Get to the root of yoga

Two participants of Instructor Yoga Course practicing the correct techniques of Yoga.

Yoga's benefits can only be fully gained when the concept is wholly understood and imparted to disciples. DHARSHINI BALAN learns why instructors need to avoid taking short-cuts and imbibe the true essence of the holistic discipline.

KUALA LUMPUR: Carl Jung once said: "Yoga in Mayfair or Fifth Avenue, or in any other place which is on the telephone, is a spiritual fake."

Jung was referring to how yoga has transformed from being pure to commercialised, or modernised. Today, yoga is a lucrative business, with yoga packages marketed as an accessory to an urban-savvy lifestyle.

Some individuals take up short courses on yoga, seeing it as a way to earn extra income by becoming instructors. They are ignorant of the philosophy and the science behind yoga. Thus the primary concern in yoga today is not so much the yoga practitioner but the yoga instructor.

Many people learning yoga are unaware that their instructor may not be knowledgeable and may at times be imparting incorrect techniques which may cause injuries to students.

To streamline the training of yoga instructors so as to uphold the proper and effective instruction of yoga, the Malaysia Association of Yoga Instructors has come up with an International Instructor Yoga Course.

The first in Malaysia, the instructor course concentrates on four major aspects of yoga: the techniques of asanas (postures), the science of pranayama (breathing), the various types of relaxation techniques, and meditation.

According to the founder of the association Master P. Manisekaran, many people learn yoga through books, DVDs and workshops and they think it is sufficient to start teaching yoga.

"I know a lady who told me that she learnt yoga through books and later taught kindergarten children," he said.

Mani explained that if incorrect techniques are taught to students, one may not achieve the desired results of yoga, and some may even end up with physical injuries.

"The reason why we emphasise more on the purer yoga is that it's more conducive to the Asian body and mind, and it is much more holistic as it emphasises on internal and external strengths," said Mani, who is also the founder of the Malaysian Yoga Society.

Eastern methods stress on the co-ordination of body, breath and mind which is lacking in Western teachings, where the emphasis is on physical and external orientation.

"The external perfection found in the West which is of high impact can cause injuries and complications for Asians," said Mani, who has been teaching yoga for 12 years.

The instructor course is divided into three levels: Foundation, Intermediate and Advance. Each level is taught either on a part-time or full-time basis, depending on the preference of the trainees. To complete each level, a trainee yoga instructor must finish 150 hours of yoga classes.

First and foremost, the trainees are taught the right techniques of doing asanas and how to teach these correctly, to avoid injuries. "We also teach how to modify the asanas if one already suffers from some injury," said Mani.

The trainees are also taught how to effectively teach the philosophy and the traditions behind yoga.

"This will enable them to impart the knowledge of yoga with depth and clarity, as well as understand the scientific background of yoga," he added.

The philosophy of yoga is important, according to Mani, as without it, the teachings of yoga become very academic. "Without the philosophy, there is no life to it as one's mind is not aware of the true essence of yoga, and it becomes just another exercise," he added.

With awareness, he or she then "experiences a physical growth leaving one feeling energised, healthy, flexible, toned and strong. An internal evolution takes place as well, the mind becomes clearer and one feels calmer."

Another important factor is spiritual awakening.

Mani explained that spirituality in this context refers to a universal perspective.

In prayanama (breathing), trainees are taught methods and techniques, benefits and the contraindications. The contraindications here are not on the techniques but more for those suffering from ailments.

The pranayama is also suitable for those undergoing medical treatment. It will help manage their pain and recovery as well as help deal with depression. "For normal people, pranayama helps preserve energy, increase vitality, stamina, and resistance to diseases because the immune system is boosted," said Mani.

One's creativity increases as well due to the rapid oxygenation throughout the body. "A yoga practitioner will then feel lighter, stronger and healthier," said Mani. Trainees are taught to impart the science of pranayama and they have to be equipped with the correct knowledge.

Thirdly, the trainees are taught the various types of relaxation techniques required for their future classes or workshops.

"Relaxation techniques are very essential for stress management," he said.

Meditation is also taught for stress management.

The meditation taught does not related to any particular religious belief.

"Only a dedicated yoga practitioner can teach meditation in a more heightened level," he added.

Another aspect of yoga which is taught in the course are cleansing techniques. The trainees are taught to teach ways to clear the body of toxins and keep the body free from diseases. "The techniques are simple yet effective," explains Mani.

Trainees are also taught how to conduct, structure and present yoga workshops.

"The trainees are taught ways to structure yoga programmes and courses for organisations which include delivery of speeches at conferences,".

Mani suggested these instructors could later even volunteer teaching at orphanages, old folk's homes and rehabilitation centres.

"This way, yoga can also help the underprivileged in society and instructors can see how effective yoga is when they teach such groups," he said.

One becomes more positive and sensitive to another's well-being when one contributes to charitable causes.

"By attending this course, one's personal development improves tremendously," he said.

Trainees are evaluated by their trainers through mock classes to gauge their knowledge and teaching styles. Once the trainees complete the foundation level, they are given certificates but are only allowed to teach the Beginner's level.

One of Mani's students, Dr Girish Chandra, said he decided to take up the Instructor's Course as it enabled him to understand the theory as well as the principles of yoga.

" Besides helping me perfect myself, it is also a highest form of service as I am able to impart proper knowledge to my future students," said the 47-year-old dentist.