WHY DO YOG AND PRANAYAM ?
A short answer is that Yog and Pranayam makes you feel better. Practicing the postures, breathing exercises and meditation heals the body, mind and spirit. Yog and Pranayam lets you tune in, chill out, shape up, all at the same time.
For many people, that's enough of an answer. But there's more if you're interested.
For starters, Yog and Pranayam are good for all ailments. Research shows that Yog and Pranayam help control anxiety, arthritis, asthma, backache, blood pressure, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, headaches and heart diseases.
THE PHYSICAL BENEFITS
Creates a toned, flexible and strong body. Improves respiration, energy and vitality. Helps to maintain a balanced metabolism. Promotes cardio and circulatory health. Relieves pain. Helps you look and feel younger. Improves athletic performance.THE MENTAL BENEFITS
Helps you relax and handle stressful situations easily. Teaches you to quieten the mind so you can focus your energy where you want it to go - on a different yog aasan, on the tennis court or golf course, or in the office. Encourages positive thoughts and self acceptance.THE SPIRITUAL BENEFITS
Builds awareness of the body, feelings, the world around and the needs of the others. Promotes an interdependence between mind, body and spirit. Helps you live the concept of "oneness".OTHER BENEFITS OF YOG AND PRANAYAM
The most important benefit of Yog and Pranayam is physical and mental therapy. The aging process, which is largely an artificial condition, caused mainly byauto-intoxication or self-poisoning, can be slowed down by practicing Yog. By keeping the body clean, flexible and well lubricated, we can significantly reduce the catabolic process of cell deterioration. To get the maximum benefits of Yog one has to combine the practices of
YOG AASANS, PRANAYAM AND MEDITATION.
Regular practices of Yog aasans, Pranayam and Meditation can help cure diverse ailments such as diabetes, blood pressure, digestive disorders, arthritis, arteriosclerosis, chronic fatigue, asthma, varicose veins and heart conditions. Laboratory tests have proved the yogi's increased abilities of consciously controlling autonomic or involuntary functions, such as temperature, heart beat and blood pressure. Research into the effects of yogic practices on HIV is currently under way.
WHY ARE YOG AND PRANAYAM SUCCESFUl?
Accroding to medical scientists, Yog and Pranayam therapy is successful because of the balance created in the nervous and endocrine systems which directly influences all the other systems and organs of the body.
Yog acts both as a curative and preventive therapy.
The very essence of Yog and Pranayam lies in attaining mental peace, improved concentration powers, a relaxed state of living and harmony in relationships. Through the practice of Yog and Pranayam, we become aware of the interconnectedness between our emotional, mental and physical levels.
Gradually this awareness leads to an understanding of the more subtle areas of existence. The ultimate goal of Yog and Pranayam is to make it possible to fuse together the gross material (Annamaya), physical (Pranamaya), mental (Manomaya), intellectual (Vigyanamaya) and spiritual (Anandamaya) levels with the being.
WHAT IS YOGA?
Yoga comes from the root word Yuj, which means union. Yoga is the union of the soul or spirit with the supreme consciousness. In this state you feel connection with all beings.
What is the Meaning of Namaste'?
The Sanskrit word Namaste' means 'I bow to you'.
The spirit in me greets the spirit in you.
The Divine in me recognizes and honors the Divine in you.
The divine in me salutes the divine in you. I honor the place in you where the entire universe dwells. I honor the place in you of love, light, truth and peace. I honor the place in you where if you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, then we are truly one.
What are the origins of Yoga?
Yoga was originated in India several thousand years ago. No one knows for sure who invented Yoga. But it is thought that the ancient Yogi’s would mediate and through meditation postures would occur. Yoga is a systematic philosophy based on the manual of Yoga from the Indian Sage Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Patanjali was a Philosopher and Physician born around 300 B.C. Patanjali recommends an eight- limbed system of Yoga. Each limb of the tree represents a purifying practice on the path of Yoga:
1. Yama: restraint or social ethics
2. Niyama: self –restraint or personal ethics
3. Asana: posture, seat
4. Pranayama: breath regulation
5. Pratyahara: withdrawal of the senses
6. Dharana: concentration
7. Dhyana: meditation
8. Samadhi: bliss, superconsciousness
Will yoga interfere with my religion?
Yoga is not a religion but a state of universal consciousness. It is a positive partner to your own religious beliefs. Yoga aids to bringing higher consciousness in your life and is a key to opening your heart to God within your own spirit.