Yoga

Yoga is a system of exercises for the physical & mental well being. It combines stylised poses with deep breathing and meditation. The term yoga itself is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning 'to join together'. The ultimate aim of yoga it to unite the human soul with the universal sprit

Yoga was developed about 5 thousand years ago. Its founders were great Sages who carried out intense feats of physical and mental concentration. Yoga has its origins in the Vedas, the oldest records of Indian culture. The great Indian sage Patanjali who described a series of postures or Asanas, which the student gradually tries to attain, systematized it. Maharishi Patanjali rightly called as the "Father of Yoga" compiled and refined various aspects of Yoga systematically in his "Yoga Sutras" (aphorisms). He advocated the eight-fold path of Yoga, popularly known as"Ashtanga Yoga" for the all-round development of the human personality.

According to Patanjali, within the human body there are channels called Nadi & centres called chakra. If these channels & centres are tapped, energy hidden in the body can be released. This energy is called kundalini.

The eight stages of yoga stated by Patanjali:

• The yama (universal moral commandments)
• Niyama (self-purification through discipline)
• Asana (posture)
• Pranayama (breath control)
• Pratyahara (withdrawal of mind from external objects)
• Dharana (concentration)
• Dhyana (meditation)
• Samadhi (state of super consciousness)

Besides the different stages in yoga, there are various forms of discipline touching different aspects of human life. These disciplines include

• Hathyoga (physical exercise)
• Gyanayoga or Dhyana yoga (exercise for the mind & intellect)
• Karmayoga (disciplined action in daily life)

Benefits Of Yoga:

This ancient health & fitness practice provides both physical & mental therapy. It considers ageing as largely an artificial condition, caused mainly by autointoxication or self-poisoning. By keeping the body parts clean and well lubricated, cell deterioration can be greatly reduced. To get the maximum benefits of yoga one has to follow three main guidelines i.e. practice of asanas, pranayama and yoga nidra. With the regular practice of asanas, we control our cholesterol level, reduce weight, normalise blood pressure and improve cardiac performance. Asanas harmonize our mental energy flow by clearing any blockages in the subtle body, leading to mental equilibrium & calmness.