INTRODUCTION………………..

Yoga is a holistic discipline originating from ancient India, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual practices. It combines various techniques such as physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), meditation, and ethical guidelines to promote overall well-being and self-realization. With roots dating back thousands of years, yoga has evolved into a global phenomenon, attracting practitioners seeking health, balance, and inner peace. It’s now has become a modern lifestyle among individuals. However, Its appeal lies in its adaptability—anyone, regardless of age, can practice and avail the benefit. This inclusivity has propelled yoga’s popularity, making it accessible to people from all walks of life, around the world.

Yoga is a Sanskrit word translated as “yoke” or “union.” To yoke means to draw together, to bind together; or to unite. The aim is to yoke or create a union of the body, mind, soul, and universal consciousness. This process of uniting the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of ourselves is what allows yogis to experience deep states of freedom, peace and self-realization.

HISTORY OF YOGA …………………………

Lord Shiva, often regarded as the original yogi, is said to have imparted his wisdom to seven wise men known as the Saptarishis. These sages then shared this knowledge across varied lands, symbolizing the potential for humanity to transcend physical boundaries and evolve spiritually.

Within the hierarchy of Vedic knowledge, the four Vedas—Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda—are followed by four sub-Vedas, including Ayurveda, Arthaveda, Dhanurveda, and Gandharvaveda. Further down the line, there are six components, which are then classified into six sub-components. The term “yoga” first appears in the Rig Veda, dating back to around 1500 BC. Additionally, references to breath control are found in the Atharva Veda, dating to 1200-1000 BC. The practice of yoga can even be traced back to the Indus-Saraswati civilization, as evidenced by archaeological findings of figures engaged in yogic practices, dating to 2700 BC.

In the ancient Pre-classical period, the emergence of the Upanishads marked a significant milestone in the journey of yoga. These texts delved into the profound meanings concealed within the Vedas and illuminated the workings of the mind and spirit through personalized teachings. They advocated for practices such as meditation and mantra recitation, with the ultimate aim of achieving enlightenment. Among the vast corpus of Upanishads, approximately twenty are dedicated specifically to yoga, elucidating various yogic techniques such as pranayama (breathing exercises) and pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), as well as the significance of sound and meditation.

Transitioning into the Classical period, the teachings of eminent figures like Lord Mahavira and Lord Buddha laid the groundwork for what would become known as Yoga Sadhana. While Lord Mahavira emphasized the attainment of salvation and liberation through meditation, Lord Buddha imparted teachings on specific postures and meditation practices aimed at achieving enlightenment. During this era the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita was revealed. This revered text, presented as a dialogue between Lord Krishna (symbolizing universal consciousness) and Prince Arjuna (representing human consciousness), expounded upon fundamental concepts such as Dharma, Karma yoga (the path of selfless action), Bhakti yoga (the path of devotion), and Jnana yoga (the path of knowledge). Lord Krishna’s proclamation, “Samatvam Yoga Uchyate,” emphasized equanimity of mind as a hallmark of yoga, signifying the ability to remain centred even amidst adversities.

Moreover, select verses from the Mahabharata dating to the third to the second century BC make mention of terms attributed to Sage Patanjali, including vichara (subtle reflection) and Viveka (discrimination). These texts delineate the goals of yoga as the separation of self from matter, the perception of Brahman (universal consciousness) in all things, the attainment of the Brahmanic state, and the union of individual atman (self) with the universal Brahman.

In what is considered a pivotal moment in the history of yoga, Maharshi Patanjali—revered as the Father of Yoga—systematized the multifaceted practices of yoga during what is believed to be the second century BC. Through his seminal work, the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali expounded upon the essence and profundity of yoga, delineating the path of Raja yoga. Within this framework, Patanjali formulated the Astanga yoga, or the eight limbs of yoga, encompassing ethical guidelines (yamas and niyamas), physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), sensory withdrawal (pratyahara), concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and absorption (samadhi). Additionally, Patanjali classified various paths of yoga, including Karma yoga (the path of action), Bhakti yoga (the path of devotion), Jnana yoga (the path of knowledge), Raja yoga (the path of introspection), and Hatha yoga (the path of balancing the physical, mental, and pranic layers of the body).

Furthermore, elements of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras found application in diverse domains, including the performing arts and martial practices. Notably, commentaries on the Yoga Sutras by Veda Vyasa elucidated the interconnectedness between the yoga school of philosophy and the Samkhya philosophy, one of the six systems of Indian philosophy. This period underscored the paramount importance of the mind in the practice of yoga, emphasizing introspection and self-awareness.

Subsequently, in the Post-classical period, luminaries such as Adi Shankaracharya contributed to the refinement and perpetuation of Raja yoga and Jnana yoga, building upon the foundational teachings and techniques of yoga. With an emphasis on meditation and the cultivation of a clear and tranquil mind, these sages propelled the evolution of yoga towards higher states of consciousness. Notable contributions from figures like Tulsidasa and Purandaradasa further enriched the science of yoga, with Hatha yoga gaining prominence during this epoch. Many of the yoga asanas commonly practised today originated from the Hatha yoga tradition.

Finally, in the Modern Period spanning from the 18th to the 20th century, yoga experienced a transformative phase characterized by its dissemination to Western societies.

Visionaries like Swami Vivekananda played a pivotal role in introducing yoga to the global stage, emphasizing its relevance in fostering physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. During this era, Raja yoga underwent further refinement under the guidance of luminaries such as Ramana Maharshi, Ramakrishna Paramahansa, BKS Iyengar, K Pattabhi Jois, and Paramhansa Yogananda. Yoga’s expansion to the West facilitated the proliferation of diverse paths, including Vedanta, Bhakti, and Hatha yoga, each catering to unique needs and aspirations.

In tracing the extensive and illustrious journey of yoga to the 21st century, one cannot overlook the myriad contributors and evolutionary phases that have shaped its trajectory. Despite undergoing numerous changes and adaptations, the essence of yoga remains anchored in the timeless pursuit of union—union with the self, with spirit, and with the interconnected fabric of existence. To promote it every year …………21st June is celebrated as International Yoga Day worldwide

VARIOUS TECHNIQUES OF IT……………………………………….

Overall, yoga is not just a physical exercise or a set of techniques; it is a holistic lifestyle that promotes harmony and balance in all aspects of life, leading to greater health, happiness, and spiritual realization.

…………………………………………..## BENEFITS OF YOGA. ## ……………………………………

Yoga offers a multitude of benefits for both the body and the mind. Here are ten of them:

1. Improved Flexibility: Regular practice of yoga can gradually increase flexibility by stretching and lengthening muscles, which can help prevent injuries and improve posture.
2. Increased Strength: Many yoga poses require you to support your body weight in various positions, which helps build strength in both major muscle groups and smaller, stabilizing muscles.
3. Stress Reduction: Yoga often incorporates breathing exercises and meditation, which can promote relaxation and reduce stress levels. This can lead to better mental health and an improved sense of well-being.
4. Better Posture: Yoga encourages awareness of body alignment and posture, which can help correct imbalances and promote a healthier spine and overall posture.
5. Enhanced Balance and Coordination: Practicing yoga poses challenges your balance and coordination, leading to improvements in these areas over time. This can be particularly beneficial for older adults in preventing falls.
6. Increased Energy Levels: Yoga practice can boost energy levels by improving circulation, stimulating the nervous system, and releasing tension in the body, leaving you feeling more invigorated and revitalized.
7. Improved Breathing: Yoga emphasizes conscious breathing techniques, such as deep belly breathing and alternate nostril breathing, which can enhance lung capacity, oxygenation of the blood, and overall respiratory function.
8. Better Sleep Quality: Incorporating yoga into your routine can promote better sleep by reducing stress, calming the mind, and relaxing the body, leading to improved sleep quality and duration.
9. Enhanced Focus and Concentration: The mindfulness aspect of yoga encourages present-moment awareness, which can sharpen concentration and improve cognitive function. This can be beneficial for both academic and professional performance.
10. Supports Overall Health: Yoga has been associated with numerous health benefits, including lower blood pressure, improved heart health, better immune function, and reduced inflammation, contributing to overall health and well-being.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! …………………… YOGA IS AN ART AND SCIENCE OF LIVING..………………….!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@nandasagec MANISHA NANDAN

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