Frequently Asked Questions

What is yoga?
Do I need to be flexible to practice yoga?
If I am injured, can I still do yoga?
There are so many types of yoga - how do I know which one is right for me?
Why practice yoga in a hot room?
I am interested in trying a class, when and where do I start?
What should I wear to class and what do I need to bring with me?
How many times a week should I practice?
What services do you offer at Rama Lotus?
What is Om?
What are the Eight Limbs of yoga?
Can't find the answer?

What is yoga?

"Yoga is the name given to an ancient practice that helps to create a sense of union in all aspects of ourselves; in body, mind and spirit. People have been practicing yoga for thousands of years in order to feel at peace with themselves. Moving your body into poses and exercises is the most commonly known form of yoga. In yoga you will become more aware of your breath and the inner workings of your body and mind. Yoga also helps you become healthier and happier by circulating vital life energy through all your body systems."

(Source: "KISS Guide to Yoga", Shakta Kaur Khalsa)

Do I need to be flexible to practice yoga?

Forget those images of acrobatic backbends and pretzel-like postures! You are not required to be flexible nor in perfect physical shape to start your yoga practice. Yoga is very adaptable and exercises can be modified for different levels of flexibility.

If I am injured, can I still do yoga?

We recommend consulting with your doctor first. After obtaining permission from your physician, you might want to consider starting with Hatha Beginner or classes taught in the hot room (Hot and Bikram yoga). It's a good idea to notify your teacher of your injury before beginning the class. Most importantly, always listen to your body and make sure you're never pushing beyond your own limits.

There are so many types of yoga - how do I know which one is right for me?

As a beginner, we recommend starting with either the Hatha Beginner, Ashtanga Basics, Bikram or Hot yoga. After attending a few beginners' classes, we suggest exploring the various classes we offer in order to identify which style and teacher is best suited to you.

Your yoga practice will be what you make it to be: gentle/vigorous, relaxing, spiritual, etc. Anyone can participate: men and women of all ages are welcome!

Why practice yoga in a hot room?

We practice yoga in a hot room (usually between 100 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit, or 38 to 41 degrees Celsius) in order to stimulate detoxification of the internal organs and increase flexibility and endurance. In general, our bodies are more flexible in a hot room than they are at normal room temperature.

I am interested in trying a class, when and where do I start?

We offer classes on a drop-in basis, therefore you can start your yoga practice at any time. We ask new students to arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before the start of their first class to fill in a new student form and to receive a short orientation session.

What should I wear to class and what do I need to bring with me?

The recommended clothing depends on how strenuous the class is and the temperature of the room. In general, we suggest wearing something you can move comfortably in. Tight, light, and fitted clothes are preferable for any of the classes in the hot room. Yoga is done barefoot therefore you do not need any special footwear.

When attending a class you will need a yoga mat (your own or one rented at the Centre) and water. For classes in the hot room you will also need a towel and a large bottle of water. Please note that mats are mandatory in the Hot room and also that rental mats are limited in number and therefore subject to availability, first come first served!

How many times a week should I practice?

A daily practice is ideal but not accessible to all of us. We recommend a minimum of one 90-minute class per week. Any yoga is better than no yoga! It has been proven that transformation will occur more rapidly if you can sustain a regular practice.

What services do you offer at Rama Lotus?

We offer several services to make your experience a pleasant one. The Centre is open seven days a week and offers over 100 classes per week in styles that include Ashtanga, Bikram, Hatha, Hot, Kundalini, Power and Prenatal yoga.

We offer rental services for mats, towels and lockers. Our facilities include showers and changerooms for both yogis and yoginis (in case you're wondering, "yogis" are male and "yoginis" are female yoga practitioners). The Rama Lotus Boutique offers a variety of books, videos, candles, incences, accessories, yoga clothing and more.

What is Om?

The sound of Om represents everything. The material world of the waking state is symbolized by the large lower curve. The deep sleep state is represented by the upper left curve. The dream state, lying between the waking state below and the deep sleep state above, emanates from the confluence of the two.

Om Symbol

The point and semicircle are separate from the rest and rule the whole. The point represents the turiya state of absolute consciousness. The open semicircle is symbolic of the infinite and the fact that the meaning of the point can not be grasped if one limits oneself to finite thinking.

What are the Eight Limbs of yoga?

Approximately 200 years AD, a physician-sage named Patanjali divided the science of yoga in 8 basic beliefs.

Yamas - The Yamas or restraints (Dont's) are divided into five moral injunctions, aimed at destroying the lower nature. They should all be practiced and developed by the letter but also more importantly in the spirit. They should all be practiced in word, thought and deed.
- Ahimsa - non-violence
- Satya - truthfulness
- Brahmacharya - moderation in all things (control of all senses)
- Asteya - non-stealing
- Aparigraha - non-graspiness
Niyamas - The Niyamas or observances (Do's) are also divided into five and complete the ethical precepts started with the Yama. These qualities are:
- Saucha - purity - this internal and external cleanliness.
- Santosha - contentment
- Tapas - austerity
- Swadhyaya - study of the sacred texts
- Ishwara Pranidhana which is constantly living with an awareness of the divine Presence (surrender to God's Will)
Asanas - The Postures
Pranayama - Regulation or control of the breath.
Pratyahara - Withdrawal of the senses in order to still the mind.
Dharana - Concentration. When Dharana is achieved, it leads to the next step:
Dhyana - Meditation is that state of pure thought and absorption in the object of meditation. There is still duality in Dhyana. When mastered Dhyana leads to the last step:
Samadhi - The superconscious state. In Samadhi non-duality or oneness is experienced. This is the deepest and highest state of consciousness where body and mind have been transcended and the Yogi is one with the Self or God.