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What is Yoga? Let us begin with a working definition:
Yoga is a method by which to obtain control of one's
latent powers. It offers the means to reach complete
Self-realization. This the Yogis achieve by turning their
thoughts inward, away from the objective world.
The literal meaning of the Sanskrit word Yoga is yoke.
Yoga is very definitely not a religion: some Yogis are
deeply religious, others are not.
The name, derived from the Sanskrit Ha, which stands
for the female principle and Tha, the male principle,
implies that this Yoga may be practiced by both men
and women with the object of achieving complete control
of the body. The second important feature of Hatha Yoga
is the practice of asanas or postures. In short, we make
exercise hard work.
Bear in mind that the body is always first slowly prepared
for each pose and that the limbering-up process, which
each student pursues at his own pace, is geared in such
a way as not to overtax his capacities.
By the time he is ready to practice an asana, certainly
by the time he has mastered it, really is relaxing as
well as beneficial. Then the profound balance achieved
by the body makes it possible for the mind to soar.
Yoga teaches that it is essential never to overdo, never
to strain and tire. Rhythmic deep breathing is an essential
part of all exercises.
Much more emphasis is put on breathing than is true of
any of the Western schools of physical culture, since
the Yogis understand that for purely physiological reasons
deep breathing is a sure way to calm the nerves, and
this in turn reduces tensions and improves concentration.
One might say that the overall reason for combining deep
breathing with asanas and mudras is that the Yogi, while
purifying and disciplining his body, aims to bring his mind,
too, under similar control.
Many Western students are content with the sheer physical
well-being they are able to achieve, with no concern at
all for the second aim, which is for mental and spiritual
discipline.
Hatha Yoga, in common with other Yoga schools,teaches
certain rules of conduct, or yamas. This chanting
is done in conjuncÂtion with deep breathing, which
admittedly does arrest mind-wandering so that the practitioner
becomes drawn into himself in spiritual contemplation.
There is hardly a place for it in our Western world.
In Laya Yoga the student remains perfectly still, in
a profound state of trance. As we have already mentioned,
this form of Yoga is not safe for anyone to practice who
has not gained complete control over his emotions as well
as over his mental processes.
Essentially practical, Karma Yoga teaches helping others
as a means of helping one's self. Still another school is
Jnana Yoga, the Yoga of Knowledge as against that of Action.
Jnana educates the mind to perceive Self and so free itself
from all forms of delusion. Bhakti Yoga is a system of
intense devotion, with emphasis on faith.
Finally we come to Raja Yoga which, translated literally,
means "King of Yogas." By then the Yogi has learned to stop his
thinking processes so completely that his consciousness
is absorbed into the Infinite. Raja Yoga may be thought of
as the synthesis of all the systems of Yoga as a whole.
Now to recapitulate: The gaining of a healthy body and a
mind calm and passive under all circumstances is common to
all Yogas. Control of one's mental processes as well as of
the emotions is a basic common goal.
In our own Occidental utilitarian terms, then, Yoga techniques,
translated into Yogism, offer us the means for better Self-realization
in the realm of the physical, the mental, the emotional and
the spiritual.
Mark Edwards has been helping
people relise the benefits of a fitness life style for over tweleve years. Visit Mark at www.health-and-fitness.journal.com to find out how to improve your welbeing through Yoga
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