HISTORY OF YOGA

History of Yoga – What is Yoga
today, many people are taking up yoga techniques for physical exercise, and most don’t know the history of yoga. They believe there is nothing wrong with implementing this form of exercise into their daily regiment to promote a more healthy body. However, the practice of yoga is much more than a system of physical exercise for health. Yoga is an ancient path to spiritual growth, and originates out of India where Indiums is practiced. The practice and goal of yoga dates back to the Upanishads, written between 1000-5000 BC.

History of Yoga – Is it spiritual

the history of yoga is based in the Indus Valley civilization. The techniques are practiced by the Indus to initiate spiritual growth. The yogis encourage union with the finite java (transitory self) and with the infinite Brahman (eternal self). Brahman is a term used by the Hindus to mean “God.” So, what are we supposed to unite with? Yogis usually think of God as an impersonal, spiritual substance, coexisting with all of reality. This doctrine is called pantheism which is the view that everything is God. In the Bible, God reveals Himself as the personal Creator of the universe. Since it is taught by the yogis that everything is God, it then stands to reason, man is God. Christianity, on the other hand, teaches us there is a clear distinction between man and God. Since God is the Creator, we are one of his creations and created “in the image” of God. Unlike the yogis, the Bible presents man’s primary problem to be sin -- a failure to conform to God’s character and standards. The solution is Jesus Christ’s death on the cross. He calls men to freely receive all the benefits of His salvation through faith in Christ alone. Yoga views man’s problem primarily in terms of ignorance. Man simply does not understand he is God so the solution is enlightenment, or an experience of union with God. In order to reach that goal, there must be a lot of striving and effort which is not needed in the Christian viewpoint.

History of Yoga - Is yoga safe

Can the methods use in the yoga techniques for exercising is separated from the philosophy? The answer is a distinctive “no” because yoga is considered to be a practice of psychosomatic exercises. There is no way to separate the two. The yoga scholar will tell you that in order to practice yoga in the fullest, one must experience what is called the “kindling” effect within meditation. What does this mean? For spiritual lessons to be grasped by the soul within the person, the charka, or different locations within the body where a circle of metaphysical and/or biophysical energy resides, joins together in the process. Kindling stimulates the charka center to open and release the energy held within. If not done properly, some believe that a person can injure the brain.

Yoga for Health
History of Yoga
Yoga and Menstruation
Yoga and Pregnancy
Yoga and Eye Sight
Yoga and Memory

VEDIC YOGA

the ancient texts of Vedas are the oldest scriptures in the world. The Sanskrit word Veda means "knowledge" and rig means "praise". Thus the Rig Vedas are a collection of hymns that are in praise of a higher power. Other three Vedas are Your Veda (knowledge of sacrifice), Same Veda (Knowledge of chants), and Tarzana Veda (knowledge of Tarzana).Vedic Yoga can also be called Archaic Yoga, as people believed in a ritualistic way of life. Rituals, sacrifices, and ceremonies existed because they were considered a means of connection to the spirit world. People turned to rashes or Vedic yogis for illumination. Vedic masters were blessed with a vision of the supreme reality and their hymns speak of their marvelous intuitions.

PRE CLASSICAL YOGA

This covers an extensive period of approximately 2,000 years until the second century. Gnostic texts, called the Upanishads, that spoke in detail about the self and ultimate reality appeared. There are approximately 200 Upanishads. One of the most remarkable yoga scriptures is the Bhagavad-Gita, which was composed around 500 B.C.The central teaching of the Gait is, to do ones' duty and not expect the fruit of the action.In 1200 BC the great teacher Reshape, who was the exponent of the tradition of Jainism, also emphasized on efforts dedicated to the liberation of the spirit.It was during this time, that Yoga found its way into Buddhism too; Lord Buddha was the first Buddhist to study Yoga. Buddhist scriptures lay stress on meditation and physical postures, which are Yogic processes.

Yoga And Menstruation

Yoga, an ancient system of healing, exerts a positive influence on health and well being, by changing the way we think, feel and respond to life situations. Yoga is also an alternative therapy for relieving pain and fatigue.

Menstruation, also called the uterine cycle, is a natural phenomenon in a woman’s life which occurs every month from puberty to menopause. It is characterized by monthly vaginal discharge of blood and cells from the uterine linings. The menstrual cycle normally lasts from two to seven days. Women undergo hormonal changes during menstruation, and tend to become anxious during this phase. A regular practice of yoga ensures relief from pain, and steers the body and mind towards the pink of health.

An insight into Hath Yoga, which comprises yogic postures, deep breathing, and meditation, extols its threefold blessing: health, well- being and long life. It is wise to draw from the power of yoga, especially for women during the phases of menstruation, menopause, pregnancy and pre-menstrual syndrome. In effect, yoga helps cope with the pain and discomfort associated during the sensitive phases in a woman’s life. It is aptly said, “Peace in the body gives poise in the mind”.

Exploring the Connection: Yoga and Menstruation

Aired texts speak of the presence of 5 pranks or life currents that are responsible for the body's functioning.

They are:
1. Alana






2. Vane





3. Dana






4. Parma






5. Samna

Of relevance to this topic, is the life current or prank in the Alana form, directed downwards and responsible for excretion, urination and menstruation. During the menstrual cycle, the direction of energy (apian), is downwards, and therefore is directed out of the body. It is important to ensure the natural flow of this current without obstruction. Women experience PMS or premenstrual syndrome before the commencement of their menstrual cycle. It usually begins a week or two before the commencement of menstruation and lasts till the onset of menstruation. PMS is characterized by- discomfort, insomnia, headache, irritability, depression, or sometimes even violent behavior and suicidal tendencies. The phase of PMS can be alleviated by yoga. In fact, regular practice of yoga can offset the symptoms of PMS, while also reducing the pain and discomfort associated with the menstrual period. Therefore, menstrual period should not be viewed as a low energy phase; it is rather an opportune time to turn inward and remain free from physical exertion.

Pregnancy

Yoga is an ancient tradition of holistic health. To practice yoga during pregnancy is perhaps the healthiest way to well -being and good health for an expectant mother. Yoga helps to achieve flexibility, relieve stress and prepare the woman for childbirth. Importantly, the discomfort during pregnancy can be relieved through the practice of yoga.Pregnancy is a time to nurture you. It is well- known that the growing baby in the womb is capable of feeling the effects of tension and stress. Therefore, it is of vital importance for the expectant mother to feel relaxed at all times. Yoga assists in promoting a tranquil state of mind, which is very important for the health of the mother and the baby.

Telltale signs: pregnancy blues

early pregnancy is characterized by nausea, lethargy and loss of appetite. This condition can be alleviated through 'shatkarmas', techniques to cleanse the body of it’s' toxins.

Other symptoms are:
1. Morning sickness








2. Tenderness and swelling of breasts







3. Fatigue

4. Nausea

5. Increased frequency of urination

6. Weight gain

7. Mood swings






8. Missed menstrual period







The fastest way to bring the mind into concentration is through the eyes" -Swami Sitaramananda
It is said that “the face is the index of the mind and the eyes are the windows of the soul.” On a tangible level, eyes are our only windows to the world.Human eyes need care and attention. As years go by, the muscles around the eyes lose their tone. Eyesight becomes weak after the muscles around the eyes lose their elasticity and become rigid, thereby reducing the power to focus different distances. In addition, tension around the eyes affects the brain causing stress and anxiety.Eyesight is dramatically improved when the muscles of the eyes are relaxed. There is a deep correlation between the eyes and the mind. It is said that vision occupies 40 percent of the brain's capacity. Therefore, when we close our eyes, relaxation is induced in the brain. Eye health corresponds to the level of relaxation it experiences.

Eye on yoga

Yoga plays a significant role in promoting eye health. A yoga routine replete with asana, panorama and meditation helps in achieving peace and tranquility. Yogic eye exercises strengthen the muscles of the eyes and thus help in curing many ailments of the eyes. Certain eye exercises are known to completely rectify eye problems. With yoga, people begin treating their eyes with care, which reflects in good eye health. The renowned late William H. Bates, an ophthalmologist, claimed that vision could be improved with eye exercises like palming, eyeball rotations and gaze shifting. So, eye exercises are important to any individual and should be incorporated into the regular yoga routine. These exercises can be performed after the asana.

Asana for the eyes
Shavian or the corpse pose

before beginning the eye exercises, it is important to assume the corpse pose to relax all the body parts.

Steps

1. To do this pose, one should lie motionless on the floor and close the eyes.

2. All the body parts from the toes to the head should be in a relaxed state.

3. In this relaxed posture, total calmness, and peace is felt when the whole body and mind have taken complete rest.

Ancient Hindu discipline. The goal of Yoga is union with the higher consciousness.

Understanding ‘Memory’

Memory is the capacity to retain and recall information about past and present incidents. Memory capacity is the ability to analyze and synthesize the assimilated information and not information storage alone. Memory power varies between individuals.In Sanskrit, the word ‘Memory’ is called ‘smite’ the yoga sutras of Paternal describe memory as ‘an experienced object not being lost from the mind.

Yoga and Memory: The Indisputable Link

while memory is the latent capacity to retain and recall information, yoga assists in improving memory power through yogic techniques of concentration and meditation. The brain functions of attention, cognition, processing of sensory information and visual perception are honed with yogic practices.Yogic practices like asana, panorama, and meditation and on chanting increase the circulation of blood to the brain. This helps calm the mind and enhances concentration skills. Memory lapses can also be prevented through yogic practices that enhance the power of recall. One can draw upon the immense power of the mind with consistent yogic endeavor

Memory is the measure of ability to reproduce the knowledge that is known”, says Yogacharya Vitas.

“Memory is holding on to that which has been known.”- The Hindu Texts.

5“Memory is the calling up of an object from past experience,” say Paternal Sutras.

The magic of hath yoga

Hath yoga is a gentle form of yoga that consists of asana, panorama, meditation and chanting to achieve clarity of the mind that translates into all round good health. Memory power is given a boost, while also improving the ability to maintain focus and concentration.