Yog is not an unknown name today. In today’s times when yog and yog practice have become very common and popular and people are practicing yog through television channels, social media and several other mediums, it’s very important to put a light on basic preparations or Dos and Don’ts of yogabhyas (yog practice).
Vandaneeya Gurudev Swami Bharat Bhushanji always says ‘khavatpeevatsovatjagatnekubisarnahinjaaye’ – i.e. one has to be a 24 hour yogi – one must live a yogic life, i.e. your eating, drinking, sleeping and waking up every action must be yogic or ‘yogmay’. But as far as yog practice (yogabhyas) is concerned there are specific rules and regulation to be followed before, during and after yog practice.
Preparation of yog – proper time, place, dress
Preparations before beginning Yog Sadhna (Yog Practice)
- Yog texts suggest, “Gurupdishtmargeineyogameivsamabhyeseit” – the practitioner should always practice yog under the supervision of competent guru so that yogic kriyas of the course could be altered or remodeled in accordance with other possible health problems and exact requirement of the practitioner.
- Try to practice Yogic Kriyas in the early morning, in a place open to sky or in an airy room. It is best to practice in fresh air and in a quiet and hygienically clean place that suits to yogic concentration and awareness.
- While performing yogabhyas one should be light at stomach so it is advised to practice after clearing bowl (stool discharge) but remember Yama and Niyama ought to be practiced round the clock to improve work quality and life quality at individual and social level.
- There should be an interval of 4 to 5 hrs between meal and yog practice. Following this gap yogic kriyas can be practiced in the evening as well.
- Clear your bowel (discharge stool) early morning. If it is not possible, then you may opt to practice yog in the evening.
- Wear comfortable lose fit cotton or woolen clothes according to weather preferably of saffron, maroon, white, yellow or cream color.
- Prefer practicing yog after taking morning bath. It will save time as well as possible risks of sickness due to exposure.
- Yog aims at liberation from bondages so wear least possible cloths and remove belt, tie, wrist watch, pen, comb or hair pins etc to avoid risks of injury and feel the free flow of breath during yog practice.
- Male practitioners should wear Langot (supporter) during practice and female practitioners should avoid Yogic kriyas during menstruation.
- Sadhna should be done on Kusha mat, cotton sheet or woolen blanket according to the requirement of the weather, body should not be in direct contact with floor (earth) during yog practice.
- Relaxation is must after each and every practice.
- Discharge of urine should be done about 15 minutes after yogic exercises or before eating anything after yog practice is over.
- Don’t suppress natural calls during practice.
- Breathe through nose, not through mouth while practicing unless instructed otherwise in few yogic kriyas.
- Asanas and pranayam should be done slowly, rhythmically, comfortably and without any jerk; with full concentration and devotion.
- Most important practice is to leave the entire world outside the yog room, all worldly tensions, worries, and workloads, in fact all the relationships and attachments as well, and try to be only with yourself during the practice.
Acharya Pratishtha is an internationally acclaimed yoga guru, director of Mokshayatan Yog Sansthan and a member of key yoga committees of the Government of India. She is the author of five books, creator of CDs & DVDs and a presenter of television shows on yoga.
