Yogam Yoga classes in Durban are run as a seva (selfless-service) charity spreading the message of kindness and compassion to the world. Yoga comes from the Sanskrit term for union, whence we get the English word 'yoke', to link things together. Whereas yoga is seen often as a type of sport or fitness experience, its origins are in meditation and self-knowledge. Whatever your religious, spiritual
or philosophical preferences and experiences, yoga is intended as a practice that helps create harmony and deeper understanding of the relationship between body, mind and spirit. A steady yoga practice can help us deal with stress, life challenges, our sense of purpose and self-worth, and provide an opportunity to commune with life and higher energy - if that is what we seek. The aim of BMB Yoga is to provide access to a holistic yoga practice for the people of Cape Town and Durban, open to our own cultural and religious diversity. Definition of Yogam and Yoga
We have chosen the Sanskrit word ‘Yogam’ to describe our Yoga because it is loaded with meaning. Amongst other definitions, Yogam can mean the following and demonstrates the ethos of Yogam Yoga:
Self-Realisation
Bg 2.53, Bg 7.1
Is our ultimate aim to discover our true self (atman), which is not the mind or the body, and thereby real yoga or union takes place between us and our own understanding of infinite consciousness. Yoga
SB 3.33.35, SB 4.1.49-52, Bg 6.11-12
The word 'Yoga' come from the Sanskrit root 'Yuj', meaning 'to join' or 'to yoke' or 'to unite'. As per yogic scriptures the practice of Yoga leads to the union of individual consciousness with that of the universal Consciousness, indicating a perfect harmony between the mind and body, man and nature. Science of one’s relationship to the Supreme
Bg 4.1
Yoga has no religious affiliation. In fact, in the Sutras of Patanjali (seen as the definitive text of yoga written over 2500 years ago, there is one reference to God. Patanjali states that ‘Ishvara pranidhana’ is the last of the Niyamas or the duties directed towards ourselves - inner observances. Ishvara refers to all-pervading consciousness; pranidhana means to surrender. Together, these words may be translated as ‘trustful surrender to God’. This niyama is not a process of defeat or of mindlessly submitting to another’s will. The eightfold yoga system
Bg 6.3
Ashtanga yoga or raja yoga is the 8-step yoga system is Patanjali's classification of yoga, as set out in his Yoga Sutras. He defined the eight limbs as:
Yama – abstinences (non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, sexual restraint & non-possessiveness)
Niyama – observances (purity, contentment, perseverance, study of oneself, contemplation of Ishvara)
Asana - postures
Pranayama – breath control
Pratyahara - withdrawal or the energy of the senses
Dharana - one-pointed concentration
Dhyana - meditation
Samadhi - absorption or bliss
The eight limbs form a sequence from the outer to the inner. Postures, important in modern yoga, form only one limb of Patanjali's scheme only; he states only that they must be steady and comfortable. Devotional Service (Karma Yoga)
Bg 5.5, Bg 5.1, Bg 12.11
It is the practice of selfless action performed for the benefit of others. Karma yoga is a path to reach moksha (spiritual liberation) through work. It is rightful action without being attached to fruits or being manipulated by what the results might be, a dedication to one's duty, and trying one's best while being neutral to rewards or outcomes such as success or failure. We firmly believe seva or service through our compassion for others and a genuine desire to uplift those around you.
