Yoga

Importance of yoga and its History

1. YOGA By, Bhanupriya R

2. If you are looking for more flexible, strong, capable body and a clear positive heart and mind then yoga is for you. It is a great form of exercise that will improve your fitness as well as aiding your mental well being.

3. What is yoga ? The word ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘ Yuj ’, meaning ‘to join’ or ‘to yoke’ or ‘to unite’. A perfect harmony between the mind and body and spirit.

4. AIM OF YOGA Thus the aim of Yoga is Self-realization , to overcome all kinds of sufferings leading to 'the state of liberation' (Moksha) or ‘freedom’. Living with freedom in all walks of life, health and harmony shall be the main objectives of Yoga practice. It is also refers to an inner science or spiritual science. The ultimate aim of practising Yoga is to create a balance between the body and the mind and to attain self-enlightenment .

5. Yoga include guidance on healthy lifestyle, eating habits and mental attitude. In yoga we learned a discipline of the body which comes out of awareness and attentiveness. Entering deeply into ourselves thereby give a positive influence on our approach to life positive effects on the health and mind are visible over time .

6. ORIGIN OF YOGA

7. Thousands of years ago , long before the first religion or belief systems were born. According to Yogic lore, Shiva is seen as the first yogi or ādiyogi and the first guru or ādiguru . Several thousand years ago, on the banks of Lake Kanisarovar in the Himalayas, ādiyogi poured his profound knowledge into the legendary saptarishis or "seven sages". These sages carried this powerful Yogic science to different parts of the world including Asia, the Middle East, northern Africa and South America. However, it was in India that the Yogic system found its fullest expression. Agastya , the saptarishi who travelled across the Indian subconinent , crafted this culture around a core Yogic way of life

8. Yoga emerged in the  Vedic period  after the migration of Aryans into  Indian subcontinent  around 2000 BC and continues to develop till  Patanjali’s  period (200 BC – 200 AD). The main sources, from which we get the information about Yoga practices and the related literature during this period, are available in Vedas (4), Upanishads (108), Smritis like Bhagavad Gita , Yoga Vasishtha and Darshana like Samkhya and Yoga Sutra .

9. A number of seals and fossil remains of Indus- Saraswai Valley Civilisaion with Yogic moifs and figures performing Yoga sādhana suggest the presence of Yoga in ancient India

10. The great sage Patanjali Maharshi systematized the existing practice of yoga . The period between 500 BC – 800 AD is considered as the  Classical period  which is also considered as the most fertile and prominent period in the history and development of Yoga. During this period, commentaries of Vyasa on Yoga Sutras and Bhagawadgita etc. came into existence. Yoga has spread all over the world by the teachings of great personalities like Swami Shivananda , Shri T.Krishnamacharya ,, Maharshi Mahesh Yogi,, BKS. Iyengar, Swami Satyananda Sarasvati and others .

11. HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF YOGA After Veda Period, the great ‘ Mahrishi Patanjali’ created systems in Yoga. He created text which was named as ‘Patanjali Yog Sutras’. Although many other Sages or ‘Rishis’ contributed in the development of Yoga, but the effect of ‘Maharishi Patanjali’ is greatest. Due to that evolution of Yoga is divided in to the following periods – Pre-Patanjali Period (Before 500BC) – Veda era Patanjali Period (500 BC to 800 AD) Post Patanjali Period (800 AD onwards ) – Current period- Hatha yoga

12. ASHTANGA YOGA In Patanjali's Yoga Sutra, the eightfold path is called ashtanga, which literally means "eight limbs" ( ashta =eight, anga =limb). These eight steps basically act as guidelines on how to live a meaningful and purposeful life.

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16. NEED AND IMPORTANCE OF ASHTANGA YOGA Ashtanga yoga focuses on muscle training and develops physical strength. Practicing Ashtanga rejuvenates your body, making it stronger, toned, more flexible and controlled. Advantage of Ashtanga is that you can move through the practice at your own pace and level. Ashtanga yoga is a powerful tool to tune the body. It improves focus, balance and coordination. A swift and intense set of asanas instills a better sense of rhythm and increases your awareness of the movement and flow of your body. Ashtanga is great if you need a cardio workout.

17. It will help you to get in shape, manage your weight and stay fit, By practicing Ashtanga, you will find a balance between feelings and emotions. The equilibrium in your emotions will cause your organs and your whole body to work more efficiently and you will realize how strongly connected your body and mind . Ashtanga yoga will keep your body moving in coordination with the breath. Breath awareness is particularly important in this practice. This sort of moving meditation and constant focus on the breath will purify and still your mind, relieve you of stress and allow you to alter patterns of unwanted behaviour.