In a world where stress is the buzzword, whether of body or in mind, the ancient knowledge of the Indian ascetics offers a way towards better living. Yoga offers a mean to uniting the Atma or soul with the Paramatma or the Universal Spirit. To the ignorant it may seem like contortions and breathing, to the little initiated a holistic exercise, but to the follower of yoga it is a means of uniting the mind body and soul with the universal. Yoga imbibes in itself all aspects of the Way of Life. Philosophy action and mind control all cumulate into the whole that is yoga. Yoga asanas or postures are at the heart of Yoga helping balance the mind and body with each other to alleviate the soul towards oneness with the One
Essence of Yoga
Finding its roots in the Vedas, yoga derives its name from the word Yuj meaning addition but interpreted as the assimilation or yoking of mind and body with each other and the One. Patanjali scriptures that are a commentary on the ways of yoga detail out how practicing yoga builds up the body makes the mind aware, and ultimately unites the halves into the whole. Meditation, discipline, exercise, and breathing control are the pillars of yoga. As the yogic practices yoga asanas, his awareness increases, shifting his focus from the posture and the external alignments of the body to adapt to the posture to an internal refinement of actions, until the yogic slips into meditation. The ultimate state that yoga leads to is in uniting oneself, with the universe through Yoga.
Benefits of Yoga
For the beginner yoga is a ways to holistically stimulate the body. Many people suffering from lifestyle diseases or chronic diseases are found to benefit from the practice of yoga. Looking at it as a simple means of exercise, the yoga asanas offer a complete exercise cycle to stimulate the body. Add to it the breathing techniques advised and stimulation of the internal systems also happens. This includes the immune system as also the cardio respiratory system. For the adept it is a means towards activating the chakras or the centers of cosmic energy within the body. This leads to the kundalini awakening leading to a state of meditational bliss. So irrespective of the proficiency level of the practitioner yoga is a means of uplifting one’s self whether of body, mind or spirit. Yoga may be practiced daily to not only stimulate the body but as a path towards spiritual bliss.
Soumyashree Chatterjee.
