Pavana Muktasana

Pavana Muktasana is a widely practised asana. Easy to execute and helpful for gastric patients, Pavana Muktasana is an important practice in the body of Hatha Yoga techniques. Pavana muktasana is a Sanskrit word, where `pavana` refers to `wind` or `gaseous form of matter`. Mukta or mukti means `liberation` or `release`, which makes this asana the `wind release pose`. It is precisely the accumulation of `wind` or `air` within the body that leads to dysfunction, degeneration of the tissues, and aging. The severity of such problems leads to gastric ulcer and cancers in stomach. Pavana Mukta asana provides relief to this `gaseous condition`, and is a great healer if practiced regularly. This helps to maintain general health, youthfulness and vitality.

The techniques for Pavana Muktasana is as follows -
1. Firstly, one should lie on the back with the legs out straight.
2. Then he/ she should inhale as the person deeply hugs the right knee on the right side of the chest.
3. If possible, using the abdominal muscles, one has to bring the nose to the level of the knee.
4. The extended leg must remains active, with foot flexed.
5. One has to exhale back down to the floor and repeat on the left side.
6. This should be done five times total on each side.

The warmth and pressure created after doing Pavana muktasana, releases bloating and entrapped glass, first in the ascending colon (right side) and then in the descending colon (left side.)

Benefits:
It would do real wonders to your stomach as the excess gas is being removed from the abdomen. The intestines also function better due to the removal of the gas.

Video Demo

Ardha Pawan Muktasana

PawanMuktasana

Ustrasana or Camel Pose

Ustra means Camel. Asana means yoga pose or posture.

Instructions:

1. Come up onto your knees. Take padding under your knees if they are sensitive.

2. Draw your hands up the side of your body as you start to open your chest.

3. Reach your hands back one at a time to grasp your heels.

4. Bring your hips forward so that they are over your knees.

5. Let your head come back, opening your throat.

Benefits:
Camel pose opens the heart, and by opening the whole front of the body, helps respiration. The chest, the hips, thighs, biceps, ankles and shoulders experience work in the opening. By doing this posture, you will strengthen your back and shoulder muscles. The throat stretches and the flexion of the neck improves. It is great for those who sit at desks and computers helping relieve pain and prevent pain in areas of the neck and lower back. Posture improves because muscles of the spine lengthen and strengthen. Backbends are good for relieving depression and are uplifting. The Camel pose cultivates patience and joy. Rejuvenated blood flows to the kidneys. Ustrasana helps in digestion and elimination.  Some consider the pose very helpful for diabetes, dyspepsia. Dharana is a Sanskrit word meaning focus of mind, and dharana is increased with practice of ustrasana. Other health problems that may be ameliorated are respiratory ailments, mild backache, fatigue, anxiety, and menstrual discomfort. Through this pose we discover large reserves of energy and, like the desert animal for which it is named, we can replenish when resources are low.

Caution:
The most important cautions in this pose are to watch your neck and your lower back. Keeping them extended and long with help avoid injury in this pose. Don’t bring your head too far back unless your neck is safely extended and it feels comfortable. With the lower back, bring that tailbone under and through toward the pubic bone which is done by shifting your pelvis and the lower back long. Listen to your body and notice try not to strain. Your breath helps you notice if your energy flows freely and whether you are imposing a posture on the body for which it isn’t ready. Keep the pose shorter and gentler as needed. Those with high or low blood pressure, a migraine headache, insomnia, or any serious lower back pain or neck injury should not do this pose.

Demo Video:

video link1 

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SARVANGASANA GOOD FOR HAIR GROWTH AND WEIGHT LOSS

It is considered as the best asana among all the asanas, as it activates most of the important glands and help improve their function. Even old books on Yoga proclaim importance of this asana.

Step 1   : Exhale and inhaling start raising both the legs upward and stop when they make angle of 90 degree with the floor. Attain the Uttanpadasana posture.

Step 2   :  Exhaling raise the waist and push the legs backward over the head

 

Step 3   :  Support the waist with both the hands, using your hands get the legs, waist and back in one straight line and stabilize them in this position, stretch the toes towards sky. Keep the sight on the toes. Continue normal breathing.

To come out of this posture, just bend your knees, curve your back and slowly return to lying on the floor while exhaling. First bend your knees, put the palms on the floor, then curving the spine, gradually unfold it the way one unrolls a carpet. When your entire back touches the floor, straighten the knees, take a deep breath and slowly lower your legs to the ground while breathing out.

Benefits

1. The main benefit of the shoulder stand is to get the thyroid gland working at peak efficiency. It's the thyroid gland which is mainly responsible for your correct weight and youthful appearance.
2. Boosts Sexual functions.
3. It vitalizes the nerves, purifies the blood and promote good circulation, strengthens the lower organs and helps them to stay in place.
4. It improves overall health.
5. It is beneficial for people suffering from poor circulation, constipation, indigestion, asthma and reduced virility.
6. This pose is especially recommended for women after childbirth and for those suffering from painful menstruation, other female disorders, and seminal weakness.
7. Improves blood circulation to the scalp inturn helping the hair growth.
8. Helps in weight loss.

The Sanskrit name for this posture sarvangasana means 'all the body'.

Duration :

This asana is difficult in the beginning especially for women with heavy hips and men with big belly's. Initially you can take help of other person while raising the hips and waist. Retain this position for fifteen seconds to six minutes, adding fifteen seconds per week.

Caution:

Do not try this exercise if you are suffering from organic disorders of the thyroid gland. Be very cautious if you are suffering from chronic nasal catarrh.

How to do Shirshasana or Sirsasana in yoga

Steps for Practice Sirsasana:

1. Sit on soles. place knees on the ground.

2. Frame finger lock with both hands.

3. Making a triangle from finger-lock and elbows, place it on ground.

4. Bending forward, place middle of the head on the ground near finger-lock.

5. Now straighten your legs.

6. Slowly bring the legs neck your body.

7. Soles will automatically leave the ground by practice and thighs knees will touch the abdomen.

8. Now keeping the balance straighten your legs from thigh-joint, knees will remain folded.

9. Now straighten the knees also and completely balance your body on head.

10. While returning to the original position fold your knee first. Then fold your legs from thigh and let the thigh and knee touch your abdomen.

11. Now slowly place the soles on the ground. Slowly raise your head also and sit on soles.

Benefits of Sirsasana

1. This increases the blood circulation in head and memory power is improved.

2. This strengthens the nervous-centres of the whole body and maintains the health of endocrine gland.

3. Digestive system is also benefited through this Asana.

4. According to Swami Kuvalayanandaji, it is beneficial against congested throat, diseases of liver and spleen and in Visceroptosis.

5. Calms the mind.

6. Strengthens the arms, legs, and spine.

7. Improves balance.

Precautions during Sirsasana

1. While practicing Sirsasana, place that part of your head on the ground on which the spine can remain erect.

2. Do not raise your legs with jerk. Slow and gradual practice will "raise your legs up automatically.

3. In the beginning practice it under the guidance of a teacher because there is a fear of falling down.

4. While returning, do not raise your head soon after completing Asana. There remains a fear of getting giddiness. Therefore, keep your head near finger-lock for some time and then raise it up.

5. Those suffering from high blood pressure, running ear or heart disease should not practice it.

6. Those having cough or chronic cold also should not practice it.

7. Persons suffering from constipation should practice it carefully

Beginner`s tip:Practice the pose at the wall. Try to move further from the wall each time. Try removing one foot and then the other from the wall to practice balancing.

Eight Limbs Of Yoga

These are the eight limbs of the system found in the famous Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

Yama
It is known as Moral observances for interactions with others. Broken down into five wise characteristics, they tell us about our fundamental nature that of being compassionate, generous, honest and peaceful. It teaches the directives of Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy) and Aparigraha (non-covetousness)

Niyama
It is known as Moral observances for interactions with yourself. The word itself means rules that are prescribed for personal observance. The niyamas are far more than an attitude, and are more intimate and personal. The directive include Shaucha (internal and external purity), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (austerity), Svadhyaya (study of religious books and repetitions of Mantras) and Ishvarapranidhana (self-surrender to God, and His worship).

Asanas
It is the practice of physical postures and is the most commonly known aspect of yoga. The practice of moving the body into postures helps in improving health, strength, balance and flexibility. On a deeper level, the practice of asana, which means staying or abiding in Sanskrit, is used as a means to calm the mind and move into the inner essence of being.

Pranayama
It controls the energy, in order to restore and maintain health and to promote evolution. Pranayama is the measuring, control, and directing of the breath. It further provides perfect relaxation and balance of body activities are realized.

Pratyahara
In yoga, the term pratyahara implies withdrawal of the senses from attachment to external objects. It is most commonly known for sensory inhibition.

Dharana
Immovable concentration of the mind is the underlying principle of Dharana. The essential idea is to hold the concentration or focus of attention in one direction. The mind needs to be stilled in order to achieve this state of complete absorption.

Dhyana
Dhyana focuses on Meditation. It means worship, or profound and abstract religious meditation that involves concentration upon a point of focus with the intention of knowing the truth about it. The concept holds that when one focuses their mind in concentration on an object the mind is changed into the shape of the object.

Samadhi
It is the final step in the eight-fold path of Yoga. It means pleasurable fascination of one's individual consciousness in the essence of God. Samadhi means to bring together to merge. In this state, the body and senses are at rest, but the faculty of mind and reason are alert. You need to control the feelings of Avidya (ignorance), Asmita (egoism), Raga-Dvesha (likes and dislikes), Abhinivesha (clinging to mundane life).

Top 10 Yoga Instructions

If you are planning to learn yoga by yourself or if you haven’t been practicing it for a long time, these yoga tips may help you get back on track. The following tips are very important and should be followed to reap all the benefits of yoga practice. One should also be regular and dedicated to the practice.

1. One of the important things to consider is the right time of the day for practicing yoga. This would be early in the morning as you will relaxed after sleep and the yoga postures can be performed with ease.

2. Choose a place that is free of dust and pollution, well ventilated and free of distractions. See to it that it is quite and moisture free.

3. Choose clothing that is loose. It should not restrict movement. Before you start, clear your bowels and have a glass of warm water. You should also clean your nostrils of all mucus.

4. Be systematic with your yoga postures. Start off with easy ones and perform the difficult ones as you progress.

5. If you are learning from yoga images, make sure you take into consideration the breathing techniques as well. Inhale and exhale through your nose. Practice periods of relaxation between poses.

6. Before you start yoga, choose a suitable yoga mat. It should be comfortable and not rough. While doing poses that require you to lie down, you can use a woolen carpet with a sheet over it.

7. You can use yoga music while meditating as it helps you relax faster and energizes you. This kind of music is not loud or high pitched. Its soothing, calm tones will help relax your mind and body.

8. Don’t tire yourself while practicing yoga. If you have performed a difficult pose, take a break and calm your body before performing the next one. Never force your body to do a pose. Stop when there is pain and try again tomorrow as it gets easier with each day.

9. Rather than reading only instructions, go through books that show you yoga images. This will help you follow the instructions better. A lot of DVDs are available where you can watch videos of various postures. A lot of people find this easier to follow.

10. While practicing yoga consume medium quantities of food. Enough to just satisfy your hunger. One should eat at an interval of 4 hours and should include grains, dairy, vegetables, roots, fruits and nuts in the diet. Fasting or overeating is not encouraged in yoga.

Before you begin, you should talk to your doctor about the different poses you plan to practice if you have had a surgery or a severe injury. If you are attending a class, tell the yoga instructor about your injury or any other health problems that you have. You will be advised on what to do and what not to do. Regular practice will give you amazing health benefits, both mental and physical.

Top 10 Yoga Sites

Yoga is a great way to bring a balance between one’s body and mind. A lot of yoga sites have come up that will help you learn everything about yoga. Some of them are also designed to serve local population by announcing events, etc.

1. At www.yogaweb.com, you will find everything including history, benefits, basics, poses, weight loss routines, etc. related to yoga. In addition to everything you will also find a yoga dictionary explaining all the complicated terms involved in the practice. You will also get yoga-wear advice along with tips on yoga sequences.

2. www.thesecretofyoga.com is another site which has impressive yoga blogs and articles on breathing, meditation, yoga for men and women, mudras, benefits, etc.

3. www.abc-of-yoga.com, like the name suggests includes ABCs of yoga. You will not just find the basics of yoga but also easy to follow yoga images that you can refer to.

4. http://www.a2zyoga.com/ is on of the most easy to understand yoga websites. It tells you about yoga videos which are easier to follow than written material. It also has yoga blogs which will give you insightful material that will help you understand yoga well.

5. If you are looking for a site which lists all the instructors, events, holiday yoga retreats, etc, http://www.yogafinder.com/ is the site you should visit. You can also start your own yoga business and advertise on this site as well.

6. Yamarama.com is another site that specializes in yoga clothing. It was started by somebody who was helped by yoga to de-stress and become healthy again. This website brings fashion and function together and gives you perfect activewear for practicing yoga.

7. http://yoga.gotop100.com/index.php is the site where all yoga sites that you will ever want to visit are listed. It also include products, retreats, workshops and classes will be listed which can help you go about learning and practicing yoga.

8. www.yogamovement.com is a great site which tells you about learning yoga yourself, relaxing your mind and body, etc. It also tells you about ways to condition your body during your weight-loss program.

9. If you are looking for a site that gives information about power yoga, postures and poses, www.yogawiz.com is the site you should visit. The articles that will come in useful for beginners as well as the ones who have been practicing it for a while can be found here.

10. http://www.thesecretsofyoga.com is a good site which has information on all asanas with clear description and pictures.

The above websites are popular for the amount of useful information they hold. Some of them also have a set of articles related to yoga. Anybody who wants to learn yoga by themselves can carefully study these websites and learn it themselves. The videos, step- by-step instructions and the images can teach you the poses without any trouble.

Padmasana: The Lotus Posture (padma-asana)

Instructions:

1 Sit on the floor with the legs stretched out straight in front.

2 Bend the right knee and grasp the right foot with both hands and place it on top of the left thigh bringing the heel as close to the navel as possible.

3 Bend the left knee and grasp the left foot with both hands and place it on top of the right thigh bringing the heel as close to the navel as possible.

4 Both knees should be on the ground and the soles of the feet are pointed upward. The spine is held straight but not rigid.

5 The position of the legs may be switched after a period of time if the posture becomes uncomfortable.

Benefits:

When in the padma-asana the hands can be placed in one of the following three positions:

Place one hand on top of the other, both palms up, and rest the hands on the heels (this is known as the dhyana-mudra). This variation is recommended for meditation.

Place the hands on the knees, palms down.

With palms up, place the hands on the knees, form a circle with the thumb and forefinger and extend the remaining fingers straight ahead (this is known as the chin-mudra). Recommended for pranayama (Yogic breathing).

The padma-asana facilitates relaxation, concentration and ultimately, meditation. The posture creates a natural balance throughout the body/mind. When the knees are stretched enough to remain in the padma-asana without discomfort the posture creates a feeling of effortlessness and ease that will soothe the nervous system, quiet the mind and bring about the condition of one-pointedness.

Durations/Repetitions:

The length of time to sit in the padma-asana depends on your intention. In the course of a typical asana routine you might hold it for several minutes or until you experience discomfort in the legs. When used as a meditation posture you hold it for the duration of the meditation.

Exercise 1:

(i)Sit in padmasana and close your eyes

(ii)Take in a deep breath and feel the air going to the bottom of your spine

(iii)Get fully aware of your spine

(iv)Slowly exhale and relax.

Exercise 2:

(i) Sit in padmasana. Close your eyes

(ii) Close one nostril with the thumb

(iii) Inhale slowly with beej mantra "Ra" in your mind

(iv) Exhale through the same nostril

(v) Repeat 15 - 20 times

(vi) Practice the same by closing the other nostril.

Video Links:

http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to/video/how-to-practice-the-lotus-yoga-pose-padmasana-235128/

http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to/video/how-to-practice-the-yoga-lotus-pose-174963/

Naga-asana - The Cobra Pose Translation:
The Sanskrit word naga means snake or serpent। The naga-asana is also known as the bhujanga-asana। The Sanskrit word bhujanga, which also means snake, is derived from the root bhuj which means to bend or curve।

The Cobra Pose (Naga-asana) Instruction:
1 Lie on the stomach with the head turned to one side and the arms alongside the body with palms facing upward.
2 Turn the head and place the chin on the floor. Inhale then exhale slowly through the nostrils and swing the arms around until the hands are placed just below the chin with the palms down and the finger tips of each hand almost touching and the elbows on the floor.
3 Inhale slowly through the nostrils, press down on the hands and lift the torso from the waist up off the floor, arching the spine backwards and straightening the arms. Keep the hips on the floor.
4 Tilt the head as far back as possible and hold the posture for the duration of the inhaled breath.
5 Exhale and reverse the process to return to position #1.
Benefits:
If you find it uncomfortable holding the breath while the posture is held, breath gently through the nostrils. Some may find that they are able to arch the spine back even more than in the initial arch in step 3. In this case try "walking" the hands toward the pelvic region and stretching the head further back.
In addition to the obvious benefits to the spine and lower back, the standard variation of the naga-asana strengthens the wrists and stretches the muscles in the chest. By maintaining a constant exertion to create a greater arch in the spine, the stomach and pelvic muscles are strengthened. Greater strength in these areas can be cultivated by performing the variation where the arms remain on the ground. B.K.S. Iyengar, a renowned expert in yoga-asanas, claims that displaced spinal discs can be placed back in their original position by practicing the naga-asana.
Durations/Repetitions:
Hold the posture for either the duration of a held inhaled breath or from one-half to three minutes। Repeat the naga-asana two to five times.

Basic Yoga Asanas with clear steps

The Plow Posture (hala-asana) Instruction:
1 Lie flat on the back in the shava-asana।
2 Inhale through the nostrils. Place the palms face-down on the floor. Keeping the hips on the floor, bend the knees and bring them up toward the stomach while exhaling.

3 Inhale, then while exhaling, raise the legs straight up perpendicular to the floor. You may support your hips with your hands or leave the arms flat on the floor, whichever is most comfortable.
4 Exhale and continue to raise the legs over the head, bending at the waist, lifting the back and buttocks until the toes touch the floor directly in back of the head. Keep the feet together. If the lower back is supported by the hands try returning the arms flat to the floor with the palms facing down. If you are unable to comfortably place the arms on the floor continue to support the lower back with the hands. 5 Keep the knees straight. Breath slowly through the nostrils and hold the posture for several minutes. If you cannot touch the floor with your toes hold them as close to the floor as possible and continue to exert effort to lower them. 6 Reverse the steps to return to the shava-asana
Benefits:

The benefits of this posture, like the sarvanga-asana, are numerous। All of the muscles and ligaments in the calves and thighs are stretched resulting in greater leg flexibility। People suffering from leg cramps will find great relief from the hala-asana। Since the abdominal area is contracted, blood compressed out of this area releases toxins and when the contraction is released the area is flooded with richly oxygenated blood। The contraction also helps to relieve gas and stimulates a sluggish digestive system। Similar effects take place as the neck and chest area is compressed effecting the throat, thyroid, parathyroid and lungs। Upper and lower back pain or discomfort is relieved due to the forward stretching of the spine। It is highly recommended that this posture be accompanied by the sarvanga-asana. In fact, many of the benefits of the sarvanga-asana apply to the hala-asana as well with the added benefits detailed above. The hala-asana is an excellent morning posture although some might find it more difficult then. During sleep the spine can become somewhat compressed resulting in the experience of tightness or stiffness in the back. A few repetitions of the hala-asana will quickly restore flexibility to the spine as well as promote alertness.

Durations/Repetitions: Hold the hala-asana for as long as you are comfortable. 20-30 seconds is fine for early attempts, increase the time gradually as you become more comfortable.

Posture: Anjanaya-asana - The Salutation Pose

i. Sit comfortably in the vajra-asana (thunderbolt pose).
ii. Kneel up on your knees until your back, buttocks and thighs are aligned.
iii. Extend your left foot foward bending your left knee at about a 90 degree angle.
iv. Place the palms of your hands together at the heart in the anjali-mudra.
v. Raise your arms stright up keeping the palms together while bending the head backward and looking up.

vi. Slowly bend backward stretching the arms backward and straightening out the right leg. Hold this position for as long as comfortable while breathing gently through the nostrils.
vii. Come back to the vajara-asana (thunderbolt pose) then reverse the posture by alternating legs.

Benefits:

The anjaneya-asana combines several postures and mudras (gestures) in a fluid, evolving flow that combines motion, stretching and holds. It delivers great benefits for the back, arms, chest, legs and hips. Regular practice will strengthen concentration and improve balance.

Perform this posture with a sense of reverence and praise. Take a moment to reside in silence and peace as your hands are held at the heart in the gesture (mudra) of salutation (anjali-mudra). Keep the intention of praise in mind as you extend your arms skyward. Feel your entire body-mind-heart extending outward in recognition of the sacredness of life.

Durations/Repetitions:
Repeat twice on each side.

The Restrained-Angle Pose (Baddha-Kona-asana) Instruction:
i. Sit on the floor with the legs together and extended straight out in front. Keep the back straight, shoulders level and head straight. Place the hands, palms down, flat on top of the thighs then inhale deeply.
ii. Exhale and bend the knees drawing the feet toward the torso.
iii. Place the soles of the feet together, clasp the hands over the feet interlocking the fingers pulling the feet closer and placing the heels against the perineum. The outer edge and small toe of each foot should touch the floor.
iv. Lower the knees to the floor and keep the back straight. Use the elbows to press down on the thighs if necessary to bring the calves and knees to the floor. Hold the posture breathing gently through the nostrils.
v. Release the posture and sit with the legs extended out and hands on the thighs.

Benefits:
Regular practice of the baddhakona-asana stretches the knees and stimulates circulation in the legs. It should be practiced frequently until one is comfortable sitting in the padma-asana. The main areas of the body that are stimulated, besides the legs, are the stomach, pelvis and lower back. It is said to keep the kidneys, prostate and bladder healthy. The baddha-konasana is one of the few postures that can be practiced comfortably soon after eating.

Durations/Repetitions:
Hold the posture from thirty seconds to two minutes depending on comfort. Repeat two or three times.

The Wheel Pose (Chakra-asana) Instruction:

i. Lie flat on the back in the shava-asana.
ii. While exhaling bend the knees and bring the feet as close to the buttocks as possible with the soles of the feet flat on the floor.
iii. Bend the arms at the elbows and place the palms of the hands flat on the floor directly under each shoulder with the fingers pointing toward the back.
iv. While inhaling slowly, begin to raise the head, back and buttocks off the floor while arching the spine. Continue to press downward on the hands and feet while raising the hips and stomach as high as possible.
v. Hold for the duration of the held inhaled breath. When you can't hold the breath comfortable any longer, slowly exhale and return the back to the floor, slide the legs out straight returning to the shava-asana.

Benefits:
The chakra-asana is more challenging than most other yoga postures. Don't be discouraged if your unable to accomplish it right away. Even attempting this posture without successful completion holds great benefits.

First and foremost is the strength and suppleness it restores to the spine. It strengthens the arms, shoulders and upper back as well and stimulates the cardiovascular system. The chakra-asana has an overall tonic effect for the entire body.

As the natural suppleness of the spine is restored after a period of practice you can begin to perfect the form of this asana and thus experience greater benefits.

First be certain that the arms are as straight as possible with very little to no bend in the elbows. When you can hold this comfortably, begin breathing through the nostrils while holding the posture and attempt to get a greater arch in the spine by bringing your hands closer to your feet and/or bringing your feet closer to your hands. Finally, you can extend the duration of the chakra-asana by doing several repetitions in sequence without resting in-between. As you return from the posture keep the hands behind the shoulders and the soles of the feet flat on the floor and as soon as the back returns to floor immediately raise it and enter the full posture again.

Durations/Repetitions:
The chakra-asana is either held for the duration of the inhaled breath or between one and three minutes while breathing gently through the nostrils. Repeat it two or three times.

The Brief History & Essence of Yoga

A brief history of yoga before it came to North America for beginner yoga students:

Yoga may be new to your neck of the world, but it has existed now for centuries. It is found in the Rig Veda, the oldest known written text in the world, which dates back to approximately four thousand years ago. Directly translated as the “Knowledge of Praise”, the Rig Veda is a compilation of 1,028 songs which were supposedly passed down through oral traditions before it was written down.

As well, Indian sculptures dating back to approximately three thousand years ago show yoga poses, and five hundred years later Hindu scriptures called the Vedas described yoga in great detail. Another five hundred years later saw the birth of the Bhagivad Gita, the epic poem (and religious text for those of the Hindu faith) with even more yogic details shared.

The first entire system completely devoted to the study of yoga, however, was written by Patanjali and called the Yoga Sutras. It was written in approximately 200 B.C. and is still referred to regularly today.

The Essence of Yoga

The true essence of Yoga revolves around elevating the life force or ‘Kundalini’ at the base of the spine. It aims to achieve this through a series of physical and mental exercises. At the physical level, the methods comprise various yoga postures or ‘asanas’ that aim to keep the body healthy. The mental techniques include breathing exercises or ‘pranayama’ and meditation or ‘dhyana’ to discipline the mind.

The ultimate goal of yoga is, however, to help the individual to transcend the self and attain enlightenment. As the Bhagavad-Gita says, “A person is said to have achieved yoga, the union with the Self, when the perfectly disciplined mind gets freedom from all desires, and becomes absorbed in the Self alone.”

Importance Of Yoga

Yoga is not a religion; it is a way of living whose aim is ‘a healthy mind in a healthy body’.

Man is a physical, mental and spiritual being; yoga helps promote a balanced development of all the three. Other forms of physical exercises, like aerobics, assure only physical well-being. They have little to do with the development of the spiritual or astral body.

Yogic exercises recharge the body with cosmic energy This facilitates

Attainment of perfect equilibrium and harmony

Promotes self- healing.

Removes negative blocks from the mind and toxins from the body

Enhances Personal power

Increases self-awareness

Helps in attention focus and concentration, especially important for children

Reduces stress and tension in the physical body by activating the parasympathetic nervous system

The aspirant feels rejuvenated and energized. Thus, Yoga bestows upon every aspirant the powers to control body and mind.