I believe it is essential and very beneficial to first understand yoga in its entirety before we begin to integrate it into our life. I tried to research on all the aspects of yoga, when I began and it was only after understanding the philosophy of yoga did I believe that this was the true way to change my lifestyle and gain good health. There are so many books to understand the philosophy of yoga. Jumping in without full awareness and knowledge or half heartedly without complete understanding will lead to either loosing interest midway or getting into the whole circus mode about believing that yoga is just about practising some funky asanas.
I am trying to cover all the aspects in simple, concise blogs which are easy to understand for beginners or for the curious minds who want to know some more about yoga or its related concepts and philosophy. I will be covering all the aspects of yoga through these blogs posts just so that all the information is in one place and as comprehensive but as uncomplicated to understand as possible.
I will also give list of books and articles for those of you who are interested in deeper reading and understanding of yoga.
What is yoga?
The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning ’to yoke’ or ‘to unite’. It means ‘union’ or ‘integration’ and ‘discipline’. The regular practice of yoga aims for unity at various levels. It creates a union between body, mind and spirit, as well as between the individual self and universal consciousness. Dedicated and disciplined practice of yoga helps to balance mind and body through exercise, meditation and controlling our breath.
Yoga is an ancient spiritual tradition from India that is many thousands of years old. Though ancient yoga was deeply rooted in religion, but modern yoga is not typically any more religious. Even the more spiritual aspect in modern times has become popular as a practice to promote good health and mental well-being. You can be an atheist or believe in any religion and still practice yoga.
The purpose of yoga is the complete liberation from contact with the world of suffering, pain and affliction. The ultimate goal of yoga in ancient times when practiced by sages, was to gain ‘samadhi’ or moksha. Samadhi is the stage that refers to complete stilling of the mind that allows the individual to be unified with the cosmic. This stage was reached when the sage or yogi practicing it was completely detached from material life and was successful in merging the consciousness with greater spiritual power. Though this is not feasible in todays day and age. So, I would say the ultimate goal of yoga in todays context is gaining harmony between the mind and body, man and nature.
Yoga was in ancient times followed to gain enlightenment and lessen human suffering but in modern days it is practiced to lessen day to day suffering and to to improve overall health and well being. Yoga asanas help you become and stay trim and fit as well as reduce stress level. These postures being thousands of years old have even made their way into western gymnastics and exercise forms. Then there are various breathing techniques that not only improve the blood circulation but also exercise the lungs and charge the brain. The meditation and relaxation techniques help calm the nerves and relaxes the mind as well as the body.
Yoga is too comprehensive to reduce to any one aspect. Though now a days with yoga gaining popularity all across the globe, it is interpreted and associated more with the physical aspects of asanas. But yoga is not just about asanas or the physical aspect that is so familiar to most of us. However though regular asana practice does lead to improving strength and stamina and improving flexibility, focus and balance but it is only a small part of yoga.
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