...>Yet, this mentality of intolerance of others does not exist within Yoga. Yoga manages to adapt and evolve without causing harm to anyone. Yoga can peacefully co-exist beside any religion.

Most western trained Yoga teachers, and Yoga practitioners, know very little of hinduism. Many 200-hour Yoga instructor programs teach the universal principles of Yama and Niyama, but most graduate Yoga teachers would be hard pressed to speculate, or say, much about the Vedas.

In the mind of a religious fundamentalist, the real problem is, Yoga, and all methods labeled as New Age, believe in religious tolerance. To any fundamentalist, tolerance and opening your mind is the gateway to evil.

Therefore, religious fundamentalism must label Yoga as a religion. Yoga does have historical roots with hinduism, so this is the opportunity to label, polarize, and stir up misunderstandings.

Lets look at hinduism a little closer. Yes, hinduism does have multiple Gods and...more

Yoga Teacher Guidelines for Assisting, Part 3

... as this was an intrusion of personal space. I understood because my next door neighbor was Japanese and explained enough to satisfy my curiosity about Japanese culture and history.

Is it really necessary for Yoga teachers to give a physical assist? Not really, some teachers are very good at verbal cueing. Some classes are based on movement, such as Vinyasa Yoga. If you teach Iyengar Yoga, assisting is a regular part of your daily practice.

Just remember to always get permission, in writing, and verbally, before you place your hands on your students.

Copyright 2006 Paul Jerard / Aura Publicationsmore

Yoga Teacher Tips: More Common Yoga Student Corrections

...Always remember that it is better to be accused of being too cautious, than it is to be accused of negligence within a court of law. The Yoga teacher who is too safe can always find another teaching assignment. Below are some common problems that Yoga teachers should address for the safety of their students.

Spinal rock: The eyes should focus on your heels, or navel, if possible. This causes the whole spine to round off and roll like a ball, as opposed to crashing off the floor. Rolling back should only go to the shoulders. Some Yoga students will be injured if they are not cautioned about rolling back on their necks.

During your sun Salutation, or Vinyasa Sequence, where you perform a Monkey posture, which is also known as, Flat Back, the body should take ...more

Yoga for Kids: Building Self-Image, Part 1

...e. One of the first lessons a child walks away with is self-acceptance. every child learns to appreciate being the best he or she can possibly be. This is achieved by understanding that other children may excel in one area of Yoga, while other children may be exceptional in a completely different area.

For example: One child may be able to relax or meditate; another child may demonstrate balancing skills in Eagle Pose; while another child is exceptionally strong in the Warrior series. In this case, it is up to the Yoga teacher to give out praise equally to all the children present in a class.

How can you accomplish this? ...more

Yoga Meditation Music