Khatu Pranam - Greetings to Khatu

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This exercise balances and harmonizes body, mind and soul in a perfect way.

On a physical level it strengthens, stretches and relaxes the muscles, ligaments and joints of the whole body. It expands the lungs and deepens the breath so energy can flow more freely throughout the body. Circulation is stimulated and fatigue is overcome. Because more blood is supplied to the head, there is an improvement in concentration and eyesight. Khatu Pranam also makes the spine more flexible and promotes healthy function of organs and glands. If one practices these exercises with regular discipline, Khatu Pranam also becomes a powerful tool in regulating the entire nervous system. One can balance strong emotions and overcome nervousness and depression.

On a spiritual level, Khatu Pranam is like a cosmic dance or Mudra (spiritual expression). It has a strong influence on our energy centres (Chakras) and the life energy (Prana) flows better throughout the whole body. The Tattvas (elements) and biorhythms are brought into balance. It expands consciousness, harmonises the body, breath and nervous system, and promotes the feeling of calmness. It broadens the consciousness to perceive the vital energy existing everywhere.

Perform 4-6 rounds of Khatu Pranam once or twice a day, especially when feeling tired and you will feel fresh and vital. 
For details how to practice Khatu Pranam please follow this link.

Benefits:

• Position 1 + 19

Stretches all the muscles, ligaments and joints of the upper body and relaxes the organs of the abdomen and chest. The lungs are expanded and the breath spreads into all areas of the chest, particularly into the sides of the lungs. The energy flows more freely throughout the body, especially into the limbs. This posture influences the Vishuddhi Chakra.

• Position 2 + 18

The increased blood supply to the head promotes concentration. The Asana has a calming effect and relieves tiredness, nervousness and depression. It relaxes the neck and shoulders, deepens the breath into the back and releases tension in the back. The pressure of the thigh and the movement of the breath into the abdomen massages the intestines. This posture influences the Muladhara Chakra (especially when practiced with Ashvini Mudra).

• Position 3 + 17

Stretches the entire spine and counters a rounded back. The posture relaxes the pelvic region and is of benefit to the organs of the lower abdomen. Deep, diaphragmatic breathing is promoted which stimulates the flow of energy throughout the whole body.

• Position 4 + 16

Stretches the whole spine and front of the body. Stimulates the flow of energy and increases the flow of the breath into the sides of the lungs. Circulates blood to all organs of the pelvis, abdomen and chest, and stimulates function of all glands. The position calms strong emotions. Strengthens the back, arm and shoulder muscles. Extends the spine and stretches the hip flexors, thus is excellent in preventing a rounded back. For this reason, this Asana is recommended for those with sitting professions. The Asana has a balancing influence on the Svadhishthana Chakra.

• Position 5 + 15

Strengthens the whole body. Stimulates blood circulation and particularly increases the flow of blood into the head. In this way the Asana counters tiredness and aids concentration and eyesight. Stretches the calf muscles and helps foot strain and venous return. This posture balances the energy flow of the whole body and has an activating effect upon the Sahasrara Chakra.

• Position 6 + 14

Extends the back and stretches the muscles of the hips and pelvic floor. Promotes good posture. The Asana develops deeper breathing and healthy digestion. This posture influences the Anahata Chakra.

• Position 7 + 13

Stretches the whole of the upper body, especially along the sides of the chest. The chest is opened and expanded, allowing the breath to flow evenly into all areas of the lungs. Improves balance and leg stability. Extends the back and stretches the hips, promoting good posture and a relaxed meditation pose. The Asana influences the Vishuddhi Chakra.

• Position 8 + 12 (as for 6 + 14)
• Position 9 + 11

The upper body can relax in this position. All joints of the spine, shoulders and arms are relieved of strain and receive an increased supply of blood. Stimulates the function of all internal organs and muscles, as well as the sense organs in the head (eyes, ears etc.). Stretches the back muscles and the muscles of the legs. This Asana activates the Manipura Chakra.

• Position 10

Invigorates the whole body, balances energy flow and stimulates the function of all glands. Deepens the breath, stimulates digestion and helps relieve diseases of the throat. The posture has a balancing effect upon the Vishuddhi Chakra.

Caution: Avoid this sequence of Asanas with very high blood pressure or dizziness.

We now come to the final and highest level of Asanas - Padmasana (Lotus) and the practice of various postures in Padmasana.

Along with Shirshasana, Padmasana is known as the supreme and “Royal” Asana. Why is this posture so important? Padmasana is the only sitting posture in where the spine is completely upright, so that the lungs are entirely free for breathing. Above all, it opens the Chakras along the spine and activates the corresponding nerve centres. As the qualities of each Chakra begin to unfold, the Yoga aspirant is opened to diverse levels of consciousness. This is why Yogis always sit for deep meditation in Padmasana.

The lotus is a symbol full of meaning for the Yogi and the Yoga aspirant. In mythology, the lotus blossom represents beauty, purity and spirituality. To the Yogi, the lotus blossom is a symbol of Divine consciousness and love. Those who meditate on the lotus blossom can realise its perfection within themselves. For those who find the divine lotus within, the search is over.

 "The more wisdom you possess, the more humble becomes your mind. The more understanding you develop, the more helpful become your actions. The more goodness residing in your heart, the more love you feel for everything."

Yoga in Daily Life - The System

8 Levels of Practice: Asanas, Pranayamas, Self-Enquiry Meditation, Relaxation, Chakras, Special conditions, Yogic Diet, and Philosophy.

$40 at Alexandria online store or buy at your local Yoga center

Hard Cover, full color pictures, extensive explanations and contra-indications for all poses, 448 pages.

A new level of Yoga practice ahead and an equally new level of development of consciousness. The step now is to consider more deeply the philosophy and spiritual aspects of Yoga. “Where do I come from?” “What is the meaning and purpose of life?” “What duty must I fulfil in this life?” And finally, “Where will I go after this life?”

Within the practice of “Yoga in Daily Life” the answers to these five vital questions can be found. Ultimately we can free ourselves from the wheel of destiny and attain the final and supreme goal of Yoga - liberation from Karma, death and rebirth.

Often one is tempted by the restless and changeable nature of the mind to break from the Yoga path and again try something new. Don't allow yourself to be tempted or change out of mere curiosity. The success you gain in Yoga can be likened to the care given to a tender plant - it will only grow and bear fruit under your gentle and loving care. If you repeatedly plant and replant a small seed, it will never gain the opportunity to take root and thrive. In the same way the flower of spirituality will only develop through patience, love and perseverance.

Yoga in Daily Life - The System

8 Levels of Practice: Asanas, Pranayamas, Self-Enquiry Meditation, Relaxation, Chakras, Special conditions, Yogic Diet, and Philosophy.

$40 at Alexandria online store or buy at your local Yoga center

Hard Cover, full color pictures, extensive explanations and contra-indications for all poses, 448 pages.

Yoga ignites the light of wisdom so that we gain clarity and become aware of true reality.

Yoga in the advancing levels calms the mind, and develops the power of discrimination (Viveka). This quality guides us towards correct understanding and to discernment in making right decisions. One of the most important tasks as we develop in Yoga, apart from the physical, breathing and concentration exercises, is to train the intellect and use it correctly. 

"Create the right balance between material and spiritual life and you will possess two strong wings with which your soul can soar towards God." 

Yoga in Daily Life - The System

8 Levels of Practice: Asanas, Pranayamas, Self-Enquiry Meditation, Relaxation, Chakras, Special conditions, Yogic Diet, and Philosophy.

$40 at Alexandria online store or buy at your local Yoga center

Hard Cover, full color pictures, extensive explanations and contra-indications for all poses, 448 pages.