When one mentions “yoga”, many images may be conjured up. Perhaps you get
an image of flower children from the 60’s sitting in a circle with their legs in
impossible positions chanting “Ohm” around a huge candle in a poorly lit room.
Yoga is an ancient art that has been practiced for centuries. Over the years, it has
risen in popularity as a way to stay fit, get in touch with one’s inner self, and
keep a balance of sanity in a sometimes insane world.
While yoga did come to popularity in the 60’s with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi who
popularized Transcendental Meditation (TM) in the 60's, because he was
associated with the Beatles, yoga practitioners have brought the ancient practice
to the forefront of wellness in recent years.
Many scholars believe that yoga dates back over 5,000 years to the beginning of
human civilization. Scholars believe that yoga grew out of Stone Age
Shamanism, because of the cultural similarities between Modern Hinduism and
Mehrgarh, a neolithic settlement (in what is now Afghanistan). In fact, much of
Hindu ideas, rituals and symbols of today appear to have their roots in this
shamanistic culture of Mehrgahr.
Early Yoga and archaic shamanism had much in common as both sought to
transcend the human condition. The primary goal of shamanism was to heal
members of the community and act as religious mediators. Archaic Yoga was
also community oriented, as it attempted to discern the cosmic order through
inner vision, then to apply that order to daily living. Later, Yoga evolved into a
more inward experience, and Yogis focused on their individual enlightenment
and salvation.
Yoga is the most diversified spiritual practice in the world. Crossing over many
cultures (including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and the West), Yoga also
extends over multiple languages such as Hindi, Tibetan, Bengali, Sanskrit,
Tamil, Prakit, Marathi and Pali. The Yogic tradition continues to proliferate and
spread its message of peace to this very day.
There are many different places that offer yoga classes – gyms, wellness centers,
even the local YMCA. But you don’t have to join a class to practice yoga. It is just
as easily done in your home or even at your desk while at work. Yoga can help
bring you inner peace when you are stressed out. It can even help relieve the
pain of headaches, backaches, and menstrual cramps.
As studies continue to reveal yoga's many health benefits, this centuries old
Eastern philosophy is fast becoming the new fitness soul mate for workout
enthusiasts. Contemporary devotees range from high-powered execs trying to
keep hearts beating on a healthy note to image-conscious Hollywood stars
striving for sleek physiques. Even prominent athletes are adding yoga to their
training regime to develop balanced, injury-free muscles and spines.
Yet to applaud yoga for its physical benefits alone would only diminish what this
entire system has to offer as a whole. By practicing yoga on a regular basis, you
may be surprised to find that you're building much more than a strong, flexible
body.
Initially, the sole purpose of practicing yoga was to experience spiritual
enlightenment. In Sanskrit (the ancient language of India), yoga translates as
"yoke" or "union," describing the integration of mind and body to create a
greater connection with one's own pure, essential nature.
Classes that have gained popularity in the United States usually teach one of the
many types of hatha yoga, a physical discipline which focuses mainly on asanas
(postures) and breath work in order to prepare the body for spiritual pursuits.
We will attempt to simplify the ancient practice of yoga by showing you some
basic yoga positions, giving you tips on performing yoga exercises, and inducting
meditation practices into your everyday life. Through yoga and meditation, you
could come to a new level of enlightenment with your personal life and enhance
the quality of your existence.
No longer is yoga a mysterious phenomenon. It is now simply a way to keep you
healthy and aligned. Now relax and read on as we explore yoga and meditation.
-Table of Contents-
What Is Yoga
Why Do Yoga?
Which is Right for You?
Getting Ready!
Beginning Your Workout
Complete Yogic Relaxation
Final Relaxation
Yogic Diet
Yoga Glossary
Conclusion
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