Planète Harmonie - Association loi 1901

The term “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word  योग. Its significance is far wider than the definition “union” which is generally given. Its Sanskrit root “yuj” can be translated as :
• Vehicle, equipment, means, method, preference, contact
• Union, junction, zeal, care, concentration of the spirit
• Discipline, practice of yoga, ecstasy or mystic union, philosophical system of yoga attributed to Patanjali; it deals with the interior universe of man or the microcosm of his relationship with the All

Thus yoga is at the same time the method, the means and the aim.

For at least three thousand years before our own era the liberation of yoga has developed by means of an uninterrupted chain of transmission from master to pupil, enriched in each generation by the knowledge and experience of the teacher. Thus the technique and the philosophy of yoga have developed across the centuries.

What is the greatest and most supreme form of art? Yoga is the art of living for it integrates all aspects of life. It brings strength and is an irreplaceable method of surmounting fears and anxieties of our troubled times and helps us to lead a more balanced life.

Today the effects of yogic practices are being studied in laboratories by the scientific community. New technology has brought proof of the benefits of the practice to physical and mental health.

Yoga has spread across the world and to all levels of society. It has become the victim of this superficial popularity, which has undermined its nature.

The teaching of yoga should constantly return to its elementary basis: relaxation, gentle stretching, awareness of breathing, recitation of mantras, meditation and the values of life. This simple approach to yoga has a supreme effectiveness and will reveal its subtle effects to regular practitioners.

Yoga guides our self improvement. It is a complete and effective system of personal development and fulfilment of the physical, psychological and spiritual potential of the human being.

An enlightened and courageous awareness which brings changes for our way of living; a yogic culture able to develop the collective consciousness.

“Yoga is the art of discovery of self awareness.” (Sir Aurobindo)
Yoga teaches us to feel our inner body, expand our ability to hear it, respect its advice and understand its messages.
In this way, we can completely purify our entire body, allowing it to perform at its best. It will feel lighter and stronger and our spirit will be filled with life and creativity. Life and its energies will circulate more easily, our consciousness will awaken and our intuitive powers will expand.

Relaxation (Yoga Nidra), postures (Asanas) and breathing (Pranayama) all guided by concentration, allows us to circulate our energy (Prana) more effectively.

Relaxation - Yoga Nidra

Each session begins and ends with a period of complete relaxation. This is just as important in yoga as the active moments. It allows us to break away from our worries and preoccupations, our tiredness and tension. We can listen to our inner being and welcome a sensation of calm. In this way, it becomes possible to be aware of our interior tensions and release them completely.

When assuming the postures, calmly, with in a state of concentration and relaxation, the body harmonizes with its breathing. This fluidity of movement acts in depth by gently stretching the muscles, massaging the organs and toning the nervous system. The entire body is regenerated. click to enlarge

The Posture - Asanas

The Breathing - Pranayama

Breath is synonymous with life: wihout breath there is no life. Between these two extremes fall the multiple functions of breathing: unknotting blockages and contractions, welcoming peace (fullness) and finding and maintaining an equilibrium. But equally, it recharges the batteries, heals and enlarges the vital energy (prana).

Poème de Soraya Robiolle, élève de yoga 1er prix du concours de poèsie de Brive 2007 ayant pour thème : l'arbre dans la ville

LE BANIAN Peut-être déposée là par l’éléphant d’un maharadjah De la dynastie Gupta, en visite dans l’état, La graine, si petite d’alors, Est devenue ce géant si fort. Avec ses frondaisons-refuge pour macaques excités Et perroquets bariolés, Plumages et feuillages mêlés, Guirlandes de noël sitôt posées, sitôt envolées, Ses racines aériennes retombant en rideau, Erigeant des piliers végétaux, C’est une cathédrale de verdure Dont la nef est le tronc principal Et les colonnes délimitant les absides Sont les lianes soutenant la ramure, Toujours verte même dans la froidure Et si fraîche lors des moussons torrides. Quand la folie des hommes vint à le cerner, Enfanteurs de béton et de zones urbanisées, Se gardèrent bien de le réduire à néant Et, mus par le respect dû à ses ans, Ils aménagèrent, autour de lui, l’espace : Il trône majestueux au milieu de la place D’où rayonnent routes et chemins, Menant aux villes et villages voisins. Enorme giratoire de la topographie actuelle, Il est un îlot de verdure dans le flot continuel De voitures, cyclopousses, vaches en liberté, Chars à bœufs et camions surchargés. Comme tout vénérable chenu, Il fait l’objet de cultes la nuit venue : Offrande de lumière et de fleurs, De riz et de poudres de couleurs. Réceptacle muet et auspicieux, Il reçoit les prières et les vœux. De toute la ville il est le plus vieux, Ce qui l’élève au rang d’un dieu. _____________ Remerciements lors de la remise des prix : "Bien qu’il ne soit ni noyer ni châtaignier Cet arbre si indien A touché les poètes corréziens Au point d’être récompensé. Que ce vert département, Si attaché à son terroir, Ait pu s’émouvoir Pour ce lointain banian, Voilà ce qui me plait. Pas d’esprit de clocher Ni de vue rétrécie. Que l’on soit d’ailleurs ou d’ici, Au fond, quelle importance Tant que le cœur mène la danse. A tous, un grand merci D’avoir aimé ce petit bout d’Asie Et d’avoir partagé, l’espace d’un instant Mon amour de ce pays si envoûtant. " Soraya Robiolle