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Yoga
Practices
by
Clive Harman
Yoga
Practices Yoga is comprehensively known as a form
of exercise that stretches and strengthens the body
through various poses known as ASANAS. For some people
yoga is the realisation of inner self satisfaction.
For others it is a religion that they believe and
must follow.
All
of this statement makes it hard to really make a full
realisation of what yoga is.
So what is yoga?
Yoga
goes far beyond just mere exercises full of awkward
routines. Yoga is the union of mind, spirit and body.
Yoga comes from the Hindu philosophy used to attain
spiritual insight and harmony.
What
is yoga?
Yoga
as a rule refers to the general use of a system of
exercises that is practiced as part of this discipline.
The
word is derived from the Sanskrit "yeung", which means
to join. A yoke as used on oxen is closely related,
but also the same root gives us "join", "junction",
"junta", "adjust", "joust", and "juxapose" to name
a few.
There
are many institutions of yoga all of which have their
own unique practices and beliefs. But in this article
we have listed down the five most common yoga practices.
However,
schools and paths have been established with many
different variations that aren't listed here.
HATHA:
this is the most popular variety of yoga and one that
has been commonly taught for years. So what is yoga
for them? For them it is perfecting the mind by way
of perfecting the body.
With
this technique many asanas or postures, breathing
techniques and meditations are used.
ASHTANGA:
this yoga is another popular type they are much faster
than the other schools. What is yoga for ashtanga's?
For
them yoga can be considered as a type of aerobic yoga
for they instill quick and smooth transitions between
poses.
KUNDALINI:
This school is focused on awakening and focusing
what is known as kundalini energy. Kundalini energy
is most easily compared to life energy that lies dormant
in our bodies. It is commonly represented by a coiled
snake.
MANTRA:
this type of yoga is focused on calming the mind and
body through the usage of words and sounds. The well
known 'om' chant is commonly heard in this school.
TANTRA:
This type of school is well known by way of its focus
on sexual spirituality. They also focus on kundalini
energy, although their intent for awakening it is
much different from the Kundalini practice. Yoga is
a very diverse practice, no matter which school you
choose. People young and old can gain many benefits
from regular yoga practices, and asanas can be adjusted
to fit physical limitations and other complications.
If
you want a break from treadmills, weight rooms, or
the pool, take a look at yoga. Not only are you striving
towards physical well being, you are striving towards
spiritual well being as well.
Traditionally,
yoga consists of eight fundamental paths which are
Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga; Hatha Yoga; Purna
Yoga; Tantra Yoga; Maha Yoga and Ashtanga or Raja
Yoga. In the western world, the term yoga often refers
to Hatha yoga and its postures, movements, and breathing
techniques.
The
ultimate goal of yoga is the attainment of liberation
from worldly suffering and the cycle of birth and
death. Yoga entails mastery over the body, mind, and
emotional self, and transcendence of desire. It is
said to lead gradually to knowledge of the true nature
of reality.
For more information on yoga please refer to my free
beginner's guide to Yoga e-course here http://www.cliveharman.com/yoga/subscribe.html
Clive Harman www.Site4information.com/yoga/
About
the Author
Clive Harman www.Site4information.com/yoga/
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