The practice of yoga, as you may realize, has been around for thousands of years. Several researches have claimed it to be around for more than 5,000 years, actually. It was first developed in India as a philosophical practice that is centered significantly on obtaining union with the mind and body; hence it is named "yoga" from the Sanskrit word "yuj" meaning "to unite".
Of the many of types of yoga, the most well-known is the Hatha Yoga. This is the most popular simply for the reason that most people often associate this type with the general yoga practice. Also, hatha is one of the best types of yoga that provide the basics to the practice. It involves the basic yoga poses and movements, as well as the fundamental breathing techniques. The movements are slow paced and gentle, making this type really perfect for the beginners.
There are a number of techniques involved in yoga. These yoga techniques, however, share the same purpose of making all the organs in the body function as effective as they should be. The yoga techniques are performed involving several movements which may demand the joints, hands, neck, knee joints, and lower limbs to work.
On the yoga techniques, the so-called Lotus Position is the most basic. This technique is performed with you sitting on the floor. Once you've sat down, place your right foot on your left thigh and your left foot right on your right thigh. Just make sure that both of your knees are on the floor and the bottoms of your feet are facing upward. Don't bend your spine, instead keep it straight.
There is also the Kundalina Yoga which pays much emphasis on breathing techniques which are executed along with proper physical movements. It is this type actually which is more focused to the aim of freeing energy in the lower part of the body, allowing it to flow directly to the upper parts of the body. Of the types of yoga, kundalini is the one that considers the discovery and use of the effects of proper breathing on the poses as vital.
The sequences of ashtanga yoga are primarily based on the book entitled Makaranda. This ancient spiritual approach is an energetic exercise originally intended for the teenage boys. However, things have changed and is now been performed by individuals of all ages.
The term ashtanga yoga actually means eight limbs namely yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi.
Yama has five parts such as aparigraha (non- covetousness), brahmacharya (celibacy), asteya (not robbing), satya (honesty) and ahimsa (non- violenece).
Asana is a posture that focuses on breaking free from the tensions.
Pratyahara provides internal strength by getting rid of different manner of interruptions that will lead to the development of will- power.
Dharana begins with concentration which is integrated with meditation finishing off in samadhi.
Samadhi has four impediments namely abhinivesha (fondness of the world), asmita (egoism), avidya (ignorance) and raga- dvesha (all likes and dislikes).
Dhyana proposes that material attachment, gluttony, slothfulness and subtle yearnings are considered as obstacles. |
