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

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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

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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

Benefits of Yoga for Rainy Season

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With monsoon comes the great weather and amazing raindrops to feel ecstatic over, but with the rains comes the heavy possibility of innumerable water borne diseases and infections. Precautionary measures are helpful when warding off diseases during the monsoon season and yoga has proven to be very effective in that aspect! Yoga in this matter has often been viewed as a very relaxed, less time consuming and one of the most flexible forms of exercises for the monsoons.

Simple Yoga exercises like the “Kapalbhati Pranayama”, “Nadi Shodhan Pranayama” and many more exercises and asanas have been known to help clearing the respiratory tract, improve resistance to diseases and also block sinuses.

Kapalbhati
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Following are a few of the reasons why Yoga is often opted for in the monsoon season, by most individuals, office going people and even children alike:

Surya Namaskar
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   ·         Surya Namaskar is famous for boosting the immunity of an individual as it helps with activating the thymus gland and promoting better immunity.

  

·       Various Pranayamas are warming practices for the body, which prevent and control the congestion.

·       Warding off respiratory illnesses and aggravation of the pulmonary medical conditions is vital and Yoga exercises on a daily basis see to it that these conditions are controlled to promote a healthier life.

·       Most of the asanas practised during the monsoons are the ones that promote chest-opening and healthier breathing.

While most people choose to hit the gym and stick to rigorous routines and exercises, Yoga seems like a far better and calmer option to pursue. There is a way you can enjoy the monsoon, be in nature and exercise to relax, rejuvenate and revitalise- Yoga helps you do all of that! An everyday half hour. 

Yoga session can definitely provide your body the resistance that it needs to ward of monsoon diseases, various allergies and infections alike. Along with Yoga sessions and exercise routines, eating right is also very vital and if the season in question is the monsoon one then outside food is usually avoided best. Here is a list of a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to following a yoga routine and healthy diet, during the monsoons!

Do’s:

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  ·       Drink ample water and fresh fruit juices and vegetable juices.

 ·       Inculcate the habit of having healthier breakfasts and lighter mid day meals.

   ·       Detoxification of the liver and digestive aid is possible through consumption of amla.

  ·       Eat bitter vegetables like bitter gourd and induce fenugreek and neem in your everyday food to balance the pitta level in your body.

Don’ts:

·       Eat food items that consist of major amounts of acids, spice and salt.

·       Junk food and especially roadside stall food during the monsoon are a strict no!

With these healthy tips and some of the best Yoga routines and exercises, you might just be able to curb the monsoon disease spreads and stay hale and hearty; a healthy mind, body and soul is indeed a key to a happy life now, isn’t it? 

Yoga Strengthens your Respiratory System and helps control Asthma

“For me, yoga is not just a workout - it's about working on yourself.”

 - Mary Glover

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Asthma is a chronic lung disorder in which the airways get inflamed and narrowed. It can affect people of all ages – whether it is a child or an adult. Though there are medical treatments available to treat asthma, Yoga is still preferred by many above all other treatments and is considered as one of the best natural remedies to fight the disease. The prevalence of the asthma ailment has increased to a great extent in the recent years. Breathlessness, wheezing, coughing are recurrent breathing issues that asthma patients go through. With the help of yoga many of these ailments can be efficiently controlled.

Yoga controls breathing

An Asthma attack can be dangerous, especially when you don't have the salbutamol puff at the right time when you experience wheezing. It is very difficult for patients to survive without the puff or tablets since you never know when an asthmatic attack might manifest. But Yoga has proved to help get rid of the artificial remedies and survive asthma through a natural remedy. Certain breathing practices help build control over your breathing which automatically gives you greater control over the wheezing and restlessness.

 Yoga beneficial for strengthening of the lungs

Asthma mainly affects the lungs. It inflames and narrows the airways leading to difficulty in breathing. Practicing Yoga brings strength and allows the patient to get rid of the blockages in his/her nasal passages which result in smooth and better breathing. It also relaxes the muscles and makes the intercostal muscles active. Once you attain more strength, the breathing automatically gets better.

Yoga to defeat Asthma

Asthma is a debilitating disease which is not so easy to get rid off since it affects the respiratory system. But with Yoga, results can be seen gradually and you attain greater control of your body. Yoga expands the lung capacity in the sufferers and enhances their breathing skills. It helps them overcome major symptoms of Asthma and achieve normalcy in their breathing pattern.

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Deep breathes and Pranayama is especially recommended for Yoga patients since it helps them attain control over their breathing pattern. Since pollution is a big cause in the rapidly increasing effects of asthma, it’s important to take charge of your health and strengthen your immunity and lung capacity. Start practicing Yoga on a daily basis and choose a fixed time when you can practice yoga every day. 

Many people feel that since they are asthmatic, they should not indulge in exercises as they are strenuous. But Yoga is an exception and it is perfect for people suffering from asthma. Yoga is about getting control of both your mind and your body. The breathing techniques have a therapeutic effect on asthma patients and help them recover faster.

It has been rightly said that Yoga is a magical treatment option to cure the many diseases hazardous to humans. Asthma can wreak havoc in a patient’s life, but with Yoga they can take charge of their life for good.

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

Practice Yoga to Deal with Blood Pressure Fluctuations

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According to modern day studies and research, practicing Yoga religiously can help in combating several diseases and staying fit. With work and personal life conflicts taking the forefront, stress has become a major part of our lives. But there are ways in which we can deal with the growing stress levels and all the ailments that crop up due to anxiety and stress. Fluctuations in blood pressure are more frequent among people today and even youngsters are dealing with it. There are many reasons that can lead to high or low blood pressure problems. There are many medications that help in controlling blood pressure problems. But some prefer alternate treatment options to keep their blood pressure in check.

High strung activities have a tendency to lead to stress levels which is one of the causes for high blood pressure. Taking medication can only help to a certain extent but a person needs to make certain lifestyle changes to control your blood pressure. Yoga can be a beneficial activity to help control stress levels and deal with mental anxiety. Most of the times neglecting important things like diet, exercise, and other habits that lead to pent-up frustration that directly affects one's health. Vices like alcohol and smoking can also lead to blood pressure fluctuations.

Enhanced Control over Your Blood Pressure with Yoga

Heart ailments are on the rise due to high blood pressure problems and cases of youngsters suffering from heart attacks is truly shocking. Women go through low blood pressure problems during pregnancy which can be controlled with mild exercises. Dehydration, thyroid, and other ailments are also responsible for low blood pressure in people. Although there are medications available for blood pressure patients, it’s not necessarily always effective. Sometimes the core reason behind blood pressure is more in the mind rather than what the body is going through.

Most people today live a hectic and demanding life and this is bound to take a toll on their health. Yoga asanas and Pranayama can help in attaining a mental and physical balance. According to studies Yoga can help in strengthening the mind and help in improving blood circulation in the body. Yoga practice can help increase the oxygen supply to various organs of the body. Pranayama has the power to induce positive feelings and naturally increases the positivity in a person. Trying to get your blood pressure normal naturally is a more feasible option compared to popping innumerable pills. Yoga is a non-invasive way to deal with blood pressure troubles and is definitely a better option compared to other medications.

Lotus Pose
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Plow Pose
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Corpse pose
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The Padmasana (lotus pose), Savasana (corpse pose), Halasana (plow pose) are some of the effective Yoga asanas for blood pressure patients. Forward bending poses and movements are recommended for patients suffering from high blood pressure. Along with asanas, Yogic breathing is also recommended since it has a positive effect on our blood pressure. To combat blood pressure, a change in approach towards life is necessary. Revamp your life and inculcate healthy and beneficial habits that will naturally boost your health. A little bit of lifestyle revamp and a daily dose of yoga is all you need to see positive changes.

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

Attain a Stable and Stress-Free Mind withthe Power OF Yoga

We all face stressful situations wherein we are forced to make a difficult decision and more often than not, we tend to make the wrong choice when we are not thinking straight. On other occasions, we feel like screaming our lungs out because we don’t understand why we are surrounded by all these problems. Either way there is no escape, you just have to pull it together and deal with the situation. It’s important that our mental state is balanced because an imbalanced mind is a very dangerous thing. But how do you attain a balanced and stable mind with so much stress and life problems to deal with? Well, the answer to your dilemma is Yoga.

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Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that believes in the ultimate union of mind and our soul. It teaches people to release all negative thoughts and emotions out of their system with the help of Yoga. Each breathing technique and pose helps in bringing balance to our mind as well as the body. Many Yoga practitioners have felt the power of Yoga as it helps in emptying the mind from all clogged up thoughts and help them attain balance. It’s very important to silence all the chatter and conflict that’s going in our mind every now and then.

Yoga Is the Answer to a Stable Mind-Body Equation

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You cannot think straight unless and until you have got rid of all the junk in your head and Yoga helps you achieve the peace of mind that you crave. Start with some poses and stretches that will make you feel light and work on increasing your flexibility. You need to focus on bringing your best both physically as well as mentally. Breathing exercises are always effective in dealing with a disturbed mind. It will be difficult at first to just relax and focus on your breathing since your mind is so worked up, but eventually you will learn to slowly let go.

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One of Yoga’s philosophies state that nothing in this world belongs to us and trying to hold onto things will only lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety. Do not try to control situations that cannot be controlled and let things be. Asanas like Shavasana are quite effective in helping us let go and relax both body and mind. Lotus pose and Cobra pose are also effective in boosting good thoughts and dealing with stress. Yoga is also great in increasing concentration and focus which many lack, especially students.

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The beauty of Yoga lies in the fact that people of all ages can practice it and benefit from it. Yoga will help you be a better individual for yourself and for people you care for. But this is possible only if you practice and honor the yogic traditions and teachings and take it seriously. Along with Yoga, indulge in healthy eating habits and avoid vices like drinking and smoking to lead a healthy and stable life. Remember that happiness and peace are not things that are just meant for a few people. Being happy is in your hand, you just have to make the right choices and commitments in 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

5 Most Beneficial Yoga Poses for Swimmers

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Swimmers are people who must have to be really flexible with their moves. And the more flexible, more successful swimmer he is. So it is must for a swimmer to maintain the right tone of the body and should practice daily to maintain the flexibility of the body. This really makes sense that yoga is the one of the best way for the swimmers as it all deals with flexibility of the body and toning the body. Practicing Yoga daily will help the swimmers to have a better swimming skills and diving skills. Only the best flexible swimmer will top the list. Yoga practice will definitely help them to have a flexible and toned body.

Some best Yoga posses for swimmers

There are many Yoga posses that will get best result in flexibility of the body. But when it comes to swimming, certain posses will really support the swimming styles. Some of the best supporting posses of yoga are listed below:

1.     Adho Mukha Svanasana

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This is simply a gentle inverted pose that enables a clear and easy flow of blood to our brain. This pose really helps in stretching the arms, shoulders, arches, calves and hamstrings. This pose is meant for rendering a new level of energy and thus reduces anxiety, tension and stress of the person. For a swimmer, peace of mind is very important to concentrate on his performances. If you are a person new to this pose, then make use of a mat or cushion. Breathe well during the pose. It helps in enhancing more concentration.

2.     Bhujangasana

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It is a prone yoga pose. It helps you to restore your energy by keeping you calm but at the same time it benefits you with numerous physical fitness and flexibilities. Suck your breath deep and then life up your torso from the floor. It is important that you have to hold your breath steadily throughout the pose. It strengthens your spinal cord and upper back.

3.     Gomukhasana

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This is another asana which will actually looks so easy but it is little tougher. The reason behind the name of the asana is that the person in this asana will appear like posing like a cow face. In Sanskrit ‘gau’ is ‘cow’, ‘mukha’ is ‘face’ and ‘asana’ is ‘posture’. It helps in maintaining a healthy limb and arm while providing flexibility in arms and shoulders. This practice will really help while you dive.

4.      Salabhasana

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Salabhasana is known as the locust pose. The person who does this pose must have to lift up his legs backward and top of the body and should hold the hands backward. This is meant for improving the posture and to strengthen your back and core of the body. 

5.     Dhanurasana

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This is again more like the Salabhasana, but did little more. You have to turn backward like a bow and have to hold your feet with hands while your stomach part lies on floor. This pose will eventually develop more flexibility in your body.

It is must that all these poses must be learnt well from a right master and has to be practiced well to get the best results.