| The method of
Ananda Marga is based on Tantra and Astaunga Yoga.
The root "Tan" means "to expand" and
"Tra" means "liberator". Tantra is the spiritual science
that
liberates the mind through expansion.
A special system of Tantric
practices was introduced by Shiva more than 7,000 years ago. It
includes techniques for deep silent meditation as well as many
other yogic practices to balance the body and mind.
Our method is a very personalized
one. You may start attending the classes (Yoga or
Meditation) but as you move forward you will be receiving personal
instructions from the Ananda Marga Acaryas (Monks-Dada or
Nuns-Didi). You will learn how to practice at home every day. When
you make it part of your
daily routine you will get continuous and lasting personal benefits.
The teachings in Ananda Marga
are available free of charge. We accept donations to further our
social service projects and to maintain the monks and nuns. We
believe that it is the right of every human being to have access
to these techniques which can be very beneficial to individual
and social well-being. All fees stated for our classes are
suggested donations and if you have any financial difficulties
you are welcome anyway. If you can contribute you are invited to
make extra donations so that we can continue to make our
services available to every sentient being.
The practices taught by
Ananda Marga include but are not limited to the "Astaunga
Yoga (eight limbs of
Yoga)".
There are eight parts to this method.
Part 1 and 2 are principles on which one can base one's
relationship with oneself - "Niyama"; and one's relationship with others
- "Yama".
These principles help to attain balance in the first layer of
mind, the conscious mind.
The third part is the "Asanas". Commonly known as Hatha Yoga.
These are the psycho-physical exercises of Yoga. It is the most
common aspect of Yoga and it helps to keep a healthy and balanced
body and mind.
The fourth part is "Pranayama" or the control of the vital energy
through breathing techniques. This is an advanced practice and in
our system is taught personally by an Acarya (monk or nun) to the
individual.
The fifth part is "Pratyahara"--introspection or withdrawal of the
mind from external objects. Happiness lies within one's mind.
The sixth part is "Dharana"--concentration--only a concentrated mind
can have the power to go deep within and perceive the flow of
consciousnees. There are special techniques to concentrate the
mind on the different cakras (psychic energy centers) situated
along the spinal chord.
The seventh part is "Dhyana"--meditation--special technique of
meditation which makes the mind flow towards the Goal.
The eighth part is "Samadhi"--the attainment of the Goal of Yoga--the
union between the Microcosm (Individual consciousness) and the
Macrocosm (Cosmic consciousness). A state of perfect happiness and
absolute peace. During the
classes you will be introduced gradually to the various
practices, starting from Asanas, Yama and Niyama, and
Mantra meditation.
The instructors are monks of Ananda Marga or have been trained directly by
the monks. |
