Yoga, known as ‘Ýog’ in Sanskrit is an amalgamation of the mental, physical and spiritual disciplines that help us attain what we desire the most, a healthy body, a pure soul and an optimistic mind. It is above all religions and philosophies. The time of origin of yoga is debatable, though the suggested origins are the Indus Valley civilization, pre Vedic eastern states of India and the Vedic Period. The Pashupati seal discovered at the Indus Valley sites have figures in positions that resemble some common meditation pose or yoga. There is also a mention of Yog in the Rig veda and the Katha Upanishad. The great Bhagavad Gita consists of 18 chapters and 700 verses.
It introduces three types of Yoga:
- Karma Yoga– the Yoga of Action
- Jnana Yoga-the Yoga of Knowledge
- Bhakti Yoga-the Yoga of devotion
The ”Yoga Sutras of Patanjali” is considered central to the Yoga school of Hindu Philosophy.It is also known as the Raja Yoga(Yoga of the Kings) or the Ashtanga Yoga as popularized by Swami Vivekananda. Another well known type of Yoga is the Hatha Yoga that focuses on mental and physical strength building postures and exercises. In Buddhism, a variety of meditation techniques helps to develop mindfulness, powerful insights and above all, the inner peace. The Shaktism and Tantra schools of Hinduism are influenced by Kundalini Yoga or the Laya Yoga. Kundalini is a term for the life force located at the base of the spine. The aim is to arouse the sleeping Kundalini Shakti and through the 6 chakra to penetrate the 7th chakra or the crown. For Kundalini Yoga one needs to sit in a meditative position and concentrate on all the chakras. concentrate on ida(left), pingla(right) and the sushmana nadi(central). Kundalini energy is said to be sparked during the yogic breathing and activates the Golden chord. Kundalini Yoga connect us to the Supreme Being.
Restorative Yoga be done by people for a healthy living.
5 basic Asanas are discussed below:
Tadasana(Mountain pose)
This yoga pose teaches the steadiness of a mountain. Yoga for beginners can never be more easy than this. It helps in gaining height and loosing weight. Stand with your feet slightly apart with your arms on the sides. Take a deep breath and take your arms upwards, towards the sky and entangle the fingers. Stretch your body upwards and lift the heels. Balance the body weight on toes and remain in the position for 1 minute. Now exhale and bring the arms back to the sides. This Yoga pose helps to treat improper bowel movements as well.
Vrikshasana(Tree Pose)
Inhale and raise your arms above your head and form the namaskar mudra. Stay and continuously inhale and exhale. After a while bring your arms down while exhaling. To perform Vrikshasana stand erect and keep the feet together. Fold the right leg and place it at the top side of the left thigh. the Toe of the right leg should be pointing downwards. the right leg should be perpendicular to the left leg. Extend arms above your head in a namaskar mudra. balance the pose as long as you are able to. Try to keep the spine straight and the strength in your feet.Exhaling bring your arms and leg down. Repeat as per convenience.
Bhujangasana(Cobra pose)
Lay on your stomach with feet together. people with backache must keep the feet slightly apart. Put your palms beside the shoulder and the head on the ground.while inhaling lift the upper body(torso) till the naval and try to see the ceiling. Stay for 1 minute with continuous breathing. Come to the original position while exhaling. It is one of the types of Yoga for Beginners, with time you will be able to do it comfortably.
Kursiasana(Chair Pose)
Stand erect. Stretch your hand out parallel to the ground with your palms facing downwards. Do not bend the elbows. Bend your knees and gently push the pelvis down. Imagine your are sitting on an imaginary chair and try to be comfortable. Relax. It is considered a little tough for the ones doing yoga as beginners but with practice can be done easily.
Sukhasna
Sit in a comfortable pose with your legs folded and hands on the knees facing upwards. Meditate and try to focuses on the center of the eyebrows. it takes you beyond the physical dimension and relate you to your spiritual side. Relax your body and breathe continuously and gently.
