Posts Tagged ‘yoga sutras’
Yoga: An Introduction
Yoga is a word from the ancient Sanskrit which basically means union of the mind, body and spirit. In the west Yoga has come to be associated with performing difficult poses, but it is really more about using the body and the breath to quiet the mind and achieve the union of spirit with our source.
According to the The Yoga Sutras of Patangali, the ancient text that yoga is based on, there are ‘eight limbs’ that define the practice of Yoga:
1. Yama
2. Niyama
3. Asana
4. Pranayama
5. Pratyahara
6. Dharana
7. Dhyana
8. Samadhi
Health Benefits:
Yoga has healthful benefits for both the body and the mind that are almost too numerous to mention here. Practicing yoga on a consistent basis can improve mobility and flexibility, build and strengthen muscles, improves posture and balance, increases circulation, cardiovascular conditioning, immunity, helps manage blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol and excess weight. For the mind, yoga helps to relieve stress by relaxing both body and mind, fosters focused attention, and increases energy and vitality.
Yoga poses: (asana)
The end goal of asana practice is to work the body in preparation for meditation. There are several different types of asana each with a distinct purpose in training both body and mind. In addition to helping to develop strength, flexibility and stamina, asana practice also works on the internal organ systems, and on the level of the mind they can build confidence and foster a sense of peaceful well being.
Breath, which is the life force of our bodies (prana) is a major focus of yoga practice. Control of the breath, (yama) is what links the physical and mental aspects of yoga unifying mind body and spirit and aiding in the deeply relaxing full expression of each asana. Pranayama establishes the flow of energy and relaxation.
Meditation is really the end goal of yoga practice. Asana and pranayama both serve to prepare the body and mind to sit silently for extended periods of time. Meditation moves the practitioner from the chaotic activity of the busy, waking mind to a place of inner calm and peaceful serenity. Daily meditation keeps the mind fresh and at its best. The benefits of meditation accumulate over time with consistent practice. After awhile you will begin to see its fruits in your life as improved concentration, poise, willpower and focus.
While it’s often studied in a class setting, yoga is an individual pursuit. The beauty of it is that each person can begin wherever they are. There is no need to prepare you simply begin. Here are a few tips for beginners:
• Be easy and start slowly
• Modify the poses until you can perform them fully
• Don’t try to compete with others
• Proceed at your own pace
• Search until you find the right teacher and class
Yoga is simply an approach to living. It’s not a religion that you must join or gain membership to. The goal is union of body, mind and spirit, and its benefits of asana practice, pranayma, and meditation will overflow into all aspects of your daily life.
