Yoga:Life Philosophy
The word „yoga” comes from Sanskrit and has several meanings:
joining, combining, focusing attention and using. Also- union and connection. Yoga teaches us to join mind, body and spirit into one whole. It teaches us to direct the whole through concentration, it shows how to fully utilize one’s knowledge and abilities to reach perfect harmony (in case of masters-union with the Universe). “The essence of yoga is to free us from suffering and sadness”- says Master Iyengar.
„Yoga practice brings back the sense of balance. (…) With patience we cleanse and nourish every cell of our body, (…) to free possibilites that we deemed lost.”
-Yehudi Menuhin
We want a car, money or position, because the others have it. We simply must go to Maladiva because it’s trendy this year. We’re never satisfied with ourselves, because we want to be different. We don’t want to come to terms with the loss of our loved ones, health, things or money. Our life disappoints us constantly. Jealousy, false desires, lack of time, lack of acceptance of the inevitable- this is the source of our suffering. Thanks to yoga, we may leave them behind. We may live in harmony with ourselves, with the others and the world, enjoying every single moment. Yoga is the philosophy of life. It teaches not only breathing, but sympathy for all living beings.
GoodLifePoland is talking to:
Adam Ramotowski from
Akademia Jogi I Harmonijnego Rozwoju
Joga na Foksal, ul. Foksal 10, Warszawa
GLP: Would you like to tell us in several sentences – if that’s at all possible – what yoga is?
Yoga is a process of restoring balance. Yoga is a re-establishment of the connection with reality – the way it really is – through removing the obstacles of our mind. It is the restraint of mental modifications – so the Sutras of Patanjali say.
GLP: Would you recommend yoga to everyone or do you think you need to have a predisposition towards it in order to do it?
I would recommend it to everyone. There are many people interested in it but not many of them reach deep. Doing yoga takes a lot of discipline, constant practice and renouncement. This is a difficult path. To me it is an extraordinary, multidimensional and fascinating journey.
GLP: In what ways does yoga influence human body and mind?
Body and mind are one whole. Contemporary science confirms the wisdom of the ancient yogis. By practising various asanas, which are body positions in yoga, we use our body as a perfect tool in working with our mind. We start with what is known to us, or what we are getting to know while we practise (body) and we influence the physiology of our body (which is why it is important to practise with experienced yoga teachers). Old texts on yoga say that doing yoga protects you from pain which is still to come and from physical and mental suffering.
GLP: At what age can you start doing yoga?
Your age does not matter. You can start at any age, it is only important to start practising at all; to start practising today, not tomorrow.
GLP: Can you practise yoga by yourself at home or do you need special environment and a teacher’s supervision.
You definitely need a teacher’s supervision. Yoga is not just exercise. You need to look for good training centres and qualified teachers.
GLP: Could you please finish this sentence: In spring I am most happy to …
open my eyes and heart to a new life, always in the same manner. Is this not wonderful that we can witness this cosmic cycle?
GLP: Thank you very much for this interview.
