|
|
|
Yoga |
|
Introduction
The word yoga means "union" in
Sanskrit, the language of ancient India where yoga
originated. We can think of the union occurring between
the mind, body and spirit. |
 |
|
Click for video
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4301376467882215114 |
Origins
Yoga is not a religion. It
is a philosophy that began in India an estimated 5,000
years ago.
The Indian sage Patanjali is believed to have collated
the practice of yoga into the Yoga Sutra an
estimated 2,000 years ago. The Sutra is a collection of
195 statements that serves as a philosophical guidebook
for most of the yoga that is practiced today. It also
outlines eight limbs of yoga: the yamas
(restraints), niyamas (observances), asana
(postures), pranayama (breathing), pratyahara
(withdrawal of senses), dharana (concentration),
dhyani (meditation), and samadhi
(absorption). As we explore these eight limbs, we begin
by refining our behavior in the outer world, and then we
focus inwardly until we reach samadhi (liberation,
enlightenment). |
|
Yoga
Breathing: Pranayama
Breathing
Exercises, which are called Pranayama in Sanskrit, may
be done in association with yoga poses or just while
sitting quietly. |
 |
 |
Yoga
Poses: Asanas
Many
people think that yoga is stretching. But while
stretching is certainly involved, yoga is really about
creating balance in the body through developing both
strength and flexibility. This is done through the
performance of poses or postures, each of which has
specific physical benefits. |
Dharana: Concentration
In the practice of concentration, which precedes
meditation, we learn how to slow down the thinking
process by concentrating on a single mental object: a
specific energetic center in the body, an image of a
deity, or the silent repetition of a sound. In asana and pranayama, although we pay attention to our actions, our
attention travels. Our focus constantly shifts as we
fine-tune the many nuances of any particular posture or
breathing technique. In pratyahara we become
self-observant; now, in dharana, we focus our attention
on a single point. |
|
Types of Yoga
Attend a
few different types of classes, and discover the right
match to suit your needs. Follow the link to find brief
descriptions of some of the hatha yoga disciplines that
are being practiced in the United States.
Not All Yoga Is Created Equal : By
Jennifer Cook
|
|
