YOGA

Brief History of Yoga-

Yoga is very enitient philosophy in India from 5000-year-old that combines exercise, breathing, diet, relaxation and meditation.The beginnings of Yoga were developed by the Indus-Sarasvati civilization in Northern India. The word yoga was first mentioned in the oldest sacred texts, the Rig Veda. 

The Vedas were a collection of texts containing songs, mantras and rituals to be used by Brahmans, the Vedic priests.The early writings on yoga were transcribed on fragile palm leaves that were easily damaged, destroyed or lost.  Yoga’s long rich history can be divided into four main periods of innovation, practice and development as follows:

1. The beginning or innovation  stage of Yoga called  Pre-Classical Yoga. Were developed by the Indus-Sarasvati civilization in Northern India over 5,000 years ago. The word yoga was first mentioned in the oldest sacred texts, the Rig Veda.

2. The first stage of  practice stage of Yoga  called Classical Yoga. In the pre-classical stage, yoga was a mishmash of various ideas, beliefs and techniques that often conflicted and contradicted each other. The Classical period is defined by Patanjali’s Yoga-Sûtras, the first systematic presentation of yoga.

3. The second of Practice stage of Yoga called  Post-classical Yoga. A few centuries after Patanjali, yoga masters created a system of practices designed to rejuvenate the body and prolong life.

4. The last/development of  stage of Yoga called Modern Yoga. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, yoga masters began to travel to the West, attracting attention and followers. This began at the 1893 Parliament of Religions in Chicago, when Swami Vivekananda wowed the attendees with his lectures on yoga and the universality of the world’s religions.

Introduction to Yoga:

Yoga is a combination of physical and mental disciplines which makes the body stronger and healthier. Yoga makes mind calm and more control and self-realization.  It emphasizes the relationship of body, mind and breath, the synchronization of the breath and movement. The use of counter pose, sequences of linked postures and modification of postures to suit individual needs.

Yoga is a science of right living and it works when it makes habit of our daily life. It works on all aspects of the person: the physical, mental, emotional, psychic and spiritual. Integrating the many aspects of ourselves and putting us in control on our minds.

 

The effects are good, bringing about health awareness and a change of attitude towards ourselves. We cannot practice Yoga without changes happening within ourselves, becoming more aware that it influences our life and the way we live. Yoga helps to improve our confidence and life makes happy. Yoga is a vast collection of spiritual techniques and practices aimed at integrating mind, body and spirit to achieve aim of the life.

The Four Ashramas of Yoga:

Each Ashramas defined a level of spiritual practice based on the duties and responsibilities required at each stage of life. The four Ashramas allowed the Indian culture to participate in and actively support a rich spiritual life, as well as gave the individual comfort and clarity to progress along the path of Self-realization.

Brahmacharya (Student) –

The first quarter of spiritual life is spent as a student, closely studying with a spiritual teacher (guru). In this stage the focus is on yoga training, mental discipline, and learning about spiritual, community, and family life.

Grihast(Householder) –

The second quarter of spiritual life is spent as a householder, creating and supporting a family and fulfilling one’s worldly interests and duties. The most appropriate path of yoga for this stage is Bhakti and Karma Yoga, and other practices that can be performed in the context of worldly life and service to others.

Vanaprasthya(Hermit)-

In the third Ashrama, one begins to withdraw from the world to establish a state of hermitage. This is a transition stage, moving away from fulfilling the needs of the family and society to deepening the practices started as a householder in preparation for the forthcoming renunciate stage.

Samnyasa(Renunciate)-

In this last Ashrama, the yogi/ni retreats from all involvement in all worldly pursuits and seeks only the attainment of the unitive state of Self-realization. Becoming a Sannyasin requires committing to a set period of practice and the taking of spiritual vows.

 

Advantages of Yoga:

Yoga is good for your posture and structural balance (leading to mental balance), it promotes flexibility and suppleness, strength and stamina, tones the internal organs, improves concentration, teaches you how to breathe more effectively, facilitates relaxation and calms the mind.

Yoga has many advantages over other methods of maintaining health, such as gymnastics, athletics, aerobics, games, and various other forms of exercise.

It helps you become more aware of your body's posture, alignment and patterns of movement.

It does not need any costly equipment and materials, or playgrounds, swimming pool, gyms, etc. Yoga can be practiced throughout the year.

It can also be practiced inside the house or in the open, singly or in groups. The only requirement is a thick carpet spread on the floor.

 It makes the body more flexible and helps you relax even in the midst of a stress stricken environment.