“In Hathayoga the instrument is the body and life. All the power of the body is stilled, collected, purified, heightened, concentrated to its utmost limits or beyond any limits by Asana and other physical processes; the power of the life too is similarly purified, heightened, concentrated by Asana and Pranayama. This concentration of powers is then directed towards that physical centre in which the divine consciousness sits concealed in the human body. The power of Life, Nature-power, coiled up with all its secret forces asleep in the lowest nervous plexus of the earth-being, — for only so much escapes into waking action in our normal operations as is sufficient for the limited uses of human life, — rises awakened through centre after centre and awakens, too, in its ascent and passage the forces of each successive nodus of our being, the nervous life, the heart of emotion and ordinary mentality, the speech, sight, will, the higher knowledge, till through and above the brain it meets with and it becomes one with the divine consciousness.” – Sri Aurobindo

Following the introduction, she listed the physical, mental/emotional and spiritual benefits of yogasanas that include, among numerous others, lowering blood pressure, cholesterol and pulse rate; improving spinal curvature; helping prevent loss of bone density; providing a deeper appreciation for the present moment, or mindfulness; improving symptoms of certain neuropsychiatric disorders; fostering a greater sense of appreciation of each experience for what it is.

Apart from a collective demonstration of various yoga postures with background music, the participants also gave individual ones. Finally, the entire sequence ended with a fabulous tableau which was applauded by the audience.

A few of Kiran’s regular students, including Apoorva, Avani, Jayachandran, Shalini, Puja and Vio, shared their experiences of  how the classes have not only been highly beneficial to them but a great joy too! Apoorva Gupta, Senior Superintendent of Police, Puducherry, who was also the afternoon’s chief guest, said: “Kiran keeps the class in a perfect balance between an intense workout and meditative retreat. ... She also modifies all asanas as per the individual’s capacity and reach which is really commendable.”