Aarti
Since June 21 was designated as International Yoga Day, the practise of yoga has gained widespread attention. The primary reason for yoga’s worldwide popularity is the way it calms the mind and body. Ashtanga yoga, which focuses on using the body’s own weight as resistance, is one style, while pranayama, which focuses on the breath, is another.
Yoga, though, is not a novel idea. In India, the practise of yoga dates back more than 10,000 years. The fundamental tenets of yoga have not changed despite the countless developments that have taken place over the centuries. And yet, what, precisely, is yoga? Reading about yoga’s beginnings will help you grasp the practice’s full significance.
Why is it called yoga?
The Sanskrit term yoga (Yuj) means “to unite” or “to join.” Numerous yogic texts attest to yoga’s ability to unite one’s inner and outside worlds in a state of perfect harmony.
A yogi is someone who has achieved this state of oneness through consistent practise. A yogi has one and only one goal in life: Mukti, or liberation from the body. According to ancient Indian philosophy, the human body goes through numerous stages, including infancy, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. To achieve moksha or mukti is to become formless. Self-realization is the key to achieving true independence, and practises like yoga and meditation can help you get there.
Beginner’s Guide To Learning Yoga
What are the guidelines for yoga? How do you even begin? What type of education will best serve your needs? How many different styles of yoga are there?
You should research the various yoga practises and the advantages they provide before beginning your yoga adventure. Make a well-informed choice with the information provided here.
Yoga over the years
- Pre Vedic and Vedic period
In the past, information was transmitted from one generation to the next primarily through oral tradition. As a result, pinpointing the exact time period of yoga’s inception is challenging. The term “yoga” first appears in writing around 1500 BCE in the Hindu scriptures known as the Rig Veda. Yoga, in the form of breathing exercises, was next mentioned in written form, around 1200–1000 BCE, in the Atharva Veda.
- Pre-classical period
The Upanishads, sacred Hindu writings, originated during this time. During this time period, a focus on the spiritual ties between the mind and the body was venerated. Mantra recitation and meditation date back to this period and remain fundamental to contemporary yoga. There were 20 Upanishads dedicated solely to yoga out of a total of 108. Meditation, the withdrawal of the senses, sound, and pranayam are all covered in these sacred texts. Life force, or prana, is the focus of Yama’s command. This means that pranayam is the yoga equivalent of deep breathing.
- Classical period
The idea that one could reach enlightenment by assuming a particular body orientation and meditating on that state of being developed. Karma yoga, Bhakti yoga, Dharma yoga, and Jnana yoga are all mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu text. The Gita also makes reference to the phrase “Samatvam Yoga Uchyate,” which translates to “Yoga is the art of balance.”
In the Mahabharata, sage Patanjali explains that the purpose of yoga is to merge the soul with the cosmos. In the second century BCE, he codified the tenets of yoga into a comprehensive text called the yoga sutras. Because of this, Maharishi Patanjali is commonly referred to as Yoga’s progenitor. Find out what goes into organising a yoga vacation in India.
How many types of Yoga are there?
Hatha is Sanskrit for “appendages,” which is precisely what they are. The physical postures of this yoga are the focus. Hatha yoga is the term used in the West to describe all forms of physical yoga. This is because the common conception of yoga incorporates breathing exercises, stretches, and strength training. Hatha yoga has been shown to improve both bone density and equilibrium.
That’s the literal translation of the phrase. This is the most physically demanding kind of yoga, but also the most popular among young people. Vinyasa yoga emphasises transitions between postures. You’ll get more limber and sweat beads as a result.
A more tranquil approach to yoga. It brings about a spiritual renewal in your life. Methods include mantras, chanting, breathing exercises, meditation, and stretching. It holds that you need to unwind the tension in the base of your spine if you want to be healthy.
- Iyengar Yoga
BKS Iyengar pioneered the use of props in yoga to teach proper form. The instructor will have you hold a pose for a considerable amount of time while regulating your breathing. By focusing on a single path with your body, you improve your mental and physical equilibrium.
- Ashtanga Yoga
As the name implies, Ashtanga is based on the number eight. The amas, pratyahara, asanas, niyamas, pranayama, dhyan, samadhi, and dharana are the eight limbs of yoga, according to this school of thought. This yoga is based on the teachings of Patanjali’s Sutras, but it follows a highly precise sequence designed to boost your stamina and lung capacity.
- Yin Yoga
You really just have to sit there for a long time like in Iyengar yoga. This type of yoga is primarily focused on the practise of meditation to achieve enlightenment. This is more along the lines of a yoga tutorial for newbies.
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- Bikram Yoga
This style of yoga, often known as “Hot Yoga,” involves performing the poses and postures of hatha yoga while wearing a heat-regulating yoga suit set to a temperature between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius. The primary goal is to avoid fainting within the first ten minutes. Because of the difficulty of these poses, you’ll be better prepared to handle the inevitable hardships you’ll face in life.
- Anusara Yoga
The mind, body, and spirit are all engaged in this novel fusion of Hatha and Vinyasa yoga. The yogic theory behind this is that a harmonious relationship between the senses can improve cardiovascular function.
- Restorative yoga
This style of yoga is perfect for winding down at the end of a busy day. Like Iyenger, it relies on props to help you relax, but instead of blocks and straps, it uses eye cushions and blankets. If you suffer from back discomfort or a desk job, this will help you achieve the optimal stretching position for relief.
- Power Yoga
There is no resting in between poses in this vigorous style of yoga. This produces a lively circulation of energy within your body, which is beneficial to your wellbeing. In addition to its many other advantages, power yoga is great for weight loss.
