Yoga is a very simple word, meaning 'to unite' ('yuj'). It is a technique, tantra that unites the different disjointed parts of the human body such as the Intellect (buddhi), ahankara (ego), manas (mind), Atma (soul), and the prana shakti/vital flows (breath) via subtler aspects of nervous system carrying energy, emotions, etc (the astral body). The human body is made up of the five elements- earth (minerals and compounds), water, fire, air and space. The system works basically on supply of food derived from soil and water air and fuel- derived from the earth. The subtler aspects of mind, buddhi and ahankar are the major forces that operate in the day-today life of people. The ego sits on the throne of Mind and uses intellect (buddhi) and senses for its selfish ends.This creates a big problem for the physical body creating illness or ailments.
Most of the ailments of the jiva are caused by ahankar (ego). Mind behaves quixotic (sveccha) and creates further damage to the system. Mind and ego are thus the problem of the jiva. They can be controlled only by yoga! Yoga take the errant mind to task by instilling a sense of purpose, search for meaning and purpose, and instructs it with intuitional knowledge. Thus yoga is helpful in may ways. It cleanses the mind, It directs the buddhi in the right path (satnyas), and controls the ego by merging it with consciousness (prajnya). All sections of society, all over the world, in all age groups are benefited by adopting the techniques (sutras) of yoga. Students get deeper insight into the subjects they study. Householders get peace and happiness. Workaholics are released from tension, sick people are nourished by soothing mind in yoga.More than all these, spiritual awakening takes place and the jivatman will be united with paramatman in yogic trance. there are many other benefits of yoga that can be experienced by individuals when they take to yoga.
The practice of yoga is very simple. Technical terms are avoided here in order to make it simple and easily understood by common people. The procedures are also simple such as:
1. Sit comfortably. Many yoga teachers insist on sitting back straight (spine erect) and neck and head straight. However, the blood flow is adjusted and it flows in its normal course, however we sit. Hence, one need not be extra careful and suffer the pain (Shree Krishnanandaji of Shivananda Ashrama, Hrishikesh says).
2. Close the eyes gently; it is better if it is half-closed; focus attention on either the tip of the nose (naasaagra) or between the eye-brows (bhru-madhye). There is possibility of dozing off if the eyes are closed. there is no problem even if one sleeps since the body may be in need of rest!
3. Breath slowly and steadily; deep breathing is advised This is not pranayama closing nostrils alternately).
4. Observe breathing without interrupting its course (this too is not pranayama).
5. Concentrate on any one of the basic principles (mahat tattva) such as prana, prajnya, buddhi, manas and their behaviour. This takes us within us.
6. Take the name of the family deity or personal god (ishtha devata namasmarane). This will turn the mind inward from its out-going nature. This will establish balance, peace and tranquillity.
7. Slowly observe yourself in this entire process. The job is done. It is self-awareness that matters.
Being consciously aware of oneself is the goal of yoga.
The entire body will come into a synchronized way of functioning by the process. The purpose of yoga is thus served. The erratic behaviour stops and the person becomes, happy and peaceful. This is the most simple way that is strictly not considered by serious teachers of yoga.
What the expert teachers of yoga teach comes later when the individual has slightly improved in the preliminary exercises as said above. That may not be necessary for most of the people, too.
Serious seekers attaining to oneness with God (yuj) in real term of yoga have to take to very strenuous methods of asana, pranayama, Kundalini, Chakradhyana, Pranayama with bijakshara dhyana, pranayama with Gayatree Japa, Srividya Navavarana chakra dhyana, mantra japa, etc.
These are taken up one by one later.
We should clearly note certain facts about deep breathing. Deep breathing has a deeper meaning and connotation than usually understood. While taking deep breath we should observe how far it reaches in our body; normally, we do not pay much attention to breathing in our busy routine and thereby the body lacks sufficient supply of Oxygen to all parts equally. This lack of the supply of oxygen is what causes body pain. Brain also does not get sufficient Oxygen. some breath in in such a way that hardly the air fills the lungs. only 10 or 20 per cent of air is refreshed and the remaining stale air remains in the body going round and round accumulating more toxic content. Some take deep breath that reaches only the abdomen level; rarely one breathes fresh air reaching down to toes! My yoga teacher has shown ho to breathe deep and supply fresh air to all parts of the body. This requires practical method and needs to be learnt in a yoga class only (not through books, CDs, or TV shows!). Never take deep breath where toxic gases are emitted; eg. avoid deep breathing in industrial estates, busy streets, dusty and smoky or foggy areas. It is essential to go far into agricultural fields, hilly or coastal ares for morning walks. At best, one can stand in the balcony and take deep breathe for a few minutes at regular intervals. There is a definite link between deep breathing, body aches/pains and disturbed mind and moods as also BP or blood circulation. A calm and quiet mind will create smooth flow of blood and this requires slow deep breathing! By deep breathing, or controlling the breath, mind and blood pressure can be controlled. Yoga helps control the mind, as already stated.
We should clearly note certain facts about deep breathing. Deep breathing has a deeper meaning and connotation than usually understood. While taking deep breath we should observe how far it reaches in our body; normally, we do not pay much attention to breathing in our busy routine and thereby the body lacks sufficient supply of Oxygen to all parts equally. This lack of the supply of oxygen is what causes body pain. Brain also does not get sufficient Oxygen. some breath in in such a way that hardly the air fills the lungs. only 10 or 20 per cent of air is refreshed and the remaining stale air remains in the body going round and round accumulating more toxic content. Some take deep breath that reaches only the abdomen level; rarely one breathes fresh air reaching down to toes! My yoga teacher has shown ho to breathe deep and supply fresh air to all parts of the body. This requires practical method and needs to be learnt in a yoga class only (not through books, CDs, or TV shows!). Never take deep breath where toxic gases are emitted; eg. avoid deep breathing in industrial estates, busy streets, dusty and smoky or foggy areas. It is essential to go far into agricultural fields, hilly or coastal ares for morning walks. At best, one can stand in the balcony and take deep breathe for a few minutes at regular intervals. There is a definite link between deep breathing, body aches/pains and disturbed mind and moods as also BP or blood circulation. A calm and quiet mind will create smooth flow of blood and this requires slow deep breathing! By deep breathing, or controlling the breath, mind and blood pressure can be controlled. Yoga helps control the mind, as already stated.
(to be contd.)
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