This web-page is a medium for me to meet friends who are also interested in following the path of Yoga.
Yoga is popular now. Unfortunately, many books and also some 
teachers emphasise the challenges of complicated postures and acrobatic skills. This is not the primary purpose of yoga. Yoga simply aims to promote a healthy body, mind and spirit.
As a Balinese, I like to adapt ancient yoga practice to suit people who live in our modern society.
According to yogic principles there are four aspect of Mokshartam Jagadita, the attainment of life’s goals. These are:
1.Bhakti Yoga, love and devotion (ceremonies, dancing, chanting etc.)
2.Karma Yoga, service to others
3. Jnana Yoga, study, knowledge and wisdom
4. Raja Yoga, using meditation.
The root word of yoga, “yuj”, means union.
Union of what? of ourself, with an object of concentration, with work skills and, finally.with God.
In the Balinese language, the word “yuga” means the harnessing of two cows, ‘uniting’ them to plough the land.
Hatha Yoga
The word Hatha Yoga is formed from two Sanskrit words “ha” meaning “sun” and “tha” meaning “moon”. This indicates a balance, male/female, positive/negative etc. As for Yoga is the union between these two energies.
These two together create equilibrium and harmony.
Hatha also means “forceful” meaning that the body should be forced by the practitioners will.
Hatha Yoga is primarily a cleansing practice, purifying the body and mind in preparation for meditation. Its practice promotes a longer life,through improved health (physical, mental, spiritual). It balances mind, body, spirit and emotions, using the breath as the link between all four.
People who practice Hatha Yoga regularly may have less heart disease, lower blood pressure, less back discomfort, lower rates of depression, a more optimistic attitude, and generally enjoy better health than many of their peers.
“Hatha” Yoga, is for health, strength, balance, concentration and relaxation. This practice necessary to make our body and mind fit and ready for those four ways already described.
Yoga can become your life, or .just something you do for a few minutes a day. The more you put into it, the more you will gain. Feel comfortable and happy, with gratefulness, enjoy every moment.
The Patanjali Yoga Eight Fold Path
1. Yama (principles or moral code)
Ahimsa (non-violence); Satya (Truth); Asteya (non-stealing); Brahmacharya (self control); Aparigraha (unselfishness)
2. Niyama (personal discipline)
Saucha (cleanliness); Santosha (contentment); Tapas (great effort); Svadhyaya (self study); Ishvara Pranidhana (faith in God, dedication)
3. Asana (yoga postures, position, a stable and comfortable posture which helps attain mental equilibrium)
4. Pranayama (yoga breathing, extension and control of breath)
5. Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses, a mental preparation to increase the power of mind)
6. Dharana (concentration on object, concentration of mind on one object and its field)
7. Dhyana (meditation, withdrawing mind from all external objects and focusing it on one point and meditating on it)
8. Samadhi (state of super bliss, joy and merging individual consciousness in to universal consciousness. Union between jivatman and Paramatma.
The benefits of yoga :
“To become easeful in body, peaceful in mind and useful in society” (Swami Satchitananda)
“Selamat berYOGA!” or Ready for Yoga!
- Traditionally it is recommended to practice Yoga at sunrise or sunset. Early morning would be energizing and stimulating; evening routine would be restful.
- The amount of time you allow should notbe less that 15 minutes or more than two hours.
- Never strain or use force to achieve a position. Stretch only slightly beyond the point of comfort, not to the point of pain. Take time to rest between postures or groups of them.
- Wear comfortable loose clothing.
- Do yoga before eating, not directly after meal.
- If you have an injury, choose your postures carefully to prevent possible aggravation.
- Women who are menstruating should avoid strenuous exercise or postures, back arches, and inverted poses.
- Consider your personal needs and restrictions. “Be aware of your body and its messages” Work slowly and carefully.
- Do not practice yoga under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- If you are a smoker, have your last cigarettes at least one hour before practice (preferably quit the habit)
kawiyoga 
