Sivaya yoga studio

Sivaya Yoga Studio teaches Hatha Yoga based on third, fourth, and fifth limbs of Astanga Yoga. It is a comprehensive set of physical, mental, and breathing exercises

“Iyama, Niyama, and Asana numberless Pranayama wholesome and Pratyahara alike, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi to triumph These eight are the steely limps of Astanga yoga- Tirumantiram ”

Your yoga membership is valid forever and no need to pay again for membership/ registration fee as long as you have the membership card.

FAQ

How many types are in Yoga?
There are four main paths of Yoga. They are Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Astanga Yoga. One may find nowadays many types of Yogas. All those different names and types of Yogas will fall under the four main paths of Yogas. "Karma Yoga"(Yoga of doing duties and actions without expecting any results), "Bhakti Yoga" (Yoga of complete devotion and surrender to the God),"Jnana Yoga" (Yoga of wisdom and power of pure reason), Astanga Yoga (Yoga of using physical, psychological and spiritual energies) are the four main Yogas.
Though there are four main paths of Yogas, the western world shows more interest in some sections of Astanga Yoga for physical and mental benefits. Astanga Yoga has eight limbs (sections). They are Iyama (Ethical training), Niyama (Moral Training), Asanas (Postures), Pranayama (Breathing Techniques- Conquering Prana the vital force), Pratyahara (Withdrawing the mind from the senses- Mastering of the Senses), Dharana (Concentration- focusing the mind on certain centres), Dhyana (Meditation), and Samadhi (Transcending the mind-Super conscious state). Out of them the third, fourth, and fifth limbs are commonly called "Hatha Yoga". Because of western influence, interest and popularity in Hatha Yoga, this is nowadays commonly known as "Yoga".
Hatha Yoga, which is part of Astanga Yoga, includes Asanas, Pranayama and Pratyahara
How many styles in Hatha Yoga and how do they differ from each other?
There are so many organizations and styles of Hatha Yogas founded by modern Indian and western teachers. The differences are usually about emphasis, such as focusing on strict alignment of the body, coordination of the breath and movement, holding the postures, or the flow from one posture to another. All the styles share a common lineage back to Astanga Yoga.
What type of Yoga Your Studio teaches?
Sivaya Yoga Studio teaches Hatha Yoga based on third, fourth, and fifth limbs of Astanga Yoga. It is a comprehensive set of physical, mental, and breathing exercises. Students do continuous smooth movements of the Postures (Asanas), while linking the body and mind using the active awareness of deep breath movements. Students will attain physical fitness, mental clarity, a balanced nervous system, greater self-understanding, stress control and awakened spirituality, but students should commit in three things to attain these benefits. That is practice, practice and more practice.
What are the benefits of Yoga?
Yoga: Gives strength, flexibility, balance, endurance, and energy. Gives good health and prevents many diseases. Relieves stress, calms the mind, frees one from restless desires, increases concentration, gives lasting pleasure, and inner freedom. Helps to stretch, tone, refresh, relax and soothe the nerves. Makes one look and feel years younger, controls weight and reduces depression. It disciplines the path to physical, mental and spiritual growth and gives the experience of transcending beyond body and mind.
Has it been proved by formal research that Yoga is good for health, fitness and mind?
There has been quite a lot of research, all over the world. As far as the general effects on mental and physical well-being are concerned, it is now agreed that Yoga can be both pleasurable and beneficial. Western science has been studying Yoga for nearly 70 years and the evidence shows that Yoga may be helpful for specific conditions such as asthma, epilepsy, stress, cardiac risk factors, arthritis, reducing drug use and criminal activity and others. A Harvard study showed Yoga could give the same treatment effect as a psychotherapy program. Researches at the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine now report that Yoga exercises can be highly effective in alleviating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Doctors generally now agree that relaxation, breathing techniques and meditation are the effective way of reducing stress and stress related illnesses.
What are Yoga Postures?
Yoga postures are usually called Asanas, which are included as the third limb in Astanga Yoga. In most Indian languages, the word literally means "seats". These postures aim to improve one's physical and mental flexibility and firmness, to calm, purify and energize the body and mind and to destroy disease and death. These efforts help to direct the mind towards one pointed-ness without distractions or interruption, and to calm and steady the wandering mind in the next stage limbs of Astanga Yoga. One of the most ancient of all Yoga scripts ""Tirumantiram" says "Asanas constitute one hundred and twenty six and more, eight among them are rated most high. They are Swastikasana, Padmasana, Bhadrasana, Simhasana, Gomukhasana, Sothirasana, Veerasana and Sukhasana". All these main eight Asanas are in sitting Postures, which are ideal for the meditation processes. Interestingly, Tirumantiram says Swastikasana is the best among the eight.
Who can do Yoga?
There is no age limit for Yoga practice. People taking up yogic practice in their eighties have had very positive results in terms of improved health and mental equanimity. Even bedridden individuals with chronic diseases can still benefit from Yoga, though the practices must be carefully tailored to their particular needs. Yoga can benefit kids just as much as it helps adults. You can do Yoga even if your body is very stiff. If your body is out of shape, you should practice gently at first taking care not to create any injuries. Yoga is a great way to keep fit during pregnancy too.
Should I consult a doctor before starting Yoga?
Please be sure to inform your Yoga teacher of any serious health problems such as neck or back injuries, heart disease, high blood pressure, recent surgery etc. In any extreme case, you should consult a physician before joining the Yoga class. If your doctor is not familiar with Yoga, show her or him pictures of the postures or ask them to contact your Yoga teacher. It is always advised that you inform your family doctor of your physical activities, just to be on the safe side. Even though Yoga is a root of Eastern medicines such as Siddha and Ayurvedic, remember your Yoga teacher is not a doctor.
Can Women practice Yoga during pregnancy and menstruation?
Back in the old days, it was commonly told that women must refrain from practice during the four or so days of menstruation. Now in the modern era, it is a matter of personal preference. Some women do not want to do Yoga while they have their period, many do not mind and continue to practice during menses. Listen to your body, you are the best judge of what you can and cannot do during menstruation or pregnancy. In any case, do not stand on your head (Sirasasana) during the menstrual period. All the Postures can be practiced during the first three months of pregnancy. Some postures however are inappropriate during pregnancy and menstruation. All the postures should be modified lightly according to the students' physical nature.
This is my first class. What should I bring?
You should not bring with you anything except the will to learn Yoga. We will provide a mat for you to practice on. For your first visit, it is better to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before class to register and to brief the teacher on your physical condition if you have any problems. It is important to wear comfortable, loose clothes and it is always better to eat four hours or more before practicing Yoga. If you are very hungry, eat light food at least two hours before. Keep the bowel empty
How many classes should I follow per week?
The number of classes you should take per week depends on your body and schedule. If you can do Yoga every day, that is great. If not, try to do Yoga a few days a week. Certainly one class per week is not enough.
Yogis are vegetarians; do I have to be a vegetarian to practice Yoga?
Vegetarian food is much healthier than animal products. Besides that, a true Raja-Yogi practicing Astanga Yoga shows love and compassion for all lives. The first limb of Astanga Yoga, the Iyama insists on non-killing. Tirumular in his Tirumantiram condemns the meat-eating. However you do not have to be a vegetarian when you practice Hatha Yoga types which contain third, fourth, and fifth limbs of Astanga Yoga. Vegetarianism does not lead you to be a Yogi; Yoga leads you to non-violence. You will soon find that your desire for eating meat grows weaker.
How much are the classes?
You can either purchase single classes for R120, or a series of classes, which vary in price. Please see the "Yoga Classes" section of our web page for more information. Yoga, "Gift certificates" are also available.
Where can I Park?
There is all day free parking for customers of Glen Gables. Please drive in, we are at the back of the building of Block-A. You could park next to the Studio or inside the palisades fenced parking lots at the front of Block- A.