Hatha-Raja

About Sani Yoga

Sani Yoga, pronounced Shani, was founded by “Maya” Georg in an effort to share the teachings she learned from her Guru and teachers. The teachings are simply based upon classical yogic texts and embody the asanas (exercises) as well as higher yogic practices. These practices are: pranayama (breath/energy control), shatkarma (cleansing techniques), mudra (gesture/ attitude) and dhyana (concentration/meditation).

Classes at Sani Yoga go beyond learning yoga poses. Monkeys perform the exercises far better, and with more ease, than humans. Of course, monkeys aren’t searching for a better sense of themselves. That’s why the higher practices are so vital. Yoga is pointless without them. It would be like finding an oyster on the beach, throwing away the pearl and keeping the shell as a treasure.

The classes are about achieving perfection. Perfecting the body and the mind does not mean wearing a size 2 or mastering astrophysics. This perfection is about trying your best, through discipline and practice, to become a better, more well-rounded and happier individual.

What does Sani mean?

Sani is the embodiment of the planet Saturn in Jyotish Astrology. He is associated with Saturday, the gods Siva and Hanuman and the astrological signs of Capricorn and Aquarius. Sani is also the greatest of teachers and the granter of Raja Yoga and bhakti (complete devotion). Sani teaches through discipline and aids in finding your boundaries, learning patience and endurance; all traits required for success in yoga. The blessings associated with Sani are peace, joy, better health, weight loss, balance, concentration and flexibility.

What does Hatha mean?

Hatha means sun/moon and relates to the feminine and masculine energies that exist within us all. It is about finding balance. This system is used to prepare the body for meditation. It includes asana (exercises), kriyas (cleansing techniques), mudra (gesture/ attitude) and pranayamas (breath/energy control). These practices teach control of the body so that sitting motionless in meditation without succumbing to distraction is made possible.

What does Raja mean?

Raja means monarch or king and is also known as “classical yoga”. This refers mainly to meditation, as meditation is used to reign in the mind. Meditation is the highest goal of yoga, and all other practices are mere tools used to prepare for it. While Hatha Yoga prepares the body for meditation through control of the body and senses, Raja Yoga prepares the mind for single pointed concentration. In fact, the first step of meditation is concentration. To concentrate on an image, sound or thought without interruption is perhaps the single most challenging thing anyone might do. But through Raja Yoga, concentration is lengthened and turned into meditation.

Classes held at Studio 134 located at 134 Harvard SE Albuquerque, NM

Contact “Maya” Georg at saniyoga@yahoo.com or 505-750-8526

photos and site design by www.biancoillustration.com

2009