Yoga is derived from sanskrit root word yuj which means union. The ultimate objective being union of jeevatma(soul) with para brahma(supreme being). Yoga is one of the six darshanas of Indian philosophy.
Maharishi Patanjali formalized the astanga Yoga system which was already in practice. Patanjali has acknowledged that Lord Mahadeva is the originator of the philosophy of Yoga. The knowledge was imparted to Lord Dattatreya and he in turn imparted it to SukraCharya. YagnaValkhya learnt it from Sukracharya and then
imparted the knowledge to his pupils.
The followers of Sankhya ( Samkhya ) system think that Hiranyagarbha is the founder of the
Yoga system. Patanjali is supposed to have attributed Yoga to be a branch of
the Sankhya system but Patanjali acknowledges the existence of Isvara.
The sacred syllable Aum is chanted while meditating and performing breathing ( pranayama ) exercises.
Yoga imposes restrictions on food(diet), sleep, behaviour, speech and thought.
Yoga should be learn't under the supervision of a learned yogi.
The system consists of Raja Yoga(Ashtanga Yoga or Yoga with eight limbs) and Hatha Yoga.
The eight limbs of Raja Yoga are:
- Yama (self discipline)
- Niyama (compliance, reflection of self and studying scriptures.)
- Asana (posture)
- Pranayama (breath control by extension)
- Pratyahara (withdrawal from things which nourish the senses)
- Dharana (focus mind thru concentration)
- Dhyana (meditation)
- Samadhi (superconscious state of becoming one with the universe)
Hatha Yoga involves control of body movements and breathing rituals.
The six functions ( shad karma kriya ) of purification ( detox ) of the body are :
- Dhauti - Procedure to cleanse the bodily impurities.
- Basti - Sending medicated liquid thru rectum for cleansing the colon.
- Neti - A technique for cleansing the nostrils. Also known as Jala neti it is a process of nasal irrigation whereby using a neti pot one can cleanse the nostrils. This process has been found to be useful in treating nasal congestion and other sinus issues.
- Trataka - Intense gazing at some object as a part of vision exercise.
- Nauli - Massage of internal organs by movement of stomach muscles.
- Kapalabhati - Rapid exhale-inhale with lungs acting like bellows to get relief from mucous problems.
Abhyanjana: AKA Abhyanga is a process of self massage before taking bath. On a regular basis the body is gently massaged to improve circulation and stimulate the nerve endings. Once a month the body should be massaged with oil ( Sesame/Castor or medicated ) and then a hot water bath should be taken. Daily body massage is suppose to alleviate the body of doshas, relieve fatigue, provides stamina, promote quality sleep, improve complexion and the luster of the skin.
The mind attains a peaceful state and the body becomes supple, healthy and strong by practising yogic asanas, bandhas and mudras.
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Yoga