Mudra of the Month: Anjali Mudra
This year, OmBody has introduced a “Mudra of the Month” as a way to deepen your yoga practice, both in the studio and at home. Mudra in the Sanskrit language stands for “gesture” or “seal,” Mudras may involve the whole body, include breathwork or visualization, or simply involve specific hand/finger arrangements as in Anjali Mudra, which is March’s “Mudra of the Month.”
If you’ve attended my morning classes, you’ve practiced Anjali Mudra … and I encourage you to practice at home! Just a few minutes daily encourages you to notice the benefits.
Mudra Of The Month: Anjali / Namaste Mudra (& a bit of history)
As yoga practitioners, we know that Yoga has several layers -- we might explore the practices at the physical level only, at the energetic level only, and/or at the spiritual level only ... or a combination of all three.
Let us be clear: Yoga in its original context has never associated itself with any particular "religion."
Yes, Yoga philosophy & practice originated in India & South Asia, within the Hindu "culture" ... & through our practice we offer gratitude for this gift of Yoga shared with the Western world.
Culture, however, should not be confused with "religion." The Hindu religion incorporated Yoga philosophy & practice, yet "Yoga" is not Hindu religion. Yoga, rather, is the science of self-realization, i.e. getting to know your Self, your greater purpose & how you can fulfill that purpose in this lifetime. (See articles & talks from Swami Rama of Himalayan Institute for a simple explanation of this)
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, from which modern Yoga philosophy & practices originate, was compiled during the rise of many modern religions, including Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Therefore, the sage Patanjali compiled the Yoga Sutras with ALL religious faiths in mind ... Yoga clearly states that all religions are welcome & can be supported by Yoga philosophy/practice.
Furthermore, there is no contradiction between the Yoga practices / philosophy and religious faiths which ascribe to peace, love, mercy, compassion & service. Many local students who join us at OmBody experience the benefits of how Yoga supports & deepens their own religious practices.
With this in mind, for those of you interested in the spiritual aspect of the Anjali Mudra, also known as Namaste Mudra, Dr. Vasant Lad of Ayurprana describes here some of the nuances of our Mudra of the Month. Note: Dr. Lad references how this Anjali Mudra is used in the Hindu religion, which you may transfer into your own religious practice ... OR note his explanation of the mudra as a way to honor our relationship with others. This is the beauty of Yoga! All are welcome, none are excluded!
Enjoy!
Dr. Vasant Lad & Mudra Of The Month: Anjali / Namaste Mudra (& a bit of history )
As yoga practitioners, we know that Yoga has several layers -- we might explore the practices at the physical level only, at the energetic level only, and/or at the spiritual level only ... or a combination of all three.
Let us be clear: Yoga in its original context has never associated itself with any particular "religion."
Yes, Yoga philosophy & practice originated in India & South Asia, within the Hindu "culture" ... & through our practice we offer gratitude for this gift of Yoga shared with the Western world.
Culture, however, should not be confused with "religion." The Hindu religion incorporated Yoga philosophy & practice, yet "Yoga" is not Hindu religion. Yoga, rather, is the science of self-realization, i.e. getting to know your Self, your greater purpose & how you can fulfill that purpose in this lifetime. (See articles & talks from Swami Rama of Himalayan Institute for a simple explanation of this)
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, from which modern Yoga philosophy & practices originate, was compiled during the rise of many modern religions, including Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Therefore, the sage Patanjali compiled the Yoga Sutras with ALL religious faiths in mind ... Yoga clearly states that all religions are welcome & can be supported by Yoga philosophy/practice.
Furthermore, there is no contradiction between the Yoga practices / philosophy and religious faiths which ascribe to peace, love, mercy, compassion & service. Many local students who join us at OmBody experience the benefits of how Yoga supports & deepens their own religious practices.
With this in mind, for those of you interested in the spiritual aspect of the Anjali Mudra, also known as Namaste Mudra, Dr. Vasant Lad of Ayurprana describes here some of the nuances of our Mudra of the Month. Note: Dr. Lad references how this Anjali Mudra is used in the Hindu religion, which you may transfer into your own religious practice ... OR note his explanation of the mudra as a way to honor our relationship with others. This is the beauty of Yoga! All are welcome, none are excluded!
Enjoy!
Dr. Vasant Lad & Anjali Mudra Video Link: https://youtu.be/4paEZhTELGM?si=CET7Juu4YnC3T6LE
Let us know how you are incorporating Anjali Mudra into your practice, whether in one of our group classes at OmBody or your personal home practice! Video Link: https://youtu.be/4paEZhTELGM?si=CET7Juu4YnC3T6LE
Let us know how you are incorporating Anjali Mudra into your practice, whether in one of our group classes at OmBody or your personal home practice!