatha Yoga exercises and breathing techniques as well as meditation and basic theoretical studies. Rather than stressing physical culture for its own sake, our core curriculum acknowledges the deeper possibilities of Yoga by teaching meditation and by encouraging the inner-directed awareness that eventually leads to greater self-knowledge.

The organization focuses on producing yoga instructors of superior quality by providing close guidance during and even after the teacher training course.

Our Teacher Training Diploma Course

This course is about exploration, developing self-understanding and exposing oneself to the discipline and joys of Yoga.

It is designed for those with a real desire to learn about Yoga, how it is practiced, and the philosophy and theory behind the wonders of this ancient science.

It is for those who aspire to become good Yoga teachers whether for self development, to teach family and friends, or to make a career of teaching Yoga.

Certification

The teacher training diploma course is a 200 hour module conducted in a period of 30 days which is in accordance with the standard required by Yoga Alliance USA. This course covers Practical, Theory, Teaching and 20 hours of Practicum teaching. Successful students will receive certification as Yoga teachers from Langkawi Yoga and Yoga Alliance USA .

Continuing Education

This is your first step to becoming an internationally certified Yoga professional. We provide ongoing training to help you develop your skills and abilities including Yoga weekends, Yoga workshops and Yoga retreats.