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| The Himalayan Institute |
The Himalayan Institute: The Style
Swami Rama taught a complete and systematic approach to guide practitioners to their inner selves. Within this system, hatha yoga is used as a means of training the mind through the body.
The hatha yoga aspect of the Himalayan Institute is most commonly practiced in a class setting or in individual instruction. In either case, teachers of Himalayan Institute Yoga are certified by the Himalayan Institute Teachers Association. Individual instruction by certified Himalayan Institute yoga teachers is also available. Hatha yoga at the Himalayan Institute is comprised of several levels of practice—Gentle, Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced. While teachers are trained to accommodate all levels of students within one class format, they usually hold separate classes for each level. Classes follow a similar structure, which is composed of a set group of postures that incorporate a balanced set of all the major yoga postures designed for maximum benefit.
Himalayan Institute hatha yoga classes emphasize inner awareness and control of the breath. They also emphasize proper relaxation practices. In addition to classes in hatha yoga, the Himalayan Institute offers courses in meditation, breath control, diet, stressreduction, and exploration of sacred scriptures.
Because of their very practical approach, Himalayan Institute teachings can be especially effective at reducing stress. At the Honesdale campus, its international headquarters, a number of research projects are currently underway to help assess the benefits of yoga in stress-reduction and in helping a variety of illnesses. The Himalayan Institute is at the cutting edge of providing treatment and instruction in a variety of alternative healing practices, including homeopathy and ayurveda. It provides medical evaluations and treatments at its Honesdale headquarters, as well as at some of its branch locations.
It was Swami Rama’s goal to bridge East and West, mind and body. The Himalayan Institute presents a set of concrete, practical tools to accomplish this end. It holds special appeal for men looking for a practical and systematic approach to yoga.
In keeping with its comprehensive, systematic approach to yoga, the Himalayan Institute has developed a program of yoga to suit nearly any man’s needs and abilities. For those individuals who are stiff, out of shape, sick, or weak, the Himalayan Institute has an entire series of joint and gland exercises. These exercises are designed to loosen the joints, stimulate circulation, and tonify the glands. The asanas that are practiced in hatha yoga classes can be modified to suit individual needs.
