|
What
is Yoga?
It
is very difficult to define yoga in just a few words.
But surely yoga is one of the most complete and universal
systems: it is a complete view of life, of the humankind
and other living beings and of the whole cosmos. The
science of yoga is a precious gift from the Indian
sages who attained the complete realization of all
laws of existence. In spite of the fact that yoga
geographically originates from India, its ancient
wisdom is universal and eternal.
Why
do yoga?
There's
a short answer and a long answer to that question.
The
short answer is that yoga makes you feel better. Practicing
the postures, breathing exercises and meditation makes
you healthier in body, mind and spirit. Yoga lets
you tune in, chill out, shape up -- all at the same
time.
For
many people, that's enough of an answer. But there's
more if you're interested.
For starters, yoga is good for what ails you. Specifically,
research shows that yoga helps manage or control anxiety,
arthritis, asthma, back pain, blood pressure, carpal
tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue, depression, diabetes,
epilepsy, headaches, heart disease, multiple sclerosis,
stress and other conditions and diseases. What's more,
yoga:
Improves muscle tone, flexibility, strength and stamina
Reduces stress and tension Boosts self esteem Improves
concentration and creativity Lowers fat Improves circulation
Stimulates the immune system Creates sense of well
being and calm.
And that's just the surface stuff. In fact, most of
the benefits mentioned above are secondary to yoga's
original purpose.
Developed in India, yoga is a spiritual practice that
has been evolving for the last 5,000 years or so.
The original yogis were reacting, in part, to India's
ancient Vedic religion, which emphasized rituals.
The yogis wanted a direct spiritual experience --
one on one -- not symbolic ritual. So they developed
yoga.
Yoga means "union" in Sanskrit, the classical language
of our India. According to the yogis, true happiness,
liberation and enlightenment comes from union with
the divine consciousness known as Brahman, or with
Atman, the transcendent Self. The various yoga practices
are a methodology for reaching that goal.
Surya Namaskar is a series of twelve movements which
comprise an effective way to activate and loosen every
part of the body. It may be used as a preparation
for other asanas, or combined with relaxation as a
complete session in itself when time is limited.
Jeevan Tatva Sadhan is a combination of nine practices.
There is no mention of these practices in Yogic literature.
This Sadhan is an invention of Yogeshwar Maha Prabhu
Ram Lal Ji Maharaj. These exercises are very easy
and all can learn them within a day or two. These
have been found most effective in keeping the body
in perfect health. All the joints are exercised and
the glands are rejuvenated. It improves digestion.
In short, it develops the Life Force in the body.
Traditional Yoga Postures Our holistic approach to
health, happiness and vigor through the disciplines
of Yoga: proper exercise, proper breathing, proper
relaxation, proper concentration and proper diet.
Develop your physical and mental potential, and nourish
yourself with a simple vegetarian diet. Begin to control
the strain, stress and tension of everyday living
by following the five main principles of Yoga of Mind
and Body.
Practice the 18 basic Yogic postures which are illustrated
in easy to follow pictures. Learn how to perform them
properly and how to increase your personal level of
skill slowly and gradually in the time you have available.
Discover the benefits of proper breathing through
simple step-by-step exercises and feel how this infuses
you with renewed energy and vigor. Learn to relax
physically and mentally, letting go of stressful situations
by adopting a positive attitude and Yoga Philosophy.
Purify and strengthen your body and mind with nutritionally
balanced vegetarian food. Unlock the hidden powers
of your mind through proper meditation, explore the
benefits of positive thinking, and discover a broader
sense of purpose. Yoga of Mind and Body is a positive
guide to improve health, happiness, and spiritual
well being.
|
