summer tour brochure - Oberoi Hotels

Yoga at Oberoi Resorts

GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO YOGA
Philosophy is an attempt by the human mind to present the questions of life, existence and knowledge
into a comprehensive and consistent framework. Of all the philosophical systems, the concept of body,
mind and spirit evokes the most interest.
Yoga balances the body, mind and spirit and ensures complete wellbeing.
In India Yoga is not merely a philosophy, it is a way of life.
In our modern, stress-filled world, daily practice of yoga is beneficial in itself, leading to improved health,
emotional well-being and mental clarity. Yogic techniques can improve the general efficiency of
individuals, as well as being of benefit in the prevention and cure of specific stress-related psychosomatic
conditions. It has also been known to be useful in childbirth and for post-natal care. It can improve
physical strength and flexibility and assist in the cure of sports related injuries and other illnesses.
The most popular and widely practiced Yoga system is known as Hatha Yoga. This is based on the theory
that the currents of vital force in our body flow through particular patterns. The way we think, feel and
act depends on the nature of these patterns. The channels through which the currents of vital force flow
are called "Nadis". There are innumerable such "Nadis" in a human being, all of which are interconnected
and form plexuses in various regions. Any improper functioning of the body and/or mind is
due to a disturbance in the passage of vital currents through one or more of these "Nadis". Hatha Yoga,
therefore, deals initially with the problem of correcting this fault and opening the natural passage of the
"Nadis" to enable the free flow of vital force currents. This process is called "Nadishuddi", which means
"cleansing of the 'Nadis'". This can be done through various practices of Hatha Yoga, such as
Shuddi Kriyas Asanas Pranayama Mudras
Cleansing Practices Bodily Postures Creathing Techniques Yogic Seals
The above benefits/effects of yogic practices seem to be possible through three types of mechanism:
A. Direct influence on the body's organs, including muscles, joints, ligaments, visceral organs, etc.
B. Influence on the autonomic nervous system
C. Influence on the higher nervous system.
While the first two mechanisms are involved in the maintenance and promotion of psychophysical health,
the third governs the spiritual aspect of personality.

THE OBEROI UDAIVILAS SPA OFFERS
THE FOLLOWING YOGA PRACTICES
WITH OUR IN HOUSE YOGACHARYA
I. YOGASANA AND BREATHING PRACTICES
A) Traditional
1) Gentle Yoga
This gentle Yoga sequence is a complete series. The postures involved incorporate all the directions of
motions a body can make, providing a normal range of joint motion, and developing tone and stamina in all the major
muscles of the body. This series has a profound effect on the human body, and a subtle effect on the mind. It is most
useful for the maintenance of health.
2) Beginners' Yoga
This beginners' level Yoga consists of elementary techniques designed to improve physical health and
mental alertness, and heighten concentration. These effects are obtained through steady and comfortable stretching,
and massaging and stimulating the energy channels and internal organs of the body. This session includes a set of
specific postures, as well as relaxation and breathing techniques.
3) Intermediate Yoga
This session is for those who are adept at beginners' level Yoga and have been practicing for more than
a year. The practices in this series develop strength, stamina and suppleness. A set of selected postures consisting of
preparatory, main and counter poses, as well as relaxation and breathing techniques, are an integral part of this
intermediate level class. Work includes preparation for an advanced group of bodily postures.
4) Advanced Yoga
This advanced level of Yoga is intended for people with considerable flexibility and strength, who have
been practicing intermediate level Yoga regularly. The highlight of this session is the stimulation of the body' energy
stations (also known as chakras) through a specific yogic sequence. This level also includes some advanced breathing
practices that are both tranquilising and energising, and will prepare the aspirant for higher Yoga practices, such as
Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi.

B) Dynamic Yoga
Dynamic Yoga involves the combination of energetic movements of the body, yogic locks and breathing. It is a nonstop
continuous practice for 90 minutes aimed at increasing flexibility, speeding up blood circulation, loosening the
muscles and joints of the body, releasing energy blockages and removing stagnant blood from different parts of the
body. The complete sequence tones the skin and muscles, strengthens the lungs, and encourages movement in the
digestive and excretory systems. It has a profound effect at physical and causal levels.
C) Yoga For Flexibility And Strength
This is an individual centered Yoga programme nd includes three major factors to achieve a well-rounded programme
that cultivates strength, tamina and suppleness. Every aspirant has different boundaries and limitations of movement
in arious joints, which have a negative impact on health and prevent the development of flexibility and strength
beyond a certain point. This session will help the aspirant more precisely practice a personalised Yoga programme.
D) Yoga For Common Ailments
Yoga is basically more preventive than curative. Recent scientific research shows that Yoga can tackle and manage
many common ailments non-invasively. Yoga as therapy means the application of yogic practices for various medical
disorders. Yogic management of various common ailments, such as respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular,
gynecological, metabolic and orthopedic disorders, as well as pre- and post-natal Yoga, are taught in this session.
[Note: For some specific disorders, a fitness certificate from a physician allowing the aspirant to undergo
Yoga practices is required. The Yoga therapy taught is yogic methods of managing a particular condition
and not a cure.]

E) Yoga For Your Constitution
Ayurveda, the science of life, and Yoga are considered sister sciences and complimentary to each other. According to
Ayurveda, an individual's body type can be classified into three categories, namely Vata (Air), Pitta (Fire) and Kapha
(Phlegm). The different constitutions and changes in seasons play vital roles in the thinking, behaviour and action of
an individual. This sequence of Yoga is aimed at bringing harmony to all three elements, which are popularly known
as doshas.
F) Monsoon Yoga
According to Indian mythology, rain signifies the purification of the universe and the rainy season is considered an
ideal time to detoxify the body. This Yoga programme combines Ayurvedic treatments available at The Oberoi SPA and
Yoga practices designed for particular types of constitution which can speed up the purification of mind, body and
spirit in order to achieve optimum health. This three-day session starts with relaxation, continues on to purification
and ends with rejuvenation through Ayurveda and Yoga.
G) Five-Elements Yoga
The ancient yogis tell us that the whole universe is made up of five elements; ether, air, fire, water and earth. As the
human body and mind is also made up of these same cosmic elements, their properties are present in the body. Their
influence is so subtle and precise that they can affect the whole pattern of our life. After completing a set of Yoga
practices, various techniques are used to recognise the predominant element at a given point in time. These elements
are indicative of different psycho-physiological states. If the aspirant becomes aware of the active element, he/she
can then judge his/her physical, mental and emotional state, and use different resources at his/her disposal for
different tasks.
H) Breathing Techniques
Breath is life and life is breath. The process of life itself depends on how we breathe. Breathing is not only an
instinctive reflex to satisfy the need of the cells for oxygen, but also it has been considered that consciously controlled
breathing can be used as a technique to enhance mental and physical fitness. Yogic breathing practices have been
applied to heal wounds and even to cure diseases. Different techniques of yogic breathing are taught in this session,
including yogic methods to measure lung capacity, yogic seals, as well as balancing, tranquilising and energising
techniques.

SPECIAL PACKAGE
THREE-DAY REJUVENATING AND HOLISTIC AYURVEDA & YOGA PROGRAMME
Ayurveda Yoga
Ayurveda, the science of life, is a traditional and powerful natural healing system for body, mind and spirit. It is a
tremendous resource for bringing completeness to all levels of human existence. Yoga is an excellent spiritual science
that teaches the way to develop a human's full potential. Based on the assessment of an individual, this unique threeday
programme offers personalised Yoga and Ayurvedic treatments.
Day 1 (Relaxation) The first day is completely dedicated to the relaxation of body and mind. The
morning Yoga session includes gentle postures to open up the body and is
followed by deep relaxation to help the aspirant physically and mentally unwind.
This is followed in the afternoon by a balanced Ayurvedic dry herbal massage.
Day 2 (Purification) On the second day, the purification of the outer as well as the inner being is the
main theme.The morning session includes yogic cleansing practices to purify the
nasal cavity and gastrointestinal tract. The afternoon Ayurvedic treatment starts
with a massage, followed by a neem purification bath.
Day 3 (Rejuvenation) The third day starts with rejuvenation program in a set of specific yoga program
session includes for the body type followed by Ayurvedic treatment of Shirodhara
Shirodhara to rejuvenate the body and mind. The evening session of meditation
allows detoxification of body, mind and spirit.

Dynamic Yoga involves the combination of energetic movements of the body, yogic locks and breathing. It is a non-
Meditation is an inward movement within the consciousness by the consciousness itself. It is a steady, continuous flow
of attention directed towards the same object. Meditation is a powerful way of controlling physiological processes and
reactions to psychological events. Meditation reprogrammes the mind, leading ultimately to optimum health of body,
mind and spirit.
Prior to meditation, the complete understanding of concentration, meditation, meditational processes, the prerequisites
for meditation, ideal postures, the breathing practices that contribute to meditation and misconceptions
about meditation are explained. Effective ways of bringing harmony to the body, mind and emotions are also
discussed.
DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES
There are a number of mediation techniques in Yoga, Tantras and Vedanta. However, the essence of all these varieties
is in the different application of the witnessing process.
Some of the techniques taught are:
II. Meditation
a) Meditation on Chakras
Chakras are basic energy stations in the human body. Once the chakras are activated, they facilitate the movement of
vital force without blockage in any part of the human body. In this type of meditation, the techniques used to
stimulate and activate the chakras are taught.
b) Nadanusandhan (Meditation on Sounds)
This is the highest stage in the practice of Hatha Yoga. This technique is the method of penetrating the deeper layers
of mind using sound as a medium. The manifest universe is considered to have sound as its basis. Science also says
that everything in the universe is nothing but vibrational energy, and sound is a form of vibration. Yoga looks at the
body and the mind as nothing but an uncountable number of different vibrations in a multitude of permutations and
combinations. This practice tries to take the aspirant progressively through a series of steps to experience the
ultimate goal, merging with the inner sound.
c) Meditation on Breathing
Based on the Sri Vigyana Bhairava Tantra, this technique is very simple yet powerful. Witnessing the breath
transcending time, place and object are taught in this technique.

d) Shoonya Meditation (Meditation on Thoughtlessness
This is a powerful way of becoming a witness to oneself and the world by activating the third eye (Ajna Chakra). This
technique teaches how to detach from everything and become a principle witness.
e) Trataka (Gazing) with Mantra Affirmations
Through the practice of trataka (gazing), the subconscious mind is accessed. The negative thoughts stored in the
mind are brought to a conscious level and replaced with positive mantra affirmations. This is a combination of Hatha
Yoga and Vedanta Meditation.
f) Any other meditation technique
Any other meditation technique found in tantric literature, including Sri Vigyana Bhairava Tantra, Vedanta and Yoga,
according to specific requests.
C. YOGA NIDRA (PSYCHOSOMATIC DEEP RELAXATION)
Yoga Nidra means sleep with a trace of awareness. It is a state of mind between wakefulness and dream. It is also a
state of inner awareness and contact with the subconscious and higher consciousness. A state of highest relaxation is
reached by turning inwards, as the consciousness is separated from external awareness and sleep. This practice
effectively helps to reduce muscular, mental and emotional tension. It is a practice designed to totally and
systematically relax, and more efficiently and effectively rest and rejuvenate the body, mind and soul. It is also a way
to access the subconscious mind and thus restore creative genius.
D. CLEANSING PRACTICES
1. Jala Neti (cleansing through water) and Sutra Neti (cleansing through thread) - Neti is a process of
cleansing the upper part of the respiratory system. It helps to clean and open the nasal passage and increase the
sensitivity of the nasal mucosa. Jala Neti is the practice of cleansing the nostrils through salt water with a neti pot.
Sutra Neti is nasal cleansing using a rubber thread.
2. Danda Dhauti (cleansing through tube) - This is a cleansing process related to the digestive and respiratory
system. About three litres of lukewarm salt water is taken through the mouth. A rubber tube about 90 cm long and
0.5 cm wide is inserted into the mouth and taken to the stomach. All the stomach's contents are then expelled
through the tube.
3. Vastra Dhauti (cleansing through cloth) - This is a cleansing practice related to the gastrointestinal tract.
Training is given on how to swallow a wet piece of cloth three inches wide and fifteen cubits long, which is then slowly
drawn out.
4. Laghu Shankapraksalana (washing of the intestine) - This cleansing practice is done with about 16 glasses of
water, combined with six different postures, to stimulate peristalsis movement and wash the intestines thoroughly.
This practice helps to cleanse almost the entire digestive tract.
5. Vahnisara Dhauti (cleansing with essence of fire) - In this practice the movement of the abdominal muscle is
used to create heat inside the organs, which are ultimately cleansed.
6. Vamana Dhauti (regurgitate cleansing): - About five litres of salt water are used in this practice to cleanse the
abdomen and esophagus.

E. LECTURES ON YOGA-RELATED TOPICS
Lectures can be given on a variety of yogic scriptures including Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Hatha Pradipika, Gheranda
Samhita, Ashtanga Yoga and Vasista Samhita.
Other yoga-related topics will include the physiological significance of Yoga practices, yogic anatomy and physiology
and Indian philosophies, amongst others.
There are a number of mediation techniques in Yoga, Tantras and Vedanta. However, the essence of all these varieties
is in the different application of the witnessing process.