Final Exam Paper
Summer '04
Bikram Yoga
Yogiraj Bikram Choudhury is the founder of the Yoga College of India and the art of Bikram Yoga. Bikram was born in Calcutta and at the age of four, he was already practicing yoga. He was dedicated and gifted and at the age of 13, he won the National India Yoga contest. Bikram suffered a devastating knee injury at the age of 17 and was told he would never walk again. However, through his persistence and the guidance of his mentor (Bishnu Ghosh), he recovered fully within six months. Upon his miraculous recovery he was asked to spread the word and start several yoga schools in India, and then Japan. The schools were very successful and Bikram has since brought his teachings around the world. After his own experiences, he feels he can "cure" other people with his yoga. By cure, however, he does not mean cure the ailment; he simply means he can cure the symptom.
A yoga class.
Bikram Choudhury at a book signing in New York in ...
English: Bikram YogaHe states that that is the only cure anyone can offer. Bikram's yoga is the sweat-drenched Yoga you practice in a heated room. It can be very challenging physically, but its advocates praise its health-giving benefits. It is a baby in the history of yoga and has only been around for the last 30 years. There are three criteria for gaining benefits from Bikram yoga:
1. Try the postures right away
2. Go to your personal "edge"
3. Have a good sense of humor
Each pose in Bikram yoga combines flexibility, strength and balance to work your whole body. However, results require persistence and patience. The heat combined with a special sequence of poses is what makes Bikram yoga so special. The room is heated intentionally to warm muscles, which allows you to work deeper...