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What is Yoga?
 Yoga focuses on harmony between mind and body. Yoga derives its philosophy from Indian metaphysical beliefs. The word yoga
comes from Sanskrit language and means union or merger. The ultimate aim of this philosophy is to strike a balance between
mind and body and attain self-enlightenment. To achieve this, yoga uses movement, breath, posture, relaxation and meditation
in order to establish a healthy, lively and balanced approach to life. Though the exact origins of Yoga are unknown
but Yoga is considered to be the oldest physical discipline in existence. Yoga, thus symbolizes balance in every area of life.
In the earlier times, the rationale of the Yoga postures and breathing exercises was to bring stability and relaxation so
practitioners could prepare for the rigors of meditation, sitting still and alert for long periods of time. In modern context
also Yoga can play an important role in maintaining a fine balance between work and healthy mind.
Yoga Tips
- The most appropriate time for practicing Yoga is in the morning. It is the time when the mind is calm, composed and fresh
and the body movements can be performed with considerable ease and vigor.
- To get started you need to have the urge and confidence in yourself.
- To practice Yoga you must choose a place which is calm, quiet, ventilated, dust free, moisture free and distraction free.
- Before you start Yoga, you must clear your bowels and bladder; clean your nostrils and throat of all mucus. You must also
drink a glass of lukewarm water.
- Wait for a few minutes and then you can start.
- Like all other work outs you must begin with easy poses, thereafter you can advance to the tough ones. Be methodical and
systematic.
- Remember, to start with your movements should be light and if you feel fatigue in between you must discontinue.
- Yoga must energize and not cause weariness and depression.
- You must take breaks in between if a particular step or exercise proves tiring.
- If you practice Yoga, your diet should be a balanced and you should eat after an interval of 4 hours.
- The quantity of food should be such that it satisfies your appetite.
- Over eating and fasting should be avoided. At the same time you must try to avoid stale food.
- Yoga clothing should be loose and as comfortable as possible. Form-fitting cotton/Lycra pants and shirts are the best.
- While performing Yoga your breathing should be long and deep. You must remember to keep your mouth close and inhale and
exhale only through the nose.
- You should always keep a Yoga mat made of some comfortable materials. For lying postures use a woolen carpet, and spread
a clean sheet over it.
Yoga Types
 Under this section of Yoga types, different Yoga styles and Yoga paths have been discussed. The prominent Yoga types or Yoga
styles are Bhakti Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Mantra Yoga, Purna Yoga and Raja Yoga. Though
all the above Yoga styles are popular among the Yoga followers but the Kundalini Yoga type is most sought after in the west.
It is interesting to note that different Yoga types have their unique virtues. Some Yoga styles are useful for physical strength
whereas some are useful for increasing mental prowess. Bhakti Yoga emphasizes love and devotion whereas Hatha Yoga
is an easy Yoga style and most popular in the US. Jnana Yoga highlights the use of the mind to surpass the mind i.e. to discern
the mind. Karma Yoga lays emphasis on selfless action and service. Kundalini Yoga uses sexual experience as a means to enlightenment
and knowledge. In the Mantra Yoga meditation one has to chant a word or a phrase until he/she transcends mind and emotions.
Purna Yoga lays more emphasis on the importance of Karma in day today life. Raja Yoga provides solution for complete and holistic
healing.
Yoga Types
Bhakti Yoga
Bhakti Yoga is a system of Yoga in which love and devotion are given emphasis. Some of the Bhakti Yoga traditions
do not preach the traditional Yoga asanas, pranayama, mudra or controlled meditation. In its place they lay emphasis on love
of God, love of God in man and surrender to God's will. Some people are naturally inclined by temperament to be devotional
and to love God and God-as-the-world. In the Bhakti Yoga fold, maintenance of balance is recommended. Perhaps we all practice
Bhakti Yoga in our day today life. It is in our dealings with other persons that we tend to practice this. Bhakti Yoga is
reflected most in our prayer to the God.
Like established Yoga systems there are no fixed ways to perform Bhakti yoga.
It all depends from person to person. Some individuals can take the help of external aids to stimulate prayer and meditation.
These external aids may include pictures of saints, chanting or singing and use of mantra. Whatever an individual does, if
it proves beneficial in the long run it is perfectly in order for that individual, even though the same may not appeal to
another person. Then there are a large number of people who resort to singing the names of God to elevate consciousness and
charge the environment with pure energy. For those who find it difficult to concentrate during meditation, prayer and chanting
is of great help.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga is an important Yoga type. Hatha Yoga is an easy form of Yoga and is very popular in the United
States and other western countries. Hatha Yoga is said to be the basis of all Yoga systems. The word Hatha is made of two
words, "Ha" and "Tha", Ha means "sun" and "Tha" means "moon." Thus, Hatha Yoga refers to positive (sun) and to negative (moon)
currents in the system. The most suitable way to practice Hatha Yoga is to begin with a calm and meditative bent of mind.
Sit quietly for a few moments and relax. Thereafter you can begin with the Hatha Yoga practice, slowly, with control and grace.
While doing the asanas you must remember that you do not overstretch beyond a limit. Remember this is not a competition. Hatha
yoga is a complete fitness program and will release endorphins in the brain as well as any regular exercise program.
Hatha
yoga is the physical part of Yoga practice. Hatha yoga lays emphasis on asanas, pranayama and dhyana (meditation). Another
important facet of Yoga is that it aims at balancing different energy flows within the human body. About half of the nearly
200 Hatha Yoga asanas are popular in the West. The Hatha Yoga postures range from the basic to the complex, from the easy
ones to the very challenging. Every movement in Yoga is planned and controlled as a result of that they prove revitalizing
for both mind and body. Hatha Yoga exercises are intended to ease tense muscles, to tone up the internal organs, and to improve
the body flexibility. The aim of accurate Yoga exercise is to improve flexibility and strength of the body. When practiced
in combination with breathing techniques, Hatha yoga postures stimulate circulation, digestion, nervous and endocrine systems
of the body.
Jnana Yoga
Another popular Yoga type is the Jnana Yoga. Jnana Yoga emphasizes the use of the mind to surpass the mind
i.e. to discern the mind. The aim of Jnana Yoga is to endeavor ceaselessly to explore knowledge and to know and understand.
Jnana Yoga is eight-limbed, and its other seven limbs are detachment, self-discipline, longing for freedom, hearing the truth,
reflection upon that truth, and meditation. Jnana Yoga aims at attaining liberation through knowledge and not by rituals and
ceremonies. Knowledge attained by Jnana Yoga is through understanding of judgment and experience.
It is not that everyone
is knowledgeable. Knowledge is only for the special few who are prepared for sound examination and clear discernment of the
nature of Consciousness. The individual who chooses the path Of Jnana Yoga to discern knowledge goes through conclusions accumulated
through millions of years. Afterwards the individual examines them in the light of his own intelligence and then comes to
his own realization. In deep meditation, the knowledge seeker reflects the distinctiveness of Consciousness in manifestation.
After going through this rigorous process of Jnana Yoga the knowledge seeker gains insight and perfect realization.
Karma Yoga
Karma Yoga lays emphasis on selfless action and service. The underlying message of Karma Yoga is very clear-
humans must always work in harmony with the great power that controls and runs the universe. If we follow this we are no longer
egotistically motivated. At the same time we no longer maintain obsessive desires in relation to the future. With the eradication
of compulsive or obsessive desire, we are able to live in the present and at the same time can plan for the future. This planning
about future is independent of boundation to the future.
We all know that every logical desire carries within itself
the motive force for its fulfillment i.e. while doing different works we tend to think about their results in future. In the
process we are subconsciously pushed towards it or attract it to ourselves. The most important aspect of the Yogic philosophy
is that it is not against intelligent planning. It lays emphasis only on relinquishing egotistic desires. In this way we are
more open to practical aspects of inner guidance. As we work with a cheerful attitude, doing what we are best suited to do,
we know a harmony and an inner peace which those who strive and struggle can never know.
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini Yoga system is remarkably different than most of the religious systems of the world. Most of the
religious traditions look forward to maintaining celibacy to attain spiritual growth. It is mainly because of this attitude
that the thought, sexual involvement is detrimental to a greater development of self, has come into being. On the other hand,
Tantra yoga suggests that sexuality can be a very powerful force that should be harnessed for increased self-awareness and
consciousness. Thus, Kundalini Yoga is curious, in that it not only allows sexual feelings and contact, but uses sexual experience
as a means to enlightenment and knowledge.
The Tantra school believes in the notion that if the enormous energy, trapped
into sexuality, is released from the lower end of the spine, can flow up the spinal column to bring divine illumination to
the brain. According to their belief, Kundalini energy flows in the interior of spine, along an energy channel called shushumna.
The Kundalini energy is thought to be the most powerful of all supernatural energies. On the other side of the canal are two
additional energy channels, one called "Ida" corresponding to the male, and the other the "Pingala" corresponding to the female.
Ida is at the right of the base of the spine and the pingala is at the left side.
After achieving mastery of self
by relaxing body tension, silencing mental talk, and releasing energy blocks, an individual is ready to join with a partner
having the same energy level. Together they form a "whole". To reach this position the partners must achieve a highly developed
awareness within their being. In the Tantric lovemaking (maithuna), the partners undergo a diversity of meditations and rituals
before making physical contact. It is of utmost importance that throughout the lovemaking process the partners must maintain
the spiritual link. It is interesting to know that in the Tantric yoga, the partners do not aim at orgasm. On the other hand
they try not to have one. In the process they draw the forces of Kundalini energy upward. It helps in releasing the power
of various chakras. The process of "maithuna" is not aimed at the sexual release as an end, but on sex as a conduit through
which the evolution of self may continue.
Mantra Yoga
Mantras are words, phrases, or syllables which are chanted attentively and thoughtfully to attain certain
goals. In the Mantra Yoga meditation one has to chant a word or a phrase until he/she transcends mind and emotions. In the
process the super conscious is discovered and achieved. The rhythm and the meaning of mantras combine to conduct the mind
safely back to the point of meditation- the higher consciousness or the specific spiritual focus. Different syllables, phrases
and words posses their unique healing potential. Hence they are chanted at a specific time. As a tool to achieve stillness,
the mantra is to be discarded at the moment stillness is achieved. Sometimes mantras are also applied to modify circumstances.
In the chanting of the mantras it is of immense importance that they are pronounced properly or else all their intended effect
would not come. For such purposes it is important that the proper pronunciation is imparted.
Purna Yoga
Purna Yoga or integral yoga is said to be an improvisation over the traditional Yoga systems of India. It
was thought that the traditional Yoga system revolved more around salvation and next life rather than the present one. The
integral Yoga lays more emphasis on the importance of Karma in day today life. Purna Yoga gives Yoga a positive and dynamic
form. Integral Yoga suggests three levels of integration- the integration of the inner, the integration of the human psyche
with its external environment, and the integration of the psyche with its ultimate spiritual Ground. Purna Yoga is a world-affirmative
and body-positive spirituality that skillfully combines self-transcendence with love, compassion, and veneration for all life.
According to the Integral Yoga the ultimate goal of life is complete self-integration. This self-integration involves
other important elements like action, love, wisdom and peace. The yoga of love or devotion (Bhakti yoga) is perfectly right
in affirming love as the fulfillment of life and as an essential ingredient of salvation. It is important to note that Purna
Yoga does not separate love from wisdom and selfless action. Love in its spiritual essence is an attribute of wisdom. Integral
yoga points out that knowledge is inseparable from love and action but that action is not merely a means to self-purification
resulting in salvation.
Raja Yoga
An important branch of Yoga, Raja Yoga is a one stop solution for complete and holistic healing. Raja Yoga
possesses the positive power of influencing the life of human beings. Raja Yoga synchronizes the physiological system as a
whole as well as transforms all spheres (physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, occupational, social and spiritual) of
human existence. Raja Yoga therapy is truly a holistic treatment as it heals the principal mechanisms and the control of the
whole person. Raja Yoga helps an individual to mitigate emotional and mental conflicts. Raja Yoga also brings lasting peace
and satisfaction in one's life. All these virtues make Raja Yoga a way of living.
If a person is not healthy from
inside he/she can't be called a complete healthy individual. Raja Yoga is of immense importance here as it heals a person
from within as well. All systems of human beings get transformed through Raja Yoga practice. Raja Yoga not only transforms
the body but also the brain, which completely harmonizes the individual. Being a self initiated technique, Raja Yoga helps
healing through activation of health promoting physiological and biochemical processes in the body. It is interesting to note
that during the course of the Raja Yoga practice an individual comes into harmony with other human beings and environment.
Raja Yoga practice prolongs human existence. Thus, Raja Yoga helps people to fulfill and achieve responsibilities in a balanced
way.
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| Meditation: what it is !!! |
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 An ordinary person may consider meditation as a worship or prayer. But it is not so. Meditation means awareness. Whatever
you do with awareness is meditation. "Watching your breath" is meditation; listening to the birds is meditation.
As long as these activities are free from any other distraction to the mind, it is effective meditation.
Meditation is not a technique but a way of life. Meditation means
'to join together or to yoke' . It describes a state of consciousness, when the mind is free of scattered thoughts and various
patterns . The observer(one who is doing meditation) realizes that all the activity of the mind is reduced to one.
A Tibetan Lama was being monitored on a brain scan machine by a scientist
wishing to test physiological functions during deep meditation. The scientist said - "Very good Sir. The machine shows that
you are able to go very deep in brain relaxation, and that validates your meditation". "No", said the Lama, "This (pointing
to his brain) validates the machine!".
These days it is commonly understood to mean some form of spiritual
practice where one sits down with eyes closed and empties the mind to attain inner peace, relaxation or even an experience
of God. Some people use the term as "my gardening is my meditation" or for jogging or art or music, hence creating confusion
or misunderstanding.
The word meditation, is derived from two Latin words : meditari(to
think, to dwell upon, to exercise the mind) and mederi (to heal). Its Sanskrit derivation 'medha' means wisdom.
Many years ago meditation was considered something just not meant
for modern people, but now it has become very popular with all types of people. Published scientific and medical evidence
has proved its benefits, but it still needs to be much understood.
Traditionally, the classical yoga texts, describe that to attain
true states of meditation one must go through several stages. After the necessary preparation of personal and social code,
physical position, breath control, and relaxation come the more advanced stages of concentration, contemplation, and then
ultimately absorption. But that does not mean that one must perfect any one stage before moving onto the next. The Integral
yoga approach is simultaneous application of a little of all stages together.
Commonly today, people can mean any one of these stages when they
refer to the term meditation. Some schools only teach concentration techniques, some relaxation, and others teach free form
contemplative activities like just sitting and awaiting absorption. Some call it meditation without giving credence to yoga
for fear of being branded 'eastern'. But yoga is not something eastern or western as it is universal in its approach and application.
With regular practice of a balanced series of techniques, the energy
of the body and mind can be liberated and the quality of consciousness can be expanded. This is not a subjective claim but
is now being investigated by the scientists and being shown by an empirical fact. |
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There are many thousands of mediation methods known today. Some are best for beginners,
others are better tackled after a few years of experience. So to just give you a starting point the following method can be
followed : |
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Choose a time when you are not likely to be disturbed. |
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Settle down in a place which has fresh air. If you so desire, having some incense
around you will relax you. You may sit in any of the meditative poses depending on your comfort level, and to stay in that
pose for a desired duration of time. |
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Begin by learning to focus on something non-threatening. This will relax you, break
your stress response. |
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Concentrate on a subject that appeals to you- it could be a flower, a word, or
the flame of a candle. |
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Notice how your thoughts wander. Don't attempt to control them. Observe them with
detachment. |
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Within a few weeks, you will notice a marked difference in your capacity to focus.
This is the stepping stone to awareness. |
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| Difficulties During Meditation |
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Many people sit down to meditate , but find it difficult to do so, because either
they don't prepare themselves enough, or they don't really know what's it all about. |
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| Some difficulties usually faced are: |
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Mind goes haywire. |
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If the mind is not disturbed it is spontaneously blissful, just as water. It is
by nature transparent and clear. The mind in meditation can be compared to a jar of muddy water- the more we leave the water
without interfering or stirring it, the more the particles will sink to the bottom, letting the natural clarity of the mind
shine through. So take care not to impose anything on the mind. When you meditate there should be no effort to control,
to be peaceful.. |
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Body becomes restless and back becomes sore - |
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This happens due to lack of preparation. It becomes difficult to sit for a long
duration in the same pose as the body is not used to it. This is where yoga comes in - by which a person can prepare his body
to remain in a particular meditative pose for the desired duration of time. According to Integral yoga a routine of asans,
yoga nidra and pranayam should be followed prior to meditation. |
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Expectations are too much |
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If you think mediation means instant peace, or that it shall clear the hassles
of the mind in minutes then you are wrong .The state of meditation does not mean a warm, fuzzy feeling, a mind full of loving
thoughts. If you hope meditation will cure incurable diseases in several weeks, again you shall be wrong. The first thing
about meditation is that you should not have any expectations. Every person comes with a different mind set when starting
meditation. One person may be close to inner space and others may be years away from basic relaxation. There shall be doubts
and confusions, all of which will be solved by practice and dedication in time. |
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Which method is best suited to me ? |
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There are plenty of methods some for beginners, some for experienced, some for
intellectual, some for devotional or mystical kind of person. So the only way to find out the best method suited to you, is
to learn yoga under the guidance of an experienced teacher who will be able to guide you about a method, you may adapt depending
on your lifestyle, your ability and your need. But then trial and error has done no harm and you can go ahead and find
out for yourself what suits you best. |
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Experience of duality in your life - |
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| What meditation is not? |
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Meditation is sometimes quite misunderstood and does not usually fit the bill as
sometimes people perceive it to be. |
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Meditation is not contemplation. |
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Contemplation involves thinking about a concept, engaging your mind in enquiring
about a certain idea. But when you meditate, you don't ask the mind to think about a concept, but go beyond thought. |
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Meditation is not hypnosis or autosuggestion. |
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In hypnosis, a suggestion is made to the mind, there is an attempt to programme,
manipulate or control the content of the mind. But when you meditate, you simply observe the mind and let it become quite
and calm, exploring and experiencing the deeper levels of your being. |
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Meditation identifies with religion. |
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Meditation does not belong to any culture or religion. It is a simple method of
exploring the inner dimensions of life. Some religions employ meditative practices as part of their rituals, meditation itself
is far removed from any set of beliefs or the distinctions of class or creed. |
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Meditation does not mean instant peace. | | |
Many mediators have a dualistic kind of existence. Some people love doing meditation
but find that for many hours in the day they are unconsciously working against the very thing they are trying to achieve in
their quite times. If harmony is not created in the personality, then self control and self-discipline will create more conflict
rather than peace of mind. A person shall have to develop a harmonious relationship between his personality and his lifestyle.
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