Yoga is the oldest system of personal development encompassing body, mind, and spirit. The origin of Yoga goes back more than 5000 years. In the modern times, the value of Yoga is being increasingly recognized for general health, and its preventive and curative effects.

Through the practice of yoga we integrate all aspects of our being - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual - and discover our connection to ourselves, to others, to the universe.

What is Yoga?

The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit root "yuj" meaning to yoke, attach, join, bind. Yoga is therefore the union and integration of every aspect of a human being, from the innermost to the external. It is a rich, time-honored teaching on how we can achieve physical health, psychological well-being and spiritual peace. It is a path of self-discovery that leads to balance and harmony. There are numerous systems of yoga, each providing different ways to unify the various aspects of ourselves. Hatha yoga is the system most familiar to the westerner. This branch of yoga uses physical poses, breathing techniques and relaxation methods to explore the inner structures of the body, mind and spirit.

Yoga affects every aspect of our being:

* it enhances every facet of physical fitness;

* the mind/body energy exchange supports a mental clarity and concentration;

* the strength improves posture/alignment to support our daily activities;

* the flexibility helps to prevent injuries and keeps us supple and youthful;

* the breathing practices are the foundation and the link between the mind and the body, providing a valuable tool for releasing tension and reducing stress.

Within the hatha yoga system there are widely differing techniques and styles of practice. It is important to take the time to find the method and the teacher that is right for you. Yoga is non- competitive and can be practiced by anyone, at any age, with any physical condition, depending on individual needs. Yoga is a technique of personal development, and to find out what it is, the simplest way is to take some classes. Contact Ananda Sanga for details.

Through the yoga postures we focus our attention inward finding integration, balance. Yoga asanas help relax body and mind together. Stretching helps relax and tone the muscles, to improve circulation, to regain the vital force or energy, lose or gain weight, feel and look young, and improve concentration. It can relieve conditions like stress, back-pain, allergy, headaches, high and low blood pressure, insomnia and depression.

Yoga can be practiced to refresh, revitalize, and reduce stress.

Our Yoga Training is according to 200-hour or 500-hour International Standards for Yoga Teachers.

Registered Yoga Training School: Yoga Alliance Africa (YAA)

Yoga Teacher Training Course

1 Month Intensive in sunny - South Africa

This very popular Yoga Teacher Training Course falls under the our training department, Ananda Sanga Educational Institute

Book now for 2008!

Internationally Registered Yoga School

Meditation is one of the most natural and yet profoundly rewarding of all human activities. Practiced on a daily basis it produces astonishing results on all levels of being: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.

Meditation is not a practice to achieve blank space or blank thought by blocking, suppressing and neglecting our concerns. It is the feeling of happiness, fulfillment, contentment and peace within when we close our eyes and integrate our body, mind and spirit. Meditation is - directing your consciousness inward - to find the source of all life's manifestations.

Benefits: Physiologically, meditation has been found to reduce stress, strengthen the immune system and to help in the body's healing process. During meditation, the breath and the brain waves slow down, blood pressure and metabolic rate decrease and circulation and detoxification of the blood increase. Mentally. Meditation focuses ands clarifies the mind better than any other activity, It improves creativity, concentration, mental alertness and memory. Practiced on a daily basis, it will enable you to think more clearly and positively, and to be at peace with yourself.

Meditation is natural and universal and does not belong to any culture or religion, just as sleep does not belong to any group of persons. It is an innate gift and we need to re-learn this art to come to the realisation who and what we really are - not this body, but a soul, perfect and not separated from the Source.

At Ananda Sanga, we teach beginners and more advanced meditation courses. The meditation teachings are based on those of Paramahansa Yogananda. They emphasize that every soul must seek inward upliftment and Self-Realization.

We also offer Corporate Meditation Programs.

Please contact us for any further information.