Yoga

Yoga is a way of life, an art of righteous living or an integrated system for the benefit of the  body, mind and inner spirit. This art originated, was perfected and practiced in India thousands of years ago. The references to yoga are available in 'Upanishads' and 'Puranas' composed by Indian Aryans in the later Vedic and post- Vedic period. The main credit for systematizing yoga goes to Patanjali who wrote 'Yoga Sutra', two thousand Years ago. He described the principles of the full eight fold yogic discipline. He composed the treatise in brief code words known as 'Sutras'. 'Yoga Sutra' is the most important basic text on Yoga. It is through this basic treatise that the essential message of yoga spread throughout the world.

Aim of Yoga is the attainment of the physical, mental and spiritual health. Patanjali has recommended eight stages of Yoga discipline. They are

1. Yamas- Yamas (abstentions or restrains)
2. Niyamas- Niyamas (observances)-austerities, purity, contentment, study, surrender of the ego
3. Asanas- Physical postures or exercises
4. Pranayama- Control of vital energy (Breathing control)
5. Partyahara- Withdrawal of the senses
6. Dharana- Concentration of the mind (Contemplation)
7. Dhyana- Meditation

Samadhi- Attainment of The super conscious state

'Asanas' in Sanskrit means posture. There are around 84 asanas - each one has a special name, special form and a distinct way of performing. Asanas are designed to promote, a state of mental and physical well-being or good health. This may be defined as the condition that is experienced when all the organs function effectively under the intelligent control of the mind. Asanas have an extraordinary capacity to overhaul, rejuvenate and bring the entire system into a state of balance.

LIST OF ASANAS

SURYA NAMASKARA (THE SUN SALUTATION )

UTTHAN PADA ASANA

PASCHIMOTHAN ASANA (THE FORWARD BEND)

BHUJANGA ASANA (THE COBRA POSTURE)

SALABHA ASANA (THE LOCUST POSTURE)

SARVANGA ASANA (THE SHOULDER STAND)

MATSYA ASANA (THE FISH POSTURE)

DHANUR ASANA (THE BOW)

HALA ASANA - (THE PLOUGH POSTURE)

SHAVA ASANA (THE CORPSE POSE)

For More details Visit

Yoga Asanas