The Yoga rules

By Paul Jerard

Sometimes, Yoga instructors are asked to teach classes for free; there is nothing wrong with giving your time for free, but this brings up many more underlying issues. Are "true Yogis" obligated to teach for free because anyone who would accept payment is violating the fifth Yama: Aparigraha?

What is a "true Yogi?" What is Aparigraha?

The term, Aparigraha, can mean many things, but the definition can range from voluntary poverty, to limiting your possessions, to only what is necessary. So, are Yoga teachers who receive payment for services "pseudo-Yogis?" After all, a true Yogi should never receive payment to teach Yoga - Right?

Wrong - In fact, dead wrong. The people, who talk this foolishness, do not teach Yoga, but will accept your services for nothing. They may accuse you of greed, covetousness, and hoarding. Yet, they accept payment for their livelihood.

So, here's the logic: For a Yoga teacher to live with no money, and no material possessions, is fine because we have all taken a vow of poverty by the act of giving or teaching. If you believe this, please wake up. You live in a modern society, and you need to earn a wage in order to survive.

Unless you live under the protection of a fellowship or charitable trust, you have to consider food, clothing, and shelter a priority. What is your family supposed to live on, or should you give up the right to have a family too?

After you decided to become a certified Yoga teacher, it was only natural that people would want to receive lessons, sessions, or classes. Most of your students see a value in what you do, while a rare few do not.

There are always a few people who manipulate their way through life looking to get everything for nothing. In fact, they are practicing greed, covetousness, and hoarding, but will gladly take anything you have for nothing.

There is nothing wrong with giving, if you can afford to give your time or money. Karma Yoga is selfless service and it is goodness for all humanity, but do not feel guilty for accepting student tuition fees. How can you feed your family otherwise?

Please observe and learn from the fitness industry. The masses consider fitness to be physical torture. As a result, some health clubs charge less than ten dollars per month. The cost of a daily shower is more than $10 per month. Fitness centers also give a free month membership, in hopes that will lure new memberships.

How can they cover equipment, building lease, utilities, taxes, wages, and liability insurance costs? On top of this, health clubs run each other out of business by giving everything away for free.

The truth be known, the fitness industry is hanging on by a very thin thread, and that thread is about to break. Yoga is not fitness, we do not teach people who join for a New Year's resolution and quit by Valentine's Day. Yoga is a lifestyle, and changes are clearly seen over the long haul.

Every Yoga certification course should teach interns about marketing, networking, communication, business, and advertising. This is an essential part of surviving in any economy. Yoga teachers cannot give their time freely, unless they have the means to do so.

ฉ Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

By Matthew B Jones

Yoga has gained popularity in recent years, and for good reason. This ancient practice helps keep you toned, flexible and feeling connected to your body. All of these things will benefit you as you age.

Yoga is basically a series of movements designed to stretch the body, encourage slow and steady breathing (or thoughtful breathing) and provide an entre into meditation. In India, there is less emphasis on movements or postures and more emphasis on the meditative aspect of yoga, while outside of India, there is more emphasis on the asanas (postures).

If you want to look and feel younger than your age, by years, then consider a good antiaging cream as well as antiaging workout - such as yoga.

So what are the benefits of yoga when it comes to anti aging?

The benefits of yoga are great and well documented. They include weight maintenance, increased flexibility, detoxification of the body and stress reduction. All of these things will benefit you as you get older.

Yoga is often sought out by people who want to learn to relax and reduce stress. Because yoga requires that you focus on yourself and truly live in the moment, you learn how to handle stresses in your life easier and this, obviously, can have far-reaching benefits as you get older. Learning how to control stress will make your life immeasurably better as you age and will reduce the chance you develop a whole host of illnesses.

Since many older people often have stiff joints and have a hard time with various yet simple movements, practicing yoga is an ideal activity. Since yoga requires performing the asanas (or postures) for a period of time, and they are often somewhat difficult or require a good deal of stretching, many people notice that within only a few sessions, they are moving easier and with less stiffness.

Keeping your weight in line is very beneficial as you age, and yoga is also helpful here. Although it's not a cardiovascular activity, it is believed that yoga stimulates glands (like the thyroid) which can help speed up metabolism. In addition, many people find when they practice yoga that they become more aware of their bodies and what they need to do to take care of themselves. This, in turn, can lead to weight loss.

Yet another benefit of yoga is the aspect of detoxification. Because yoga requires poses that can stimulate blood flow to various organs, it's believed it helps to flush out toxins. In addition, the emphasis on controlled and deep breathing can increase oxygenation of the body. Various poses also help to improve digestion.

So there you have it.

You now know the anti aging benefits of yoga, which are numerous. For younger looking skin, body and mind, then use an antiaging workout routine and benefit from it right away. If yoga will work for you, you must do the work to benefit from it, but the benefits are immense if you are willing to put in that work.

Want the anti wrinkle cream that works in minutes? Then see this wrinkle cream review by Matthew Jones and discover how to get the 7 Minute Lift cream as free offers to experience looking years younger than your age. Get more information regarding Athena 7 minute lift here.