The described first two stages of Astanga Yoga require of the yoga aspirant, an external discipline yama (rules of conduct) and an inner discipline niyama (dealing with himself and his learning). In the third stage (āsana) Rishi Patañjali (sūtra 2.46) formulates:
sthira sukham āsanam
The posture should be comfortable and stable. With a good posture the yogi achieves the insensitivity to the opposite pairs (sūtra 2.48). If he masters this level, then the yogi will no longer be distracted by external circumstances (such as heat or cold, light or darkness, silence or noise) in his further exercises. A variety of āsanas (physical exercises), among which yoga is known in western countries especially under the name Hatha-Yoga (haṭha-yoga), was developed much later.
The yoga tradition of Yogi Paramapadma Dhiranandaji has the following special characteristics during physical exercises:
Spiritual orientation
The classical yoga or astanga yoga, as taught by Paramapadma Dhiranandaji in his yoga teacher training, is first and foremost spiritually oriented. Whether doing physical exercises or doing breathing exercises, or doing meditation exercises in the class, the central element is that the yoga practices be done “with yoga”; This means that the practitioner is aware of the unity with the divine soul (with Atma) and carries out the exercises in this consciousness.
Concentration and breathing
During the exercises, the practitioner concentrates on certain body regions and takes the exercises with normal breathing. In doing so, the practitioner draws his attention inward, listening to his inner guidance that guides him through the practice. It increases the intensity of the exercise.
Feel relaxation and effect
For some exercises, the practitioner relaxes after each round, but certainly after the last round in Savasana. Through this relaxation, during which the practitioner focuses on the effect of the exercise, the full effect unfolds. In the position, the blood circulation is a little limited, so that it becomes stronger in the subsequent relaxation. In this way, the organs, muscles, all cells are strengthened and regenerated. This effect can not fully develop if – as in other Yoga directions – the relaxation is too short or just completed.
Practicing several rounds
In our yoga tradition, we practice several rounds of most exercises. As a result, the body can be slowly led into a position, it is less likely to injuries such as strains.
limitations
In many cases, yoga exercises can help alleviate or cure physical ailments. But just so not all yoga exercises are suitable for all people in all situations. For example, the pituitary gland of children should not be stimulated too early, so reversal exercises should be avoided. This restriction is not made in all yoga schools! In the yogic tradition of Yogi Dhiranandaji, we are aware that yoga exercises should be made aware so that they can unfold their positive effects. And the limitations of practicing yoga are also part of a conscious practice.