| What is Yoga? | | | | ultimate goal of yoga is the attainment of |
| | | | liberation from worldly suffering and the |
| Yoga which means union in Sanskrit is a | | | | cycle of birth and death. For the average |
| school of ancient spiritual practices.Yoga | | | | person still far from enlightenment, yoga can |
| originated in India. There are four types of | | | | be a way of increasing one's spiritual |
| Yoga, namely, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana | | | | awareness, or cultivating compassion and |
| Yoga, and Raja Yoga are considered the four | | | | insight. |
| main yogas, but there are many other types. | | | | |
| In parts of the world where yoga is popular, | | | | What are the Advantages of Yoga? |
| Yoga has become associated with the postures | | | | |
| of Hatha Yoga, which are popularly considered | | | | Yoga brings many benefits and advantages to |
| as fitness exercises. | | | | those who participate in its activities, and |
| | | | this includes such things as the restoration |
| There are a number of different advantages | | | | of balance, flexibility, poise, health, as |
| that one can gain from yoga, and yoga is able | | | | well as well-being to the body, and it also |
| to come to our assistance in many different | | | | brings a better sense of self to anyone and |
| ways. For one, it is an activity which works | | | | everyone who practices it. |
| slowly and gradually, and yet which in the | | | | |
| end produces remarkable results. Basically | | | | As well, yoga can be used to stimulate the |
| the act of yoga involves many different | | | | glands, organs, muscles, and nerves, and this |
| components, including a code of ethics, | | | | is in ways that other forms of exercise |
| regulations, disciplines, and this is all | | | | cannot; as well, muscle tightness and strain |
| combined with that of prayer and meditation. | | | | can be quickly relieved or even rid of |
| | | | entirely with yoga, and both circulation and |
| In regards to what yoga actually is, it is a | | | | digestion can be improved as well. Even many |
| family of ancient spiritual practices, and it | | | | stress-related symptoms, such as fatigue, |
| is considered as being a means to | | | | poor sleeping habits, muscle spasms, anxiety, |
| enlightenment, and has in fact also been | | | | and indigestion can be improved, and this is |
| credited for influencing many other religions | | | | only the beginning of the types of benefits |
| and spiritual practices throughout the world. | | | | and advantages that yoga can provide. |
| | | | |
| Modern yoga practice often includes | | | | In fact the greatest advantage of all is that |
| traditional elements inherent in eastern | | | | virtually anyone can practice it, regardless |
| religion, such as moral and ethical | | | | of their age, health status, or fitness |
| principles, postures designed to keep the | | | | level, and not only that but it can be |
| body fit, spiritual philosophy, instruction | | | | incredibly enjoyable and fun as well. Some |
| by a guru, chanting of sacred syllables, | | | | other conditions that may improve with |
| pranayama (breathing exercises), and stilling | | | | regular yoga practice include: |
| the mind through meditation. These elements | | | | arteriosclerosis, chronic fatigue, varicose |
| are sometimes adapted to meet the needs of | | | | veins, certain heart ailments, |
| non-Hindu practitioners, who may be attracted | | | | obsessive-compulsive disorder, and multiple |
| to yoga by its utility as a relaxation | | | | sclerosis, for example. |
| technique or as a way to keep fit. | | | | |
| | | | The best way to determine if this is |
| Yoga Intentions | | | | something you want to do is by trying it |
| | | | quite obviously, and there are so many |
| In Hinduism, Yoga is considered to be the | | | | different types of yoga that you are sure to |
| ultimate way of attaining Enlightenment - to | | | | be able to find one that suits you. |
| help them achieve union with God. The | | | | |