How to practice: Surya Namaskara A
Yoga by Delight Yoga
For thousands of years, Hindus have revered the sun, which they call Surya (the god of health), as both the physical and spiritual heart of our world and the creator of all life itself. The sun has immense power and becoming aware of the effects of the sun on our lives we will begin to awaken our inherent solar forces. Handed down from sages of ancients times Salute to the Sun, sun worship is presented in many ancients cultures: Egyptians, Mayans, Incas, Aztec, Atlantis, Stonehenge, North Americans Indians, Chinese Yin and Yan. Practising the Surya Namaskara we superimpose this solar energy and form on our present body/mind complex. This is the transforming force for a fuller and more active life and a greater appreciation of the richness of the world we live in. As we start our Astanga practice with the dynamic flow of Surya Namaskara A, we set the foundation and tone of our whole practice – it is in fact at this very beginning that we establish the connection of breath and movement (vinyasa), setting the rhythm and the tone, the grace and the stability of the whole practice. And repeating these fluid movements with dedicated awareness for 5 times will make the body ready and set the mind in the correct attitude. When we understand the ‘correct method’ for practising Surya Namaskara, we will understand the whole Astanga Vinyasa system, as each series of postures, can be simply considered an extension and refinement of the movements of the sun salutations. Sūrya Namaskāra A Instructions 1. ekam Inhale, raise arms overhead, palms touching Dhristi: to the middle of the thumb (añguṣṭhamadhye) 2. dve Exhale, fold forward, hands to the floor (Uttānāsana) Dhristi: to the nose (nāsāgre) 3. trīṇi Inhale, lift the head, straighten the spine Dhristi: in the middle of the eyebrows (bhrūmadhye) 4. catvāri Exhale, hands down, float back, elbows close to chest (Caturāṅga Daṇḍāsana) Dhristi: to the nose (nāsāgre) 5. pañca Inhale, roll on tops of feet, open the chest, straighten arms (Ūrdhva Mukha Śvānāsana) Dhristi: in the middle of the eyebrows (bhrūmadhye) 6. ṣaṭ Exhale, roll over the toes, push back, lift hips, straight arms (Adho Mukha Svānāsana), 5 breaths Dhristi: to the navel (nābicakre) 7. sapta Inhale, float forward, feet in between the hands, lift the head, lengthen the spine Dhristi: in the middle of the eyebrows (bhrūmadhye) 8. aṣṭau Exhale, head to knees (Uttānāsana) Dhristi : to the nose (nāsāgre) 9. nava Inhale, come up, raise arms overhead, palms touching Dhristi : to the middle of the thumb (añguṣṭhamadhye) Exhale, lower arms by the sides, Samasthitiḥ Dhristi : to the nose (nāsāgre) Sūrya Namaskāra A Benefits - Improves posture - Strengthens the spine, arms, legs and wrists - Stretches the chest, lungs, shoulders, abdomen, hamstrings, calves, arches and hands - Tones the abdomen and stimulates the abdominal organs - Energizes the body and improves digestion - Relieves stress, mild depression, sciatica headache, insomnia, back pain, fatigue and the symptoms of menopause - Therapeutic for high blood pressure, asthma, flat feet, sciatica, sinusitis - Calms the brain
Satya's Schedule 2020
News by Delight Yoga
Katiza Satya is Delight Yoga's partner, senior teacher, and spiritual leader. She leads retreats, workshops, immersions, teacher trainings, and various courses throughout Europe, Asia, and South America. Interested in learning from Satya? Find her 2020 schedule here.
Kapha Season: How to stay warm and vibrant this winter
Ayurveda by Delight Yoga
As we enter January, the winter deepens. The days become shorter and darker, we prefer staying in, and naturally turn inward like bears going into hibernation. If there is snow outside, it creates a layer of insulation that quietens the outside world. The cold and quiet winter season is characterized by Kapha, one of the three doshas (energies) in Ayurveda.
Studio News: January 2020
News by Delight Yoga
1-1-2020 Happy New Year from Delight Yoga! This month gives us the space to reflect on the lessons we learned this past year and to set intentions for the year to come. Let January be a time to restore and recenter yourself - letting go of what no longer serves you, so you can reconnect to that space of being conscious, being happy, being you.
Buddha's Teachings: The Four Noble Truths - There is Suffering (1 of 12)
Wisdom by Katiza Satya
Reality as it is: There is Suffering Welcoming this new cycle of life, the ending of the old year and the beginning of the New Year, we would like to bring the light of the profound teachings of the Buddha to our Delight community. May we all feel inspired in our hearts to receive this new decade 2020! May we aspire to live and share our buddha nature in all moments of life for the benefit of all beings.
Studio News: Happy Holidays from Delight Yoga!
News by Delight Yoga
20-12-2019 Happy Holidays from Delight Yoga! During the Christmas days and on New Years the regular schedule will be replaced by different special classes. Make sure to check the schedule before you go to your favourite yoga classes.
Studio News: December 2019
News by Delight Yoga
1-12-2019 Can you feel that winter is coming? The days slowly become darker and the air is getting colder. It is the time of year when everything slows down and gets quiet. However, if we turn too much inward, the cold and darkness can weigh us down. To keep that inner fire (Agni) burning and stay healthy we need to keep our bodies moving. What better way to do that than by practising yoga?
Diving into The Bhagavad Gita: The Yoga of The Supreme Being (Chapter 15)
Wisdom by Sjoerd Dragtsma
When I received this chapter of the Gita I felt joy and an excitement to get involved with this chapter again. It describes the very ultimate realization of Creation, the Source of all manifestation, the Absolute as a direct experience while having a human body.
Studio News: November 2019
News by Delight Yoga
1-11-2019 November has fully arrived in autumn. The leaves on the trees start to dry out, turn brown and fall to the ground. The temperature starts to drop, becomes colder and windier. And it is easy for us to get out of balance. Have you been feeling a little ungrounded and tired? Yoga can help you ground and strengthen yourself.
Diving into The Bhagavad Gita: The three modes of material Nature (Chapter 14)
Wisdom by Jonas Nathan
The Bhagavad Gita for me is all about finding the connection with God. For many of us, God is still connected with religion and some of us can have some resistance towards God. But once we start to separate God from any religion, we can start to work with a God that works in our spiritual practice. A God of your understanding or you can call it your higher power. This can be anything as long as it’s bigger than you.
My Ayurveda Practitioner Training Experience at Delight Academy
Ayurveda by Loulou Machinè
The ancient scriptures state: Ayurveda is for those who are desirous of life. My interpretation: Not only your own life, but all life in general. Food and lifestyle as medicine Food and lifestyle as medicine is a concept I live by. I have experienced it myself when I took charge of my own health by making the transition to a mostly whole-food plant-based diet.
Vata Season: How to stay grounded and balanced in Autumn?
Ayurveda by Delight Yoga
Summer is over and the heat of summer has now started to dry things out as we enter the next season, autumn. The leaves on the trees start to dry out, turn brown (Vata’s colour) and fall to the ground. The temperature starts to drop, becoming colder and windier. All these are Vata qualities and these same Vata qualities can show up in our body and mind, regardless of our constitution. So even if you are mostly pitta Prakruti (constitution),
Yoga Anatomy: Skeletal System
Yoga by Delight Yoga
The skeletal system includes all the bones and the joints in our body. This system serves four main functions: Support: It provides a support and gives firmness to the body. Protection: It protects the various delicate organs like i.e. brain or lungs. Movement: It provides surface for the attachment of muscles and itself acts as a lever. Thus along with the muscular system, it helps in the movement of various parts of the body or of the body as a whole.
Physical Anatomy Applied to Yoga
Yoga by Delight Yoga
INTRODUCTION As the practice of yoga techniques deeply influences the functions and structures of the human body, it is important to understand its constitution and the way our body works. Compared with the ancient yogic anatomical knowledge, modern anatomy is more an objective science-based on experiential and direct observations than an empirically subjective matter based on personal experiences, as the old Ayurvedic medicine was.
Studio News: October 2019
News by Delight Yoga
1-10-2019 October is the start of fall time. We, as well as nature, slowly turn inwards. The days will be shorter, the nights will be longer. The shifting of the season means that we as humans will shift too, energetically, mentally or physically. You may find yourself feeling different, more tired or it may cause some turbulence in the mind. Get ready for fall times by learning through the science of Yoga & Ayurveda: Get ready for Autumn with Patricia Veltri on 18 October.
Diving into the Bhagavad Gita: Nature, the Enjoyer and Consciousness (Chapter 13)
Wisdom by Eric Weber
We can imagine poor Arjuna! Who founds himself back admit a battlefield struggling with his destiny. Maybe he can not do what is been asked from him to do, namely to kill his family, friends, and mentors in battle. The family fight escalated and the fight for power has come to its climax. Poor Arjuna must fight and still, he resists. Can he duck the responsibility of karma? Choose another outcome? Is he, Arjuna, not a hero? Why not resist as an ultimate test? Maybe he can change the course of history by refusing to fight. On his knees, he is begging for mercy on his fate.
Studio News: September 2019
News by Delight Yoga
1-9-2019 September is upon us and it is all about slowing down and getting grounded. When you feel a little lost keep in mind the impermanence of life: always shifting and evolving, dying and being born again. Just as change is the only constant, there are unbroken patterns that exist within the ebb and flow of reality. When we slow down and ground ourselves, we can begin to witness the patterns, becoming aware enough to actually break free from it.
Studio News: August 2019
News by Delight Yoga
1-08-2019 New things are blooming during the heatwave of this summer as the month of August brings us not one, but two New Moons! It is a time where a lot of exciting and new things are happening at Delight Yoga. As the Nieuwe Achtergracht will temporarily close on the 19th of August and the new location at Weesperstraat 63 will open its doors, we will surrender to and trust the magic of new beginnings.
Diving into the Bhagavad Gita: Devotional Service, Bhakti Yoga and the way of Love (Chapter 12)
Wisdom by Daniel Maciejewski
How to come closest to Krishna consciousness and what to do to obtain that, is the key message of this month’s theme, the 12th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. Krishna says: “Still your mind in me, still your intellect in me, and without doubt, you will be united with me forever. If you cannot still your mind in me, learn to do so through a regular practice of meditation. If you lack the will for such self-discipline, engage yourself in my work, for selfless service can lead you at least to complete fulfilment. If you are unable to do even this, surrender yourself to me, disciplining yourself and renouncing the results of all your actions.”
The Importance of Yoga Alignment
Yoga by Delight Yoga
Alignment is the term we use in yoga to describe the precise way to do any given pose in order to maximize its benefits and minimize the risk of injury. It offers options for practitioners of all levels, shapes and sizes and encourages the use of props, modifications to find the safest and most beneficial way for each body to fully experience each pose.
The Yamas & Niyamas
Yoga by Delight Yoga
The Yamas & Niyamas are the first two limbs of the eight limbs of yoga according to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Yama is the attitude towards our environment and Niyama is the attitude towards ourselves. They create a container for yoga to happen.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga
Yoga by Delight Yoga
Within the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali is the section called Astanga yoga (the eight limbs of Yoga). On the one hand, they are considered to be in a linear order, but on the other hand, they keep recurring at different levels in a kind of spiralling effect that supports and enhances practice. There are eight limbs of Yoga. These are:
Shad Darshan: The Six Philosophies of Ayurveda
Ayurveda by Delight Yoga
Ayurvedic Philosophy As every healing system has a basic foundation of philosophy, Āyurvedic philosophy is based on Shad Darshan, the six philosophies of life, which developed from the ancient sages and scriptures of India.
An Introduction to Ayurveda
Ayurveda by Delight Yoga
What is Ayurveda? Ayurveda is the sacred and fantastic ancient system of medicine and healing from India, yet throughout regions of the East, there are variations of it such as Tibetan Ayurveda. It is the first-ever recorded system of healing of the physical, mental and energetic body.
An Introduction to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Yoga by Delight Yoga
Yoga is considered by some to be the oldest unbroken line of philosophical/spiritual thought. It has its origins in India at the time of the Rig Veda, perhaps the oldest book in the world. It spread to the north, to the east (where it is known as Chan and Zen) and eventually to the west.
10 Fundamental Principles of Yoga
Yoga by Delight Yoga
Yoga is a complex tradition, which has a history of 5000 or more years. Beginners are easily overwhelmed by the vastness and richness of Yoga’s practice, philosophy, and literature. But there are a few underlying principles that, once grasped, provide easier access to all the numerous aspects of Yoga. Here are ten such fundamental principles:
The Origin of Yoga
Yoga by Delight Yoga
Despite more than a century of research, we still don’t know much about the earliest beginnings of Yoga. We do know, though, that it originated in India 5,000 or more years ago. Until recently, many Western scholars thought that Yoga originated much later, maybe around 500 B.C., which is the time of Gautama the Buddha, the illustrious founder of Buddhism.
Yoga Poses in Sanskrit
Yoga by Delight Yoga
Can’t quite tell “Urdhva Mukha Paschimottanasana” apart from “Prasarita Padottanasana”? Not sure what to do when the teacher calls for “Karnapidasana”? Not clearly visualising “Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana”? Fear not, help is on the way...
The Sanskrit Alphabet
Yoga by Delight Yoga
The pronunciation of Sanskrit is very simple: you open your mouth wide and move the tongue and lips as necessary (they are almost pure muscles and have little inertia or resistance to movement). By contrast, the pronunciation of English requires much effort, for we barely open the mouth, and instead of simply moving the tongue we move the whole jaw.
10 Definitions of Yoga
Yoga by Delight Yoga
10 Definitions of Yoga There are lots of references to Yoga in Hindu scriptures, especially in the Gita, the Upanishads and other Puranas. Here’s a selection of 10 quotations from Sanskrit literature, which are trying to define or qualify Yoga:
Temporarily Closing Nieuwe Achtergracht on the 19th of August
News by Delight Yoga
31-Jul-2019 Closing Nieuwe Achtergracht on 19th of August We have important news about our studio at the Nieuwe Achtergracht that we want to share with you. We recently received word from our landlord that the foundation of our studio's building needs to be renovated.
Diving into the Bhagavad Gita: To see the all within the one (Chapter 11)
Wisdom by Coen Van der Kroon
To see the all within the one How to be(come) an Ayurveda-Arjuna… Arjuna speaks to Krishna: "Pasyami devams tava deva dehe sarvams tatha bhuta-visesa-sanghan brahmanam isam kamalasana-stham rsims ca sarvan uragams ca divyan" "Now I see all the divine forms in you. The Rishis are in you. All the Sages of the Universe, I see them all. And I see no beginning, no end, or no middle. Every form in the Universe is your form." - The Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 11, verse 15
Diving into the Bhagavad Gita: Yoga of Hidden Treasure (Chapter 9)
Wisdom by Reinier Dorrepaal
While knowledge of the self (selfless action or karma yoga) is revealed in the first six chapters of the Bhagavad Gita, knowledge of the union of the self through devotion in love (devotional yoga or bhakti yoga) is revealed in chapters seven to twelve. Krishna begins Chapter 9 with three verses to draw Arjuna’s undivided attention because the knowledge he is going to reveal is very important; it is the ‘Hidden Treasure’.
Introducing new membership benefits
News by Delight Yoga
19-Jun-2019 Today it's International Yoga Day! A day to celebrate yoga and that it embodies the unity of mind, body and spirit. To celebrate this special day we have a little gift for students with a Delight Membership. We are thankful for you being a part of the Delight community. Your dedication and commitment to the practice and Delight make sure that we can all grow together.
Diving into the Bhagavad Gita: Separating the Real from the Unreal (Chapter 8)
Wisdom by Rolandjan Van Mulligen
Chapter 8, Verse 315 Krishna talking to Arjuna: "At the time of leaving the body if anyone thinks of Me, definitely, he attains Me." (Chapter 8, Verse 315) The story of the Bhagavad Gita takes place on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where two sides of a family are preparing for battle. The conversation involves two characters: Krishna and Arjuna. Krishna represents our True Self and Arjuna represents the human identification with body and mind (ego).
Diving into the Bhagavad Gita: Knowledge of the Absolute (Chapter 7)
Wisdom by Peter Roussel
The practitioner in yoga strives to understand the right action, this is the theme in Hatha Yoga and Bakhti Yoga as it is in the epic story of Arjuna, the Bhagavad Gita. Bhagavad Gita is compiled from stories dating from before Christ and up to about 600 years after His death. Many edits by those in power have incorporated developing ideas of society and of how to understand life.
Diving into the Bhagavad Gita: The True Yoga (Chapter 6)
Wisdom by Jurre Twijnstra
Chapter 6, Verse 34-53 Arjuna asks Krishna: “O Krishna the mind is flickering unstable, strong and stubborn. I think it is as difficult as to control the wind.” Krishna explains to Arjuna: “Without doubt Arjuna, the mind is difficult to curb and is restless but it can be controlled by constant practice and non-attachment.” Reading in the Bhagavad Gita brings me back into moments and places in India every time.
Satya's Schedule 2019
News by Delight Yoga
12-Mar-2019 2019: Dive into Satsang, get to know your Self Are you ready to free yourself from your limitations, fears and confusions we are all individually and socially trapped in? As of 2019 we will continue with more Satsang at Delight Yoga, as an invitation for the ones who feel the call in their hearts to awake to the nature of being human, our right to live from true Peace, true Joy and true Love.
Diving into the Bhagavad Gita: Action in Pure Awareness (Chapter 5)
Wisdom by Sido Wijga
Chapter 5, Verse 8-9 Krishna explains to Arjuna: “The knower of the truth thinks “I do not do anything at all” - though seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, moving about, sleeping, breathing, speaking, emptying, accepting, opening and closing of eyes. He is convinced that only the sense organs of the body are engaged in sense objects and the soul is actionless.”
Diving into the Bhagavad Gita: The Battlefield (Chapter 2)
Wisdom by Kevin Sahaj
Chapter 2, verse 7 Arjuna speaks to Krishna: "Now I am confused about my duty and have lost all composure because of weakness. In this condition, I am asking You to tell me clearly what is best for me. Now I am Your disciple, and a soul surrendered unto You. Please instruct me." This is the beginning of a new year's dive into the deep Yogic and spiritual treasure of the Bhagavad Gita.
The 13 lunar cycles: The 13th Moon in January (Part 13 of 13)
Wisdom by Katiza Satya
'You are — the moment you decide to Be' by Satya After a wonderful journey of 12 moons, here we are at this invisible gate entering the last moon cycle of the year “the 13th moon in January”. With a heart full of gratitude and wisdom gathered from all the different aspects we have learned and shared in our walk on earth moment by moment, deep in ourselves we feel the Yes! We are ready to Be!
The 13 lunar cycles: Give Praise (Part 12 of 13)
Wisdom by Daphne Luttger
Life is inevitably a process of learning and maybe at some point in life’s journey, you come to the realization of the necessity of unlearning or changing the habitual patterns that we call conditioning. The importance of change for growth and transformation. We all build our personalities on the experiences we have.
Heads up: we have changed our pricing
News by Delight Yoga
02-Nov-2018 Link to FAQ We want to inform you that we have adjusted our pricing on January 1st. Please read the following to learn why and to find out what this might mean for you.
The 13 lunar cycles: Walk Tall, Woman (Part 11 of 13)
Wisdom by Patricia Veltri
The first time I heard the expression ‘She walks what she talks’ I was impressed by a powerful woman. She had so much integrity and coherence, she was so honest in the way she presented herself. With her, I understood the difference between being honest and carrying the truth. The truth has different aspects, can be seen from different perspectives. Be honest is to choose not to fake.
The 13 lunar cycles: Weaving the Web (Part 10 of 13)
Wisdom by Tianjin Lawless-Jennings
The Woman of the Tenth Moon Cycle weaves the creative web of life. She shows us that 'Mothers' come in many different forms: Aunt, Godmother, Guru, Friend. She is the special woman that you turn to for guidance, to steer you from the path of destruction, showing you the way back onto the path of creating and manifesting your dreams... of birthing your true potential through your creativity.
Why take rest on Moondays?
Yoga by Delight Yoga
On moon days we can recognize and through this recognizing, honor the natural rhythms of nature. Because if anything, nature teaches us that only change is constant. Both the new moon and the full moon create energetic experiences within us. Because of this, we see these days as yoga holidays in Astanga Yoga tradition. Lunar phases are determined by the relative position to the sun.
The 13 lunar cycles: shaping tomorrow's dream (Part 9 of 13)
Wisdom by Dolores Mae Höppener
The moon of September is the ninth moon cycle, the ninth month, that we share about the wisdom of the moon according to the native traditions. This moon is asking us to be aware that we are influencing tomorrow’s dreams; to be proactive to ensure the abundance of the future. The abundance of our children's children.
The 13 lunar cycles: She who heals (Part 8 of 13)
Wisdom by Victoria (Tory) Hyndman
Theme of the Month August: She who heals by Victoria (Tory) Hyndman This month’s theme is about “She who heals”. When we look at “she who heals`’, is this an individual like a mother, a grand-mother, an energy of the Divine Mother or perhaps our true mirror? There is a girl, a woman really. She is standing on a bridge, one we all come to at some point in life.
The 13 lunar cycles: Intimacy with all that is (Part 7 of 13)
Wisdom by Katka Jacz
Theme of the Month July: Intimacy with all that is by Katka Jacz To be at home with yourself and the world around you, happy and intimate with whatever is. Those of you who have had this experience know this is a possibility. But to live like this more constantly, is this possible?
The 13 lunar cycles: Storyteller (Part 6 of 13)
Wisdom by Lidewij Severins
Theme of the Month June: Storyteller She who speaks the Truth by Lidewij Severins The Moon of June represents the woman who speaks the Truth. She who shares from her heart; truthfully, concise and clear. Through stories, we learn to have faith, to be humble and to keep our innocence.
Breathing in Ecstasy
Yoga by Arno Nistal Ten Veen
Breathing in Ecstasy In this article, Arno gives you some insights into how the way you breathe is directly related to how you feel, and how you exchange energy with life itself with all of your life…
The 13 lunar cycles: Listen to your inner voice (Part 5 of 13)
Wisdom by Martine van Beusekom
Listen to your Inner Voice Every month the theme of the month is inspired by the book 'The 13 Clan Mothers', in which the writer, Jamie Sams, shares her Native American wisdom on what the moon teaches us, all 13 moons have their own teaching, helping us to Truth. Martine wrote about what the 5th moon brings us.
The 13 lunar cycles: 'Looks far Woman' (Part 4 of 13)
Wisdom by Ira Hardjosusono
Living the Mandala of Life. First of all, I’m grateful and happy to have been asked to write about the theme of the 4th April moon. Inspired by the many stories of women on the path, I started writing directly from the heart, inviting you to join me to go back in time.
The 13 lunar cycles: Weighs the truth (Part 3 of 13)
Wisdom by Ingeborg Timmerman
She who sees the truth The third moon of the year teaches us that truth has many different faces. We need to look at all sides of a situation to find out what is real and accept this truth although we may not like it. It teaches us that we can find our own personal truth by seeing and accepting the consequences of our actions and life experience. We need to look at what we can learn from our deeds.
The 13 lunar cycles: Wisdom Keeper (Part 2 of 13)
Wisdom by Alixe van Ogtrop
As honoring nature's rhythms and cycles connect us more easily with our own True Nature, we will write about the 13 lunar cycles. This year 13 women have been asked to write about the 13 lunar cycles. I have been asked to write about the second moon of the year with the theme 'Wisdom Keeper'.
The 13 lunar cycles: Talks with Relations (Part 1 of 13)
Wisdom by Kristin Vikjord Paternotte
NATURE “Weaving the rhythms of the seasons, She rides the Winds of Change” I was born under the Aurora Borealis. Under the dancing Lights of winter. I grew up in moonlit darkness. In the land of the midnight sun, a land where the sun never sets. Where the silence is more still than the first stillness. And time is present, like moments that never pass. Blue hours of vastness. Raw. Pure. Where heaven meets earth in winds as wild as your wildest dreams.
What is Satsang? Getting to know your Self
Yoga by Katiza Satya
Dive into Satsang, get to know your Self. Are you ready to free yourself from your limitations, fears and confusions we are all individually and socially trapped in? Satsang is an invitation for the ones who feel the call in their hearts to awake to the nature of being human, our right to live from true Peace, true Joy and true Love.
The Light within
Yoga by Katiza Satya
The Light Within We are the very source of all what we are searching for; healing, happiness, peacefulness, freedom or perfection, but it is so easy to be missed. Even when we try to point towards it is already too far, because you can't point to that which is already here, and what you really are.
What is a Women's Circle? Living real sisterhood
Yoga by Katiza Satya
What is a Women's Circle? A sacred space and sharing time to the fact that we are so many women practicing Yoga and finding a way to live consciously and making a difference in our realities and the world we are in. With good intentions, we enter the path of yoga, inner growth, inner reflection, etc. We find answers, however, it seems that there is always something missing... We are somehow in need of refuge and a healthy ground to re-construct and reevaluate our lives. Women's time has come now To heal and reconnect with our true wisdom, we need to awake and take responsibility for our deep disappointments, hurts, pains and denials and allow the healing to take place. This inner healing is the healing of Humanity, we as women need to take the leap NOW, for the benefit of our self, our loved ones, our children and finally heal all of our relations, (and) to give back to humanity what has been lost. Women give birth to Life All that is materialized in the world created by humans, is the creation of women because we allow it consciously and unconsciously. In that way, women are responsible for how planet earth is affected by our human kingdom. And by that, we have a role. Just like men have their own role. Only we (yes we do this ourselves:)) have been neglecting or true role, our true nature. That's why it's women time now, to heal what is preventing us from being who we truly are. When we step into that femininity, we automatically give space for men to do the same. We can start weaving this new reality cause we, women, are so near to true nature: our physical conditions, our moon cycle, remind us constantly that we are open and vulnerable, so we can love infinitely and with no conditions. Embracing this fact gives us freedom, strength and wisdom! Let's weave a new reality. Together. In sisterhood. Respecting all, loving all, including all men. We are opening the door for that. Women Circle at Delight Yoga Every month the classes are connected to the theme of the month, in line with the moon. Most probably most of you will be connected with this time naturally. The wisdom of the moon themes come through Jamie Sams. She shares this in the book 'The 13 Orginal Clan Mothers'. Our intention is to create real sisterhood. A save community to share, be vulnerable, liberate pain and awaken the True woman that you are. We will come together in circle’s monthly, planned around the full moon. There are 13th moon cycles in a year and therefore 13 circles. There will be practices and time for sharing and connecting with other sisters. It's a special class, bookable a week before through the regular schedule. We are looking forward to sharing and growing together!
The Opening & Closing Mantra of Astanga Yoga
Yoga by Sasha Van Aalst
The Opening Mantra vande gurūṇāṁ caraṇāravinde sandarśita svātma sukhāvabodhe | niḥśreyase jāṅgalikāyamāne saṁsāra hālāhala mohaśāntyai || ābāhu puruṣākāraṁ śaṅkhacakrāsi dhāriṇam | sahasra śirasaṁ śvetaṁ praṇamāmi patañjalim || I bow to the lotus feet of Gurus The awakening happiness of one’s own Self-revealed, Beyond better, acting like the Jungle physician, Pacifying delusion, the poison of Samsara.
Astanga Mysore Program at the Nieuwe Achtergracht
News by Delight Yoga
29-Sep-2017 We are happy to announce that we will be offering daily Mysore classes with Sasha van Aalst at the Nieuwe Achtergracht starting from November. The transmission of this practice has always been from one person to another, in an intuitive, receptive and guiding relationship. The practice will be taught one-on-one in the supportive context of community.
The Niyamas: Ishvara Pranidhana - Surrender to the divine
Wisdom by Wessel Paternotte
The Niyamas: Ishvara Pranidhana - Surrender to the divine The theme of this month is Ishvara Pranidhana, the last one in the series of niyamas. Ishvara refers to God, and Pranidhana generally means self-surrender. Ishvara Pranidhana is the practice of self-surrender in deep contemplation on the eternal source of all. In the practice of Ishvara Pranidhana, we let go of our thoughts, beliefs and ideas.
The Niyamas: Svadhyaya - Studying the Self
Wisdom by Wessel Paternotte
The Niyamas: Svadhyaya - Studying the Self The theme of the month is Svadhyaya, the fourth of the niyamas from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. The term Svadhyaya stems from the words Sva (Self or Soul) and Shyaya, which comes from dhyia (to meditate, study or contemplate) and so Svadhyaya means Studying the Self. DJ Khaled would call this a Holy Key, as knowing your Self, and being your Self, is what yoga is all about.
My teacher training experience with Delight Yoga
Yoga by Dolores Mae Höppener
Now, I feel what it is to be a spiritual being having a human experience. Now, I - and every particle in my body - know why I practice yoga on the mat. Now, I really dare to choose to be the Light. Now, I have the tools to stay Here. Now, I operate with faith.
The Niyamas: Tapas - Inner Fire and Selfless Love
Wisdom by Wessel Paternotte
TĀPAS Inner Fire & Selfless Love Tāpas, the third of the niyamas from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, has been translated into English as heat, spiritual austerities, self-discipline and inner fire. Through Tāpas, mastery of the body, mind and senses can be achieved. Think of Tāpas as a flame inside of you, which motivates you and keeps you on track with what is really important in life.
The Niyamas: Santosha - Contentment
Wisdom by Wessel Paternotte
The Niyamas: SANTOSHA - Contentment This month we focus on the practice of Santosha, developing contentment and equanimity of mind. I believe the first time I heard the word equanimity was during my first vipassana retreat. The teacher, S.N. Goenka, was speaking about it a lot. He told me that I should keep a calm, content and equanimous mind, no matter what the circumstances may be.
The essence of Immortality
Yoga by Katiza Satya
Ohm ॐ, We are honored to have received the teachings and blessings of Maratika Rinpoche at Delight Yoga on May 15th and 18th. We are very grateful to share one of his teachings transmitted in Amsterdam on May 18th, 2017 through this blog. Besides the texts, we hereby share the pictures for visualization of HRIH and Buddha Amitayus with you also.
The Niyamas: Saucha - purity, cleanliness and clearness
Wisdom by Wessel Paternotte
The Niyamas: Saucha - purity, cleanliness and clearness When I first heard about the niyamas as being the rules of yoga, I was not a fan. I never liked rules and I had a slight tendency of breaking them. Luckily, over the years my perception changed, and I began to understand that the niyamas are not meant as rules that you simply must follow to be a good person. I began to appreciate them as spiritual, mystical and yet very practical guidelines for a happy life. And I love being happy.
The Yamas: Aparigraha - Non-attachment
Wisdom by Maarten van Huijstee
The Yamas: Aparigraha - Non-attachment I will reflect on the fifth and last Yama: Aparigraha. The Yamas, “the don’ts”, are considered the natural laws of Yoga and thus Aparigraha is one of the five essential restraints. The word Aparigraha stems from the word parigrah which means ‘to crave’, ‘to seek’ and 'to seize’ possessions. It not only means the action but also includes the intent; the attitude of craving and possessiveness.
The Yamas: Brahmacharya - Follow the Universal self inside
Wisdom by Maarten van Huijstee
The Yamas: Brahmacharya - follow the universal self ride I will reflect on the fourth Yama “Brahmacharya”. The Yamas are an integral part of the path of Yoga and are seen as the natural laws of life which are guiding our action, words and thoughts.
The Yamas: Asteya - Non-stealing
Wisdom by Maarten van Huijstee
The Yamas: Asteya - Non stealing I'll be continuing my exploration of the Yamas, which are seen as the natural laws of Yoga and apply to all aspects of life, including restraints in one's actions, words and thoughts. This time we will reflect on the third Yamas, "Asteya", which translates to "non-stealing".
The Yamas: Satya - Truthfulness
Wisdom by Maarten van Huijstee
The Yamas: Satya - Truthfulness I’ll be writing about the five Yamas, an integral part of the eightfold path of Yoga. The Yamas are seen as the natural laws of Yoga which apply broadly in life and include self-restraints in one's action, words and thoughts. We’ll be having a closer look at the second Yama “Satya” which translates to “Truthfulness”
The Yamas: Ahimsa - non violence, non harming
Wisdom by Maarten van Huijstee
The Yamas: Ahimsa - non violence, non harming Several weeks ago, my teacher, Katiza Satya asked me to write the Theme of the Month for the first months of 2017. I was asked to write about the five "Yamas", one of the limbs of the eightfold path of Yoga. The Yamas are seen as the natural laws of Yoga which apply broadly in life and include self-restraints in one's action, words and thoughts. In January we start with "Ahimsa" which literally means "do not harm".
The Delight of Being: Let it be as a life strategy
Yoga by Juno Burger
The Delight of Being A senior monk and a junior monk were traveling together. At one point, they came to a river with a strong current. As the monks were preparing to cross the river, they saw a very young and beautiful woman also attempting to cross. The young woman asked if they could help her cross to the other side.
Just being is enough
Yoga by Kevin Sahaj
Maybe you have this experience that you are thinking to much. We are always planning, worrying, solving some problem, judging what we see as good or bad, liking or disliking. Is there ever a time when we are just being? Simply experiencing life as it is in whatever colour, sound, taste and touch is unfolding NOW by NOW, is a rare event.
The Importance of Your Yoga Practice
Yoga by Kevin Sahaj
Do you have a practice of yoga that you do regularly at home by yourself? If the answer is yes then you may have understood what is the real meaning of yoga practice: to dive deeply into yourself and find what is truth.
Bhagavad Gita: Hatha Yoga (Part 4 of 4)
Wisdom by Kevin Sahaj
Bhagavad Gita: Hatha Yoga (Part 4 of 4) Mudra, Bandha and Kundalini Energy udghāṭayetkapāṭaṃ tu yathā kuṃchikayā haṭhāt | kuṇḍalinyā tathā yoghī mokṣhadvāraṃ vibhedayet || 105 || As a door is opened with a key, so the Yogî opens the door of mukti by opening Kuṇḍalinî by means of Haṭha Yoga.
'Why do you want to meditate?' asked master Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche
Yoga by Dana Marshall
Why do you want to meditate? At ten years old, sitting in front of meditation master Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, I was asked “ Why do you want to meditate?”
Bhagavad Gita: Hatha Yoga (Part 3 of 4)
Wisdom by Kevin Sahaj
Bhagavad Gita: Hatha Yoga (Part 3 of 4) Part 3. Pranayama practice according to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika: athāsane dṝdhe yoghī vaśī hita-mitāśanaḥ | ghurūpadiṣhṭa-mārgheṇa prāṇāyāmānsamabhyaset || 1 ||
Bhagavad Gita: Hatha Yoga (Part 2 of 4)
Wisdom by Kevin Sahaj
Bhagavad Gita: Hatha Yoga (Part 2 of 4) Asana practice according to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. The second chapter of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika explains asana as the foundation of the Hatha Yoga training.
Why Meditate? Finding Sanity in an Insane World
Yoga by Kimberly Poppe
Why Meditate? Finding Sanity in an Insane World Each morning when I wake up and look at the news, it feels like the world has gone insane and that we are in some apocalyptic horror movie with a script so badly written that no one would believe it is actually real.
Bhagavad Gita: Hatha Yoga (Part 1 of 4)
Wisdom by Kevin Sahaj
The purpose of Yoga according to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika Hatha Yoga is the system of yoga we follow when we practice yoga asanas, pranayamas, bandhas etc. Any practice that involves these aspects is Hatha Yoga, every "style" of yoga you are practicing it is directly related to Hatha Yoga.
Bhagavad Gita: Bhakti Yoga (Part 2 of 2)
Wisdom by Kevin Sahaj
Bhagavad Gita: Bhakti Yoga (Part 2 of 2) The way of the heart, devotion and sacred space. This month's theme from the Bhagavad Gita is a continuation of last months theme: the path of "Bhakti " yoga, the yoga of opening the heart in devotion.
Opening Weekend Prinseneiland
News by Delight Yoga
11-May-2016 Yes! As you might know, we're opening up our fourth yoga school in Amsterdam on Prinseneiland. We're really excited that we're heading towards the Opening weekend! In the weekend of 14/15 May everybody is welcome to join us for some free(!) yoga classes, meditation, pranayama, massages, healings, clearings, music and satsang.
Bhagavad Gita: Jñana Yoga, the Yoga of Knowledge
Wisdom by Kevin Sahaj
Jñāna Yoga, the yoga of knowledge This month's theme from the Bhagavad Gita is the path of jñāna yoga, or the yoga of knowledge. jñāna is not knowledge in the same way we normally understand the word. jñāna is like a fire that burns away that which is not true.
Bhagavad Gita: Bhakti Yoga (Part 1 of 2)
Wisdom by Kevin Sahaj
Bhakti Yoga The path of Bhakti Yoga is described in the Gita as the quickest and most powerful of the paths of Yoga. The whole of the Bhagavad-gītā is a dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna.
The Path of Krishnamacharya
Yoga by Adela Serrano
Tirumali Krishnamacharya (1888-1989) is also known as “The Father of Modern Yoga”. He was born in the south of India, in a Brahmin family and was trained in the study of the Vedas by his father, the Vedas are the basis of what is known as Hinduism.
Bhagavad Gita: Karma Yoga
Wisdom by Kevin Sahaj
Karma Yoga The first of the Yogas from the Bhagavad Gītā: Karma Yoga. Karma Yoga is the path to realization by acting selflessly in the world with the knowledge of our inherent interdependence with all things.
Find your sacred space: an interview with Tijn Touber
Yoga by Michel Fijn
Once upon a time there was a man; a virtuoso of the guitar and member of one of Hollands most beloved and famous bands in the eighties, Lois Lane. He seemed to have it all – the most desired woman in Holland and a band who caught even the curious eye of superstar Prince, who would later take the whole ensemble on a world tour – all of them except for this man.
Find your sacred space: an interview with Katiza Satya & Kevin Sahaj
Yoga by Michel Fijn
To set foot inside the sacred space of Katiza Satya and Kevin Sahaj is to feel submerged in the very essence of their being. The smell of sandalwood incense, the simple tones of dark wood, earthly colours and matted white walls, the many statues and tokens of those who represent the divine, holding the space that is their home now;