Yoga is a practice that has its roots in ancient India. It focuses on philosophy and meditation, with the goal of connecting the body with spirit.
It is a complex and dynamic discipline with its origins in Buddhism and Hinduism. It is a combination of physical exercise, meditation, and breathing techniques.
Origins
Yoga is an ancient spiritual practice that uses breath control, physical exercise and meditative postures to achieve a divine connection with the universe. This union occurs through the physical and mental exercises, which are called “asanas” or “pranayama.”
The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning “to join” or “to yoke.” As per yogic scriptures, yoga is the practice of achieving a perfect harmony between your individual consciousness and the Universal Consciousness (the all-pervading energy in the universe).
The science of yoga has its origins 5,000 years ago, when Shiva taught it to his wife Parvati. The knowledge was then passed on to Brahma, and it eventually reached the saptarishis or “seven sages” of ancient India. These sages documented their teachings in the Upanishads, a series of over 2000 Hindu philosophical-religious sacred texts.
Teachings
Yoga is a spiritual practice that has been around for over 5000 years. The teachings of yoga are based on the principles of selflessness, karma and wisdom.
The main purpose of yoga is to achieve enlightenment through self-knowledge and the practice of meditation. However, the practices of yoga are different from one person to the next.
This is because different people have different goals for practicing yoga. Some want to become healthier, while others have a deeper spiritual goal.
Mantras
Mantras are sound-based phrases that yogis say or chant as part of their daily practices. Whether they are recited aloud or silently in the mind, mantras can be used to bring peace and harmony into your life.
Throughout the centuries, the use of mantras has been linked to different religious traditions. But the basic purpose of mantra practice remains the same.
One of the most widely recited mantras in yoga is Om Namah Shivaya. This salutation to Shiva, a key deity in the Hindu Trinity, is both purifying and healing.
Practices
Yoga is a spiritual discipline that blends physical postures (asana) with breathing exercises and meditation. It is rooted in ancient Indian culture, but it has developed throughout the world over the centuries and has become an integral part of modern life.
Although yoga’s origins are diverse, its philosophy is consistent. It promotes a complete system of physical, mental, social and spiritual development.
Yoga practices have evolved over the centuries to suit the needs of people from all walks of life. Today, yoga is practiced in many forms, including traditional Hatha and Kundalini yoga, as well as newer styles such as Jivamukti. The physical aspects of yoga have been simplified and made easier to practice for busy people, while the mind-body connection remains a focus.
Conclusions
Yoga and its practice is a deeply complex and nuanced subject that has a wide range of interpretations. But it is a discipline that is rooted in the Vedas and can be traced back at least 2,000 years.
In the nineteenth century, swami Vivekananda introduced yoga to Westerners as a way of practicing spirituality. His reinterpretation of the practice avoided hatha yoga, which he found distasteful and wholly unsuitable for the yoga revival that was in vogue.