Welcome to Yoga Club!
Yoga Club Meetings
Mondays, 7-8 PM
Dance Studio, Schrader 152
Join us for poses, meditation, and discussion!
Contact Yoga Club at yoga@geneseo.edu.
Who is luckiest in this whole orchestra? The reed...
Its mouth touches your lips to learn music.
All reeds, sugarcane especially,
think only of this chance.
They sway in the canebrake,
free in the many ways they dance.
Without you the instruments would die.
One sits close beside you.
Another takes a long kiss.
The tambourine begs,
Touch my skin, so I can be myself.
Let me feel you enter each limb bone by bone,
that what died last night can be whole today.
Why live some soberer way
and feel you ebbing out?
I won't do it.
Either give me enough wine or leave me alone,
now that I know how it is
to be with you in a constant conversation.
~ Rumi
Frequently Asked Questions
What do we do in yoga club?
We perform certain asanas (poses) that prepare our body and mind for meditation, hold group discussions about topics central to the yogic philosophy and lifestyle, and meditate together. We also perform a dynamic flowing dance called Kaoshiiki.
Do I need to pay a fee to join Yoga Club?
No, there is no fee. Over seven thousand years ago, Yoga Masters taught that instruction in yoga should be "as free as the sun and air." Geneseo Yoga Club adheres to this ancient principle.
Do I need any experience with yoga to participate? Is this a big commitment?
No experience or familiarity with yoga is required or expected. Student coordinators will lead the asanas and guide the discussion. You are welcome to participate as much or as little as you like, attend every meeting or only one, but there are always opportunities to go further. We encourage you to talk to the coordinators if you are interested in getting more involved. As you have probably already learned, finding time for more is a balancing act, so time management is essential.
What if I'm not flexible?
Everyone has to start somewhere! Also, most of the asanas that we perform are not very physically demanding, so don't let flexibility worry you.
What should I wear when I practice asanas?
Loose, comfortable clothing is best, to maintain modesty and to provide freedom of movement. No special clothes, outfits, or equipment are needed or desired.
Should I bring a yoga mat?
It is recommended to bring a blanket, towel, or yoga mat for cleanliness and comfort.
What is the purpose of Yoga Club?
The purpose of the club is to promote self-discovery leading to Self-knowledge and Self-Actualization.
How do yogis greet one another?
They use the word and gesture Namaskar. Namaskar means "I salute the Light within you with all the charms of my mind and all of the cordiality of my heart." The gesture (mudra) is formed by bringing the palms together and raising them to the point between the eyebrows (trikuti) and then lowering them to the heart.
"The rule is, if you pay salutations to a human being, you should say “Namaskar," but if you pay salutations to the Supreme Being, you must say “Namaste.” Namaste means “I salute Thee.” Human beings are greeted with the word “Namaskar” because they are considered to be the expressions of the Supreme Being. They should not be greeted with “Namaste.” In the case of the Supreme Consciousness, either “Namaste” or “Namaskar” is permissible" (Shrii Shrii Anandamurti, Relativity and the Supreme Expression).
Namaskar should not be confused with the gesture of prostration (pranama), which has a separate and distinct meaning. Pranama is complete or partial prostration of the body on the ground, signifying surrender. Tantra, the ancient teaching of yoga, teaches that one should surrender only to the Supreme Being. It thus reserves pranama for this relationship.
In the public meetings of the Yoga Club, we use only Namaskar as our greeting.
Will the practice of Yoga make me feel happier?
Yes, and even more than happy, if you are fortunate. There are many stages of happiness. Yoga will help you attain the first level of happiness, which occurs when the body, emotions, and mind become balanced and aligned, leading to a state of calmness. The second level is increased insight and compassion. The ultimate level of happiness is Bliss, the real goal of Yoga. Bliss is defined as infinite happiness. Bliss occurs when the mind touches the Infinite. The mind can touch--or be touched by--the Infinite only by transcendent experiences. Meditation is a safe, time-honored way of preparing the mind to be touched by the Infinite. This process of expansion takes time to develop and master, since it connects so many complex and interwoven energies and states of consciousness that lead to the feeling of being One with all Being.