THE MEANING OF YOGA – Yoga in Sanskrit language means Union . To understand it more philosophically, it is a union of the human soul and the entire universe. The one who practices yoga is called YOGI and YOGINI (if female)
Agni Yoga • Anahata Yoga • Artistic Yoga • Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga • Dream Yoga • Hatha yoga • Integral yoga • Kriya yoga • Kundalini yoga • Natya Yoga • Six Yogas of Naropa (Tummo) • Sahaja Yoga • Surat Shabd Yoga • Viniyoga • Yantra Yoga • Yoga Nidra
In the ancient Indian philosophy, yoga is one of the six philosophical schools. The Yoga philosophical system is very close to Samkhya. There is an intimate relationship between the two. Both are looked as twins in India . Samkhya explains the basic theoretical exposition of human nature individually defining its elements and analysis their state of co-operation while they are bonded. It also describes their state of separation in Moksha (the release of soul from the bond of entering a new body after death of the old body)
1.Ahimsa - Nonviolence. Teaches us not to harm or cause pain to any living creature. Even a violent thought or deed breaks the rule of this tradition. This is the main yama. The other nine are there in support of its accomplishment.
2.Arjava – honesty. In every aspect and deeds.
3.Brahmacharya – virginity. A divine conduct when single, faithful to the partner when married.
4.Satya – the truth or the truthfulness in words, thoughts and deeds.
5.Asteya – Is about non-stealing, non-coveting and non-entering into debt.
6.Daya - mercy – It teaches us mercy and to not to be cruel or have insensitive feelings towards other creatures.
7.Kshama - forgiveness. Teaches us patience, forgiveness and functioning in the now.
8.Dhriti - steadfastness, overcoming non-perseverance, fear and seeing each task through to completion.
9.Mitahara – Simple and moderate appetite. Neither eating too much nor too less. Nor consuming meat, fish, shellfish, fowl or egg which can kill the other creatures.
10.Shaucha – Avoid the impurity in body, mind and speech. Getting rid of waste from our mind and body.
Niyama : Niyama is a set of behaviors. A task which we are bound to do everyday. These are our dealings with the inner world. The dealings which we promise ourselves everyday. There are 10 traditional Niyamas:
2.Santosha: The second Niyama is being satisfied with the resources you have. Not desiring more. Being happy with whatever you have.
4.Astikya: The fourth Niyama is faith. Believe in the guru and the god. Walking on the path shown the guru and the god.
6.Siddhanta shravana: The sixth Niyama is to listen the scriptural teachings. Listening words of god and the guru.
7.Mati: The seventh Niyama is to develop a spiritual will. Intellect on godly messages with Guru’s guidance.
Aasana is a position of the body. It is associated with yoga. The positions of yoga are called Aasana. They improve body’s flexibility and health. Aasana refers two things (1) The place where the Yogi or Yogini performs the yoga (2) The position they sits.
There are various Aasanas. There are atleast 1300 with variations derived from gurus and yogis. There are some specific Aasanas to cure specific diseases.
While performing the Aasanas, the stomach should be empty, the body should not tremble, the parts of the body should be lowered slowly, breathing should be controlled, some Aasanas should be avoided in menstruation and the Yogi should not go to sleep within an hour after performing yoga. Some common Aasanas are Dhanurasana, Halasana, Vajraana, Shavasana and Shirshasana.There are various Aasanas. There are atleast 1300 with variations derived from gurus and yogis. There are some specific Aasanas to cure specific diseases.
Pranamyam is a Sanskrit word. It means the act of controlling breathing. The breathing here is associated with life. Through breathing we can control several tasks of the body. It is often translated as controlling life force. It is also mentioned in the Bhagwad Geeta. The Pranayam controls the body and the mind. It also connects the body parts and the mind.
Several researchers and medical science have reported that the Pranayam also cures stress related disorders. It reduces oxidative stress and gives good results in Asthma. Daily practice of Pranayam develops a steady mind, strong will power and judgement Pratyahara is the control on senses. It is the fifth element of Patanjali's asthangya yoga. It is about self control over senses of touch, taste, sight, hearing. When the controlling reaching its peak there ae Dharana (concentration) and Samadhi (absorption) The person who practices pratyahara is Sadhak (Practioner) who wants to achieve Samadhi. Pratyahara is derived from two Sanskrit words Prati and Ahara. Ahara means food in Sanskrit. In Pratyahara the Ahara stands for anything that is taken into the body or mind. It can be through mouth, eyesight or sense of touch.
Dharana is collection or concentration of mind. It is referred as holding to collecting the knowledge and maintaining it or keeping it back. It is the sixth stage of element of Patanjali's Astanga yoga. As Pratyahara withdraws the senses from the external things which can distract us. Dharna keeps the sense of Pratyahara and do not let our mind distract from the external phenomena. It gives us single pointed concentration in all the tasks we perform.
Samadhi is a Sanskit word. It is a state where the person is in a different state of consciousness which is induced by the meditation. The word Samadhi gas “Sam” which means together and “Dhi” which means intellect.When a person is in Samadhi, he is in a complete state of control where the distraction of consciousness does not come in the path.