Introduction - with my humble portfolio

"When we break free from the habits that limit us, a new world of possibilities open up"

Martine Batchelor

I used to think that yoga is all about doing great asanas, like many layman, vrksasana (tree pose) comes to mind instantly when yoga is mentioned. Probably under heavy and overly use commercial advertisement we see around us. Those beautiful setting and environment surrounded the mind that cast such impression, looking good, hang out in places to be seen as yoga seem to be the latest hit in fashion.

I had slip-disc at my lower lumbar area since 2001, it was a choice between going under the knife or seek other alternative treatment. I exhausted a lot of hard earn resources. Then a friend introduce me to Yoga. I started practicing since 2005 and decided to further my knowledge and skill by becoming a teacher (registered with Yoga Alliance (RYT200) graduated in August 2008). Currently I teach 3 times a week on a regular basis as well as running regular charitable program to create Yoga awareness in school and temples.

Yoga is a way of life, an integrated system of education for the body, mind, and inner spirit. This art of right living was perfected and practiced in India thousands of years ago but, since yoga deals with universal truth; its teachings are as valid today as they were in ancient times. Yoga is a practical aid, not a religion, and its techniques may be practiced by everyone from all walks of life, regardless of race or religion alike. Yoga is union with all.

Yoga is a fine art and seeks to express the artist’s abilities to the fullest possible extent. While most photographers need a camera to express their art, the only equipment a yogi needs are from his body and his mind.

There are several types of Raja or Ashtanga Yoga practice to suit the needs of the modern world. Raja, Kundalini, Hatha, Mantra, Yantra, Nada, Laya. Underlying the same basic principles with different emphasis. However, all must observe the eight limbs of Raja yoga mindfully.


There are four paths of Yoga:

Karma Yoga (Active) - To eliminate the ego and its attachments. Serving humanity without expecting any reward. Suitable for people with an active temperament, giving of oneself, but working on a spiritual level.Bhakti Yoga (Devotional) - This path tends to appeal to people who are emotional by nature. Through various practices such as chanting, prayer and repetition of mantra, emotional energy is channeled into devotion, turning anger, hatred and jealously into a positive direction. The Bhakti tries to see God in all.
Raja Yoga (Scientific) - Hatha yoga is a form of Raja yoga that emphasizes asanas and Pranayama. Without Yamas, Niyamas, and the other steps (the eight limbs), it is not yoga.

Jnana Yoga (Philosophical Path) - Intellectual approach to spiritual evolution describe the world as illusion. This path demands a sharp mind and an unclouded intellect.

The eight limbs of Raja yoga:

Yamas – restraints
Niyama – observances
Asana – steady poses
Pranayama – control of the vital energy
Pratyahara – withdrawal of the sense from objects
Dharana – concentration
Dhyana – meditation
Samadhi – super conscious state