Your Daily Facts about Yoga
What is Yoga?
Yoga is a profound system of holistic health which originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It was first put into written form as the Yoga Sutras. The author was Patanjali (pronounced pa-tan-ja-li). Since the original work was in Sanskrit, there are many translations and interpretations. Yoga is defined in the sutras as having eight limbs or branches. It is the third limb “Asana” (pronounced a-san-a), which refers to postures or Yoga poses that most people perceive as Yoga. The study of asana and physical culture is called Hatha Yoga (pronounced hut-ha with the “th” aspirated). There are possibly more people doing Hatha Yoga now in the state of California than in the entire country of India.
Do I have to tie myself in a knot to do Yoga?
Certainly not. The goal of Yoga, according to the Yoga Sutras, is liberation (kaivalya), not to do the head stand or the lotus pose. An intermediate step is to “Quiet the mind,” something that most Westerners could certainly benefit from. The Yoga poses that you use should be selected to fit your individual needs based on your physical and mental condition, as well as your age.
What are some of the benefits of Yoga?
Perhaps the first and most profound benefit that most Westerners notice is stress reduction. The next benefit that all physicians support is circulation. Although Hatha Yoga does improve your flexibility, most people are not aware that Yoga asanas are also good for strength. The whole idea is a balance of strength and flexibility. Once the system comes closer to balance, most practitioners notice an increase in vitality and an overall sense of well-being. The benefits of Yoga do not occur overnight but the results are lasting.