by Advaita Mihai Stoian

An Integral Yoga System as a Holistic structure

We owe to the great Sage Patanjali a workable Yoga system that became the blueprint of most of the Yoga practiced today. Patanjalis amazing wisdom comes not only from the knowledge he is teaching but mostly from his ability to collect and assess and later present the science of union in YOGA SUTRAS. This system popularly known by the term ASHTANGA YOGA or the Yoga of Eight Limbs is the most integrated, comprehensive and even holistic view of Yoga that we have transmitted today from the ancient cultures.

Unfortunately today one can find a lot of ASHTANGA YOGA places that are only teaching asanas, little pranayama and little concentration. With other words from the eight limbs of the integral sistem of Yoga described by Patanjali, only three or maximum four are integrated into the commercial spirituality that we can find today.

Dating Patanjali as an author and the YOGA SUTRA as a literary work is difficult, and many eminent authorities have placed Patanjali as early as one thousand years B.C. Others have put him in the sixth century in this Christian era. He is one of the three colossal spirits that have opened not a new religion or a tradition but have given to the human spirit the idea of using methods and the spirit of doing it.

Charaka brought to light the science of life, Ayurveda. Panini brought the science of language and structure, Sanskrit grammar. And Patanjali revealed the science of transformation, Yoga.

One cannot be far from truth on noticing the mysterious presence of the Trinity coming through these three ancient sages. Three ancient Sanskrit sources make a similar quote; Charaka purified the body with Ayurveda; Panini purified our tongue (language) with his grammar; while Patanjali purified the mind with his Yoga.

The YOGA SUTRA is the most elaborate ancient work one can find on Yoga. It is not the kind of yoga-for-dummies work with which we are used today. Being written in the code of initiates this genuine yoga bible, as it was named by some authors, select only the genuine practitioners in order to deliver the secrets of personal development and spiritual betterment. A serious practitioner of Yoga will find here in the SUTRA a concise, condensed and succinct presentation of Yoga.

This concision is essential if one want to transmit not only a bunch of rigid indications for practice but the whole spirit that should animate the practitioner in order to get successful. For it is the spirit of Yoga and the whole preparation of the exercises that are truly unlocking the whole complex of occult resonances and bring forward its amazing effectiveness. Stripped off its attitude and morality Yoga becomes a psychosomatic gymnastic that have limited effects.

The Great Sage Patanjali gave therefore an example of mastership of the word, doing with the words what God is doing with the entire creation: giving strong guidelines that are unmistakable and in the same time leaving room for experimentation of the aspirant so that the guidelines are only lessons. The Great Teacher is discreetly watching from the Heavens while the aspirants are completing generations after generations their practice, perfecting it in their own understanding and under the loving guidance of their Masters. This is the Yoga Sutra that I have met and practiced from, under the guidance of a Great Master.

Read more here:
Yoga Sutras of PATANJALI: THE ROOT of INTEGRAL YOGA

Boyne Citys newest yoga and fusion studio, balanced living, opened in September in the front section of the Huntington Bank building on River Street. Leslie Nielson, co-owner of Boyne Citys inspired living retail store on Water Street, is the impetus behind the opening of the balanced living yoga business.

People who love yoga are the ones most likely to start a yoga studio, she said. I created the type of studio I would want to attend.

Sixteen weekly classes are taught by five certified instructors, each with individual and complementary skills.

I am really, really happy with the response from the community, Nielson said. We already have over 50 people who attend regularly.

A variety of price options fits Nielsons vision that yoga should be affordable to everyone. Passes are $50 for 5 classes, $80 for 10 classes with a $10 coupon good at inspired living, or $65 for unlimited yoga for 30 consecutive days. Walk-ins are $12 per class. Students who show proof of enrollment pay $30 for 30 consecutive days. Nielson said she hopes the discounted student pass will bring a new generation to yoga.

We are committed to reaching out to our young people, she said.

The bank property remained vacant for almost five years before Neilson considered it. I didnt think it was right for a studio, but I showed it to the yoga instructors and they said it would be perfect, she said. Neilson credits the Huntington organization with giving her a very fair, month-to-month lease.

They have bent over backwards to make this a reality, she said.

The studio currently uses 1,000 feet of the 4,000-foot space. Neilson plans to expand during the next six months.

My goal is to utilize the entire building, she said. The space can be divided so that it can accommodate Pilates, meditation, zumba, tai chi and qigong classes, many at the same time.

Original post:
New Boyne City yoga studio opens

Quote of the day:

Doing what you love is the cornerstone of having abundance in your life. Wayne Dyer

When I opened Prana Power Yoga 11 1/2 years ago I wore black cotton shorts from Target to teach and practice.

Hey! Did you just judge me? If you did, then read my book (available at TaylorWells.me and Amazon.com) because you ain't creating your BEST LIFE EVER if you be judging. Use all that beautiful Divine energy to create what you want, not to judge others or yourself.

But I digress.

Then, one day a Prana Power Yoga student approached me and offered to give me free yoga clothing from her store.

Um, sure.

And so it began.

Countless yoga clothing companies have given me lots of free clothes over the years and Philippe and I were two of the first ambassadors for a "that" fitness clothing company--the one that charges about a billion bucks for a pair of pants, even if they are see-through.

I'm not sounding grateful here and don't get me wrong, I am. I have been grateful for every piece of clothing I have received and have worn it all with joy and respect.

Go here to read the rest:
Finally! Yoga Pants I Love