| Yoga
Poses are also known as Asanas (sanskrit) or Yoga Postures. When
practiced correctly, these Poses promote health to all the systems
of the body. They tone muscles, make the spine and joints limber and
cleans glands and internal organs. On the outside, Yoga Poses may
just seem to be physical exercises, they are truley more than
exercise to the body. As one progresses through yoga practice, they
become more aware of the flow of vital energy (or prana) energy
through the body, as well as the importance of correct breathing,
creating a union between breath and movement.
The
practice of Yoga Asana means exercising both the body and the mind.
It takes determination and will-power and to accomplish each Yoga
Pose and to practice it daily. But the reward for your dedication is
truley worth the hard work - it will improve your health, increase
your resistance, and develop your mental awareness. Practicing Yoga
Asanas requires you to study each pose and execute them slowly as
you control your body and your mind.
With
this in mind, our own Sun and Moon teachers have written a series of
articles to help you with your practice of yoga asana. A menu of
these articles appears to the left. Check this space ofter as we are
continually adding new poses.
Iyengar
begins Light on Yoga by comparing the word ‘yoga’ to a
well cut diamond with many facets, each facet reflecting a different
shade of meaning and revealing different aspects of the human
journey to win inner peace and happiness. Some of the explanations
of the term yoga include:
·
The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj meaning
to bind, join, and attach or yoke, to direct and concentrate one’s
attention on, to use and apply. Yoga also means union or communion
and is the true union of our will with the will of God.
·
Yoga is one of six orthodox systems of Indian philosophy,
as organized by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. The system of
yoga teaches the means by which the individual human spirit (jivatma)
can be limited to, or be in communion with the Supreme Universal
Spirit (Paramatma or God). One who follows the path of Yoga
is a yogi or yogin.
·
In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna explains to
Arjuna the meaning of Yoga as a deliverance from contact with pain
and sorrow. The Bhagavad Gita gives other explanations of the
term yoga and stresses Karma Yoga (Yoga by action).
·
Yoga has also been described as "wisdom in work or
skillful living among activities, harmony and moderation."
·
The Kathopanishad describes Yoga as
"…steady control of the senses and mind …"
·
In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali describes
yoga as ‘chitta vritti nirodhah’ which can be translated
as restraint (nirodhah) of mental (chitta)
modifications (vrtti) or as suppression (nirodhah).
Benefits of Hatha Yoga
Relaxation
Yoga exercises, such as gentle stretching, breathing, meditation and
guided relaxation, release body tension and calm the nervous system
and emotions.
Concentration
Focus, attention and concentration are promoted by a yoga practice
of mindful movement and body awareness. The practice of balancing
postures, in particular, builds concentration.
Toning
Holding yoga postures creates isometric exercise which tones every
part of the body, including the internal organs.
Healing
Yoga exercises the glands, organs and endocrine system, massaging,
toning and increasing circulation to stimulate, heal, and eliminate
toxins from the body.
Flexibility
Yoga postures gently stretch the muscles in the body, increasing the
flexibility and lengthening the muscles, tendons and ligaments.
Nourishing
Slow, gentle movements with deep breathing energize the body rather
than tire it. This, in combination with yogaÕs relaxation and
healing benefits, allows daily renewal and nourishment of the
body-mind-spirit. |
