Frequently asked questions
I know nothing about yoga neither have I ever practised it. Will I still be able to do it?
Everybody who had joined the classes were novice and hardly any idea of yoga. Its just like any skill you like to learn - where you join classes with an open mind. If you have a will to learn, the yoga teacher would help you assimilate the essentials of yoga. The intense practice sessions ensures that you learn the nitty-gritty.
I’m not flexible—can I do Yoga?
Many people think that they need to be flexible to begin yoga, but it is not true. Yoga practice sessions will slowly help you become more flexible.
I am old. Should I join? I have health issues. Should I join?
Based on age, health problems - different schedules are suggested and followed. Health issues are discusses on the starting class and based on your health condition, you may refrain from doing few things or do few additional things. There were various students with serious health issues who have benefited from the yoga classes.
What kind of yoga would be taught in the classes?
The teacher follows the path of Ashtanga Yoga which constitutes the yamas (restraints), niyamas (observances), asana (postures), pranayama (breathing), pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), dharana (concentration), dhyani (meditation), and samadhi (absorption).
Who organises the classes?
The classes are oficially conducted by NRCVEE (National Resource Centre for Value education in Engineering) and BSA (Board of Student Activities) IIT Delhi.
Who conducts the classes?
The yoga teacher Ms Haimanti has been trained in Ashtanga Yoga and has done her 500 hr teaching course from SVYASA, Bangalore. She has been associated with Yoga since her childhood and has learnt yoga from various schools. She has the experience of teaching more than 1200 students in IIT Delhi which includes faculty, staff and students.
You can read more about the teacher clicking on meditative-ashtanga-yoga.weebly.com/about-the-teacher.html
I cannot attend group classes due to ailments/ other reasons. Whom should I contact ?
You can email at : [email protected]
How do I pay for this class?
The fees per month are Rs. 1600/- per adult and Rs. 900/-for children [till the age of 10]. It is to be paid by a crossed cheque in favour of "Vice President, BSA" on the first class of the month or through online transaction in favour of Vice President, BSA, IIT Delhi SBI A/C no. 10773569325..
For multiple students from the same family, a single cheque can be given with the total amount.
You need to write your name and mobile number on the reverse of the cheque along with "Payment of for the month of ........................"
There is an option of issuing a single cheque for multiple months if one decides to continue for more than one month.
You can click on meditative-ashtanga-yoga.weebly.com/how-to-register.html
How long would it take me to learn Yoga?
It takes typically three months to appreciate the whole learning, if one needs to learn and practise Yoga seriously.
How do I register for this course?
By the last week of every month, an email is sent on behalf of NRCVEE to all students, faculty and staff of IIT Delhi with a link for registration. Its a simple process which takes hardly 5 minutes to register. More details can be obtained by clicking on "HOW TO REGISTER" tab. Please note that its mandatory to register before you join.
What do I need to bring in the first class?
A yoga mat, a bottle of drinking water, mosquito repellant and a cheque/copy of online transaction, as detailed in the last question.
How Is Yoga Different From Stretching or Other Fitness classes?
Yoga is much more than just physical postures. Patanjali’s eight-fold path illustrates how the physical practice is just one aspect of yoga. Yoga is different from other exercises because the whole practice helps in connecting the mind, body, and breath helps us to direct our attention inward
But he who is not tranquil and subdued, or whose mind is not
at rest, he can never obtain the Self by knowledge.' (Katha Upanishad 1.2.24)
Yoga postures are different from ordinary exercise. They emphasize relaxation quite as much as they do tension. The yoga postures are not only a series of physical positions but exercises in mental awareness.
The whole course is taught in a meditative way so that the students learn to turn inward - ensuring better mental and physical health - and ensuring a better life for oneself in the outer world.
What are the potential benefits?
According to Yogic philosophy, body and mind are not separate and each of them is extension of other in different dimensions of being. Yoga not only can have positive effects on bodily functions but also mental processes. Other than the physicsl benefits, It increases awareness, relaxation and concentration which may help a person to realize his potentials, cope with normal stresses of life, work more productively.. Many previous students have reported improvements in terms of better harmony, improved sense of balance, tranquillity and better relaxation in body and mind.
What has been the feedback of previous students?
You can read a detailed feedback at meditative-ashtanga-yoga.weebly.com/about-the-teacher.html
Some of the feedback of old dedicated students [ scanned hardcopies are available] are summarised below:
My level of energy has improved significantly. I had acute knee paiin and I could get rid of that. The format of the class looks fine and the teacher is excellent. Dr Sohini Paul [continuing for 14 months]
The commitment and enthusiasm of the teacher and the overall positivity had been commendable. Prof. Anjan Ray [continued for 9 months]
Yoga gave me a better and more positive perspective towards life. It helped me address my problem of hypertension. The interactive nature of the class, information given and the best part - it is not conducted in a "one size fits all" manner. Dr Janardhanan, IIT Delhi [continued for 8 months]
After doing yoga I feel very peaceful. I can feel my body which I dont feel at normal times. I like everything about the yoga classes - from pranayama to asanas .... everything. Ms. Ritoja Ray [13 years] [continuing from 15 months]
The Yoga sessions in IIT Delhi have helped patients with anger management, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, chronic headaches, hypertension, sciatica, stress and sleep disorders.
Is Yoga a Religion?
Yoga is not a religion. It has nothing to do with any religion and neither necessary to surrender any of your religious beliefs to practice yoga.
From the upanishads:
Only when Manas (mind) with thoughts and the five senses stand still,
and when Buddhi (intellect, power to reason) does not waver, that they call the highest path.
That is what one calls Yoga, the stillness of the senses, concentration of the mind,
It is not thoughtless heedless sluggishness, Yoga is creation and dissolution.
— Katha Upanishad, 2.6.10-11
The father of classical ashtanga yoga is said to be sage Patanjali, who wrote the Yoga Sutras. These scriptures provide a framework for spiritual growth and mastery over the physical and mental body. Yoga is a technology to manage body, create better health from inside - anyone who learns to use it, benefits.
Is there any scientific evidence of yoga assisting curing of ailments?
There are several scientific studies on the evidence of yoga curing several ailments. Interested readers can refer few articles
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S174438811630038X
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550830716300672
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229916300292
http://www.journalofyoga.org/respyogo.pdf
http://www.journalofyoga.org/yogaway.pdf
Many other articles have been published in "Complementary Therapies in Medicine" published by Sciencedirect and
International Journal of Yoga - http://www.ijoy.org.in/
You can watch a video which gives the scientific basis : upliftconnect.com/watch-science-behind-yoga/
I have further questions. Whom should I ask?
You can email your querries to [email protected]