Too much, too soon?

Spirituality
#1

I have a question in regards to teaching to beginner students, regarding not only their physical capacity but their spiritual capacity. How deep can a yoga teacher go in a setting for those who have come on a doctor’s request to reduce physical pain and to reduce stress?

Students come to practice for relief. I want to begin to address that relief comes not just from movement and breathing but primarily from Spirit. How much is too much from a teacher’s and a student’s perspective?

in peace,
dianne germain

#2

dianne,

This is my first visit to this Yoga Online Forum/Community, so I had planned on sitting quietely and reading … absorbing …

However, as is my nature I feel compelled to add a thought for your prayerful consideration.

I was one of those people who started doing Yoga after reviewing my own life and seeing the need for an immediate response. My Yogi, guide and friend used various methods to reach individuals. But, he did not sway from his own beliefs and exposed me / us to his thoughts on the mind / body connection as well as explained the physiological positive effects that Yoga has on the human machine! For those that continue the practice of Yoga for extended periods of time, I believe automatically start to recieve much more than they innitially expect.

I am sure, because you are trying to be aware/sensitive and thoughtful you will be able to assess each person you are blessed with the opportunity to share something that is SO GOOD FOR THEM and find the appropriate way to reach each one. Be in continued prayer and meditation for the answers – they will come.

Blessings | Love | Patience

#3

Hello Diane,

I will speak from my own experience:
When I started doing yoga, all I was interested in were the asanas.
I started with Ashtanga yoga - primarily focusing on a “workout” in a nicer, more peaceful setting than a gym.
I was not open or ready for any spiritual message then. If my teachers would have focused on that, I would have probably quit going to yoga, fearing someone wants to get me into a sect ;).

However, slowly, through practice and gentle subtle side notes of my teachers (“it’s not about competition, just stay with your breath,…”) I noticed the benefits of yoga. Through asanas I was able to come to a peaceful place in my mind and heighten my awareness.

My own experience showed me that there was a lot more to yoga then just movement of the body and I opened up to find out more about the different layers of yoga.

My point is: I think especially with beginners or people that were sent to a class because of issues in the body - I would focus on the body. I would not get into too much spirituality. Eventually the student may experience it: that doing asanas can act as a gateway to access mind, intellegence and eventually universal spirit. That’s the great thing about yoga: it’s a technique that can be taught and the interpretation of the result is up to the student!

#4

My teacher has implemented spiritual from day one, it was very flowing and smooth, also non offensive. He told us yoga is union of mind, body and spirit and all are addressed every class. He is interested in teaching yoga, I would suggest teaching all aspects. In our socioty today the spiritual is neglected, in yoga class it should not be that way, imo.

#5

i need to get spiritual inspiration guys…anyone??..
what is our greatest goal here on earth?

#6

The greatest goal in life is self realization. There are 3 practices recommended for that attainment. Sincere spiritual discipline as recommended by a living sage, being in their presence on a regular basis both physically and subtly, reading scriptures that speak only of this topic of life purpose. For this i most highly recommend Vasistha’s Yoga translation by Swami Venkatesananda published by SUNY. Also other recommended readings that go more slowly and not so direct to the goal (for those with other issues of more concern to them) can be found on my website www.yogatherapycenter.org blessings. mukunda

#7

The only goal … of birth is death … of life is realisation… of realisation is liberation.

#8

it is really very nice quote…