Yoga
"Yoga is to be known by Yoga. Yoga is the teacher of Yoga. The power of Yoga manifests through Yoga
(Sage Veda Vyasa)
Yoga is an integrated system of health for the holistic development of a person, whose higher purpose is to purify the body, giving one awareness and control over its internal states and rendering it fit for Meditation. The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word “Yuj” which means 'to join' or to “yolk.
In Physical terms this unity is described as the union of balancing and harmonizing the body, mind and soul. In Spiritual terms, this unity is described as the union of the individual consciousness with our highest consciousness. Until this unity takes place, we feel restlessness of the body, mind and senses. Through the practices of various Yoga disciplines such as Asana, Pranayama, Meditation, Good Food Habits, Cleansing Methods and Healing Techniques, restlessness of the body, mind and spirit (soul) is stabilized, and we feel united with our highest consciousness. Then there is nothing higher than this.
Asthanga Yoga
Maharshi Patanjali, the author of Yoga Sutras, divided the Yoga into eight parts called Ashtanga, which literally means eight limbs. These eight limbs are a progressive series of steps or disciplines which purify the body and mind, ultimately leading the Yogi to enlightenment. Therefore, one has to progress thorough one step at a time, to achieve the final goal.
Benefits of Yoga Asanas
Promotes all-round fitness, strengthens the muscles and ligaments, making them more agile and flexible, strengthens all the systems, helps build up stamina, improves blood circulation, the body is filled with abundant energy, reduces body ache, back pain, joint pain, and headache, helps combat depression, anxiety, and tension, helps you sleep better, beneficial during pregnancy and menstruation, gives you inner strength & stamina, Improves memory and sharpens intellect. Regularity is the most important factor if you want to derive full benefits of the Yoga Asanas.
If you are feeling uncomfortable while doing Yoga Asanas by yourselves, do not push yourself. It will be helpful to actually sign up for some Yoga Classes where a professional teacher will guide you through each Asana and will make sure that you are doing the exercise correctly.
Eight Limbs of Yoga
1. Yamas (Five Social behaviours are):
- Ahimsa - Non-violence
- Satya - Truthfulness
- Asteya - Non-stealing
- Brahmacharya –Celibacy / Self-restraint
- Aparigah - Non-hoarding or Non-possessiveness
2. Niyama (Five Personal Disciplines are):
- Shoucha - Purity
- Santosha - Contentment
- Tapa – Endurance / Self discipline
- Swadhyaya - Self study
- Eshwar Pranidhan – Dedication / Surrender of the self to the supreme Self or God
3. Asana (Yogic Postures): Sthira sukham asanam, a stable and comfortable posture which helps attain mental equilibrium.
4. Pranayama (Yogic Breathing): The regulation of the incoming and outgoing flow of breath with control.
5. Pratyahara (Withdrawal of Senses): The senses are directed inwards, to increase the power of mind.
6. Dharana (Concentration on Object): Concentration of mind on a chosen point within or outside the body.
7. Dhyana (Meditation): Withdrawing mind from all external objects and focusing it on one point and meditating on it. When concentration is steadily sustained, dharana evolves into dhyana.
8. Samadhi (Salvation)
State of super bliss, joy and merging individual consciousness into highest consciousness. This is Yoga the Union between Jivatman and Paramatman.