Yoga for Everyone

The term YOGA has been derived from the Sanskrit work; ‘Yuj’ which means union. YOGA for everyday and it should be for everybody.  It can be explained as the union of the mind and the body which helps us to reach a higher level of conscious with good health.

The first look on YOGA is ‘YOGA SUTRA’ which was written by Patanjali during second century.  The book was became very popular and developed as classical Indian Philosophy. YOGA has no specific religious connotations.  Its appeal is universal and is practiced by many, mainly YOGA has two forms. Physical and Spiritual. On the physical side, there are assaans, kriyas and mudras.  A proper practice of these exercises prepares the body and the mind of the yoga practioner to make spiritual progress.

On the spiritual side, yoga is basically the direct control of inner energy which is achieved by Pranayam.  Pranayam is one of the most important features of yoga. This is mainly the regulation of breath when one inhales air from one part of the nose and exhales it from the other. ‘Swami Ramdev’ the famous yogi, claims that a regular practice of Pranayam can prevent and cure fatal diseases like cancer, heart diseases, diabetes, blood pressure, liver disorders and even gynecological problems.

Today, Yoga has evolved almost as an alternative system of medicine.  By doing regularly it is almost an alternative system of medicine.  By doing regularly and systematically people gaining a lot for achieving good health.  Moreover it is not costly and has no side effects.  On the contrary, many of the allopathic medicine like strong antibiotics and pain killer are very costly and have innumerable side effects. 

The best time for a ‘Yoga practice’ and Pranayam is early morning.  One can enjoy the fresh air, full of oxygen during the period.  The surroundings are conductive for YOGA and meditation as it is generally quite and peaceful in the morning. An optimum discipline is required to practice yoga in a better way.  One must always ensure that all the yogic postures and the breathing exercise must be done correctly.  The advice of a yoga teacher or a guru should be taken to practice the different assaans.

The first guru of ‘YOGA-PATANJALI’ mentions that the postures must be firm, pleasant and easy.  Even diet should be controlled according to the practitioner’s age and ailment.  One has to give up bad habits like addiction to alcohol, smoking etc.

There are a large number of assaans in YOGA.  All of them require utmost dedication and discipline on the part of the practitioners.  Different types of asssaans are: (i) Padmasana (ii) Bhujangasana (iii) Chakrasana (iv) Dhanurasan (v) Vajrasana (vi) Survangasana (vii) Makarasan (viiii) Shvasana  etc.

Meditation, when practiced along with YOGA, enhances our concentration and relaxes the mind.  It can be practiced anywhere.  While meditating, one must sit straight or in a yogic posture.  All great philosophers like Lord Budha, Mahavira, Ramakrishana Pramahansa, Swami Vivekananda have emphasized on the practice of meditation for the purification of mind.  Modern neuroscience has revealed that when one’s energy and attention are strongly focused in the fore brain, it is impossible to be carried away by negative emotions.

Finally, YOGA is universal.  The birth place of Yoga may be India, but more it is accepted and practiced by the people all over the world.  YOGA can strengthen our body and provide immense mental power and stability.  It can virtually awake a new consciousness in a person and can mould entire personality.  If you adopt YOGA in your life, it will definitely improve your health and spread happiness around you.