Yoga: A newly popular ancient tradition

by Caroline Cinquino staff writer

Once deemed to be an activity practiced only by cultists and eccentrics, yoga is now a more well known and widely used form of exercise for the mind and body.

Yoga evolved from the Veda, a collection of ancient scriptural books, which stated that the universe is one and that all religions are "on paths ascending the same mountain towards eternal truth."

Yoga is a Hindu system of philosophic meditation created to link man's soul with God, or a higher being. One of its primary doctrines states that God is within every person, however chooses only to reveal himself in conditions of purity. In order to attain this purity, a person's mind and body must meld together.

Yoga addresses mankind's basic need for control and discipline allowing him to deal with everyday struggles and stresses.

Yoga is a Suskrit word that means "to bind together." In its practice, not only the powers of the mind, body, and emotions are united, but one's individual consciousness and the universal consciousness as well.

It is meant to aid in the search for truth in life as well as the search for one's identity. Yoga is supposed to allow a person to achieve peace of mind, enabling the exploration of life's questions such as 'Who am I' of yoga, each following its own format and mantra. All, however, have the same basic principles, stemming from the purpose of yoga as being a means of searching within oneself for the answers to life's questions. nights.

There are five basic principles in yoga, which vary little in the different forms: exercise (Asanas), breathing Pranayama, relaxation (Savasana), positive thinking (Vedanta), and meditation (Dhyana). These, along with a proper diet, are important in the practice of yoga.

There are also four Margas, or paths, of yoga, each of which concentrate on different aspects of the art. Jnana Yoga is the yoga of wisdom or knowledge and is meant to help in the development of intellect or will. Raja Yoga is the yoga of self control, which involves allowing the mind to over-rule the body. Bhakti Yoga is the yoga of devotion, which is meant to open up the heart. Karma Yoga is the yoga of action, which is meant to teach selfless service.

Although this art form is complex, many people have been utilizing the main focus and techniques of yoga as a form of exercise and relaxation. Centers for yoga can be found nationwide a~ well as fitness centers offering yoga classes.

Numerous books and web sites online have a lot of information concerning the different forms of yoga, its philosophy, and history.

Many people have considered trying yoga but like many other lifestyle changes, have simply not gotten around to doing it.

Kit Dewey, a first-year student, states, "I've always wanted to try it but I've never actually done it."

To try this ancient art form. The Baptiste Power Yoga Institute in Bryn Mawr, the Yoga Lifestyle Center in Phoenixville and Yoga on Main in Ardmore are nearby.

The city of Philadelphia also has numerous places where yoga is practiced including Urban Yoga Incorporated, Bikrarns Hot Yoga, and it's own Yoga on Main location in Manayunk. There are several different forms

Cabrini's own Dixon Center also offers classes on Wednesday