the land where season never ends !

Yoga is a timeless means of integrating individuals, regardless of their physical, cultural or spiritual characteristics, so that they can manifest peace and health in their daily lives, here and now. It is immensely practical and has nothing to do with superstitions and like. Yoga has lasted throughout the thousands of years of Indian culture and has now firmly taken root in western countries as well. Its simplicity is sublime and its essence lies in its practical nature.

Swamiji, clearly understanding the needs of modern people, has given the whole of the Yogic system in Five Principles.

These are:-

• Proper Exercise - Asana
• Proper Relaxation - Savasana
• Proper Breathing - Pranayama
• Proper Diet - Vegetarian
• Positive Thinking & Meditation - Vedanta & Dhyana

As Swamiji has observed, modern people are always driving around in and are also very fond of their cars. Therefore he used to draw the following analogy to clarify the importance of his 5 principles. Excercise is like lubrication for the car. All the moving parts must be well oiled. Relaxation is the cooling system without which the vehicle would overheat. Breathing gives us energy and thus can be compared to the battery which supplies the spark to start the engine. Diet ofcourse is the fuel - we cannot run a car on water and the body needs proper fuel. Lastly comes the driver who must be sane and in control. This is our mind which should be quiet, content and concentrated.

We need all these five things to keep our cars running well and to have them last a long time. Not just one or another, but all 5 are needed. The body and mind are the vehicle for the expression of the inner spirit and we need to practise combining all these five principles to keep this vehicle in good condition so that we can reach the material and spiritual goals of life. This is Yoga. It must be practised on a daily basis to be successful. However, surprisingly, even just a little practise a day bring beneficial results within a short span of time.

Proper excercise is based upon a non-violent system of movement that increases the circulation of fluids in our bodies, especially through the stimulation of endocrine glands and the distribution of the chemical hormones secreted by these glands. Then comes the blood circulation, lymph return and freedom of energy flow for the nervous system. The movement and structure of the body must be kept in good order by exercising the muscles and joints and also keeping all the connective tissues healthy and pliable. Yoga excels in these points as no other excercise can.

Owing to the speed of modern life and the lack of training in schools and colleges, we hardly know how to relax at all. This has led to the scourge of increased stress and all the ailments which cames along with it. A simple remedy is the relaxation position, in which one merely lies down, regulates one's breath, and remains still, concentrating on the various parts of the body and giving them mental suggestions to relax. The Savasana alone can help to reduce blood pressure and lessen nervous worry.

Most simply, breathing must bring the maximum amount of oxygen into the body to give all the cells a healthy supply and should also get rid of the waste product carbon dioxide. In Yoga we aim higher through some amazingly simple but effective breathing techniques, which balance the left and right hemispheres of the brain, so that the individual gets a wonderful balanced flow of energy throughout the nervous system, leading to increased concentration and dynamic energy.

A healthy diet is always vegetarian. Avoid of harmful or difficult-to-digest foods and products such as meat, fish, alcohol and tobacco. Diet, to be beneficial, must be simple and wholesome and should be based upon a grain-bean combination, which gives one digestible protein. This is supplemented by various vegetables, nuts and seeds and then fruits which should be eaten separately. Milk and curds can  be taken as well. Ample water must be drunk  daily. The stomach should not be overloaded and one may fast from time to time of when one feels sick.

Lastly we come to the most important aspect, that is, basing one's life upon sound spiritual principles, Vedanta, or the realization of the unifying principle behind all life, that shows a clear and rational principle for modern people and teaches one the essentials that are behind all the major religions of today. We should learn to spend some time in silent meditation and inner contemplation daily, so that the worries, and troubles and bothersome imaginations of our lives can dissolve and we can experience deep inner peace and silence. This is the essence of Yoga, without which all the above points will not bear fruit.These Five Principles for Radiant Health and Inner Peace can be practised by all. There is no barrier. Each goes according to his or her own pace as no two individuals are alike. If you would like to experience this for yourself you may attend a two-week "Yoga Vacation" at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram. The Ashram was founded by Swami Vishnu-devananda  and is situated on the green banks of the beautiful Neyyar Dam, in the foothills of the Western Ghats, only an hour's drive from Thiruvananthapuram. In this peaceful setting you will be able to practise Yoga with clear instructions and experience for yourself the incredible health and peace that come from this most amazing science of ancient India.