Yoga Can Be Practiced For Health And Spiritual Benefits
Yoga isn't just a new health fad. Sure, it's become amazingly popular in English-speaking countries recently. But Yoga's been around for a very long time. It actually started out thousands of years ago in India.
Yoga brings together the mind, body, and spirit. Exercise is just one component of Yoga. In English-speaking countries, Yoga is known best for its gentle exercises and its benefits to health, but Yoga actually encompasses an entire lifestyle which has three main goals:
1. discipline the mind
2. discipline the body and promote overall health
3. connect to spirituality
In English-speaking countries, there has not recently been a lack of spirituality. But rather, the people there have recently become more health-conscious. Many who are overweight are searching for a way to build muscle strength and tone as a way to burn fat fast. And older people who have lost mobility are looking for low-impact ways to increase their flexibility.
Perhaps this is why many Americans, Canadians, Brits, and Aussies are much more familiar with the physical component of the Yoga lifestyle than they are with the mental and spiritual components. Yoga has recently become popular in these countries as a way to promote and protect health, reduce stress, build strength and flexibility, and lose weight.
Classes in Hatha Yoga, the physical component of the Yoga lifestyle, are becoming very popular in these countries, making their way into gyms, weight loss clinics, spas, and even cruise ships. During Hatha Yoga, a person goes through various asanas (poses) while also controlling their breathing. In contrast to the very active forms of exercise most Westerners are used to, most forms of Hatha Yoga are done slowly and deliberately, holding poses briefly and doing few "reps." Nevertheless, they're a very effective way to regain flexibility, and they're an alternative way to build strength through the entire body.
Perhaps because of their familiarity with Hatha Yoga, English-speakers are also being introduced to meditation and chanting. Although some embrace these traditions in full with their associated spiritual goals, many just do them to improve their overall health or certain components of their health (such as their flexibility or strength).
History of Yoga
When did Yoga start? We're not actually sure. But 5,000 year old stone seals depict figures of Yoga Poses. So we know that Yoga's at least that old... Actually, Yoga probably existed long before that. Yoga and Stone Age Shamanism have similar characteristics, so Yoga probably goes back to the Stone Age. The history of Yoga can be divided into four stages:1. Vedic Period
2. Pre-Classical Yoga
3. Classical Yoga
4. Post-Classical Yoga
Below you'll find a deeper explanation of each of these four stages...
Vedic Period
The Vedas, the sacred scripture that forms the basis of modern-day Hinduism, was written during the Vedic Period. The Vedas is a collection of hymns. It contains the oldest known Yogic teachings, ceremonies and rituals. These have one main goal: to strive to surpass the limitations of the mind.
The Vedas made references to chakras which were later elaborated upon into the other important yogi texts. Chakras are vortices of energy. The word "chakra" literally means "wheel," so chakras are wheels of energy. Some texts refer to chakras as centers of biophysical or metaphysical energy. Other texts refer to chakras as centers of consciousness.
Chakras are said by some yogic traditions to reside in the spine along the center of the body from the base of the spine to the top of the head. Certain yogic traditions believe that through concentration, spiritual seekers may be able to increase and focus these chakra until they become one with the Universal Presence.
The Vedas made references to chakras which were later elaborated upon into the other important yogi texts. Chakras are vortices of energy. The word "chakra" literally means "wheel," so chakras are wheels of energy. Some texts refer to chakras as centers of biophysical or metaphysical energy. Other texts refer to chakras as centers of consciousness.
Chakras are said by some yogic traditions to reside in the spine along the center of the body from the base of the spine to the top of the head. Certain yogic traditions believe that through concentration, spiritual seekers may be able to increase and focus these chakra until they become one with the Universal Presence.
Pre-Classical Yoga
The second very important work in the history of Yoga was the Upanishads, which were created during the Pre-Classical Yoga Period. Like the Vedas, the Upanishads referred to chakras. They contained 200 scriptures that built upon the Vedas. These scriptures explained the ultimate reality (or "Brahman"), the transcendental self (or "atman"), and the relationship between the two.
Yoga shares some of its characteristics with both Hinduism and Buddhism. Meditation and physical poses, for example, are important to both Yoga and Buddhism. During the Pre-Classical Yoga Period, Buddhism began, and Siddharta Gautama was the first Buddhist to study Yoga.
The Bhagavad-Gita (or "Lord's Song"), the oldest known Yoga scripture, was also created during this time. It records a conversation between Prince Arjuna and God-man Krishna on the importance of opposing evil by bringing together three things:
* loving devotion (or "Bhakti)
* knowledge (or "Jnana")
* selfless actions (or "Karma")
Yoga shares some of its characteristics with both Hinduism and Buddhism. Meditation and physical poses, for example, are important to both Yoga and Buddhism. During the Pre-Classical Yoga Period, Buddhism began, and Siddharta Gautama was the first Buddhist to study Yoga.
The Bhagavad-Gita (or "Lord's Song"), the oldest known Yoga scripture, was also created during this time. It records a conversation between Prince Arjuna and God-man Krishna on the importance of opposing evil by bringing together three things:
* loving devotion (or "Bhakti)
* knowledge (or "Jnana")
* selfless actions (or "Karma")
Classical Period
The Yoga Sutra was another important text for Yoga and was written by Patanjali around the second century (during the Classical Period). Like the Vedas and the Upanishads, the Yoga Sutra made references to chakras. The Yoga Sutra was made up of 195 aphorisms or sutras on the Raja Yoga and Patanjali's Eightfold Path of Yoga. The Eight Limbs of Classical Yoga are:
1. moral codes ("Yama")
2. self-purification and study ("Niyama")
3. physical exercises or postures ("Asanas")
4. breath control ("Pranayama")
5. sensory withdrawal in preparation for meditation ("Pratyahara")
6. concentration ("Dharana")
7. meditation ("Dhyana")
8. contemplation or ecstasy ("Samadhi")
1. moral codes ("Yama")
2. self-purification and study ("Niyama")
3. physical exercises or postures ("Asanas")
4. breath control ("Pranayama")
5. sensory withdrawal in preparation for meditation ("Pratyahara")
6. concentration ("Dharana")
7. meditation ("Dhyana")
8. contemplation or ecstasy ("Samadhi")
Post-Classical Yoga
The Post-Classical Yoga Period is quite different from the other three periods because Yogis began to focus more on accepting their present circumstances, rather than striving to be free from reality. During this period the practice of Yoga flourished all over the world, spreading to the West during the early 19th century. Two important teachers of yogic principles stand out from this period. The first, Maharishi Mahesh, popularized Transcendental Meditation. The second, Yogi Swami Sivananda, taught the Five Principles of Yoga:
1. proper relaxation (or "Savasana")
2. proper exercise (or "Asanas")
3. proper breathing (or "Pranayama")
4. proper diet
5. positive thinking and meditation (or "Dhyana")
Sivananda wrote over 200 books, and had several famous disciples, including Swami Satchitananda, who introduced chanting and Yoga to Woodstock.
Since that time, Yoga has spread throughout the world, especially in the West, where people use it to improve their health. Increasing numbers of Westerners are also beginning to investigate the spiritual side of Yoga.
1. proper relaxation (or "Savasana")
2. proper exercise (or "Asanas")
3. proper breathing (or "Pranayama")
4. proper diet
5. positive thinking and meditation (or "Dhyana")
Sivananda wrote over 200 books, and had several famous disciples, including Swami Satchitananda, who introduced chanting and Yoga to Woodstock.
Since that time, Yoga has spread throughout the world, especially in the West, where people use it to improve their health. Increasing numbers of Westerners are also beginning to investigate the spiritual side of Yoga.
Benefits of Yoga
The benefits of Yoga are numerous, including not only health benefits, but benefits to the whole person. Here are some benefits of Yoga:* it's easy to learn
* Yoga exercises require little or no equipment
* the poses are a great way to stretch, and they increase flexibility
* the poses tone almost every muscle in the body
* the poses are excellent for building all-over body strength
* the poses build physical balance
* the poses strengthen the cardiovascular system (the heart, lungs, arteries, etc.)
* Yoga practice is soothing
* Yoga builds discipline
* Yoga builds patience
* Yoga reduces stress and anxiety
* Yoga increases mental clarity and the ability to concentrate
* the breathing patterns practiced during Yoga bring abundant oxygen into the body and the poses spread the oxygen throughout the body- making the person healthier and helping them feel better immediately, and dramatically reducing the risk of many diseases (such as cancer)
* Yoga teaches people skills that allow them to step back and reevaluate the true importance of a situation and re-order their priorities
* Yoga teaches people to let go of self-destructive behaviors such as eating disorders
* Yoga helps people free themselves from unproductive feelings such as guilt, fear, and anger
* Yoga practice can help people break addictions to caffeine, nicotine, narcotics, and similar chemicals
* many yogi report entering an "altered state" that feels similar to a high from drugs
* long-term Yoga practice can dramatically alter a person's personality, making them much calmer, much more self-controlled, and yet much more likely to enjoy life
* long-time Yoga practice builds confidence, emotional stability, mental flexibility, tolerance, and self-sufficiency
* Yoga is beginning to reconnect some people with their spiritual side
* Yoga is beginning to show the unity of the Universe by making obvious the connections between different forms of spiritual practice from different religions
* Yoga is gentle on the planet and promotes peace
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini Yoga allows people to use their own creative power (shakti) to elevate their consciousness and promote healing. The goal is to allow the person to unite with the Universal, Divine Source (God). Yogic techniques can awaken and mobilize the Shakti so that the person's mind can unite with the Universal Energy (prana). This will give the person extrasensory perception and extraordinary powers (siddhis).
Unlike many yogic paths, Kundalini Yoga allows sex and can greatly increase sexual energy levels. It is arguably the most powerful form of Yoga. Its practicers believe that it is easier to practice and takes less time than Hatha Yoga and delivers results quicker. The poses are supposed to be easier to enter and hold that Hatha poses.
Kundalini yogic techniques include:
* postures (Asanas)
* special breathing (Pranayama)
* hand and finger gestures (Mudras)
* body locks (Bhandas)
* chanting (Mantras)
* meditation
Unlike many yogic paths, Kundalini Yoga allows sex and can greatly increase sexual energy levels. It is arguably the most powerful form of Yoga. Its practicers believe that it is easier to practice and takes less time than Hatha Yoga and delivers results quicker. The poses are supposed to be easier to enter and hold that Hatha poses.
Kundalini yogic techniques include:
* postures (Asanas)
* special breathing (Pranayama)
* hand and finger gestures (Mudras)
* body locks (Bhandas)
* chanting (Mantras)
* meditation
Rare Videos From A True Yogi
These videos explore the spiritual side of yoga.
Meeting Kriya Yoga Babaji: Mystic Kundalini Awakening-1 of 3
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Meeting Kriya Yoga Babaji: Kundalini Yoga Secret - 2 of 3
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Meeting Kriya Yoga Babaji: Chakra Awakening Alchemy - 3 of 3
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Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga means "eight-limbed Yoga." It follows Patanjali's Eightfold Path of Yoga outlined in the Yoga Sutras. Ashtanga Yoga seeks to reveal the
Universal Self through 8 spiritual practices:
1. moral codes ("Yama")
2. self-purification and study ("Niyama")
3. physical exercises or postures ("Asanas")
4. breath control ("Pranayama")
5. sensory withdrawal in preparation for meditation ("Pratyahara")
6. concentration ("Dharana")
7. meditation ("Dhyana")
8. contemplation or ecstasy ("Samadhi")
The first four limbs are external cleansing practices. The next three are internal cleansing practices. These prepare one for the eighth limb (contemplation or ecstasy).
Universal Self through 8 spiritual practices:
1. moral codes ("Yama")
2. self-purification and study ("Niyama")
3. physical exercises or postures ("Asanas")
4. breath control ("Pranayama")
5. sensory withdrawal in preparation for meditation ("Pratyahara")
6. concentration ("Dharana")
7. meditation ("Dhyana")
8. contemplation or ecstasy ("Samadhi")
The first four limbs are external cleansing practices. The next three are internal cleansing practices. These prepare one for the eighth limb (contemplation or ecstasy).
Ashtanga Yoga Filmed In India
ashtanga yoga demo
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Tantric Yoga
In the West, Tantric Yoga is one of the most famous forms of Yoga because of the way it connects sex and spiritual practices. One fundamental teaching of Tantric Yoga is that sexual intercourse is the greatest source of energy in the Universe and that orgasm is a cosmic and divine experience.
The Kama Sutra is a popular Hindu sex manual. Although it was written in the fourth century, it is easy to find in bookstores. It describes the Tantric practice of Karezza, which is a technique that allows a man to prolong intercourse by having an orgasm without ejaculating. Karezza requires extensive practice. Ultimately, however, it allows a man to enjoy the pleasurable feeling of a climax without actually ejaculating, so that he and his partner can have an extended love-making session.
The Kama Sutra is a popular Hindu sex manual. Although it was written in the fourth century, it is easy to find in bookstores. It describes the Tantric practice of Karezza, which is a technique that allows a man to prolong intercourse by having an orgasm without ejaculating. Karezza requires extensive practice. Ultimately, however, it allows a man to enjoy the pleasurable feeling of a climax without actually ejaculating, so that he and his partner can have an extended love-making session.
The Truth About Tantra Yoga and Sex
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The Real Tantra
About the real tantra and how to learn it from Swami Abhayanand, a Tantric Samrat.
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Kriya Yoga
Kriya Yoga allows its spiritual seekers to attain self-realization.
Kriya Yoga incorporates components of several other Yogas, including Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga. Here are a few of the more prominent features of Kriya Yoga:
* a focus on work as a form of worship
* a focus on the relationship between mind and breath
* a focus on deep meditation
* the goal is liberation (self-realization or enlightenment)
Kriya Yoga incorporates components of several other Yogas, including Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga. Here are a few of the more prominent features of Kriya Yoga:
* a focus on work as a form of worship
* a focus on the relationship between mind and breath
* a focus on deep meditation
* the goal is liberation (self-realization or enlightenment)
Kriya Yoga Video - Yogiraj Siddhanath
Take your time and learn about "Yogic Physics" with these 3 videos
Kriya Yoga Lesson 1 of 3: Kriya Yoga Physics Nowhere NowHere
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Kriya Yoga Lesson 2 of 3: Mahavatar Babaji Blessings
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Kriya Yoga Video - The Role Of A Master
Kriya Yoga Lesson 3 of 3: A Master Can Make Your Life a Joy
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Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga (also known as Hatha Vidya) focuses on the physical Yoga postures of Yoga, but also has spiritual components. When people in the West talk about "Yoga," they are usually thinking of Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga is popular among people who take care of their health because it builds strength and flexibility.
There are actually several different types of Hatha Yoga, such as Ashtanga Yoga (which is vigorous and fast-paced); Power Yoga (also very active, and famous for building strength); Bikram Yoga (also called "Hot Yoga, because it is practiced in hot rooms); Gentle Yoga (which focuses more on slow stretching and is renowned for building flexibility); and Iyengar Yoga (which incorporates "props" such as ropes, chairs, and benches into the poses).
Most types of Hatha Yoga practiced in the West also focus on awareness and control of the breath. Traditional Hatha Yoga, however, is much broader, encompassing not only strength-building physical exercises and breath control, but also a spiritual connection, moral disciplines, and meditation.
There are actually several different types of Hatha Yoga, such as Ashtanga Yoga (which is vigorous and fast-paced); Power Yoga (also very active, and famous for building strength); Bikram Yoga (also called "Hot Yoga, because it is practiced in hot rooms); Gentle Yoga (which focuses more on slow stretching and is renowned for building flexibility); and Iyengar Yoga (which incorporates "props" such as ropes, chairs, and benches into the poses).
Most types of Hatha Yoga practiced in the West also focus on awareness and control of the breath. Traditional Hatha Yoga, however, is much broader, encompassing not only strength-building physical exercises and breath control, but also a spiritual connection, moral disciplines, and meditation.
Bikram Yoga
Bikram Yoga, a form of Hatha Yoga, was developed by Bikram Choudhury and a Los Angeles, California based company. This form of Yoga is meant to be practiced in a very hot room (heated to 105°F or 40.5°C) with a humidity of 50%. During the 90-minute long Bikram Yoga classes, students are led through 26 special postures and 2 breathing exercises.
This method has become controversial because Bikram Choudhury claims copyright and trademark protection to certain parts of this type of Yoga. For instance, he claims that he holds the copyright to the sequence of postures in Bikram's Beginning Yoga Class. This is controversial because the postures themselves come from traditional Yoga practices, so the postures fall under public domain and cannot be copyrighted.
This method has become controversial because Bikram Choudhury claims copyright and trademark protection to certain parts of this type of Yoga. For instance, he claims that he holds the copyright to the sequence of postures in Bikram's Beginning Yoga Class. This is controversial because the postures themselves come from traditional Yoga practices, so the postures fall under public domain and cannot be copyrighted.
Laughing Yoga
One strength of Yoga is that it has the flexibility to change and improve upon itself over time. Take, for example, laughter Yoga.Laughing Yoga is a "new" form of Yoga started by the yogi Dr. Madan Kataria, an Indian doctor who wrote about the medical benefits of laughter and Yogic breathing exercises. He believed that 20 minutes of laughter a day could significantly improve health, so he invented laughter Yoga, which combines laughter exercises and Yoga breathing. People can practice Laughing Yoga at work or home, or at laughter clubs and laughter studios. There are currently laughter clubs and studios in more than 50 countries. Although many people may think it's absurd to go to a club or studio to laugh, the laughter exercises and Yoga breathing in laughter clubs can be fun, especially when people get together to do it in groups.
Brighten Your Day With Laughing Yoga
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Yoga for weight loss
Yoga was not developed as a way to lost weight, but it incorporates disciplines that make it easy for people to lose weight. Most people already know that the poses are great exercise- not only do they burn fat, but they build strength and flexibility. But many people don't realize that Yoga's breathing exercises and stress reduction are perhaps just as important for weight loss. It turns out that stress makes you gain weight. Research studies show that, all other things being equal, a stressed out person will hold onto excess weight a lot longer than a person who feels calm and happy.
That means that two people of the same gender of about the same age who have the same eating habits and the same fitness habits can have a 100 pound weight difference simply because one is under a lot of stress on a constant basis while the other is relatively free from stress.
Currently, people in most "first-world" countries are getting fatter and fatter (on the average). For instance, about 2/3 of American adults are now overweight.
So it's no wonder that Yoga is gaining popularity as a way to lose weight. Yoga has these advantages over many other weight loss programs:
* Yoga tones the entire body, not just a couple of target areas.
* Yoga incorporates breath control, which (by itself) has been known to reduce inflammation and thus promote weight loss.
* Yoga focuses on stress control, making the people who practice it progressively calmer.
That means that two people of the same gender of about the same age who have the same eating habits and the same fitness habits can have a 100 pound weight difference simply because one is under a lot of stress on a constant basis while the other is relatively free from stress.
Currently, people in most "first-world" countries are getting fatter and fatter (on the average). For instance, about 2/3 of American adults are now overweight.
So it's no wonder that Yoga is gaining popularity as a way to lose weight. Yoga has these advantages over many other weight loss programs:
* Yoga tones the entire body, not just a couple of target areas.
* Yoga incorporates breath control, which (by itself) has been known to reduce inflammation and thus promote weight loss.
* Yoga focuses on stress control, making the people who practice it progressively calmer.
Is Yoga right for you?
Yoga is usually gentle on the body. However, people who have health problems or who have had surgery recently should consult a doctor before practicing Yoga. Those who have pain should avoid any Yoga posture that brings on pain or makes pain stronger. People who have high blood pressure should avoid postures that put their head lower than their heart.
It is best to practiced under the guidance of a certified instructor, especially if you are new to Yoga.
What you need to get started with Yoga
Most forms of Yoga require very little (if any) equipment. You can wear any clothing that doesn't restrict your movement. You don't need special clothing. Snug-fitting shorts and a loose t-shirt or tank top will work. But some people like to wear clothes similar to those usually worn for aerobics- such as spandex bodysuits and leggings. The main difference lies in the footwear. For aerobics, most people wear athletic shoes. For Yoga, you should practice in bare feet.
Practice somewhere quiet, if you can.
Use a padded, non-skid surface such as carpet or a sticky Yoga mat, if you can.
Some Yoga routines also require certain "props" such as chairs. If you are practicing Yoga at a public Yoga center or fitness center, make sure to ask what equipment you'll need before you start the class.
It is best to practiced under the guidance of a certified instructor, especially if you are new to Yoga.
What you need to get started with Yoga
Most forms of Yoga require very little (if any) equipment. You can wear any clothing that doesn't restrict your movement. You don't need special clothing. Snug-fitting shorts and a loose t-shirt or tank top will work. But some people like to wear clothes similar to those usually worn for aerobics- such as spandex bodysuits and leggings. The main difference lies in the footwear. For aerobics, most people wear athletic shoes. For Yoga, you should practice in bare feet.
Practice somewhere quiet, if you can.
Use a padded, non-skid surface such as carpet or a sticky Yoga mat, if you can.
Some Yoga routines also require certain "props" such as chairs. If you are practicing Yoga at a public Yoga center or fitness center, make sure to ask what equipment you'll need before you start the class.
Seek Quality Yoga Instruction
If you don't already "know" Yoga, you'll definitely want somebody to guide you through it. Most Western beginners start out by taking a Yoga class at a spa or fitness center. You could also take private lessons from a Yoga instructor or watch a beginner's Yoga video. This works if you're unsure of how you'll do, or if you feel shy about trying it out in front of other people.
Most Westerners are used to being in a hurry. They pack so much into their schedules that they find it difficult to make time for themselves. But you can fit Yoga into your schedule, because you don't have to do it all at once. You can grab 15 minutes here, 5 more minutes there. If you're a beginner, this is a good way to build up your endurance, too.
And remember, Yoga isn't an overnight solution to your problems. It's a lifestyle. It does offer benefits, but it works best if you do it consistently over time. So make it a habit to get the best results.
Most Westerners are used to being in a hurry. They pack so much into their schedules that they find it difficult to make time for themselves. But you can fit Yoga into your schedule, because you don't have to do it all at once. You can grab 15 minutes here, 5 more minutes there. If you're a beginner, this is a good way to build up your endurance, too.
And remember, Yoga isn't an overnight solution to your problems. It's a lifestyle. It does offer benefits, but it works best if you do it consistently over time. So make it a habit to get the best results.
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I'm a student and teacher of many styles of yoga. I hope to share the many benefits of yoga with this lense.
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