In this Article, we understand the meaning of What is Yoga? Is Yoga beneficial or not? in simple and easy language. In the Modern age, everyone is familiar with the word Yoga instead of YOG. Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word “Yuj” means “to join” or “to unit”. A union of the body, mind, soul, and universal consciousness. The benefit of yoga is to curtail stress, and anxiety, as well as make better physics, and fitness with self-realization.
What is Yoga? Is Yoga Beneficial or not?
Today millions of people around the world are practicing Yoga and the numbers are increasing dramatically every year. As earlier said Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word “Yuj” means “to join” or “to unit”. Can say draw together, to bind together; or to unite. It aims to create a union of the body, mind, soul, and universal consciousness. This process of uniting the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of us is what allows yogis to experience deep states of freedom, peace and self-realization.
Yoga is an ancient technique
Modern era Yoga is in constant evolution, new styles are developing, influencing, and mixing with other traditions all over the world. However, Yoga is a very ancient system of practices that has been passed down through the generations from teacher to student. Yogic practices include breathing techniques, postures, relaxation, chanting, and other meditation methods.
“Yoga is a technology, and religion has nothing to do with it. What religion you belong to has nothing to do with your ability to make use of the yogic systems, because yoga is a technology. Technology does not make any distinction as to what you believe in and what you do not believe in.”
What Yoga is not, a clarification
It is important to know that Yoga is not a religion. As stated in the above definition it is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices. They include breathing techniques, postures, relaxation, chanting, and other meditation methods. Yogic practices are an integral part of all Indian religions and today are successfully used by millions of people who are not religious or belong to a non-Indian religion.
How many methods are in Yoga?
In Mahabharat when Shree Arjuna denay to do war against his relatives who are “Adharmi” at that time Lord Shree Krishna gives him “Updesha” (Life Lessons) which are in the form of Shrimad Bhagwat Gita and tells Arjuna: “Hey Arjun you should become Yogi” and said “Yoga Karmashu Kaushalam” means do your karma and let it upon me. These are four methods of yoga.
- Karma Yoga
- Raj Yoga
- Gyan Yoga
- Bhakti Yoga
Styles of Yoga
There are many different types or styles of yoga. They range from mild to intense. Some of the more popular styles of yoga are:
- Ashtanga or power yoga. This type of yoga offers a more demanding workout. In these classes, you quickly move from one posture to another.
- Bikram or hot yoga. You do a series of 26 poses in a room heated to 95°F to 100°F (35°C to 37.8°C). The goal is to warm and stretch the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, and to purify the body through sweat.
- Hatha yoga. This is sometimes a general term for yoga. It most often includes both breathing exercises and postures.
- Integral. A gentle type of yoga that may include breathing exercises, chanting, and meditation.
- Iyengar. A style that pays great attention to the precise alignment of the body. You may also hold poses for long periods.
- Kundalini. Emphasizes the effects of breath on the postures. The goal is to free energy in the lower body so it can move upward.
- Viniyoga. This style adapts postures to each person’s needs and abilities and coordinates breath and postures.
What is Patanjali Yog Sutra?
When someone asking What is Yoga? Is Yoga Beneficial or not? should know the definition most widely used and quoted in modern times comes from the Yoga Sutras composed by the great sage Patanjali in the 2nd century BC. Patanjali is also known as the father of modern Yoga. This treatise is considered one of the most important and foundational texts of classical Yoga philosophy.
“ Yog chitta vruti norodh”
By doing Yoga (Aasan and Pranayama) anyone can control their “Chitta” which means Mind. Every time our mind wanders here and there. It is scientifically proven that In 24 hours, our mind produces approximately 60 to 70 thousand thoughts most of which are useless and some of which are negative. Therefore everyone can control their negative thoughts by practicing yoga regularly.
What are the 8 Limbs of Patanjali Yogsutra?
- 1. YAMA – Restraints, moral disciplines or moral vows
- 2. NIYAMA – Positive duties or observances
- 3. ASANA – Posture
- 4. PRANAYAMA – Breathing Techniques
- 5. PRATYAHARA – Sense withdrawal
- 6. DHARANA – Focused Concentration
- 7. DHYANA – Meditative Absorption
- 8. SAMADHI – Bliss or Enlightenment
Goals of Yoga
The ultimate goal of Yoga can be summarized as follows;
- Stilling the mind and gaining insight,
- Recognize and rest in detached awareness untouched by suffering.
- Achieve liberation (Moksha) from samsara and Duhkha:
- Achieve unity (Aikya) with the divine (Brahman) or with oneself (Atman).
This goal varies by philosophical or theological system. For example, in the classical Ashtanga yoga system, the ultimate goal of yoga is to achieve samadhi and remain in that state of pure awareness.
In a broader sense, the practice of Yoga allows us to transform and purify our bodies, minds, and souls. It expands our consciousness to help us connect with nature and the universe around us. It also gives us greater access to inner resources to teach us about self-awareness, acceptance, compassion, patience, gratitude, forgiveness, humility, love, peace, and joy. So we can say Yoga for health.
Benefits of Yoga
Yoga can improve your overall fitness level and you know very well the meaning of What is Yoga? Let’s understand the Benefits of Yoga.
- Lower your blood pressure and heart rate
- Help you relax
- Improve your self-confidence
- Reduce stress
- Improve your coordination
- Improve your concentration by stimulating brain function
- Help you sleep better
- Aid with digestion
- Reduce alcohol and smoking habits
- Reduce any type of phobia
- Improve mental strength during illness
- Improve Ulcerative colitis and Rheumatoid arthritis
- Improve your skin glow, look younger
- Reduce your allergic symptoms and improve your immunity level
In addition, practising yoga may also help with the following conditions:
- Anxiety
- Back pain
- Depression
Who Should Use Caution
Yoga is generally safe for most people. But you may need to avoid some yoga poses or modify poses if you:
- Are pregnant
- Have high blood pressure
- Have glaucoma
- Have sciatica
- Have arthritis
Make sure to tell your yoga instructor if you have any of these conditions or any other health problem or injury. A qualified yoga teacher should be able to help you find poses that are safe for you.
Conclusion :
As a registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and a writing coach and author Mr. Dave Ursillo, wrote in his book :
” I know that you can‘t escape negative thoughts without physically disrupting them. To get out of your head, get into your body. A few minutes of deliberate breath work (seated 10-15 minute meditation) or body movement (like a yoga class)can disrupt those thinking patterns. To get out of your head, move more. Feel more.”
Now you understand What is Yoga? Is Yoga Beneficial or not? As we discuss there are many types of Yoga. According to everyone’s needs, they can practice it, Like :
- Yoga for weight loss
- Yoga for strength, balance and flexibility.
- Yoga for back pain
- Yoga for belly fat
- Yoga for hair growth
- Yoga for Students
- Yoga for Service class people
Before starting Yoga Please consult a well-trained yoga teacher. If you are suffering from high Blood pressure, or any disease and have undergone any medication consult your physician first and then start Yoga Regular basis. Avoid yoga asan during pregnancy but can do meditation.
FAQs :
Q: I’m pregnant. Can I still do yoga?
Ans: Practising in a heated room is the number one component to avoid in a yoga class, as getting overheated can fry the baby’s neurons. Lying on the back can shut off blood to the baby and lying on the stomach can compress the baby. Inversions are not a great idea as your weight is different when pregnant than when you aren’t, so your centre of balance is easily thrown off. I have seen pregnant women fall and it’s not fun for the mother or the baby.
Q: Is yoga enough or should I compliment it with cardio and weight lifting?
Ans: Yoga asanas are about creating a harmonious integration of breath and movement, so if you apply yogic breathing with cardio and weightlifting it can be considered a form of yoga. So I would mix it up if it feels appropriate.
Q: How long do I wait after eating before I can do yoga?
Ans: If you can practice in the morning before you eat, that is ideal, or later in the evening. However, other than those times, we recommend waiting at least 2 hours after you eat before you start your yoga practice. Doing yoga on a full stomach can cause discomfort and even nausea. It also means you’ll have less energy since your body is busy digesting food!
Q: Do I need any special equipment to practice yoga?
Ans: While we do recommend the use of a yoga mat, technically, you don’t have to have one. You can practice yoga on any surface you feel is safe and comfortable. Many yogis also have blocks, bolsters, and straps to help them modify poses or go deeper into poses. But those certainly aren’t necessary to reap the benefits of doing yoga.
Q: What kind of clothes do I need to practice yoga?
Ans: Despite what you may see on social media, you do not need a certain kind of clothing, including the ever-popular yoga pants or yoga leggings. If you’d like to wear those, however, by all means! The best clothes for yoga are comfortable ones that you can move freely in. You’ll practice barefoot or, if you’d prefer, in yoga socks.
Q: Can I do yoga if I’m injured or have a physical disability?
Ans: Yes, you can! Here at MyYogaTeacher, we feel strongly that yoga is for everybody. Meaning any body type, shape, size, and ability level. Our highly trained and experienced expert yoga teachers from India come packing credentials and tools to help you practice yoga in a way that is safe and works for you!
Q: Why should I start practising yoga anyway?
A regular yoga practice provides benefits far beyond what any other type of exercise will do! Why? Because yoga is a whole health form of practice. Everything you do in yoga positively affects your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and the benefits carry over to your life from day to day. Yoga cures things like back pain, and joint pain, lowers blood pressure, provides mental clarity and focus, reduces blood sugar, promotes healing, and so much more.
Hope you understand What is Yoga? Is Yoga Beneficial or not? if you have any doubts please comment.
