HARMONY OF BODY AND SPIRIT

Yoga. For a period of more than five millennia, its nature has been a closely guarded secret. Its teachings have attracted a significant number of adherents. However, it has always been addressed, first and foremost, to Man, his essence as an integral part of the Universe. As many distinguished world masters have acknowledged, this concept encompasses the energy that pervades all aspects of existence and encompasses humanity itself. It is not without reason that yoga has gained serious popularity in Azerbaijan in a short period of time. It is evident that, even in antiquity, this land has always possessed a significant degree of power. The unique Ateshgah continues to be a place of interest for followers of various beliefs, with energy being a fundamental value in this life.

The growing interest in yoga has led to the establishment of the Azerbaijan Yoga Federation (AYF) in the 2010s. This public organisation has been created to promote yoga as a tool for health, harmony and spiritual development. It unites instructors, studios and enthusiasts and contributes to the development of the sport in the country. Leyla Aliyeva, the President of the Azerbaijan Yoga Federation, is a practitioner of meditation and spiritual practices.

Despite the sometimes elaborate imagery associated with yoga, it does not necessitate any specialised equipment or facilities. As the founder of Iyengar yoga and the reformer of the Hatha yoga system, Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar taught and practised yoga for more than seventy years. He was considered one of the most outstanding modern yoga masters in the world and defined its location in the value system of coordinates: "In the practice of yoga, breathing technique, knowledge of asanas and the flexibility of joints are all important considerations. The key priority is to set up your mat and commence your practice."

Sahib Khudaverdiyev is a renowned figure in the field of yoga, having spent many years as a representative of the classical direction. He is a highly skilled practitioner of Hatha and Ashtanga yoga, the founder of Yoga Om Studio, and has undergone training at the Rishikul Yogshala Ashram in India. He also has a professional relationship with the yoga master Mitra, who is based in India. As a transformational coach, yoga therapist and populariser of healthy lifestyles in Baku, Khudaverdiyev is a highly regarded professional in his field. I had the privilege of being among the distinguished professionals who conducted highly specialised practices during the Second International Yoga Festival.

"Yoga is an activity that is generally associated with a teacher, who is responsible for introducing students to the practice. Please could you provide me with your thoughts on what it means to be a teacher? Please could you provide details of your mentors?"

"In the process of imparting knowledge, whether in the context of yoga or any other field, sincerity is of paramount importance. The primary objective should never be financial gain. Teachers are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to their profession. Indeed, financial resources are of significance in our lives, and they also possess their own energy. However, if the master carries out his work conscientiously, the results will be evident. When selecting a yoga instructor, it is essential to consider their priorities and the harmony of their inner world. It is important to note that, during practice, he successfully transmits his energy to his students. Following a class with such a teacher, you should not feel disheartened, as you would after a workout at the gym.

"I am not against sports or fitness; it is a wonderful form of taking care of the body. Following a strenuous workout, it is common for muscles to experience injury and for the body to experience discomfort. In yoga, however, the energy of the master should be light and energising. The selection of a teacher is a personal endeavour in which the individual seeks a match between their personal energy and that of the teacher."

"How many teachers you had to consult before you found the one that you felt was right for you?"

"Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with numerous educators, mentors and inspiring individuals. We are always teaching each other. Even during our conversation, I have noted certain points that I will take on board. With regard to asanas, the foundation of my training, I have had the opportunity to work with numerous instructors in Baku. And although each of them contributed significantly to my professional development, I realised that there was still more to learn. The true essence of yoga was subsequently discovered in India. I lived in an ashram, where I studied and practised, and experienced a vibrant environment. It was during this period that I gained a deeper understanding of the essence of yoga. This represents a modest contribution to a substantial tradition. While we discuss aspects such as pranayama, asanas, and spirituality, it is important to recognise the intricate nature of yoga as a discipline. There are no perfect people, and I am continually learning. This is the fundamental principle of development."

"Can you recount your initial experience of India?"

"My initial perception of India was shaped by preconceived notions, primarily that it was a country lacking in hygiene, vibrant in its culture and always vibrant in its dance. However, I had a clear goal in mind. I have visited India on a number of occasions. However, notable landmarks such as the Taj Mahal in Agra and the city of Delhi were not included. From the airport, I would proceed directly to Rishikesh, widely regarded as the yoga capital of the world. This was my place, filled with spiritual practices and opportunities for deep meditation. It guided me, among a large number of pilgrims, on the path of self-discovery."

"Observations show that yoga is predominantly practised by women. Why?"

"It is more straightforward for them to adopt a mindful approach. It should be noted that the first yoga instructors were male. We have deep-rooted cultural stereotypes, such as the belief that "asanas are not a man's business", and the perception that a hearty lunch is more important for a man than training. I firmly believe that if an individual is content with a "balcony" and is satisfied, it is their prerogative."

"What about the harmony of body and spirit that you have mentioned?"

"These two elements are inseparable. Indeed, men still go to the gym more often, while yoga is being overlooked. However, there has been a shift in recent developments. I have the pleasure of teaching a number of successful and well-established gentlemen. They understand that yoga is not only for women. In order to increase its popularity, it is advisable to implement effective outreach strategies. While yoga may appear to some as a low-effort activity, it is important to recognise that it has its own set of external benefits that should not be overlooked. However, based on my experience, I can assure you that the asana technique also effectively works the muscles, but in a gentle manner. It improves posture and engages the whole body. From an anatomical perspective, the body attains an idealised form, a concept that was famously articulated in Ancient Greek thought. Furthermore, the body's internal organs begin to function correctly, thereby enhancing male health in a significant manner. It is generally accepted that an aesthetic appearance can be achieved without compromising on protein and hormonal intake, which are frequently employed for unnatural muscle building. Furthermore, asanas do not require specialised equipment or large areas. The trainer uses your body weight, making it suitable even for a small area of the floor."

"So yoga is sort of a viable alternative to exercise machines?"

"I do not dissuade people from using exercise machines or fitness equipment. Allow individuals to exercise autonomy in their choices. My role involves sharing knowledge about yoga. The information will naturally find its own "consumer". It is important to remember that this is how we should treat almost everything in our lives: we should always give people the right to choose."

"At the start of May, a large-scale yoga festival was held in Azerbaijan. What were the benefits for the country and what were the results for Azerbaijan?"

"The International Yoga Festival, which is being held in Azerbaijan for the second time, is undoubtedly a significant development. I believe that many countries would not have considered taking this step. We are extremely proud of our commitment to the philosophy of yoga, both as a personal practice and as a means of understanding both ourselves and the world around us. This dedication is something we share with all citizens of our country. It was fascinating to observe the guests of the festival as they engaged with the various masters and the multifaceted forms of yoga, demonstrating a genuine interest in the subject. They gained a deep understanding of the importance of spirituality for human beings. All speakers and participants of the festival were united in their desire to convey the main thing: how to find happiness, beauty and spirituality. I am pleased to inform you that the event was a great success.
"I have received numerous positive reviews from attendees who participated in the festival's programmes, highlighting the insights offered by distinguished experts. It is only natural for individuals to find something that resonates with their personal ethos. The festival brought together leading experts from a variety of fields, facilitating a range of perspectives on knowledge. The selection of activities on offer was impressive, showcasing a wide range of options to suit a variety of preferences, including retreats, yoga practices, concerts and ceremonies.
"As a committed yoga practitioner, I feel compelled to voice my desire for more frequent events, including during the winter months. Life in the cold season is uninterrupted.
During the last festival, I was honoured to be included in its programme and conduct three panel practices. It is an undeniable fact that every performance in front of an audience is a thrilling and responsible undertaking. I prepared for each practice with special care. One of the programmes I delivered was a chakra yoga session, which utilised physical exercises (asanas) to stimulate the body and harmonise energy flow. Despite my extensive experience with the practices, achieving mastery at such a high level was a significant emotional boost."

"I hope yoga is not 'sick' with jealousy, is it?"

"This question raises a key theme in the world of spiritual practice. My personal journey in yoga, which commenced with teaching in one of the renowned halls in Baku, has consistently been characterised by a desire to develop and create something of my own. Following my return from India, I took the decision to establish my own studio. To summarise, the Universe itself created all the necessary conditions for this, as I was advised by one of the elders of Azerbaijani yoga. The studio's distinctive feature is that it currently has seven teachers working in it. The relationship between these two groups can be likened to that of a sisterhood, characterised by mutual support and acknowledgement of achievements across various platforms, including social networks. This phenomenon is particularly noteworthy in the contemporary business landscape. I am proud to have been a pioneer in this field. I am still committed to the community of interest. We are all part of the Almighty, the giver of all things and the determiner of our path.

"In the context of yoga, the concept of "your student" or "my student" is not applicable. People are drawn to the energy transmitted through voice, appearance and speech, which are subtle forms of communication that resonate with each person's interests. For this reason, I always urge against the privatisation of people. They are encouraged to explore a variety of practices and masters independently.

"It is regrettable, but I am compelled to state that within our field, there are instances of teachers exhibiting a certain degree of jealousy. However, this is an extremely unprofessional approach. Attempting to adopt an "octopus-like" approach, artificially retaining students, is no longer a viable strategy. The ability to let go and genuinely wish for the best as the path ahead unfolds is the pinnacle of true realisation."

"In what ways should professionalism and ethics be prioritised when teaching yoga?"

"Yoga has only recently begun to gain popularity in Azerbaijan, and many people still have negative experiences or prejudices. I frequently encounter the opinion that yoga is not for everyone. This opinion is based on the experience of practices that are difficult to comprehend, unqualified work with energy, as well as personal problems and unresolved issues of the "pseudo-teacher" himself, who transmits to his students the whole spectrum of negativity, repelling potential followers. Such occurrences are, of course, inevitable in all areas of life, but yoga works with subtle matter, which means that the responsibility is much higher. Yoga is a professional discipline and does not accept amateurs.

"I firmly believe that the Azerbaijani people possess exceptional qualities, including sincerity and trustworthiness. In yoga, we place our trust in our teachers with regard to our energy, our body and our consciousness. In this context, a yoga master is akin to a physician who has access not only to individual internal organs, but to the entire "set" of a person. Therefore, the decision to pursue a master's degree in yoga should not be taken lightly. It is vital to raise awareness of this issue. A recommended approach when determining compatibility with a particular master is to arrange a trial lesson. This will allow you to experience energetic consonance and assess vocal and timbral compatibility. As David Williams, a renowned Ashtanga yoga teacher, asserts, "Prior to engaging in yoga practice, a solid foundation in theory is essential. Following this, the theoretical framework is clear." So yoga is an activity that is inherently masculine and focused on the human experience. It is imperative that he takes the first step to hear and understand himself. We are pleased to inform you that the necessary conditions have been met in Azerbaijan."