In the vast horizon of spiritual practices, Yoga stands out as a path that unites body, mind and spirit. Originally from ancient India, the word "yoga" derives from the Sanskrit meaning "union". This union refers to the harmony between individual consciousness and cosmic consciousness, a search for deep connection and understanding of the true essence of Being.

As yoga spread throughout the world, several styles have emerged to meet the varied needs and preferences of practitioners. There are styles that focus on physical postures (asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayama). Others synchronize movements with breathing, promoting fluidity and awareness. Others focus on activating the vital energy that resides at the base of the spine. Each style of yoga offers a unique approach, but all share the fundamental goal of uniting body and mind, providing balance and well-being.

At the heart of yoga, we find the eight branches, a structure elaborated by the sage Patãnjali in the Yoga Sutras. These branches are like trails that lead to the peak of consciousness: Yamas (ethical restrictions): Ethical guidelines that include nonviolence, honesty, moderation, non-stealing and detachment. Niyamas (ethical observations): Personal practices such as purification, contentment, self-discipline, self-study and delivery. Asanas (postures): The physical practice that aims to strengthen the body and prepare it for meditation. Pranayama (respiratory control): Respiratory techniques to control and direct vital energy. Pratyahara (abstraction of the senses): The art of internalizing attention, disconnecting from the sensory world. Dharana (concentration): Focusing the mind on a specific point, preparing it for meditation. Dhyana (meditation): A continuous practice of focus and concentration that leads to mental tranquility. Samãdhi (enlightenment): The state of total union with the divine, transcending duality.

The benefits of yoga have stood out significantly in the West, as more people adopt this ancestral practice as an effective means of improving physical, mental and emotional health:

• Flexibility and strength - Postures (asanas) focus on flexibility and muscle strengthening, contributing to the improvement of posture and prevention of injuries;
• Joint health: Regular practice promotes joint health, increasing range of motion and reducing stiffness;
• Pain relief: Many people report relief of chronic pain, especially in the back and shoulders, through the postures and breathing techniques of yoga;
• Stress reduction: Assiduous training of conscious breathing, promotes relaxation and reduces levels of cortisol, the stress hormone;
• Expansion of consciousness: Regular meditation improves mindfulness and promotes greater awareness of the present moment;
• Emotion management: The connection between the mind and the body helps in emotional regulation, providing tools to deal with stress and negative emotions;
• Social well-being: through the sharing of experiences, socialization opportunities and social connections;
• Acceptance and inclusion: Yoga promotes these values of acceptance and inclusion, regardless of skill level, age or body, creating a welcoming environment for everyone;
• Respiratory health: Breathing techniques improve lung capacity and promote more efficient breathing. Respiratory problems can be greatly alleviated through specific practices;
• Self-care and self-knowledge: The introspection promoted by the practice of yoga encourages self-knowledge, helps in personal development and in the search for a more balanced lifestyle;
• Stimulating healthy habits: Yoga often leads to positive lifestyle changes, such as a healthier diet and the incorporation of other self-care practices.

PRACTÍCE FROM INSIDE

Vijnãna Yoga was founded in 2003 by Orit Sen-Gupta, a student of Dona Holleman, in collaboration with long-time yoga teachers, following the yogic tradition of Sri Krishnamacharya and his students BKS Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois. A natural continuation of the long tradition of yoga, Vijnãna Yoga is not new: the yogic concept of vijnãna – understanding from within – expresses the spirit of our practice and the principles that guide it.

This is a practice of mind, body and consciousness that seeks simplicity, while also seeking precision in posture and breathing, based on deep inner listening and a clear and broad vision. Our practice is based on four components: sitting, pranayama (breathing exercises), asana (postures) and study of the written tradition of yoga.

In Vijnãna Yoga the focus is on seven principles: Relax, Quiet the Mind, Intention, Rooting, Connection, Breathing and Expansion. Focusing on the seven principles allows us to be inwardly aware and see and understand from within to act skillfully in the world.

Another unique aspect of Vijnãna Yoga is the focus on the ten vayus, the outer and the inner vayus.

Practice is the heart of yoga and so we emphasize personal daily practice – regular time dedicated to looking within, searching for our center. In practice, we know ourselves, our bodies and sensations, our minds and thoughts, our hearts and tangles of emotions. The practice takes us a step back, granting us the space in daily life we ​​need to look within, be cleansed of the superfluous, and connect with what lies beyond. Practice improves our technical ability, as well as our ability to observe and be attentive. As we see ourselves more clearly over time in the protected structure of practice, we can change our patterns. If we work extremely hard to achieve the desired result, because that is our intention, we can work more smoothly.

Patanjali states in one of his sutras: “Yoga is to restrict the vrittis [activity] of consciousness.” These are “restrained by practice and detachment.” He further adds: “But this practice becomes firmly grounded when done intensively, properly and continuously over a long period.” That's why we dedicate time and space to practice, doing it step by step, with precision and attention. Proper, constant, long-term practice has meaning – the many hours of practice have a cumulative effect. Practice has tremendous power.

Japanese Zen master Dogen says, “Practice is enlightenment.” So, the most important instruction we can give is simply – Practíce!