Move your joints every day. You have to find your own tricks. Bury your mind deep in your heart, and watch the body move by itself.
Sri Dharma Mittra
Dharma Yoga
"Be Receptive."
Sri Dharma Mittra
© J.Vock/DharmaYogaCenter.com
What is Dharma yoga?
Dharma Yoga is a graceful, yet challenging form of yoga based on Sri Dharma Mittra’s over fifty years of practice of classical yoga. The practice is appropriate for students of all levels, from beginner to lifelong practitioners and accessible to so many because it meets each student where they are and according to their condition. As students move through the different series, they are encouraged to go deeper and experience the practice in a meditative and spiritual way.
Sri Dharma’s passion for helping students go deeper in their practice using only the best and most efficient techniques with the ultimate goal of Self-realization (gaining absolute knowledge of the True Self) is reflected in all aspects of the Dharma Yoga system.
Dharma Yoga has roots in all nine forms of yoga, including Hatha, Raja, Karma, Kriya, Bhakti, Japa, Laya and Jnana, as well as a focus on the Eight Limbs of Yoga (Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga) with great emphasis placed on Yama and Niyama.
Dharma Yoga classes typically include
A combination of physical postures to build strength and flexibility, breathing exercises to enhance pranic (life force) energy, and meditation to cultivate inner peace and self-awareness. The practice emphasizes self-realization, compassion, and service to others as integral components of yoga.
Asana (Physical Postures):
Dharma Yoga classes typically involve a wide range of asanas, including standing poses, forward bends, backbends, twists, inversions, and balancing postures. According to Sri Dharma, the asana practice promotes radiant health, physical strength, and freedom from disease.
Pranayama (Breathing Exercises):
Breath control is an essential aspect of Dharma Yoga. Practitioners learn various pranayama techniques to regulate and deepen their breath, which helps to balance the flow of prana (life force energy) in the body, calm the mind, and enhance vitality.
Dhyana (Meditation):
Meditation is integrated into Dharma Yoga as a means of cultivating mindfulness, concentration, and inner peace. Students are guided through techniques to quiet the mind, observe their thoughts without judgment, and connect with their inner selves.
Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep):
Dharma Yoga often incorporates Yoga Nidra, a deep relaxation practice that induces a state of conscious deep sleep. Yoga Nidra promotes profound relaxation, stress relief, and both emotional and physical healing.
Bhakti Yoga (Path of Devotion):
Dharma Yoga encourages devotion and reverence as a means of connecting with the divine. Bhakti practices such as chanting and mantra repetition are integral parts of the practice.
Yama and Niyama (Ethical Principles):
Dharma Yoga teachings include the principles of Yama (the ethical rules) and Niyama (the observances), which guide practitioners in leading a conscious and ethical lifestyle. These principles encompass values such as non-violence, truthfulness, contentment, self-discipline, and self-study.
The action of compassion is to see yourself in others. This is the most important thing for all of us to practice all the time.
Sri Dharma Mittra
Sri Dharma was given an extraordinary gift of knowledge in receiving yoga directly from his Guru, Sri Swami Kailashananda a.k.a. Yogi Gupta, for over a decade beginning in the early 1960’s. During this period of intense study, Sri Dharma was exposed to various yoga techniques that he has refined over almost half a century of practice and teaching into the Dharma Yoga he and his certified teachers the world over continue to share with their students each day.
In essence, Dharma Yoga is a system of classical Hatha-Raja Yoga. A devotional practice that emphasises good health, a clear mind and a kind heart. The method weaves together many teachings to bring all students closer to the goal of Self-realisation.
The secret to success is constant practice.
Sri Dharma Mittra
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