The word “Yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit root word “YUJ”, meaning “To Join”. It also means “Union”. Hence, the basis of Yoga is the communion of the body with the mind. Alongside, it is also considered the communion of the mind with the soul. And finally, we have the communion of the soul with the cosmic consciousness, whereby we seek to attain self realization through Yogic practices.
Yoga has its origins in the Indian sub-continent and dates back almost 5000 years. Yoga was also present in during the Vedic period. Around 2000 years ago, the great sage Patanjali consolidated the various schools of thought of Yoga, and formulated a philosophy comprising of eight limbs. This philosophy, now known as Ashtanga Yog or Patanjali Yoga, is the Bible of Yoga even today. Ashtanga Yoga is more of a mind science than the science of body. A major aspect of Yoga is not just physical exercise, butthe capacity to control and regulate the mind and senses. No other exercise has been known to treat the uncontrollable mind. Hence, Yoga is a complete philosophy which has now spread all over the world. People are now understanding the importance of Yoga and Yogic discipline in attaining a completely peaceful and happy life.
Other forms of Yoga include Hatha Yoga, which guides one through the process of Yogasanas and cleansing processes called the Shudhikriyas. These kriyas make the body ready for advanced practices like Pranayama and meditation. They are practices that guide you towards a sturdy and light body, calm mind, and steady personality.Unlike in Ashtanga yoga, where its eight limbs guides you towards the ultimate stage of self-realization, Hatha Yoga guides you by giving explicit descriptions and guidelines on how to perform the asanas and body cleansing techniques.
The ancient sages understood the importance of breath well. There is no other civilization in this world that has understood the meaning and importance of breath as it is understood and executed through Pranayama. Let us consider an example. When one is afraid, one’s breathing pattern changes and becomes uneven. From this, the sages understood that there is a connection between the breath and the mind. Hence, they reversed the process by controlling the breath to control the mind. It has been proven beyond doubt now that Pranayam helps in calming the mind and has been used to treat cases of depression by psychiatrists.
Yoga has its first mention in the ancient Vedic texts. The Upanishads are also a treasure of Yogic philosophy. Later on, in the 2nd century BC came the great sage Patanjali, who is now considered to be the father of Yoga. Sometime in the 15th century, a text on Hatha Yoga was written by Swami Swatmaram, and in the 17th century GherandaSanhitawas written by the sage Gheranda. The legacy of Yoga was then spread all over the world by Swami Vivekanand and Swami Yogananda. Later on, Yogic practices were researched and modified to suit the body and enable better postures by the great BKS Iyengar guruji. Today, we have great Yogis like Sri Sri Ravishankar, Baba Ramdev, and Dr Nagendra Guruji taking forward the legacy of Yoga into the whole world.
Why Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga propounds aneight fold path to be followed until you attain self realization. Each of the eight limbs are in itself acomplete philosophical stage in the discipline of life. For example, Gandhiji took the concept of Ahimsa, which is one of the Yama propounded in Patanjali Yoga Sutra, and made it the base for his non-violent movement which ultimately was successful in driving away the Britishers from India. Today, the Modi government has taken up another of the concepts propounded in Patanjali Yoga and devised the Swachha Bharat Abhiyan, which is one of the Niyamasof the Ashtanga Yoga. Therefore, it should be noted that each of the eight limbs and their sub categories in itself have the power to impact the society hugely.
Asanas, on one hand, are the foundation for a fit and toned body. They not only work on the external appearance of the body, but have the capability to affect internal, non controllable parts of the body, like the heart and the intestines. Yoga has the power to be a preventive science in keeping the body healthy and beautiful. The Asanas help prevent diseases like Arthritis, back pain, neck pain, and asthma. Yoga is essentially a preventive discipline and not a curative discipline,although there are some cases where people have recovered faster from ailments by performing Yoga. Regardless, the health benefits from practicing Yoga regularly remain unending.
Pranayama, on the other hand,is the foundation to control breathing, whereby it has a calming effect on the mind. The mind becomes focused and memory improves drastically with regular practice of pranayama. Multiple forms of pranayama have been established, each with their characteristic breathing techniques. Sheetali pranayama works like an air-conditioner to the body, while Ujjayi Pranayama givesurja (Heat and energy) to the body. The nadishodhan Pranayama and Kapalbhatishudhikriya help cleanse the sinuses and balance the Ida and Pingala (left and right nostril), so that there is balance between the mind and body. Pranayama affects the nervous systemdirectly, and is beneficial in bringing about concentration and lightness to the body.
Dhyana and Dharana help a person look inwards and discover their hidden capabilities, power, and inner strength.
Thus, we see that Yoga is not just a form of exercise but a complete philosophy or as we may calla discipline of life or lifestyle. Once you understand the multifaceted benefits of Yoga, it is hard to not get addicted to it. Ultimately, we see that man is always in search of peace and happiness. Yoga has the ability and power to give that to the mankind.
