Interesting facts about Yoga that won’t fail to astound you

Yoga is slowly but steadily sweeping the world off its feet. This ancient art and tradition of maintaining your breath to lead a healthier and more fulfilling life seems to have gained momentum in recent months and has managed to take most of the world by storm. Here are some interesting wise facts about Yoga that you will remember long after you've stopped reading this.

The breath trumps all

When it comes to Yoga, the breath is king. Yoga is based on the principle that the mind can be controlled just by paying attention to the way we take breaths. Seems childish and too simple? But go ahead and give it a try. It may seem silly but it really works. In fact there are stories of sages who live in the mountains and are a few centuries old! How…? Simply by breathing properly.

Stretch your mind and the body shall follow

Yup. You read that right. It is all in your mind. Yoga teaches us that a person can be flexible if the said person has control over his/her mind, which means that we must limit our mental intake and stimulation. In other words, stop with all the useless pastimes that you think are useful (hint: hovering over social media sites). Also just being benevolent helps in keeping the mind light and tension-free.

Perfect Poses. Perfect Personality

The postures of Yoga are designed to increase stability and flexibility of the various parts of the body, especially the mind. Not everybody is capable of doing all the postures but after a few years of training, most of the postures can be mastered in turn giving your body that oh-so-desirable look and feel.

Rest-Yoga-Rest

Oh Goodey! news for lazy peeps; for every 30 minutes of doing or holding a posture one must take at least 10-15 of rest. This practice helps in keeping the body in good shape. It also maintains the nervous system without overloading it with effort and sensation. The nervous system is central to Yoga and it should be taken well-care of.

Lungs beat Heartbeats

Most of you will be quick to disagree and say that the heart is the most important organ of them all, but, but, but…you are wrong. In Yoga, it is prevalent belief that since we require air to function and live, the organ that is responsible for its intake and distribution is the most important. Think about it. Will the heart be able to beat if the lungs don’t function?

Breathe on, Dudes and Dudettes!

The fountain of youth is not a myth and we have everything we need to make use of it. A nose and two lungs is all you need if Yoga is to be believed. These body parts when utilized properly result in vitality that lasts as long as your practice of Yoga lasts. The body and mind slowly but steadily function as one unit and that is when your looks are refined to their full potential.

Therefore Yoga is a pretty easy discipline but one needs to treat it with respect and drill daily to achieve its paybacks. Welcome Yoga, welcome a revolution in your body that will bring smile to your mind, body and spirit. Breathe on!

For more information visit the official website of Ministry of Ayush: http://www.indianmedicine.nic.in/

Facebook page: International Day of Yoga

Twitter id: @IntlDayofYoga

Maharishi Patanjali and the Yoga Sutras

Statue of Maharishi Patanjali at Patanjali Yogpeeth, Haridwar, India 

(Pic courtesy: Wikipedia)

Maharishi Patanjali was a great scholar, ascetic and intellect of ancient India who is believed to have existed in the time period of 4^th to 2^nd century BC. In the Indian tradition, Maharishi Patanjali is regarded as “Svayambhu” (self-born). He is considered as a highly evolved soul, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who incarnated of his own will in a human form to help humanity.

Very little historical information is now available about him. Still he is still revered and credited for compiling the art of Yoga. Patanjali gathered all the bits and pieces related to Yoga and complied them into what is known as the Yoga Sutra in Sanskrit along with his commentaries in a text which is now known as “Patanjalayogasastra”. He was the first divine being who realized the potential of Yoga and the power it could unleash if practiced properly, so in a way the onus of enlightening the world goes to this great sage, little did he knew that many years down the lane his compilation will have this huge impact on the humans, it will be a boon to mankind.

Patanjali realized that it was getting too diversified and complex for anyone to understand the science of Yoga in any meaningful way. So he assimilated and included all aspects into a certain format – as the Yoga Sutras around 500 BC. Patañjali divided the Yoga Sutras into four chapters, he wrote the eight sutras known as Ashtanga Yoga around 500 BC, describing the eight limbs of Yoga, each focusing on the importance of achieving the balance between body and mind, health and harmony, step by steps guide on how to achieve it through discipline and practice.

A brief rundown of the 8 limbs:

• The Universal Morality (Yama), explaining the virtue of nonviolence/non-injury to others.
• The Personal Observance (Niyam), telling us how Niyama helps in the personal growth.
• Body Poses (asanas), using asanas to open the physical body and bring about the flexibility in life.
• Breathing exercises (Pranayam), how to channelize the “Prana” the Vital source for our living, how to breathe deeply resulting in ultimate relaxation of mind.
• Controlling our senses (Pratayahara), so that we are better able to control our cravings, so that we are not influenced by outside sensations that tend to impact our inner peace and tranquillity, resulting in a physical or mental imbalance.
• Inner awareness and power of concentration (Dharana),focussing attention in one direction instead of going out in many different directions, concentrating on what is more wholesome for body and mind, for soul and how to achieve the concept of “One point focus”.
• Meditation (Dhayana), how to further unify the consciousness, how to see things clearly and lift the veil of confusion and illusion that clouds our sense our reasoning… and the final step
• Oneness, union with supreme power with Divine (Samadhi), in this state body and senses are at rest, yet the mind is alert, one goes beyond consciousness, perfect state of harmony and tranquility!

Patanjali is also regarded as a great scholar of Sanskrit language. Sutra is a Sanskrit term which means ‘thread’. The Yoga sutras are compiled by Patanjali in a thread form, but today due to lack of proper understanding and ignorance, have just taken these sutras and are trying to implement it as it is. It must be understood that a thread is of no consequence by itself as though there can never be a garland without the thread but no one ever wears a garland for the sake of the thread. Patanjali complied the Yoga principles as sutra (thread) with the motive that each master makes his/her own kind of garland. Just as on the thread flowers, beads, pearls and diamond can be put according to convenience, the Yoga sutras are also vital but that is not a goal by itself.

The Jeeva Samadhi (shrine) of Maharishi Patanjali is believed to be situated in Tirupattur Brahmapureeswarar Temple Complex, located about 30 km from Trichy town in the Tamil Nadu province of South India, where Lord Brahma installed 12 Shiva Lingams and worshipped Lord Shiva. Though now not physically present in the world, Maharishi Patanjali’s contribution in the science of Yoga by the compilation of Yoga sutras will always be remembered and is still followed by large number of Yoga practitioners worldwide.  

For more information visit the official website of Ministry of Ayush: http://www.indianmedicine.nic.in/

Facebook page: International Day of Yoga

Twitter id: @IntlDayofYoga

Five reasons to start practice Yoga

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Practicing Yoga is not just about a good physical workout, it’s about obtaining complete mind-body balance and tranquility. Yoga is an ancient Indian practice and its origin stretches back thousands of years ago. Regular practice of Yoga helps in achieving a positive outlook to life and to derive inner balance. We live in a chaotic world where stress has become a common factor. Practice of Yoga can help in reliving this stress and to obtain mental, emotional and physical stability. Many people are embracing the tranquil art of yoga and conceding to its power. Yoga is not just a good workout but rather a way of living.

People, who practice Yoga, cannot stop singing praises of the many benefits of Yoga. But for those who are still skeptical about Yoga, here are some reasonable reasons to inculcate yoga into your routine.  Yoga is not just about mastering couple of tricky poses, it’s about finding your inner peace and strength. With Yoga taking a global plunge today, there is no denying the fact that the benefits of yoga are innumerable.

Yoga Helps in Shedding Calories in an Effective Way

(Pic courtesy: healthshlok.com)

Although the whole Yoga is hip thing might annoy a true Yoga enthusiast, there is no denying the fact that Yoga is a great workout option. Most of the times people take-up Yoga as a workout option to get fit and lose weight. Unlike gym workouts and cardio, Yoga is not strenuous, which is one of the reasons behind the gaining popularity. You can easily adapt yourself with the various techniques and asana and benefit from it. Each movement and posture helps in targeting specific problem areas in the body and attain stability. With regular practice of Yoga, you can easily lose kilos and inches without breaking your muscles. You do not have to dedicate any particular time for Yoga; you can do it anytime and anywhere since you do not require any specific equipment.

It helps in improving sleep

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Insomnia is on the rise and the reason behind is the steadily peaking stress levels in people’s lives. Whether dealing with a personal or a professional issue, stress has become part and parcel of our life. But practicing Yoga on a daily basis can help in improving your sleep to a great extent. Through some specific asanas and postures you can target specific problems that have been affecting your sleep. Some asanas are meant to be done right before sleeping for better sleep and improved health.

Yoga fixes your posture and stance

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Corporate jobs can be exhilarating but it can take a toll on our health. Desk jobs require constant sitting and working for long hours which can affect ones posture to a great extent. Yoga will help in improving your posture to a great extent and align your back. You will be more confident once you have a more commanding and healthy posture rather than the slouchy demeanor you had. It also helps in proper blood circulation.

Yoga is great or enhancing physical and mental strength

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Yoga is excellent since it helps in striking a mind-body balance and attaining mental and emotional peace. Studies show that yoga helps improve physical as well as mental strength. Specific postures and breathing exercises can improve the functions of your internal organs and enhance mental health. Yoga helps in improving our focus and concentration level and to reach our true potential.

Meditation can change your perception

(Pic courtesy: aboutmeditation.com )

Meditation is a big part of Yoga and it can change the way we perceive our world. It makes us more calm and collected and gives us the strength to tackle any problem that we might be facing. Meditation improves the quality of life and compels us to think through things before taking an action. You will be engulfed by peace and serenity which will automatically make you a better and content person.

These are some of the most important reasons to practice Yoga and embrace the benefits that it has to offer.

For more information visit the official website of Ministry of Ayush: http://www.indianmedicine.nic.in/

Facebook page: International Day of Yoga

Twitter id: @IntlDayofYoga

The Importance of knowing the History of Yoga and Its Benefits

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The very term ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit word which means to unite. Yoga is the practice of uniting mind and body into a blissful union. In a more spiritual context, Yoga is also the unison of the soul and the ultimate supreme self. Practicing Yoga helps us find peace in this chaotic world and help withdraw our mind from the countless distractions and worries of the world. The goal is to go beyond the trappings of the world and find solace and purpose in life. Yoga is a way of living that expects us to live every moment of our life for a greater purpose rather than to fulfill our selfish goals. The modern take on Yoga is somewhat distorted and completely varies from its tradition and history.

Practicing Yoga has suddenly become stylish and hip, but understanding the true essence of yoga is important to truly understand and experience its benefits. The most renowned knowledge and understanding of Yoga comes from the Yogasutras, which is an ancient scripture about Yoga by Maharishi Patanjali. It was practiced in and around the Indian subcontinent and was an integral part of people’s day to day life. Yoga’s many breathing technique is based on the belief that breath is the source of life and controlling breathing helps us control our life in a better way.  Breath control helps in improving health and mental strength. The ancient Buddhist Yoga consisted of the concept of meditation which is a big part of Yoga today.

Yoga: The Idyllic Union of the Mind and the Soul

There are about four type of Yoga namely ‘Hatha Yoga’, ‘Laya Yoga’, ‘Raja Yoga and ‘Mantra Yoga’. The ascetics in the Vedic period used to abolish all material pleasures and pursuits and used to practice Yoga and meditation to feel one with God. The practice of Yoga was then passed on to students for generations and many paintings, scriptures and murals mention the sacred art of Yoga and meditation. Teachings of Patanjali became what are today known as Ashtanga Yoga or the eight limbs of Yoga.

Ashtanga Yoga has eight main aspects and they are Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dhgarana, Dhyana and Samadhi. It is believed that regular practice of Yoga leads to many transcendental states of consciousness. The highest state of Yoga is “Samadhi” which is the stage of unity. It is believed to liberate us completely and pave our way to reaching the Supreme power. There are other amazing benefits that are mentioned in the Yoga sutras. There is in-depth knowledge of the body, mind and our sensory perceptions. It is believed that once you have mastered all the stages of Yoga you will incur supernatural abilities and will have the ability to control your body and consciousness.

(Pic courtesy: www.jsonline.com)

(Pic courtesy: wellbeingmantras.com)

Although the modern take on the practice of Yoga might vary greatly from the true knowledge, history and tradition of Yoga, it’s how you inculcate these teachings is what matters. To learn the true art of Yoga and meditation, it’s important to have a proper teacher. A true Guru will help you to leave all your stress and tensions behind and pursue the union of your soul and mind. These poses and asanas help build character and integrity which makes you a much better person. So, now you know that yoga is not just a cool new workout routine, it goes beyond the mere nitty gritties of life itself.  

For more information visit the official website of ministry of Ayush: http://www.indianmedicine.nic.in/

Facebook page: International Day of Yoga

Twitter id: @IntlDayofYoga

A Journey from Yogi to Jogi

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For ages it has been said that everybody has a purpose in this world. Robert Bryne quoted that the purpose of life is a life of purpose. Millions of people are oblivious to this, whereas, millions aim to seek their purpose in this world. Art, travel, introspection and serving others doesn’t justify what so many people are searching for. It doesn’t quench the thirst of the soul. A few drops of water don’t make a river. Purpose, however, can be simplified to a one dimensional view.

A bird must fly and it must sing out to the rains, it is what the human eyes see. The true purpose of the bird though, can’t be figured out by imagination or with science. Only the bird knows what it flies for. Similarly, a human must walk, sleep, eat, think and express. In a two dimensional view, humans create, build, destruct, feel and interpret.

Our purpose is known and yet, not discovered by many. The shocking thing is that the answers we’ve been waiting for, to the questions that we can’t really form, have been known all this while. In Yoga hide all of our answers and our true meaning.Yoga is to a man what flying is to a bird.

Yoga is an ancient science, an art, a spiritual discipline and an ascetic practice. It is an abstract concept. Yoga is practiced by people to cure diseases of the body and mind, as an exercise routine, as a stress-reliever and also as a way of life. Yoga originated in India and has been kept alive by Indians for centuries. It is a path to spiritual growth which is approximately five thousand years old. The purpose of yoga is to unify the lower personality with the higher personality. It is the method of encouraging union with the finite, the transitory self and the infinite, the eternal self. Disciplined practitioners of yoga, Yogis are devotees or performers of ‘jog’, meaning, union with God or the supreme power. A true Yogi knows that the entire universe is situated within his own body and they master themselves, controlling their minds and bodies.

A Yogi is a person who realizes himself in spite of the worldly illusions and desires around him. A yogi believes in yoga as a religion. He can attain ‘siddhis’ or powers by awakening the ‘Kundalini’ power by purification of the mind and body by ‘Pranayama’ or control over breathing, continuous meditation and practicing Yoga. If a Yogi gains control and access to all the seven ‘chakras’ ofthe body, the ‘siddhis’ are awakened. This is a rare phenomenon in the modern world.

Not very different from a Yogi, a ‘Jogi’ is person who has abandoned all worldly ties and does not indulge in any sexual activity. Yogis worship Yoga and Lord Shiva. The literal meaning of Yogi and Jogi is the same: union with God.  Lust, rage, greed, attachment, ego and envy are the six evils a Yogi must win over.  The interesting transition of a Yogi to a Jogi happens when he denies all worldly offerings, is not bound by family ties and realizes his true purpose and becomes free. They shun what a still Yogi allows himself. They see through human relations, craving and attachments.

A saffron body-cloth, little personal belongings and undisturbed long hours of meditation comprise the life of a Jogi. Their calling is not limited to a few Yoga asanas, it is beyond that. Jogis claim to attain pure connection with the supreme power. Yogis and Jogis live their lives at the notes of a Tibetan meditation bowl which sings at the frequency of the manifestation of the universe. Yoga is the way to finding our true purpose. A Yogi finds it in Yoga alone or maybe, beyond. A Jogi finds it on every road ever built or yet to be built. The transition of a Yogi to a jogi is painful and brave yet, blissful in its own way.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's thoughts on Yoga

It became a historical moment when 21^st June was declared as the “International Day of Yoga” by United Nations (UN) on 11 December 2014. It became possible due to the immense efforts and positive approach of the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. Modiji himself has strong faith in the ideology and power of Yoga and also practices Yoga regularly. Around 177 nations of UN co-sponsored this decision.

PM Modi delivering speech on 27 September 2014
(Pic courtesy: BBC News)

In today’s world, when the mankind in the competitive race of materialism is facing the issue of lack of mental peace, the world is now thinking on the holistic development; which includes the concept of back to basics. So in his speech on 27 September 2014 in the UN General Assembly, Shree Modi mentioned it as “Yoga is our ancient invaluable heritage. Yoga maintains the balance between mind and heart, thought and action, control and desire as well as nature and human. It is the holistic approach of health and development. Yoga is not just exercise; it’s a medium to balance with the nature. Yoga can bring positive change in our life style and develop awareness and thus result in fighting against the unnatural ecological changes”.

 In an interview with a local newspaper in March 2015 during his Seychelles visit, PM Modi stated that “From experience, I believe in Yogah Karmasu Kaushalam - Excellence in work is Yoga. Imbibing this ethos brings satisfaction to me. Work brings satisfaction and this satisfaction is very comforting”.

In a speech by him in Mumbai on 24 October 2014, PM Modi discussed about the holistic approach as “Holistic Healthcare is becoming the centre of attraction worldwide. More and more highly qualified doctors are also turning towards homeopathy. People are making mood to move towards stress free life from stress full life.  And if we have better alternatives in our ancient tradition, then we should think how we can spread them worldwide. And if we work in that direction, we can not only benefit ourselves but also to the whole world”.

Today, the meaning of Yoga has been misunderstood as just a form of physical exercise. On this PM Modi says that “Today a general notion has developed that Yoga means doing jus dfiffernt postures of Asana by physical postures. So can we also say that the artists of circus are Yogis? No Yoga is not just that. The person who has the ability to lead on the path of Gyan (knowledge), Bhakti (devotional bliss) and Karma (blissful action) is regarded as a Yogi. Yoga is that condition that gives the person the opportunity to develop equilibrium between the mind, heart and speech. Yoga is the key to keep the keep the self at peace. Our scriptures teach us that Yoga is the assimilation of the inner self”.

When UN declared 21^st June as the International Day of Yoga, PM Modi said “I strongly think that today the people worldwide are suffering from various problems of stress and tension and is unable to express their issue to anybody, in this situation through International Yoga Day, they can be helped a lot by connecting with the inner self. If the people will be happy tension free, then only the society can become tension free. And if the society becomes tension free then the whole mankind can develop and prosper by creating a world full of positive vibes”.

PM Modi doing Yoga
(Pic courtesy: ZEE News)

PM Modi also thanked the international community as “I think the whole world for accepting 21^st June as the Yoga Day and I pray that through this initiative, you all become tension free, your lives be filled with happiness, learn to live in the present, identify your inner strength and ability and become active on strengthening your inner skills. But then, India’s responsibility will be increased as it is the land where the discipline of Yoga originated. We will have to teach the world all the authentic facts about Yoga and establish the fact that Yoga is the key to transform the world with the mankind which is over all developed and capable in all the aspects as well as balanced”. 

So let’s participate in the noble initiative of PM Modi and make this historical day successful in the words of PM Modi as “Come, let’s join for the development of the mankind in the ancient valuable discipline. Join with us in this great ancient heritage, this is the heritage of the mankind, this is your heritage and now it’s your duty to transfer this heritage with maintaining its original thoughts and teachings. And thus, prepare yourself for it”.            

Benefits of Yoga for children

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Childhood is regarded as the most crucial time period of a person’s life, as this is the time period when an individual lays the foundation of his/her way to shape the career and future. The circumstances and the activities practiced by a child play a vital role in developing the character of the person in the adult stage.

In today’s competitive world, the young children are also suffering from the problem of tension and stress due to changing life style and habits. Whether a school student or college student, they face problems in studies due to extreme competition which results in stress and sometimes many of them commit suicide also. So it becomes necessary that children must be kept away from stress and tension at such tender age.

(Pic courtesy: completewellbeing.com)

Yoga is the best way to maintain mental equilibrium and keep brain calm, which are inevitable for focusing on the tasks. Especially, children and students must practice Yoga for sound mind and healthy body. Below are listed some of the advantages of Yoga if practiced by children:

    

      ·       Yoga helps in maintaining flexibility and strengthens growing bodies:

Practicing Yoga by children helps in the process of strengthening the body muscles as children are born with innate flexibility. With increased strength and flexibility, the injuries become less severe especially when kids are engaged in sports and playground activities.

·       Yoga helps in enhancing concentration:

By practicing certain Yoga asanas and mediation, the concentration level in kids can be increased. Some poses of Yoga are fast moving while others are slow paced. If such poses are practiced by kids, they can learn how to self-control, which will enhance their focus and awareness. By practicing Yoga from Flying Bird Pose (Warrior Three) to balancing in Tree Pose, great attention is required, which develops the skill of concentration.

·       Yoga teaches about present moment awareness:

 According to the philosophy of Yoga, the main focus must be on present moment awareness while practicing Yoga and meditation, because it’s extremely essential to focus on self and if our mind is thinking about the past or future, we are missing the most valuable now. Children’s mind is quite active and by practicing Yoga & meditation, children can be taught to concentrate in the present moment which will help them in concentrating in their academic work and it will also help them throughout their life.

·       Practicing Yoga helps in cultivating a peaceful, relaxed state of body and mind:

Yoga focuses on the mental equilibrium also along with physical strength. If children practice the Deep Relaxation, known as the “Do Nothing Pose” lying on their backs in quiet, peaceful stillness, sometimes with music and a guided visualization, foot massage, or an herbal eye pillow, children can learn the importance of silence and peace which is required for focusing on the task.

·       Stress Management by Yoga:

Yoga is the best remedy for relaxing and reducing stress. Children many times face tension of studies and career. So by practicing deep breathing and meditation they can relax and calm their mental status as breathing exercises slows down the heart rate and meditation relaxes mind and body. Moreover, Yoga teaches non-judgment and non-competition toward oneself and one another.

·       Yoga encourages kind peer and social interactions:

Yoga along with physical fitness lays stress on connecting with the self. By practicing Yoga, children learn that we are all the same inside, despite our outward appearance, race, and religion. By practicing Yoga, children are inspired to be kind, patient, accepting, and emphatic with themselves and their peers.

·       Body awareness enhanced through Yoga:

Children learn about their body by performing Yoga poses which vary in terms of balancing, strengthening, twisting, back bending and inverting. By practicing Yoga, children learn the skill of listening to where in their bodies they feel a movement and express how it makes them feel when they are complete. This skill of body awareness will help the children throughout their life.

·       Yoga teaches discipline and responsibility

Yoga is a discipline; it is a way to live the life. Ideals learned at an early age continue for life time as a committed practice. If children start practicing Yoga at an early stage, it will help them to develop discipline, self esteem and a sense of responsibility at a young stage, which will help them in all their endeavors throughout their life. 

For more information visit the official website of ministry of Ayush: http://www.indianmedicine.nic.in/.

Facebook page: International Day of Yoga

Twitter id: @IntlDayofYoga