HISTORY OF YOGA
Yoga is the one of the world’s oldest branches of spiritual inquiry, and one of the longest standing, most intense experiments on the human spirit. Yoga teaches guidelines and values to follow, and practices for purification for the body, mind and spirit. The earliest text with just a hint of the guidelines for the yogic tradition is the Vedas, the sacred canon of Hinduism, dating back some 3000 years to 1500BC. The Vedas explore the possibilities of the human spirit and of the energy and powers in the universe, and discuss the purpose and meaning of life. The roots of yoga evolved from the spiritual and metaphysical disciplines of the Vedas and the Upanishads, a sacred text from near 600 BC.
Yoga however rejects the pursuit of metaphysics, and sticks to the practical path of transcending the ego in order to awaken the center self, the pure being of consciousness and awareness. Yoga looks to engage in the spiritual path rather than to speculate about it. It is the exercise of discipline, the practice of purification. It is said that the great sages spontaneously practiced yoga, evolving out of their relationship and harmony with nature. Using their deepest intuition, intelligence, and experience, they became familiar and instinctual about the energy flowing through all life forms. They developed natural ways to access, build, nurture and direct the energy for greater health and awareness. The oldest and most popularly known book of Yoga is the Bhagvad-Gita, translated to mean Lord’s Prayer. It is written in Sanskrit, the sacred language of “oneness”, where reference to “I” and “You” are satisfied with universal terms expressing ‘all’ or ‘one’. Yoga is defined as balance, centering, or equanimity, samatva. In yoga, the yogi aspires to transcend the ego into pure self, balance, consciousness, centering its deepest awareness to the point of liberation.
Yoga and its sister science, Ayurveda, are also associated with the Sankhya tradition which defines categories of existence, and regards the notion of prakriti (indivisual consiitution) as the tool for self to strive to become more truly itself, until it accesses the divine, pure conscious or the purusha. Yogis hold that the pure self experience bliss, or moksha—liberation. Liberation comes when the yogi breaks the bonds of old habits and patterns which bind us to the restrictions of the past and anxiety of the future. By walking in balance in the present, the yogi is preparing him/herself for whatever is to come, knowing all the experience and lessons of the past, and so “seeing” clearly all the eventualities of the future, while accepting that the choices laid out in each moments are opportunities for further purification of one’s path and being. The spiritual tradition of yoga training has been passed down from generation to generation (mostly through the Brahman lineages), from master to disciple, as a well guarded transmittal. In the last 100 years, yoga has become available to the masses as never before, presented through hundred of centers throughout the world, through classes, workshops, tutorials, videos, books, audio tapes, even TV programs.
BENEFITS OF YOGA
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(HEALTH BENEFITS OF YOGA)
Yoga is a holistic form of exercise and its benefits go way beyond the physical, and into the mental and emotional fields. Yoga can be a beneficial addition to a medically prescribed treatment plan, and can help to alleviate the mental and emotional symptoms of illness more quickly. Stress release is one of the key benefits to yoga in modern day perception, because stress is considered responsible for most illness today. According to the medical establishment, 70% of all diseases are stress related. Clinical studies show that meditation, asana, and breathing are powerful tools for stress reduction, as well as easing heart disease, high blood pressure, substance dependency, depression, anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness and purpose in daily life. In fact, the yogis call yoga “the fountain of youth� because it rejuvenates the yogi by bringing greater ease to the body, mind and spirit.
YOGA FOR A HEALTHY HEART
Researchers now know that including yoga with other lifestyle changes can prevent or correct heart problems, including hypertension and atherosclerosis. Yoga practice teaches you how to integrate Yoga exercise, breathing and meditation techniques into your day so that you can make these important lifestyle changes. Yoga practice can make a real difference in health of your heart by strengthening your body, teaching you how to relax mentally and physically, and showing you how to better manage stress reactions. Common stress reactions include muscle tension (most commonly in the face, stomach, neck, shoulders, and breath), rapid heart rate, constricted breathing, and anxiety. The fastest and most effective way to reduce reaction to stress is to change your breath, and an immediate way to stomach muscles so that you can sit and stand straighter; this releases pressure on your heart and lungs and allows you to breathe easier. Yoga breathing exercise teaches you how to breathe more deeply and rhythmically; this has many effects, both physiological and mental. Physiologically, you will strengthen your respiratory muscles and develop a more efficient exchange of gases. Breathing exercises cause more oxygen to be pushed through the walls of the lungs. Mentally you will notice more concentration, willpower, and steadiness.
Yoga exercise improves the health of the entire circulatory system, beginning with the production of blood, which takes place in the marrow of the long bones in the thighs. Improving circulation in the legs by means of daily yoga stretching exercises helps to rejuvenate the blood. Yoga exercises stretch the body’s major blood vessels, keeping them free-flowing and elastic; Yoga oxygenates the blood and pushes fresh nutrients to all peripheral vessels and capillaries. Improved circulation means that your brain will receive more oxygen, improving alertness, memory and mood; vital organs receive a steady supply of the nutrients they need for optimal functioning . Yoga relaxation training teaches you how to relax at will, allowing your body to release muscle tension almost as it occurs. Meditation training shows you how to access your inner source of strength and personal power, creating a support system that builds confidence and self esteem , fosters present moment awareness, and increases self-knowledge. The choice to practice yoga will protect your heart as it contributes to greater general health and well-being.
WHAT IS MEDITATION?
Scientific Definition of Meditation Meditation is the state of mind where there is a prolonged minimization of intrusion. This state leads to profound relaxation in the body and reduces stresses tremendously. In India, Meditation is called “Dhyana”. It is a state of “Super consciousness”. Where the mind is not disturbed from outside and is in complete state of tranquil. A proper training of meditation comes from the “Guru” the expert in meditation. Meditation is the best way to relax the body and mind. It controls the emotional brain and stops the fluctuations of consciousness. Any person following Meditation will be able to achieve an inner equilibrium or Samattwam.
Meditation is a very important component of the old Indian culture or philosophical doctrine called “Yoga”. Chinese, Japanese culture also has an equivalent of meditation. There are many types of meditation. The one definition that fits almost all types is… “Consciously directing your attention to alter your state of consciousness.” There’s no limit to the things you can direct your attention toward… symbols, sounds, colors, breath, uplifting thoughts, spiritual realms, etc. Meditation is simply about attention… where you direct it, and how it alters your consciousness. What is the purpose of meditation? Traditionally meditation was (and still is) used for spiritual growth.. i.e. becoming more conscious; unfolding our inner light, love and wisdom; becoming more aware of the guiding presence in our lives; accelerating our journey home to our true self.. our spirit. Four components as analyzed by modern medicine 1. 2. 3. 4.
Quiet Atmosphere Comfortable posture with spine straight Passive attitude Concentration on theme
More recently, meditation has become a valuable tool for finding a peaceful oasis of relaxation and stress relief in a demanding, fast paced world. Other uses include: • • • • • • • •
Healing Emotional cleansing and balancing Deepening concentration and insight Manifesting change Developing intuition Unlocking creativity Exploring higher realities Finding inner guidance
Hope you liked this article. This article is written by Dr. Bimal Chajjer (India’s best heart specialist)