HATHA YOGA
The Flame Tree Estate & Hotel is glad to be able to offer exceptionally good on-site Hatha Yoga sessions for its guests. It can be booked in advance through the Hotel Office. Noel Dharmajith is our on-call yoga teacher and for many years has run some of the most popular yoga classes in Kandy. He has been practicing yoga since he was eleven, training continually with yogic masters both in Sri Lanka and in India.
BENEFITS
Hatha Yoga is a workout that nurtures both body and soul, stretching and rebalancing the muscles as much as it de-stresses the mind. It is much loved for its mellow and measured pace. It gains its name for its unification of all that the sun (“Ha”) as well as the moon (“that”) embodies - active and passive, warming and cooling. It dates back to ancient and later medieval Indian traditions.
TECHNIQUES
Two practices lie at the center of Hatha Yoga.
The first, the Asana physical postures, comprise a set of exercises that build strength and enhance flexibility. Each posture is held for a while, giving you the space to connect with your breath and develop a deeper awareness of your bodies – whilst also stretching the muscle with finite care.
The second, the Pranayama - or Breath Control – is the other central part of the therapy. By extending, slowing, or intensifying your breathing you become much more conscious of the energy within your body between exercises.
ADDITIONS
Many practitioners of Hatha Yoga also follow four other routines; and these can be built into your yoga session with Noel if you would like to include them.
1.
The Shatkarma Purification Techniques is probably the most noted - six cleansing practices that seek to purify the internal organs and set the stage for more advanced yogic techniques.
2
The Mudras Energy Seals, the classic hand and finger gestures taught by Lord Buddha, are believed to channel energy within the body.
3.
The Bandhas Energy Locks are a set of internal muscle contractions that help to lock and redirect vital energy within the body.
4.
And lastly - meditation, which is often done at the end or start of a session to quiet the mind.
COST
For a 60-minute session
1 person: $50.
2 people: $55.
3 people: $65.
4 People: $80.