Tirtha Yoga

Moss garden at the Silver Pavilion, Kyoto

Tirtha Yoga

Integral yoga lessons

Integral means that physical, energetic, cognitive and meditative techniques are practiced to complement and support each other. The lessons are given by Ram Tirtha either in German or English. His style has been shaped by the Sivananda and Satyananda tradition, his main themes are yoga for health, kundalini yoga and introspection in general. Basic techniques are relaxation, postures (asanas) and breathing (pranayama). There are no prior requirements - the practice is adjusted to each individual person -, but regular attendance is essential for progress. Yoga is not a religion so followers of all creeds as well as agnostics and atheists can practice it. There is mention made of Hindu, Buddhist and Taoist yoga but that only means that some traditions of yoga developed in these cultural and religious contexts.

Information about courses and seminars you find here (German).

Street children practicing tatrak, Delhi

Why?

Yoga is a science based on experience for raising awareness and changing consciousness which has developed over thousands of years. Through awareness, change happens naturally. The darkness disappears with the light, we need not fight against it. This alone gives us a perspective to work with the severe social, ecological and psychological problems we face and are going to face.

Yoga begins with the insight that it is our own view of the world and our reactions to what happens that define us. The feeling of being a victim of adverse conditions subsides – it is our own mental structures and habits which hold us in dependencies and lead to conflicts. Suffering and unhappiness grows out of that conditioning, but suffering can also lead to a change of the perspective and the openness for something new. If practiced with awareness, the techniques of yoga help to transform and decondition the mental sphere.

Yoga understands health in a comprehensive way. Humans need to be understood as a whole; mental and physical health can not be separated from each other. Mental health in yoga means bodily, emotional and mental harmony; means a balance of extroversion and introversion, means freedom from dependencies and contradictions; means inner joy.

On a spiritual level, the yoga is connected with tantric, vedantic and Buddhist teachings and wisdom; with different perspectives, those traditions emphasize the wholeness, unity and fullness of life.

Red gate to Toko-ji, Hagi

Inspiration

The word tirtha is Sanskrit and means „crossing over“. The ancient meaning is „fort“, the place or the town at a river where it can be crossed over. Tirtha also means a place of spiritual power where energies merge. „Fort“ is then understood in the spiritual sense as a metaphor for the crossing of the unreliable, ever-changing mundane reality to reach the other shore, the aim of the seeker. At a tirtha the mind can be more easily transcended since there a deeper dimension of being is clearer and more palpable than at other places.

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At the entrance to Karla caves, Maharashtra

Classical Yoga

Traditionally the different forms of yoga are classified as follows:

Bhakti yoga, the yoga of purification of emotions goes sometimes also under the name „yoga of surrender“. This means surrendering to something fundamental or divine that transcends our personal existence. The purification can only take place when we are able to forget our limited personal perspective and open up. For that rituals also play a role. It is said that Bhakti yoga is the easiest yoga since it leads immediately and without much effort to the goal. Unfortunately, few of us are capable of this simplicity. But all genuine paths of yoga will inevitably lead to the state of Bhakti, since they have the same aim as Bhakti yoga, namely liberation from the bondage of ignorance caused by self-centeredness.

Karma yoga, the yoga of renunciation of desires, is also known as the yoga of selfless service. While acting we serve the whole as good as we can. The results are then taken as they are, with equanimity, whether they are in line with our wishes and expectations or not. Through this attitude we gain fulfilment, not through the results. In theory we could incorporate this yoga in our daily life. But this is rather difficult for us, since we have the habit to measure our actions by the results. Moreover, we still have a lot of selfish desires; we are not mature enough that we can let them go. One needs to be careful: suppression of desires has detrimental effects.

Jnana yoga, the yoga of (self-)knowledge, works mainly with meditative techniques and also with reflection and cognition - like inquiries, e.g. the famous „Who am I?“ by Ramana Maharshi or the koans of Rinzai-Zen. Some schools like Vedanta or Tibetan Buddhist yoga work extensively with scriptures; others like Zen have a non-intellectual approach. It is said that, at least for most of us, this is the most difficult yoga since as a rule it requires a great amount of clarity, stability and determination.

Raja yoga, the yoga of mind control, was codified by the sage Patanjali. It was influenced by Buddhist yoga. It advocates eight branches which eventually lead to liberation: yamas & niyamas (ethics), asanas (postures), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (sense control), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (liberation). The first five limbs are a kind of preparation for the last three which can be regarded as a type of jnana yoga.

Sadashiva at Elephanta island, near Mumbai

Tantric Yoga

The tantric yoga can be best understood with some background from the tantric philosophy. Reality from a tantric perspective has a strong dynamic aspect. While the classical paths of yoga emphasize the static principle of reality, tantric yoga also appreciates the dynamic principle. In non-dual tantra they are considered as two equally important aspects of one reality which do not oppose each other. This is the reason for the richness of tantric practices. They can be rather sophisticated, radical and unconventional; but they are very practical and have a positive view toward life, body and the world. Enjoyment of life, senses and our bodies need not lead to bondage. The mundane aspect of life can be a means of liberation if used without attachment and indulging in pleasures. The other main underlying principle is the connectedness of the physical, energetic, mental and psychic realms. When working in the energetic „sheath“ of the body, all other realms of one’s whole being are transformed.

Hatha yoga, the yoga of „force“, consists of five components: balanced nutrition, relaxation, postures, breathing and mental techniques (positive thinking and meditation). The main practice of hatha yoga is to work with the body, which is supposed to prepare one for higher forms of yoga, especially kundalini yoga. Historically, hatha yoga came about through a degeneration of values and life in the Indian culture during the middle ages. Because of that decline the traditional yogas could not be practiced any more as in the past. In our times, hatha yoga is practiced mainly out of therapeutic reasons, especially in the West. It helps, if not overcome then at least minimize the sicknesses of modern life.

Kundalini yoga, the yoga of energy, can be regarded as a natural extension of hatha yoga. Here the main means are mantras („nada“, sound), yantras (geometrical diagrams) and foremost the work on the human energy system with its nadis (channels) and chakras (knots). Different cultures developed different forms of this path: the white tantric traditions of India, Tibetan Buddhist yoga, the esoteric Taoism in China and the tantric Japanese Zen.

Integral yoga advocates the promotion of all classical forms of yoga as well as tantric yoga. They support each other. Every practitioner should choose one main path to which he or she is inclined and support it with the practices of other forms of yoga.

Adepts of Zen, Kamakura

Postures (Asanas)

Asanas offer an easily accessible start with yoga practice since the body is used as a concrete means of support. On a pure physical level the postures can be understood as a kind of self massage which reaches down to the inner organs. In this way, many parts of the body are supplied with fresh blood. Moreover, asanas treat wrong postures and tensions on a physical plane which come about through a sedentary lifestyle. Contrary to sport, the postures, if practiced slowly and with awareness, lower the metabolism and the frequency of breathing. After the practice, the feeling is of increased energy and wakefullness. But the effects of asanas go even deeper:

On an electrochemical level the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems become balanced. Because of that, the digestion gets improved and the blood pressure decreases, what has - apart from one‘s mental attitude - a major effect on health. With the nervous system, the endocrinal system gets also harmonised, what brings about positive changes to the shape of the body, the metabolism, the emotions and the habits. Blockages are loosened, the energy can flow more freely and work with more harmony. When experiencing tension, which has become normal in our culture, the human potential of energy can be used only to a small degree. With regular yoga practice, empowerment happens naturally. In conclusion, we can say that healing happens in all aspects of the personality.

Lake Hertha, a place for pagan worship at Rügen

Breathing (Pranayama)

The breathing practices are very important key techniques of yoga. They build the bridge between body and mind. With our breathing, our thinking is affected immediately. Also there is a close interdependence between breathing and emotions. Rapid breathing is connected with restlessness, unease and bad health whereas slow breathing is connected with peace, relaxation and happiness. Oftentimes life is as fast and superficial as our breathing.

On a physical level, deep and slow breathing optimizes the intake of oxygen. Additionally, breathing is a gate to the vegetative nervous system and also influences the bio energy (prana). Therefore, through harmony in breathing, a positive effect on our health occurs directly. On the mental level, our perception becomes more subtle and intuition develops. Our mind becomes less distracted and therefore clearer, more peaceful and less agitated.

Close to Radha Kund

Relaxation

Often times our thinking and mental attitudes lead to an lingering tension. Other people as well as ourselves have expectations on us and our environment which the reality of life cannot fulfill. Instead of accepting this we develop negative thoughts and emotions. This leads to mental tension as well as continually stimulated and tense muscles, what in turn puts stress on the internal organs and weakens our body and the immune system. Sickness is unavoidable. For some, even sleeping offers no relaxation since also in the night negative thinking and conflicts prevail. Distraction or even drugs do not promote relaxation; on the contrary, they impede awareness and relaxation.

How then does relaxation work? Our mind is told to focus perception on our motionless body, away from thoughts and emotions. The muscles are not stimulated any more and can relax, the body can recover, the mind becomes more clear and free. At first, the effect will last after practice for a very limited time. With regular practice, supported by positive thinking, slowly a more relaxed attitude towards life can be developed. Then life is again more enjoyable, less sleep is needed, social contacts become more comfortable and concentration becomes easier.

Jowo Rinpoche at Jokhang, Lhasa

Cognitive and meditative techniques

In yoga the intellect has only a relative value. Thinking is not always helpful; in many cases it is an obstacle. Therefore, it is important to understand the possibilities and limits of thinking. Instead of becoming carried away by self-centeredness, the power of thoughts should be used constructively: Firstly, conviction about positive values and qualities is developed on a rational level. Then with the help of different yoga techniques these mental attitudes are regularly called into consciousness and get internalized. The most important mental attitudes are acceptance, openness along with neutral observation and feeling of the current moment which also play a major role with meditative techniques.

Transformation and change is only possible with complete acceptance of the current situation, without the feeling of guilt or reproach – which have destructive effects. Openness decreases preconceptions, distrust and conflicts and makes change possible. The present moment is the only moment we can experience directly; brooding over the past and fantasizing about the future is more often part of the problem than part of the solution and distracts from the essential. Mental clarity develops through cultivation of an attitude of observation to reduce identification with the body, the emotions and the thoughts. Our perspective broadens so that the roles we play in life are not about the core of our being. Especially in critical situations one should observe one‘s own reactions. Step by step, mental patterns can be broken and blind reaction can be replaced with appropriate action.

Meditative techniques turn the mind towards the experience of the current moment without following the thoughts and emotions. With that focus, a space can open which is not influenced by outer or inner forms which as a rule imprison our awareness. From this space a new view of the world opens up. One feels connected with the essence and the root of being, which brings about joy, equanimity and mental stability.

With these cognitive and meditative techniques, a consciousness can develop that leads to understanding and compassion.

Natarajasana (Dancer)

Contact

Ram Tirtha, Seyfferstr. 51, 70197 Stuttgart
info[at]tirtha-yoga.de, ++49 (0) 711 2841912

Ram Tirtha was initiated in the year 1990 by Yogi Ram Prakash Sharma at Khajuraho and was thereafter lucky to encounter many other teachers from different tantric, vedantic and Buddhist traditions. The meeting with Yogi Sharma had a life-changing effect on him; later his practice and understanding were strongly influenced by the personal instructions he received from Anantharavi Thillainathan and Ama Samy. In the year 2010 he did a formal yoga teacher training course within the Sivananda tradition. It is a joy for him to share his knowledge and experience with those interested.

Site Notice

Information pursuant to § 5 TMG

Ram Tirtha Dr. Tino Lukaschek
Seyfferstr. 51
70197 Stuttgart

Contact

Phone: ++49 (0) 711 2841912
E-Mail: info[at]tirtha-yoga.de

Responsible for the content according to § 55(2) RStV

Ram Tirtha Dr. Tino Lukaschek

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Privacy Policy

1. An overview of data protection

General information

The following information will provide you with an easy to navigate overview of what will happen with your personal data when you visit our website. The term „personal data“ comprises all data that can be used to personally identify you. For detailed information about the subject matter of data protection, please consult our Data Protection Declaration, which we have included beneath this copy.

Data recording on our website

Who is the responsible party for the recording of data on this website (i.e. the „controller“)? The data on this website is processed by the operator of the website, whose contact information is available under section „Information Required by Law“ on this website. How do we record your data? We collect your data as a result of your sharing of your data with us. This may, for instance be information you enter into our contact form. Our IT systems automatically record other data when you visit our website. This data comprises primarily technical information (e.g. web browser, operating system or time the site was accessed). This information is recorded automatically when you access our website. What are the purposes we use your data for? A portion of the information is generated to guarantee the error free provision of the website. Other data may be used to analyse your user patterns. What rights do you have as far as your information is concerned? You have the right to receive information about the source, recipients and purposes of your archived personal data at any time without having to pay a fee for such disclosures. You also have the right to demand that your data are rectified, blocked or eradicated. Please do not hesitate to contact us at any time under the address disclosed in section „Information Required by Law“ on this website if you have questions about this or any other data protection related issues. You also have the right to log a complaint with the competent supervising agency. Moreover, under certain circumstances, you have the right to demand the restriction of the processing of your personal data. For details, please consult the Data Protection Declaration under section „Right to Restriction of Data Processing.“

2. General information and mandatory information

Data protection

The operators of this website and its pages take the protection of your personal data very seriously. Hence, we handle your personal data as confidential information and in compliance with the statutory data protection regulations and this Data Protection Declaration. Whenever you use this website, a variety of personal information will be collected. Personal data comprises data that can be used to personally identify you. This Data Protection Declaration explains which data we collect as well as the purposes we use this data for. It also explains how, and for which purpose the information is collected. We herewith advise you that the transmission of data via the Internet (i.e. through e-mail communications) may be prone to security gaps. It is not possible to completely protect data against third party access.

Information about the responsible party (referred to as the „controller“ in the GDPR)

The data processing controller on this website is: Tino Ram Tirtha Dr. Lukaschek, Seyfferstr. 51, 70197 Stuttgart. Phone: +49 (0) 711 2841912. E-Mail: info@tirtha-yoga.de . The controller is the natural person or legal entity that single-handedly or jointly with others makes decisions as to the purposes of and resources for the processing of personal data (e.g. names, e-mail addresses, etc.).

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A wide range of data processing transactions are possible only subject to your express consent. You can also revoke at any time any consent you have already given us. To do so, all you are required to do is sent us an informal notification via e-mail. This shall be without prejudice to the lawfulness of any data collection that occurred prior to your revocation.

Right to object to the collection of data in special cases; right to object to direct 3 / 7advertising (Art. 21 GDPR)

In the event that data are processed on the basis of Art. 6 Sect. 1 lit. e or f GDPR, you have the right to at any time object to the processing of your personal data based on grounds arising from your unique situation. This also applies to any profiling based on these provisions. To determine the legal basis, on which any processing of data is based, please consult this Data Protection Declaration. If you log an objection, we will no longer process your affected personal data, unless we are in a position to present compelling protection worthy grounds for the processing of your data, that outweigh your interests, rights and freedoms or if the purpose of the processing is the claiming, exercising or defence of legal entitlements (objection pursuant to Art. 21 Sect. 1 GDPR). If your personal data is being processed in order to engage in direct advertising, you have the right to at any time object to the processing of your affected personal data for the purposes of such advertising. This also applies to profiling to the extent that it is affiliated with such direct advertising. If you object, your personal data will subsequently no longer be used for direct advertising purposes (objection pursuant to Art. 21 Sect. 2 GDPR).

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Right to data portability

You have the right to demand that we hand over any data we automatically process on the basis of your consent or in order to fulfil a contract be handed over to you or a third party in a commonly used, machine readable format. If you should demand the direct transfer of the data to another controller, this will be done only if it is technically feasible.

Information about, blockage, rectification and eradication of data

Within the scope of the applicable statutory provisions, you have the right to at any time demand information about your archived personal data, their source and recipients as well as the purpose of the processing of your data. You may also have a right to have your data rectified, blocked or eradicated. If you have questions about this subject matter or any other questions about personal data, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time at the address provided in section „Information Required by Law.“

Right to demand processing restrictions

You have the right to demand the imposition of restrictions as far as the processing of your personal data is concerned. To do so, you may contact us at any time at the address provided in section „Information Required by Law.“ The right to demand restriction of processing applies in the following cases: In the event that you should dispute the correctness of your data archived by us, we will usually need some time to verify this claim. During the time that this investigation is ongoing, you have the right to demand that we restrict the processing of your personal data. If the processing of your personal data was/is conducted in an unlawful manner, you have the option to demand the restriction of the processing of your data in lieu of demanding the eradication of this data. If we do not need your personal data any longer and you need it to exercise, defend or claim legal entitlements, you have the right to demand the restriction of the processing of your personal data instead of its eradication. If you have raised an objection pursuant to Art. 21 Sect. 1 GDPR, your rights and our rights will have to be weighed against each other. As long as it has not been determined whose interests prevail, you have the right to demand a restriction of the processing of your personal data.

If you have restricted the processing of your personal data, these data – with the exception of their archiving – may be processed only subject to your consent or to claim, exercise or defend legal entitlements or to protect the rights of other natural persons or legal entities or for important public interest reasons cited by the European Union or a member state of the EU.

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3. Recording of data on our website

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If you contact us by e-mail, telephone or fax, your request, including all resulting personal data (name, request) will be stored and processed by us for the purpose of processing your request. We do not pass these data on without your consent. The processing of these data is based on Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR, if your request is related to the execution of a contract or if it is necessary to carry out pre-contractual measures. In all other cases, the processing is based on your consent (Article 6 (1) a GDPR) and/or on our legitimate interests (Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR), since we have a legitimate interest in the effective processing of requests addressed to us. The data sent by you to us via contact requests remain with us until you request us to delete, revoke your consent to the storage or the purpose for the data storage lapses (e.g. after completion of your request). Mandatory statutory provisions - in particular statutory retention periods - remain unaffected.

Processing of data (customer and contract data)

We collect, process and use personal data only to the extent necessary for the establishment, content 5 / 7organization or change of the legal relationship (data inventory). These actions are taken on the basis of Art. 6 Sect. 1 lit. b GDPR, which permits the processing of data for the fulfilment of a contract or pre-contractual actions. We collect, process and use personal data concerning the use of our website (usage data) only to the extent that this is necessary to make it possible for users to utilize the services and to bill for them. The collected customer data shall be eradicated upon completion of the order or the termination of the business relationship. This shall be without prejudice to any statutory retention mandates.

Data transfer upon closing of contracts for services and digital content

We share personal data with third parties only if this is necessary in conjunction with the handling of the contract; for instance, with the financial institution tasked with the processing of payments. Any further transfer of data shall not occur or shall only occur if you have expressly consented to the transfer. Any sharing of your data with third parties in the absence of your express consent, for instance for advertising purposes, shall not occur. The basis for the processing of data is Art. 6 Sect. 1 lit. b GDPR, which permits the processing of data for the fulfilment of a contract or for pre-contractual actions.

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