On this page, we are going to read all the information about yoga, so definitely read the post completely.
On the previous page, we had shared information about how to keep the body healthy and fit, so read that post too.
Let us read the definition, purpose, history, types and benefits of yoga today.
definition of yoga
Yoga is a process in which man tries to bring his mind, body and soul together.
sum one Sanskrit words which means to meet or to unite.
Yoga originated from Indian culture. People have been practicing yoga since about 5000 years ago.
Yoga does not consist primarily of physical fitness, in yoga people try to control their body and mind through mental meditation and breathing methods.
If men teach yoga, they are called yogis and if women teach, they are called yogis. Yoga Sutras is a 2000 year old book. This is the only book in which written evidence of yoga has been found.
This book is the oldest book about yoga. Yoga philosophy has been described in this book. Many methods have been made about how one can control one’s mind, one’s emotions and merge into spirituality.
Origin of Yoga
There is no consensus on an exact time period on the origin of yoga. Some researchers believe that it originated during the Indus Valley Civilization period, others say that it originated in eastern India from the pre-Vedic era.
Some experts believe that it originated in the Vedic age. The Pashupati seal obtained during mining from Mohenjodaro shows a figure seated in moolabandhasana (the sitting posture in yoga), and therefore some researchers give this as evidence of a yoga of Indus Valley origin.
The earliest use of the word yoga is from the Rigveda to the sun god rising in the morning in a verse. However, the Rigveda does not mention what is a yogic practice?
In the modern era, gurus like Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Paramahansa Yogananda, Swami Vivekananda, Ramana Maharishi, etc. contributed to the development and popularization of yoga all over the world.
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is a collection of about 195 sutras or sutras written in Sanskrit. It was based on previous works and old traditions on yoga by sage Patanjali.
In this text, Patanjali describes yoga as eight limbs (ashtang). They are Yama (restraint), Niyama (observance), Asana (yoga postures), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (absorption).
India’s role in promoting yoga
Yoga originated in India. Yoga is practiced in India for almost 5000 years, every person in India knows about yoga from very long back, people know its benefits and it has been done before it became popular in the world.
The current Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, in his speech at the United Nations, gave the idea to make International Yoga important.
He said in his speech, “Yoga is an invaluable gift of the ancient tradition of India.
It is a symbol of unity of mind and body. Thought and action, moderation and fulfillment, harmony between man and nature, are a holistic approach to health and well-being.
It is not about exercise but about discovering a sense of oneness with oneself, the world and nature.
By changing your lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help with well-being. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day.
With this, the United Nations Assembly accepted this resolution and decided to celebrate International Yoga Day on 21 June every year.
types of yoga
There are the following types of yoga.
1. Hatha Yoga
It is one of the oldest forms of yoga that involves the practice of asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises) that calm the mind and body, and help prepare the body for meditation.
2. Vinyasa Yoga
The meaning of this yoga is to be in sync with the breath. This is one of the most popular forms of yoga. It includes Ashtanga as well as many different types of yoga asanas. It increases heat in the body, helps in sweating and increases strength.
3. Ashtanga Yoga
Six series are involved in this yoga and each series is a sequence of asanas, always in the same order.
Our sages have told eight types of means for the purification of body, mind and life through yoga and for attainment of God, which is called Ashtanga Yoga.
These eight limbs of yoga are Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dhyana, Dharana and Samadhi.
4. Shakti Yoga
The popularity of Shakti Yoga has spread across the world and is now taught everywhere. By its practice, the thoughts of others can be known.
5. Bikram Yoga
It consists of twenty-six asanas and two breathing techniques. This style of yoga helps in flushing out toxins, reduces weight.
Bikram yoga is also known as hot yoga because it is performed at a high temperature.
6. Jivamukti Yoga
This style of yoga was created in 1984. Chanting, meditation, reading and affirmation are done in this style of yoga.
7. Sivananda Yoga
This yoga usually begins with Savasana (relaxation pose), Kapalbhati and Anulom Vilom, followed by a few rounds of Surya Namaskar. Chanting and meditation can also be a part of it.
8. Kundalini Yoga
According to yoga, there are seven chakras in the human body. These chakras are awakened while meditating. Due to which this power goes to the brain.
This process is called Kundalini/Laya Yoga. With this yoga, your restless mind calms down and moves towards concentration.
9. Yin Yoga
Yin yoga is an exercise focused on the lower body and thighs and muscles. It is a slow and focused yoga. Through this yoga, it also helps in maintaining the balance of the mind.
branches of yoga
Yoga is divided into six branches. Like hatha yoga, raja yoga, karma yoga, bhakti yoga, jnana yoga, tantra yoga.
circle of yoga
There are also seven chakras of yoga styles, namely Sahasram Chakra, Ajna Chakra, Vishuddha Chakra, Anahata Chakra, Manipura Chakra, Swadhisthana Chakra, Muladhara Chakra.
benefits of yoga
- Yoga is the only process in which you can exercise without any medium. Not only this, with yoga you can drive away your diseases without any medicine.
- With yoga, you can increase the flexibility of your body. If there is flexibility in one’s body, then there is very less pain in that body. Doing yoga can relieve your pain.
- If a person does yoga for 20 to 30 minutes daily, then his body does not get tired throughout the day.
- Yoga is very beneficial for children. Yoga is also helpful in calming the mind and it is also helpful in showing the right attitude. Positive thoughts are created by doing yoga and the mind is also engaged to do the right thing.
- Doing yoga strengthens the muscles. Going to the gym also strengthens the muscles by doing weight exercises, but when you do yoga, your muscles are strong and at the same time it becomes flexible, so there is no arthritis and back pain.
- By doing yoga the mind remains calm. By doing this there is no worry, mental stress and diseases like high blood pressure stay away from the body.
- Doing yoga improves human posture.
- Yoga helps in keeping the bones strong and there is no joint pain. By doing yoga, blood flow remains good. It also improves the heart rate of the body and boosts immunity. Not only this, yoga also helps in controlling blood pressure and controlling blood sugar level.
- Weight loss with yoga is also very quick and easy. Yoga always keeps a person happy. It enhances peace of mind which leads to sound sleep.
Basic Rules for Yoga
- Yoga should be practiced on an empty stomach. If you have had a meal, keep a gap of at least 3 hours to practice.
- Rest for at least 10 seconds after each yoga practice.
- Avoid excessive consumption of tea or coffee while you are practicing yoga.
- Wear comfortable clothes for yoga practice.
- Start with easy poses first and then you can move on to harder poses.
- Do not practice yoga on empty land. Always use thin yoga mats or thick sheets for yoga.
- Women should not do yoga during menstruation.
- Food can be taken one hour after the practice of yoga.
- Morning is the best time to prepare for yoga and it is always better to practice yoga where there is plenty of clean air.
- Do not do yoga twenty minutes before and after taking a bath as the blood circulation may increase after a bath. It is better to take a bath with cold water after its practice.
benefits of morning yoga
Practicing yoga in the morning can boost your energy and help set the tone for the rest of your day.
Plus it takes more energy to exercise in the morning than at the end of a long day. Some people may also like to do yoga on an empty stomach to avoid cramps or indigestion.
Benefits of doing yoga in the evening
Evening yoga practice removes the stress of the day and makes one fresh and calm. Evening yoga can relieve stress and promote relaxation, allowing you to unwind.
names of major yoga asanas
Here are the names of all the major types of yoga asanas.
- Surya Namaskar
- Chakrasana
- trikonasana
- Natarajasana
- Balasan
- Mandukasana
- yoga nidra
- Vrischikasana
- conch shell
- Bhadrasana
- headstand
- Tadasana
- Bhujangasana,
- makarasana
- Halasan
- Sarvangasana
- Paschimottanasana
- Ustrasana
- Vakrasana,
- matsyasana
- vajrasana
FAQs About Yoga
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