Practical Suggestions to Hatha Yoga Students

Asanas-Yoga rules  Bhadrasana   Brmhacharya asana   Don't Do Asanas When   Eye Exercises   Gomukhasana   Hathyoga warm-up   Yoga Introduction  Introduction   Surya Namaskaar  The Plough Posture   The Spinal Roll or Rocking Exercise   The Stomach Lift   What Asanas Will Do For You   Yoni asana   Practical Suggestions to Hath Yoga Students   How to Practice   Schedule of Exercises

The best time to practise is the early morning because, at that time, body and mind are rested, calm and receptive. Be regular in rising, retiring, in practising. Be moderate, moderate in habits, speech and thought. Avoid worry, avoid negative thoughts; be positive and optimistic. Never allow negative feelings, hatred, anger, vanity, jealousy and other low feelings to touch your soul. Negative emotions poison body and soul; positive thinking and feeling will create the things you desire.

Watch your diet. If you have been a meat eater, change gradually to a diet of natural food, greens, vegetables, whole cereals, fruit, milk and milk products, honey. Avoid fabricated and complicated dishes. Drink water or wine; avoid alcohol; avoid tobacco.

Discipline your body to have regular bowel movements. Many of the Asanas will help you to do so, such as Yoga-Mudra, Uddijana, Nauli etc.

Again, be moderate in eating, drinking, sleeping and everything else. The middle path is the safe path. Observe the golden medium, then you will soon become a Yogi. Be scrupulously clean without as within, cultivate serenity and detachment. Always remember that in the skies of your own soul you yourself are the sun!

Each month, at new moon and at full moon keep a day of fasting and a day of silence. The day will increase your energies and your will and your health will profit.

Practise Yoga in a separate room, if possible a retreat all your own. Let it be simple, clean, harmonious. When you enter it, leave the world and its cares outside. Practise on a clean rug or mat, which is used for no other purpose. Your face turned to the east.

Begin your practice with eliminating all sense of discouragement. Look into the future with all confidence and begin your deep breathing with faith in the power of Yoga to give you health, joy and peace. Always keep in mind the goal which is liberation. Asanas are not merely physical exercises, they have a spiritual basis. They will help you in controlling your senses, mind and body. They will awaken in you spiritual powers. Do not think any more of your worldly concerns than is necessary to determine your duty. Do your duty and leave the rest to God. - Sivananda