Yoga – Positive way of Life

Yoga/”>Yoga – Positive way of Life

Yoga

• An AYUSH system of medicine includes Indian systems of medicine and Homeopathy. AYUSH is an acronym for Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha & Sowa Rigpa, and Homoeopathy.
• Yoga is essentially spiritual and it is an art and science of healthy living which focuses on bringing harmony between body and mind.
• The word ‘Yoga’ has two meanings; the first comes from the root ‘Yujir’ or ‘Union’, the second is derived from a different root ‘yuja’ which means ‘Samadhi’ – the highest state of mind and the absolute knowledge. These two are the most important meanings of the word Yoga according to ‘Panini’, the most well-known Sanskrit grammarian.Sports-and-yoga/yoga-positive-way-of-life-for-ras-mains-updated-syllabus/”>
• Yoga is being practiced as part of healthy lifestyle and has become part of our spiritual heritage.
• In the present era, Yoga is popular world-wide because of its spiritual values, therapeutic credentials, its role in the prevention of diseases, promotion of Health and management of lifestyle related disorders.
• Several clinical studies have lucidly demonstrated the therapeutic potentials of Yoga in the treatment of many lifestyle related or psychosomatic disorders. The specialty of this system is that it can get along with any other systems of health care.
• The aim of Yoga is complete cessation of all kinds of suffering (sorrow) and its root cause ignorance and is known as Moksha or liberation.
• The main objectives of Yoga are health, happiness, harmony, spiritual quest, Personality development, etc.
• Yoga is as old as civilization. The first archaeological evidence of existence of Yoga is found in Stone Seals of excavated from Indus Valley. Yoga was special feature of Indus Valley Civilization (3000 BC).
• Yogic literature has been found in Vedas, Upanishadas, Darshanas, Epics, Puranas, Aagmas, Tantras, etc. Rich sources of Yoga have also been available in medieval, modern and contemporary literature.
• The Yoga referred in the Vedic and Upanishadic literature has been depicted in three important texts called Prasthanatrayi:
  1. Principle Upanishads (Upadeshaprasthana)
  2. Vedanta Sutra of Badarayana (Nyaya Prasthana)
  3. Bhagavad Geeta (Sadhana Prasthana)
• These texts further lead to different schools of Yoga like Jnana Yoga; Karma Yoga; Bhakti Yoga; Dhyana Yoga;
• However, the classical Yoga which is one of the Shad Darshanas, has been advocated by the great sage Patanjali, who lived around approximately 200 BC.

 

Philosophy of Yoga

• The Yoga School of Hindu philosophy is most closely related to the Samkhya School. In both, the foundational concepts include two realities: Purusha and Prakriti.
• The Purusha is defined as that reality which is pure consciousness and is devoid of thoughts or qualities.
• The Prakriti is the empirical, phenomenal reality which includes matter and also mind, sensory organs and the sense of identity (self, soul).
• A living being organizes the union of matter and mind in both schools. Yoga school is different on the basis of its ideas on the principle of Purushaism, on axiomatic science and on literature.

 

Epistemology

• Yoga school considers perception, inference and reliable testimony as three reliable means of knowledge.
• Yoga schools, such as the Samkhya Vidyalaya, consider pratyakhya or dasam (direct perception perception), anumaan (inference), and or bad or ac vapakara (oral testimony of the satta or scriptures) as the only valid means of knowledge or pramana. Unlike some other schools of Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism like Advaita Vedanta, yoga did not adopt the following three pranayamas: Upama (comparison and analogy), Arthapatti (status, arising from situations) or Anupaldi (non-perception, negative / cognitive evidence).

Metaphysics

• The metaphysics of Yoga school, again like Samkhya school, is a form of dualism. It considers consciousness and matter, self/soul and body as two different realities
• The Samkhya-Yoga system espouses dualism between consciousness and matter by postulating two “irreducible, innate and independent realities: Purusha and Prakriti.
• While the Prakriti is a single entity, the Samkhya-Yoga schools admit a plurality of the Puruṣas in this world. Unintelligent, unmanifest, uncaused, ever-active, imperceptible and eternal Prakriti is alone the final source of the world of objects.
• The Puruṣa is considered as the conscious principle, a passive enjoyer (bhokta) and the Prakriti is the enjoyed (bhogya). Samkhya-Yoga believes that the Puruṣa cannot be regarded as the source of inanimate world, because an intelligent principle cannot transform itself into the unconscious world. This metaphysics is a pluralistic spiritualism, a form of realism built on the foundation of dualism.
• Yoga school of Hinduism adopts the theory of Guṇa from Samkhya. Guṇas theory states that three gunas (innate tendency, attributes) are present in different proportions in all beings, and these three are sattva guna (goodness, constructive, harmonious), rajas guna (passion, active, confused), and tamas guna (darkness, destructive, chaotic).
• These three are present in every being but in different proportions, and the fundamental nature and psychological dispositions of beings is a consequence of the relative proportion of these three gunas.
• When sattva guna predominates an individual, the qualities of lucidity, wisdom, constructiveness, harmonious, and peacefulness manifest themselves; when rajas is predominant, attachment, craving, passion-driven activity and restlessness manifest; and when tamas predominates in an individual, ignorance, delusion, destructive behavior, lethargy, and suffering manifests.
• The guṇas theory underpins the philosophy of mind in Yoga school of Hinduism.
• The early scholars of Yoga Philosophy, posits that the Puruṣa (consciousness) by its nature is sattva (constructive), while Prakriti (matter) by its nature is tamas (chaotic).
• It further posits that individuals at birth have buddhi (intelligence, sattvic). As life progresses and churns this buddhi, it creates ahamkara (ego, rajasic). When ego in turn is churned by life, manas (temper, mood, tamasic) is produced.
• Together, buddhi, ahamkara and manas interact and constitute citta (mind) in Yoga school of Hinduism. Unrestrained modification of citta causes suffering. A way of life that empowers one to become ever more aware of one’s consciousness and spirituality innate in buddhi, is the path to one’s highest potential and a more serene, content, liberated life.

Soteriology

• The Yoga school of Hinduism recognizes that ignorance is the cause of sorrow and sorrow.
•  Salvation, like many other schools, is removing ignorance, which is attained through discriminatory conscience, knowledge and self-awareness.
• Yoga Siddhanta is the text of the Yoga School on how to complete it.
• Samadhi is the stage where ecstasy awareness develops, states are yoga scholars, and this is how the process of becoming aware of the Purusha and the True Self begins
• It further claims that this awareness i

Axiology

• Axiology in the texts of Yoga school of Hindu philosophy include both a theory of values through the observances of positive values and avoidance of negative, as well as an aesthetic theory on bliss from intrinsic and extrinsic perspectives.
• The values to be observed are called Niyamas, while those to be avoided are called Yamas in Yoga philosophy.
• Over sixty different ancient and medieval era texts of Yoga philosophy discuss Yamas and Niyamas.
• The specific theory and list of values varies between the texts, however, Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Svādhyāya, Kșhamā, and Dayā are among the predominantly discussed ethical concepts by majority of these texts.
• The five yamas listed by Patañjali in Yogasūtra 2.30 are:

1. Ahiṃsā : Nonviolence, non-harming other living beings
2. Satya : truthfulness, non-falsehood
3. Asteya: non-stealing
4. Brahmacarya: celibacy, non-cheating on one’s partner
5. Aparigraha: non-avarice, non-possessiveness

Astang Yoga

• Patanjali wrote a book known as Yoga Sutras, which contains 195 sutras. Patanjali advocates Ashtanga Yoga, which is widely practiced from the ancient times till today, they are:
  1. Yama (Self-restraints)
  2. Niyama (Observance)
  3. Asana (Psycho-physical postures)
  4. Pranayama (Control of vital energy – breath)
  5. Pratyahara (Withdrawal of senses)
  6. Dharana (Concentration)
  7. Dhyana (Meditation)
  8. Samadhi (Absorption or State of liberation)
• Yoga is the ancient health keeping system developed by Hindu sages and seers thousands of years ago.
• It not only keeps the body healthy but also cultivates mind and spiritual awareness. It also helps to live a disciplined, yet enjoyable life.
• It is vaguely considered as an exercise. But it is more than just an exercise. A great sage Patanjali has codified his thoughts, the knowledge of yoga and its practices by encapsulating them in the form aphorisms. They are called as yoga-sutra.
• The main yoga-sutra are eight in numbers. They are also known as eight limbs of Patanjali or Ashtanga-yoga.

Yama (eternal vows):

Yama is social behavior (moral principles) that describes how one should treat others. There are five yamas:

• Nonviolence (ahimsa). Do no harm to anybody in thought or deed.
• Truth and honesty (satya). Always be honest and speak truth.
• Nonstealing (asteya). Do not steal material objects (a car) or intangibles such as the center of attention or your child’s chance to learn responsibility or independence by doing something on his own.
• Nonlust (brahmacharya). Avoid lust for anything and see divinity in all your deeds and thoughts.
• Nonpossessiveness (aparigraha). Free yourself from greed, hoarding, and collecting. Do not accumulate anything, and keep only things that are really necessary. Make your life as simple as possible.

Niyama (Observances)

Niyama is inner discipline and responsibility that describes how one should treat himself/herself. There are five niyamas:

• Purity (shaucha) It implies both external and internal purity. Achieve external purity by keeping yourself, your clothing, and surroundings clean. Eat fresh and healthy food. Treat your body like a temple. Achieve internal purity by acquiring true knowledge and austerity and truthfulness in mind.
  • Contentment (santosha) Be satisfied with what you have. Seek happiness in every moment. You are state of mind should not be affected by external causes.
  • Austerity (tapas) Show discipline in body, speech, and mind. The purpose of developing self-discipline is not to become ascetic, but to control and direct the mind and body for higher spiritual aims or purposes.
  • Self-Education (svadhyaya) Study sacred texts, which are whatever books are relevant to you and inspire and teach you. Education changes a person’s outlook on life.
  • Living with an awareness of the Divine (ishvara-pranidhana). Be devoted to God or whatever you consider divine

Yogasana

• Yogasana is a posture in harmony with one’s inner consciousness.
• It helps in balancing and harmonizing the basic structure of the human body. Although nowadays yogasana are practiced as an exercise, they are really meant to prepare yourself for the meditation.
• For meditation, healthy and Sound body and tensionless mind are required.
• Various postures of yogasana which include standing and sitting asanas help to keep body healthy and tensionfree mind.

Pranayama (breath control exercise)

• Pranayama is a breathing technique. Breathing is a basic of life. One is breathing means he/she is alive. Most of us breathe improperly.
• It helps Prana is the life force or energy that exists everywhere and flows through each of us through the breath. Pranayama is the control of breath.
• The basic movements of pranayama are inhalation, retention of breath, and exhalation. The practice of pranayama purifies body and removes distractions from the mind making it easier to concentrate and meditate.
• It also balances nervous system and encourages creative thinking.
• Deep breathing makes sure the enough amount of Oxygen to the brain which improves mental clarity, alertness and physical well being.

Pratyahara

• Pratyahara involves rightly managing the senses and going beyond them instead of simply closing and suppressing them.
• It involves directing the concentration inward. With the withdrawal of the senses, one no longer feels itch or hear or smell anything around or feel hungry.
• Practice of pratyahara helps to forget everything around and concentrate on meditation.

Dharana (concentration)

• Dharana involves developing our powers of concentration.
• Here the goal is to push away superfluous thoughts and fix your mind by concentrating on a particular object such as god’s image.

Dhyana (meditation)

• All the previous limbs that we learnt are the preparation of meditation.
• Dhyana means actual uninterrupted meditation. Concentration (dharana) leads to the state of meditation.
• The goal of meditation is to achieve heightened awareness and realize oneness with the universe.

 Samadhi

• The purpose of meditation is to achieve samadhi or absolute bliss. This is pure contemplation, superconsciousness, in which you and the universe are one.
• Those who have achieved samadhi are enlightened.
• In other words, samadhi means free yourself from the cycle of birth and death and merge yourself (your soul) with the almighty.
• The eight limbs work together: The first five steps — yama, niyama asana, pranayama, and pratyahara — are the preliminaries of yoga and build the foundation for spiritual life. They are concerned with the body and the brain.
• The last three, which would not be possible without the previous steps, are concerned with reconditioning the mind. They help you to attain enlightenment or the full realization of oneness with spirit.
• Perhaps, last four limbs (Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi) may be complicated and difficult to understand for us (kids), but the first four are easy to understand. They are also very easy to practice; all we need is determination

The following Yogic practices are being practiced for prevention and management of diseases:

1. Shatkarma: These are six cleansing techniques in Yoga used to clean the internal organs and systems of the body. These are called as the process of detoxification. Shatkarmas are Neti, Dhouti, Basti, Kapalabhati, Nauli, Trataka.
2. Yogasana: These are special patterns of body that stabilise the mind through static stretching. Yogasanas are psycho-physical in nature. They play a significant role in toning up the neuro-musculo and glandular systems of the body. There are more than 84 asanas mentioned in the classical texts.
3. Pranayama: Pranayama is a practice which helps to regulate vital energies through regulation of breathing.
4. Mudra: There are special gestures / techniques formed in Conjunction with asana and pranayama and used in the channelization of the force of prana.
5. Dhyana: Maintaining concentration on the object is meditation. Meditation is an integral part of yoga practice and is beneficial for psychological and spiritual development and also helps in promoting health.

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Yoga is a mind and body practice with a 5,000-year history in ancient Indian philosophy. Various styles of yoga combine physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation or relaxation.

In the U.S., yoga is the most popular complementary health approach, which means it is used alongside conventional medical treatments. A 2012 survey by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics reported that more than 21 million Americans — more than 9 percent of U.S. adults — had practiced yoga at least once in the previous 12 months. Yoga is increasingly being used in health care settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and schools.

This ARTICLE will discuss the following aspects of yoga:

• What is yoga?
• What are the different types of yoga?
• What are the benefits of yoga?
• How do you do yoga?
• Where can you learn yoga?
• What are the risks of yoga?
• Is yoga right for you?

What is yoga?

Yoga is a mind and body practice with a 5,000-year history in ancient Indian philosophy. Various styles of yoga combine physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation or relaxation.

The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” which means “to yoke” or “to unite.” Yoga is often described as a way to unite the mind, body, and spirit.

What are the different types of yoga?

There are many different styles of yoga, each with its own unique focus and approach. Some of the most popular styles of yoga include:

• Hatha yoga: A general term for any type of yoga that focuses on physical postures.
• Vinyasa yoga: A vigorous style of yoga that links breath with movement.
• Iyengar yoga: A style of yoga that focuses on precision and alignment in the postures.
• Ashtanga yoga: A vigorous style of yoga that involves a set series of postures.
• Bikram yoga: A style of hot yoga that is practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Yin yoga: A slow-paced style of yoga that focuses on deep stretches.

What are the benefits of yoga?

Yoga has been shown to have many benefits for both physical and mental health. Some of the benefits of yoga include:

• Improved flexibility
• Increased strength
• Better balance
• Reduced Stress
• Improved mood
• Improved sleep
• Reduced pain
• Improved cardiovascular health
• Reduced risk of chronic diseases

How do you do yoga?

Yoga can be practiced at home or in a yoga studio. If you are new to yoga, it is a good idea to take a class with a qualified instructor.

Most yoga classes begin with a warm-up, followed by a series of postures. The postures are held for a few breaths, and then you move on to the next posture. The class ends with a cool-down and relaxation.

Where can you learn yoga?

You can learn yoga at a yoga studio, a gym, or even online. There are many different yoga studios and gyms that offer yoga classes. You can also find many free and paid yoga Videos online.

What are the risks of yoga?

Yoga is generally a safe practice, but there are some risks associated with it. These risks include:

• Injury: If you are not careful, you can injure yourself while doing yoga. It is important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard.
• Dizziness: Yoga can sometimes cause dizziness. If you feel dizzy, stop the practice and rest.
• Headaches: Yoga can sometimes cause headaches. If you get a headache, stop the practice and rest.
• Allergic reactions: If you are allergic to latex, you may have an allergic reaction to the yoga mat. If you are allergic to latex, you can use a non-latex yoga mat.

Is yoga right for you?

Yoga is a great way to improve your physical and mental health. If you are looking for a low-impact exercise that is also good for your mind, yoga is a great option.

However, if you have any health conditions, it is important to talk to your doctor before starting yoga. Yoga may not be right for you if you have any of the following conditions:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Pregnancy
• Recent surgery
• Mental illness

If you have any of these conditions, it is important to talk to your doctor before starting yoga. Your doctor can help you determine if yoga is right for you and can recommend a style of yoga that is appropriate for your needs.

What is yoga?
Yoga is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India. There is a broad variety of yoga schools, practices, and goals in Hinduism, Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism, and Jainism. The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” which means “to yoke” or “to unite.” Yoga is often translated as “union” or “integration.”

What are the benefits of yoga?
Yoga has been shown to have a number of benefits for physical and mental health. Some of the benefits of yoga include:

• Improved flexibility
• Increased strength
• Better balance
• Reduced stress
• Improved sleep
• Reduced pain
• Increased energy
• Improved mood
• Increased self-awareness
• Increased self-confidence

What are the different types of yoga?
There are many different types of yoga, each with its own unique focus and benefits. Some of the most popular types of yoga include:

• Hatha yoga: A general term for any type of yoga that focuses on physical postures.
• Vinyasa yoga: A type of yoga that links breath with movement.
• Iyengar yoga: A type of yoga that focuses on precision and alignment in the postures.
• Ashtanga yoga: A vigorous type of yoga that involves a set series of postures.
• Bikram yoga: A type of hot yoga that is practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Yin yoga: A slow-paced type of yoga that focuses on holding postures for longer periods of time.

How do I get started with yoga?
If you’re interested in trying yoga, there are a few things you can do to get started. First, find a yoga class that is appropriate for your level of experience. You can find yoga classes at gyms, yoga studios, and community centers. Once you’ve found a class, dress in comfortable clothing and arrive a few minutes early so you can have time to set up your mat and get settled. During the class, listen to your body and don’t push yourself beyond your limits. After the class, take some time to relax and reflect on your experience.

What should I expect from my first yoga class?
Your first yoga class may be a little overwhelming. You may be unfamiliar with the postures and the terminology. It’s important to relax and listen to your body. Don’t try to do too much in your first class. Just focus on being present in the moment and enjoying the experience.

What are some common yoga poses?
Some of the most common yoga poses include:

• Mountain pose: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your arms at your sides. Ground down through your feet and lift up through the crown of your head.
• Downward-facing dog: Start in a tabletop position with your hands under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Tuck your toes under and lift your hips up and back, coming into an inverted V shape.
• Child’s pose: Kneel on the floor with your big toes touching and your knees hip-width apart. Lower your forehead to the floor and rest your arms alongside your body.
• Warrior II pose: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and turn your right foot 90 degrees to the right. Step forward with your left foot and lower your body down until your right thigh is parallel to the floor and your left knee is bent behind you. Extend your arms out to the sides at shoulder height.
• Triangle pose: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and turn your right foot 90 degrees to the right. Step forward with your left foot and turn your torso to the right, bringing your right arm up to the sky and your left arm down to the floor.

What are some yoga props?
Yoga props can be helpful for beginners and for people with certain injuries or limitations. Some common yoga props include:

• Yoga mats: Yoga mats provide cushioning and traction.
• Blocks: Yoga blocks can be used to support your body in certain poses.
• Straps: Yoga straps can be used to help you deepen your stretches.
• Bolsters: Yoga bolsters can be used to support your body in certain poses or to provide a comfortable seat.

Where can I learn more about yoga?
There are many Resources available for Learning more about yoga. You can find books, websites, and videos on yoga. You can also take yoga classes or workshops.

1. What is the name of the ancient Indian practice that combines physical, mental, and spiritual exercises?
   (A) Yoga
   (B) Meditation
   (C) Tai Chi
   (D) Pilates

2. Yoga is a practice that has been around for over 5,000 years. It originated in India and is still practiced there today.
   (A) True
   (B) False

3. Yoga is a practice that can be done by people of all ages and fitness levels.
   (A) True
   (B) False

4. Yoga is a practice that can help improve flexibility, strength, and balance.
   (A) True
   (B) False

5. Yoga is a practice that can help reduce stress and anxiety.
   (A) True
   (B) False

6. Yoga is a practice that can help improve sleep quality.
   (A) True
   (B) False

7. Yoga is a practice that can help improve overall health and well-being.
   (A) True
   (B) False

8. There are many different types of yoga, each with its own unique benefits.
   (A) True
   (B) False

9. Some of the most popular types of yoga include Hatha yoga, Vinyasa yoga, and Iyengar yoga.
   (A) True
   (B) False

10. Yoga can be practiced at home or in a studio.
    (A) True
    (B) False

11. Yoga is a relatively inexpensive practice.
    (A) True
    (B) False

12. There are many resources available to help you learn about yoga, including books, websites, and videos.
    (A) True
    (B) False

13. If you are interested in trying yoga, it is a good idea to find a qualified instructor.
    (A) True
    (B) False

14. Yoga is a safe practice for most people. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before starting yoga if you have any health concerns.
    (A) True
    (B) False

15. Yoga can be a great way to improve your overall health and well-being. If you are looking for a practice that can help you relax, de-stress, and improve your flexibility, strength, and balance, yoga may be a good option for you.