 |
| Yoga in the Sivananda Yoga Tradition in La Mesa, Colombia |
Many people
unfamiliar with the practice associate yoga with some weird and body bending
poses. However, the ancient practice of yoga has been finding itself in the
limelight in modern times. Not only has it been credited for transforming some
bodies into svelte and toned figures, it has also been credited for helping
millions of people find peace, focus, relaxation and clarity of thought. After
all, the practice of yoga involves more than the physical aspect.
What is yoga?
Yoga is the
Hindu practice that involves the harmony of the physical, mental and spiritual
aspects of a person. The practice originated in ancient India, making it more
than 5,000 years old. Today, the word is also used to refer to meditative
practices that have roots in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, although the
practice and discipline of yoga can be performed by anyone from any religious
belief. Through concentrated meditation, the yoga practitioner is able to
attain a state of tranquility and gain deep spiritual insight.
The
pretzel-like poses are done not only to strengthen and tone the body, but
primarily to help relax the body and loosen the mind so that long periods of
meditation could be performed. This way, it becomes easier for the practitioner
to sit in stillness for long periods of time. At the same time, it takes a lot
of focus and concentration to be able to properly do the poses during yoga
practice.
Yoga means yoke
Yoga is a Sanskrit
word that means yoke. It is from the root word yuj that means “to unite” or “to join.” The practice of yoga
necessitates the need for self discipline. There is a need “to yoke” or to
attach oneself with determination and discipline to the task at hand that is
needed to attain moksha.
The words
used in yoga are ancient Sanskrit words. Sanskrit is a language that dates back
to more than 7,000 years ago and is said to be a descendant of the Proto
Indo-European (PIE) language, believed to be the common mother language of
other languages including Greek, Latin, all the romance languages, Germanic,
Baltic and Celtic languages and English.
Union of many levels
Various
elements are united in the practice of yoga. The mind and body are united in
practice. Each pose is done in union with the breath, as doing each pose
becomes easier when it is done with the proper breathing.
The aim of
the practice is to unite the human soul with the supreme spirit or the Divine
spirit. Yoga aims to create a union between thoughts and the source of all
thought, between the teacher and the student, between the energy of the
practitioner and others in the room. It is an effort to discover the Divine and
to remain in union with it in daily life.
Yoga helps
the practitioner stop worrying or thinking about the past or future and endless
worries and helps keep the focus on the present moment and to be in a place of
eternal presence.
Basics
Yoga is
taught by a guru or teacher. The word
guru stems from two Sanskrit syllables, which means “darkness” and
“light”. After all, the task of the guru
is to assist a practitioner from darkness into the light. A practitioner or one
who opts to follow the path of yoga is called a yogi. This transfer of grace from the guru to the yogi is called mantravirya.
One of the
most important aspects of yoga is breathing or regulating the prana. Prana refers to the breath of
life. It is very important to be mindful of breathing while doing various
poses.
Mantras are recited during the practice to
help achieve a state of deep relaxation and meditation. The ancients believe
that the sounds that the mantras create resonate with the language of cosmic
consciousness. For the practitioner, reciting the mantras and Sanskrit words
helps reconnect the person with the divine consciousness. The sound of infinity
or the first mantra is Om. Many
practitioners begin with the mantra Om
Namah Shivaya, which translates beautifully to “I honor the divine in
myself and in others”.
Eight limbs of practice
Yoga isn’t
just about the pretzel like poses that people are familiar with. It truly is a
way of life that affects all aspects of the practitioner’s being. According to
the textbook Yoga Sutras written in 200 BC, there are eight limbs that form the
complete yoga system.
Yama refers to the five abstentions or
the positive ethical guidelines that a person must practice. These include
non-violence, celibacy, non-stealing, truthfulness and non-attachment.
Niyama refers to the five positive
behaviors of a true practitioner, such as cleanliness, contentment, devotion to
god and self-discipline.
Asana refers to the powerful postures
done during the yoga practice that results in a strong, flexible and energetic
yet relaxed body. It literally translates to “seat”.
Pranayama or “suspending breath” is the
breathing exercise central to the practice of yoga. Proper breathing during
yoga helps not only create good health and inner calm, but also helps in doing
the various poses.
Prathahara or “abstraction” is the concept of
detachment. This helps the practitioner transcend the various trials in life
and remain constant.
Dharana is the practice of focused
concentration.
Dhyana is meditation. By stilling the
mind, the practitioner is able to open one’s heart to receive healing, love and
understanding.
Samadhi, means “liberation”, and is a state
of constant peace, bliss and happiness, wherein the practitioner experiences
the presence of God at all times. Regardless of ethnicity, religious belief,
age or political affiliation, this is a concept that people all around the
world want to achieve.
A session
of yoga ends with a very positive affirmation in saying Namaste, which means,
“I honor the light in you and in all”.
Practitioners around the world
Yoga today
is practiced by countless people from around the world. No longer is the
practice limited to Buddhist monks, Indian devotees or gurus. Today, there are
a number of people all over the world that have chosen to make yoga a part of
their lives.
Some of the
famous celebrities who regularly practice are Madonna, Jennifer Aniston, Carlos
Santana, Russell Simmons, Adam Levine, Jon Bon Jovi and Sting. Even Lady Gaga
and Chelsea Clinton practice yoga!
Once a
person understands just how meaningful yoga can be, the yoga practice can take
on a whole new level. While others simply choose to practice yoga for the
health benefits, many others all over the world find that this ancient Hindu
practice can bring meaning, peace and harmony to a person’s life.
Namaste!
No comments:
Post a Comment