New to Yoga or MARUKA?
Why Yoga? (see Introduction by Daniel Hickman) Yoga can be practiced by everyone, and the benefits are enormous! Enjoying life with comfort and ease should always trump stress and strain. Newcomers to yoga or first-timers to MARUKA should arrive a little early and chat with the instructor about their experience and expectations to start on the right path.
Here at MARUKA, we concentrate on the spiritual serenity with a comfortable environment, small classes, and increased instructor attention. Our practice is founded on the Ashtanga or Eight Limbs of Yoga:
External Cleansing Practices |
Internal Cleansing Practices
|
| Yamas – restraints | Pratyahara – drawing senses inward |
| Niyamas – ethics | Dharana – concentration |
| Asanas – postures | Dhyana – meditation |
| Pranayama – breath cultivation | Samadhi – integration |
Studio and Practice Tips
Some studio and practice tips to help you enjoy your experience:
- Please be prompt for class.
- Please remove your shoes before entering the studio.
- Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely and observe how you shape your body.
- Guest mats are available upon request at no charge, but we recommend that you invest in your own personal mat as a commitment to your practice.
- Blankets and blocks are also available upon request at no extra charge.
- Bring a towel if you feel that you may need one. Be cautious of slippery mats.
- A changing area with cubby-hole storage is available just outside the studio.
- It is best to experience sadhana (practice) on an empty stomach, but if you must eat before class, keep it light.
- Most sessions start with dharana and pranayama, shift to warm-ups that lead to asanas, and end with pratyahara and dhyana.
- Water and tea is available; Please help us keep the studio tidy by washing dishes, wiping counters and sink, and replacing items to the proper storage.