KEYSTONES OF ISHTA

ISHTA means 'that which resonates with the individual spirit,' and is also an acronym for the 'Integrated Science of Hatha, Tantra, and Ayurveda.'

Hatha: from 'ha / tha' or 'solar energy / lunar energy' in Sanskrit and originated in the Tantric period, Hatha Yoga is the physical practice of asana, or yoga postures. Hatha also refers to the science of strengthening the weaknesses in an individual and removing the stress blockages that form in our systems.

Tantra: From the root words tanoti, expansion, and trayati, liberation, Tantra is the belief that our essential nature is divine, perfect 'as it is,' part of the universal consciousness, and filled with bliss. The practice of Tantra increases our awareness into this state of total liberation, through acceptance of ourselves and everything around us. Tantra gives us many tools to achieve the understanding of our true selves. In the ISHTA practice, we focus on asana, pranayama (breath work), and visualization meditation, as our primary tools.

Ayurveda: Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of healing, stems from the words ayur which means 'life' and veda which means 'science.' Ayurveda teaches that we each have a constitution, or prakriti, that is unique like our fingerprints. According to ayurvedic thought, the ideal practice begins with understanding the individual's unique prakriti and their needs based on the interplay of that constitution with their current situation. For example, stress, injuries, or changes in life or work demands would all impact the practice that is ideal for you at a given moment. The application of Ayurveda in the ISHTA practice encourages self-exploration and an awareness of the impact of our circumstances on our physical, emotional, and energetic states. We seek to find an understanding of how best to create balance in our lives and an acceptance of who we are.