yoga, Which Derives Its Name From

Yoga, which derives its name from

the word, “yoke”—to bring together— We can think of the union occurring between the mind, body and spirit. What is commonly referred to as "yoga" can be more accurately described by the Sanskrit word asana, which refers to the practice of physical postures or poses.

Yoga asanas (postures or poses) help condition

your body Kriya focuses on the effort necessary to move energy up and down the spine; Yoga mudra is a gesture or movement to hold energy or concentrate awareness Bandha uses the technique of holding muscular contractions to focus awareness.

Yoga focuses on the mind by

teaching you to concentrate on specific parts of the body.

Yoga uses controlled breathing

as a way to merge the mind, body, and spirit. The breathing techniques are called pranayamas; prana means energy or life force yama means social ethics.

Indus Valley civilization (ca. 3300–

1700 BC) Several steatite seals discovered at Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300– 1700 BC) sites depict figures in a yoga- or meditation-like posture, The most widely known of these images was named the "Pashupati seal“.

Upanishadic (ca. 800-100 BC) Mahabharata (5th c. BCE)

including the Bhagavad Gita (ca. 200 BCE), and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (200 BCE-300 CE). In the Maitrayaniya Upanishad (ca. 200-300 BCE) yoga surfaces as:

Shadanga-Yoga - The uniting

discipline of the six limbs (shadanga), as expounded in the Maitrayaniya-Upanishad: (1) breath control (pranayama), (2) sensory inhibition (pratyahara), (3) meditation (dhyana), (4) concentration (dharana), (5) examination (tarka), and (6) ecstasy (samadhi).

associated with meditative practices

in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Yoga also helps your body maintain a stable relationship with itself while going into a calm, neutral state of peace. The goal of yoga may range from improving health to achieving Moksha

The

goal of the yogi was to ascend into the immortal realms of pure spirit, to imbibe the intuitional nectar of enlightenment, eradicate disease and find liberation from suffering “A person is said to have achieved yoga, the union with the Self, when the perfectly disciplined mind gets freedom from all desires, and becomes absorbed in the Self alone”

The ultimate goal of yoga is, however, to

help the individual to transcend the self and attain enlightenment. As the Bhagavad-Gita says, “A person is said to have achieved yoga, the union with the Self, when the perfectly disciplined mind gets freedom from all desires, and becomes absorbed in the Self alone.”

The aspirant feels

rejuvenated and energized. Thus, Yoga bestows upon every aspirant the powers to control body and mind.

Attainment of perfect equilibrium and harmony Promotes self- healing. Removes negative blocks from the mind and toxins

from the body Enhances Personal power Increases self-awareness Helps in attention focus and concentration, especially important for children. Reduces stress and tension in the physical body by activating the parasympathetic nervous system

Ashtanga yoga or eight limbed yoga is the

most ancient form of yogic practice. The eight steps are - Five universal principles of human conduct, five universal practices and attributes for unleashing human potential, yogic postures, yogic breathing techniques, interiorization, concentration of mind and energy, meditation and attaining cosmic consciousness.

1. Yama, which means social

restraints or ethical values; 2. Niyama, which is personal observance of purity, tolerance, and study; 3. Asanas or physical exercises; 4. Pranayama, which means breath control or regulation;

5. Pratyahara or sense

withdrawal in preparation for Meditation; 6. Dharana, which is about concentration; 7. Dhyana, which means Meditation; and 8. Samadhi, which means ecstasy.

This form of yogic practice is for

those persons who are already evolved practitioners and who have disciplined their body and mind in the science of yoga.

The yoga of action is for those persons

who need to balance their active life in society, organization and family with their spiritual life. After devoting a few hours to deep and focused yoga practice, the rest of the time is devoted to one's duties in a conducive environment. 

The yoga of devotion is more suitable for

persons with devotional temperaments. On another side, yoga of devotion is also used an approach to induce the externally diverted mind to focus and realign it to deeper practices. Women have great passion and feeling and emotions so they are more devotional in their temperament and are naturally fit for yoga of devotion.

Hatha yoga is based on yoga postues,

breathing techniques and yoga mudra or yogic gestures. These practices help in getting rid of diseases and disorders, enhances health and well being and purifies the subtle channels of vital force so that one can easily practice higher forms of yogic practices.

Many times the word yoga is

attached to several prominent practices of different kinds of yoga. So they are not actually some individual forms of yoga. This practice has been used to emphasize their practice and their relevance.

BENEFITS: reduced stress sound sleep reduced cortisol levels allergy and asthma

symptom relief increased strength and flexibility slowed aging process

smoking cessation

help lower heart rate spiritual growth sense of wellbeing reduced anxiety and muscle tension

REFERENCES: http://www.yogafinder.com/, http://www.yogajournal.com/OnlineDirect

ory/ http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/yogacenters.asp http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga http://www.yogajournal.com/basics/2323 http://yoga.about.com/od/beginningyoga/ a/whatisyoga.htm