YOGA
This physical, mental and spiritual discipline that originated in India some years ago has been growing strongly, and is in constant evolution. There are currently many schools, currents and interpretations of yoga.
But, what is yoga?
The word yoga means "union" or "pure state of Conscientious" of our physical and mental being, our spiritual being.
The word yoga means "union" or "pure state of Conscientious" of our physical and mental being, our spiritual being.
The science of yoga originated in India thousands of years ago among the ascetics, mystics and hermits who sought in the privacy of forests and mountains to evolve as human beings and awaken the hidden potential of the mind and body. It indicates that the oldest record of yoga as an independent system of knowledge is the text "Yoga Sutras" of Patanjali written between approximately 700-300 BC.
The goal is to achieve Samadhi, state of existential fullness, expanded consciousness. Transcend duality, to experience being one with the whole.
Paths of Yoga.
Yoga provides ways to continue and further purification techniques, directed towards the development, enlightenment and spiritual and personal growth.
- Raja Yoga: Path of introspection. Real yoga, mental yoga. It relates to the control of the mind and body through meditation, breathing and physical work.
- Hatha Yoga: Path of balance of internal energies. Yoga postures.
- Karma Yoga: Path of action. Yoga of action, through which selfless work is done, and the ego is exceeded.
- Bhakti Yoga: Path of devotion and love. It is attractive for devotional and mystical people, it is the way of love and includes rituals, ceremonies and songs.
- Jnana yoga (Jnana Yoga): Path of inquiry and discernment. It is the intellectual study of texts. Who practice it must have dominated the other techniques and should have great understanding and will.
Patanjali describes eight steps related to yoga: This set is also called Ashtanga Yoga.
- Yama: Ethical Principles and rules for living in society, are divided into five moral precepts, aimed at destroying the lower nature. Everyone should be practiced in word, thought and action.
- Ahimsa or non-violence.
- Satya or truth.
- Brahmacharya or moderation in all things (control of the senses).
- Asteya or not steal.
- Aparigraha or not covet
- The niyamas: Personal Autocontrol. They are also divided into five and complete the ethical precepts that begin with Yamas. These qualities are:
- Saucha or purity. Internal and external cleaning.
- Santosha or contentment
- Tapas or austerity
- Swadhyaya or study of sacred texts
- Ishwara Pranidhana is living constantly becoming aware of the divine presence. (surrender to the will of God)
- The asanas: Postures. Proper exercise.
- Pranayama: Proper breathing. Regulating or controlling breathing. Asanas and Pranayama form the sub-division of Raja Yoga known as Hatha Yoga.
- Pratyahara: Astraction of the senses. Control of the senses to calm the mind.
- Dharana: Concentration for meditation. When Dharana is achieved, it takes us to the next step.
- Dhyana: Meditation, reflection and contemplation. Meditation is the state of pure thought and absorption in the object of meditation. There is still duality in Dhyana. When perfected, Dhyana leads to the last step.
- Samadhi: Super-consciousness. In Samadhi non-duality or oneness is experienced. This is the deepest and highest state of consciousness, where the body and mind have been transcended and the Yogi is one with the Self or God.
Benefits of yoga:
Like any other activity, yoga has benefits to be practiced but not only for the body but also for the mind, so you can enjoy perfect health and condition. Its benefits include:
- Personal growth increasing your ability to relax and improve your self-esteem.
- Removing stress and negativity.
- Improving your energy and spiritual balance.
- Physical strengthening.
- Improved body balance and elasticity.
- Muscle toning.
- Decrease backaches and joint pain.
- More control of your body and breathing.
- Improve your memory and concentration skills.
- In hypertensive patients, can help reduce blood pressure levels.
- It improves circulation and oxygenation.
- As a physical exercise that is, it helps burn more calories and through meditation and mind-body connection can help you be more aware of your eating habits.
Comentarios
Publicar un comentario