Yoga, according to many from the West, consists of asanas, or postures. Yoga is considered in the West as one of the keep fit exercises, and as an alternate therapy for physical conditions. Some practitioners choose yoga to build muscles. Many enrol in classes to find relief from stress. It is also believed by some in the West that yoga is a religion, and hence they equate practicing yoga to embracing the religion.
Is this really what yoga is all about? Does yoga in the East, in India, its native land, mean the same thing, and is it practiced by sages for similar purposes?
Is yoga an art? Does it represent a religion, or is it a religion in itself? Is yoga just another exercise to keep the body healthy?
Well then, what is yoga?
In truth, yoga is as much a religion as it is a physical exercise. Its not only a religion, and it could never be considered only an exercise. Its a balm and support to the spirit, as much as to the body.
Contrary to what is believed in the West, asanas (the poses) are not yoga, but only a part of it.
Yoga, which dates back thousands of years, is a body-mind practice. It is the union of your consciousness with supreme consciousness.
Yogis of the ancient days practiced and preached yoga not as a form of physical exercise, but as the path to unite body, mind, and soul, and achieve enlightenment. Mind modification is not emphasized in western yoga, but it is the purpose of the practice in the East. By modifying the mind, negative emotions are prevented, and the mind is tuned to meditate, to achieve self-realization.
Yoga co-ordinates the body and mind and elevates your spiritual state to where you may feel at one with universe. It helps you attain self-realization, a state in which ego is shed and your true self is realized. It is precisely this state which reveals your unlimited potential.
Yoga is a practice that promotes harmony within the self, and with the world. Since body and mind are interrelated, a health issue in your body will affect your mind, and stress in your mind will affect your health. For example, a headache may make you feel tired and irritated, and you may want to shut out the world. Likewise, stress may cause you to feel unwell and be short-tempered, and we know that chronic stress leads to various health conditions. Only if your body and mind are settled will you find peace within, and be in perfect harmony. Yoga helps you to achieve this state with asanas and dhyana .
Asanas, meaning postures, in yoga promote physical health. Asanas bring into action every part of your body from head to toe and hence performing them stimulates the function of organs.
Yoga is also one of the best practices to keep your mind healthy. While practicing yoga, your mind is naturally involved in what your body is doing, thereby improving your focus. While this directly helps your yogic practice, it also indirectly helps you by keeping your mind from wandering. Dhyana, meaning meditation, is a limb of yoga that promotes mental calm. The more the mind is at peace, better your mental health will be.
Yoga is unique because it co-ordinates body, mind, and soul. It not only calms the mind, but promotes spirituality. Spirituality is not about religion. It is a state of mind, a sense of being connected to the supreme consciousness, and it leads to self-realization. Yoga, thus, plays a great role in balancing your body, mind, and soul.
Yoga transcends race, religion, country, and every other boundary to benefit everyone. Simply put, yoga is a way of life.
Types of Yoga
There are many kinds of yoga, so a beginner might wonder what they are, and how to choose the best one for them. Below, we list some of the most common types, and talk a bit about them.
Ashtanga Yoga Also known as Raja yoga and Eight Limbed yoga, Ashtanga yoga is the path of self-discipline. It is based on the philosophy of Yoga Sutra, authored by Sage Patanjali. He felt that there are eight stages to enlightenment, and each forms a limb in his philosophy. The eight limbs, or the eight practices, of Ashtanga yoga are as follows:
1) Yama Meaning control, yama refers to abiding by moral values such as not lying, not stealing, not being greedy, not being sensual, and not being violent. These are the donts of Ashtanga yoga.
2) Niyama Meaning non-control, niyama refers to the dos of yoga, which are developing personal qualities including cleanliness, contentment, austerity, introspection, and devotion.
3) Asana refers to the practicing of yoga poses to promote physical and mental health.
4) Pranayama performing breathing techniques for overall health
5) Pratyahara Meaning withdrawal from the senses, pratyahara serves as a transitional phase from previous limbs to subsequent limbs as the focus at this stage shifts from outward to inward, thereby promoting your yogic practice to higher levels.
6) Dharana focusing on something specific, either internal or external, in order to clear and quiet the mind. Dharana prepares you for dhyana.
7) Dhyana Unlike in dharana, in dhyana you are in absolute reality where you are totally aware and present in the moment. Attaining the state requires consistent practice.
8) Samadhi You experience a tranquil state in which you remain aware of truth.
Hatha Yoga Ha in Hatha means sun, which refers to the right side of the body, and tha means moon, referring to the left side. Hatha yoga involves practicing asanas and pranayama to balance both sides. Hatha yoga practice improves your fitness levels.