Paths of Yoga IWritten by Alma De La Cruz
With dozens of Hollywood celebrities following in their Guru’s lotus footsteps and sick Western commercial behaviour exploding Yogas popularity to a system that simply enhances people’s health, Yoga remains a system of spiritual unity of mind, body and soul among millions of Indians and many others from Eastern beliefs, as it has been for over five thousand years. As a result, some forms of yoga have gained significant popularity outside India, particularly in West during past century. Yoga is a form of mysticism that developed on Indian subcontinent in Hindu cultural context. The origins of Yoga are difficult to track due to lack of recorded testimony. One of closest meanings of Yoga comes from Sanskrit word “Yuj” which it is generally translated as “union” or “integration” of individual soul with cosmos, or higher self. Since goal of Yoga dwells above any bodily consciousness, it has both a philosophical and a practical dimension to achieve that ideal state. On one hand, philosophy of yoga manages relation of both individual soul and cosmos. This universal philophy enjoins practitioner to pursue his or her own path to enlightenment. And on other hand, its practice can be any exercise or activity that approaches yoga practitioner to self-realization. Four Paths of Yoga Special practical yoga techniques have been developed by experts in yoga. Traditionally, they have been classified into four categories or paths: path of meditation (Raja Yoga), path of devotion (Bhakti Yoga), path of selfless service to Divine (Karma Yoga), and path of intellectual analysis or discrimination of truth and reality (Jnana Yoga). These Yoga techniques cover a broad range, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual activities. •Raja Yoga involves psycho-physical meditational techniques to attain experience of truth and finally achieve liberation described in Hindu thought to be moksha. The basis of ashtanga yoga is Yoga sutras (Sanskrit Verses) of Patanjali. We will consider different aspects of yoga while remaining under guiding principles of Patanjali's Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga). Raja Yoga is a comprehensive yoga system which deals with refinement of human behavior and personality through practice Yama (restraint) and Niyama (disciplines); attainment of physical health and vitality through Asana (postures) and Pranayama (pranic breathing techniques); management of mental and emotional conflicts and development of awareness and concentration through Pratyahara (sensory withdrawal) and Dharana (concentration); and developing creative aspect of consciousness for transcendental awareness through Dhyan (meditation) & Samadhi (absorption in universal identity). •Bhakti Yoga is Hindu term for spiritual practice of fostering of loving devotion to God, called Bhakti. Traditionally there are 9 forms of bhakti yoga. Sravana (hearing of God's Lilas and stories), Kirtana (singing of His glories), Smarana (remembrance of His name and presence), Padasevana (service of His feet), Archana (worship of God), Vandana (prostration to Lord), Dasya (cultivating Bhava of a servant with God), Sakhya (cultivation of friend-Bhava) and Atmanivedana (complete surrender of self). The nine modes of Bhakti are ways in which a devotee attains Supreme Ideal of life. A devotee can take up any of these paths and reach highest state. The path of Bhakti is easiest of all and is not very much against nature of human inclinations.
| | Wedding PhotographyWritten by Roy Barker
If there is one occasion that everyone wants to celebrate with photographs, it is their wedding. It is an occasion that every one wants a degree of professionalism, and many people want to ensure quality. Therefore there are many opportunities for a photographer to make money, if they are willing to cover weddings. A contract for wedding photography is very important, go to your local library and have a look at sample wedding contracts and do not forget to include a disclaimer. Your disclaimer should clearly state that you are not responsible for photographs that do not come out for equipment failure, which is not your fault. You should also use a disclaimer to say you are not responsible for photos misplaced as a result of sending film away to be processed. You definitely do not to be sued for breach of contract on your first job. Before wedding has started, you should have in writing how many photographs need taking, and be aware of cost of processing, and cost of albums. All that is necessary is that you estimate how long session will take and add your hourly rate to figure. Pay special attention to specific requests of families, they may have a long lost cousin, coming, and they particularly want separate photos of them. It is important you can talk with each family well before ceremony and establish exactly what they require. Remember that a lot of guests will also be recording ceremony, or aspects of it, so avoid unnecessary competition, get as many of photographs done before ceremony as you can. Be aware that some venues restrict places that you can photograph from, so make sure that you are fully aware of this before ceremony. It is important that you pick correct vantage point before ceremony. Do your homework properly, because verbal referrals will be very important for you from this type of business. Before ceremony make a complete list of all photos that will be required. Here is a fairly standard list PRE-CEREMONY: Bride with her mother Bride with her father Bride with both parents Groom with both parents Bride with her immediate family Bride with grandparents Groom with grandparents Bride with maid of honor Groom with best man Bride with flower girls, etc. Groom with ushers The flowers Any other special requirements. JUST PRIOR TO CEREMONY Groom's mother entering church with usher Bride's mother entering church with usher Groom's father entering church Bride with father, about to walk down aisle
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