Yoga: A Basic Introduction
Yoga, is a word in Sanskrit that means, "union," representing the union of the body and the mind and the spirit. Yoga has its origins in the East and also in Africa as a spiritual practice with the goal of providing its followers with a path to enlightenment.
In the West, the practice of yoga has gained popularity as form of physical fitness and a great way to minimize the stress of modern life. Most people think of the physical aspects of yoga such as the poses or 'asanas,' but yoga means so much more than just trying to bend and twist the body into a series of difficult poses.
The practice of yoga is a spiritual path or discipline rather than a religion. The asanas represent just one of the several facets of the study of yoga. There are actually eight limbs that define the philosophy of yoga as described by the ancient sage, Patanjali. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is one of the ancient foundational texts of yoga.
The Eight Limbs are like steps which, as the participant follows them, purify both body and mind and leads to enlightenment:
1. Yama: There are five 'Yamas' or (Do Not's), which are designed to put an end to our lower human nature, and these are to be observed in thought, word and deed:
-Ahimsa: non-violence
-Satyam: truthfulness
-Brahmacharya: moderation (also refers to celibacy)
-Asteya: no stealing
-Aparigraha: non-covetousness
2. Niyama: There are five 'Niyamas' or (Do's)
-Saucha:purity internally and externally
-Santosha: contentment
-Tapas: austerity
-Swadhaya: study of the sacred texts
-Ishwara or Pranidhana: awareness of the Divine presence
3. Asana: postures or poses
4. Pranayama: learning to control the breath
5. Pratyahara: withdrawing the senses in order to quiet the mind
6. Dharana: concentration
7. Dhyana: meditation
8. Samadhi: this is the highest and deepest state of consciousness which transcends the body and mind and the Yogi is united with God. While many people might at first think that yoga is difficult, or that they are not flexible enough to try it, but that is not the case. You can begin your practice of yoga from wherever you are. Try a beginner's class and go easy on yourself. If you find a pose to be particularly challenging for you, modify it to lessen the strain, and before you know it you will eventually gain more flexibility and strength to achieve that pose that once was difficult for you.
Yoga classes are offered in a gym or fitness center setting, or in a yoga studio where you can often find a variety of different classes on many levels. Some people also practice yoga outdoors in parks and other public spaces. If you find that you are interested in the more spiritual aspects of yoga there are many books available on the subject as well as many DVD's and CD's with music that you can play while you practice yoga.
Whether you pursue yoga as a great way to gain flexibility and a fit, toned body, or because you are seeking a path to enlightenment, yoga has much to offer to people of every age and fitness level.
In the West, the practice of yoga has gained popularity as form of physical fitness and a great way to minimize the stress of modern life. Most people think of the physical aspects of yoga such as the poses or 'asanas,' but yoga means so much more than just trying to bend and twist the body into a series of difficult poses.
The practice of yoga is a spiritual path or discipline rather than a religion. The asanas represent just one of the several facets of the study of yoga. There are actually eight limbs that define the philosophy of yoga as described by the ancient sage, Patanjali. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is one of the ancient foundational texts of yoga.
The Eight Limbs are like steps which, as the participant follows them, purify both body and mind and leads to enlightenment:
1. Yama: There are five 'Yamas' or (Do Not's), which are designed to put an end to our lower human nature, and these are to be observed in thought, word and deed:
-Ahimsa: non-violence
-Satyam: truthfulness
-Brahmacharya: moderation (also refers to celibacy)
-Asteya: no stealing
-Aparigraha: non-covetousness
2. Niyama: There are five 'Niyamas' or (Do's)
-Saucha:purity internally and externally
-Santosha: contentment
-Tapas: austerity
-Swadhaya: study of the sacred texts
-Ishwara or Pranidhana: awareness of the Divine presence
3. Asana: postures or poses
4. Pranayama: learning to control the breath
5. Pratyahara: withdrawing the senses in order to quiet the mind
6. Dharana: concentration
7. Dhyana: meditation
8. Samadhi: this is the highest and deepest state of consciousness which transcends the body and mind and the Yogi is united with God. While many people might at first think that yoga is difficult, or that they are not flexible enough to try it, but that is not the case. You can begin your practice of yoga from wherever you are. Try a beginner's class and go easy on yourself. If you find a pose to be particularly challenging for you, modify it to lessen the strain, and before you know it you will eventually gain more flexibility and strength to achieve that pose that once was difficult for you.
Yoga classes are offered in a gym or fitness center setting, or in a yoga studio where you can often find a variety of different classes on many levels. Some people also practice yoga outdoors in parks and other public spaces. If you find that you are interested in the more spiritual aspects of yoga there are many books available on the subject as well as many DVD's and CD's with music that you can play while you practice yoga.
Whether you pursue yoga as a great way to gain flexibility and a fit, toned body, or because you are seeking a path to enlightenment, yoga has much to offer to people of every age and fitness level.
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