The Essence of Yoga

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June 20, 2024 by ruchi Learning

The ultimate aim of Yoga is self-realization i.e. moksha, nirvana or kaivalya, which refers to the state of liberation from miseries and sufferings of life. Yoga offers a vast holistic discipline aimed at integrating, harmonising and balancing mind and body to achieve the state of enlightenment.

All different branches of yoga prescribe different approaches and techniques but they all ultimately lead to the same goal of enlightenment. It works on all levels — physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual. It involves the practice of physical postures, breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, meditation, etc.

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History of Yoga

‘Yoga’ means union. The Sanskrit word ‘Yoga’ or ‘Yog’ is derived from the root word ‘Yuj’ meaning to yoke, harness or join together, commonly understood as union. It is interpreted as union of mind and body, union of jivatama (individual self) and parmatama (universal self), etc. by different traditions of yoga.
Historical evidences authenticate the existence of yoga in pre-vedic period (2700 B.C) through the following sources:
                                       
Vedas (4)
                                       
Upanishads (108)
                                       
Smritis
                                       
Puranas (18)

Misconceptions about Yoga

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Yoga is an exercise and wellbeing regimen of the Hindus
  • In reality, yoga is not aligned with any religion, cult or community. It is meant to be practiced by one and all irrespective of faith, culture, etc.
Practice of Yoga refers to practice of asanas (postures)
  • In reality, Patanjali yoga sutras elaborates the eight limbed path of Yoga and asanas is only one limb.
  • Bhagavad Gita elucidates different forms of Yoga such as karma, gyana, etc. which have nothing to do with asanas
Yoga is a form of an
exercise
  • In reality, Yoga is a discipline of body and mind for inner peace and harmonious existence. It is a means of self realization.
Paths of Yoga
Gyana Yoga
Knowledge
Bhakti Yoga
Devotion
Karma Yoga
Action
Raja Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga
Hatha Yoga
Kriyas, asanas, pranayama, etc.
Mantra Yoga
Mantra Chanting

Environment of Yoga Classes

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Online yoga courses
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  • It is essential to have a holistic environment for holistic practice of yoga.
  • Safe practice should be given preference for safety and security of learners.
  • Practicing ahimsa (non-violence) is of tremendous importance to teach by example.
  • Ideal environment of yoga class entails cleanliness, vibrancy and positivity encouraging teachers/instructors as well as learners to experience the benefits of practice.

Dos

  • Comfortable and safe practice place
  • Atmosphere free of pollution
  • Well-ventilated space for clean and fresh air
  • Keep it mess free and dust free
  • 6 * 3 feet space needed for each practitioner
  • Large space for group practice at ease
  • Mats should either be made of cotton or bad conductor of heat
  • Four walls around the practice area, preferably light coloured walls for cool and calming effect

Don'ts

  • Mats should not be placed in a congested manner
  • No cell phones. They should either be on ringing/vibration mode
  • No dustbin near yoga mat
  • No negativity
  • No chatter
  • No clutter

Asanas vs. Exercise

  • Nervous System: Asanas stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, while the exercise stimulates the sympathetic nervous system.
  • Joints: Asanas strengthen the joints while exercise tends to overwork the joints.
  • Muscles: Asanas develop muscles evenly, thus increasing flexibility. Exercise increases muscle mass, shortening the length of muscles and thus affecting flexibility.
  • Heart: In asanas the movement is slow and controlled, while exercise lays stress on movement and muscles. Once in a steady posture, the heart is relaxed, which means less stress on the heart. Exercise puts strain on the muscles, increasing the blood pressure, thus increasing the workload of the heart.
  • Awareness: Asanas develop inner awareness, while its not necessarily the case with the exercise as it leads to externalisation.
  • Respiratory System: When in asana, the body is relaxed, and the workload on respiratory system is reduced. Whereas there is constant movement in exercise, muscles require more oxygen, which increases the breathing, causing the lungs to work harder.
  • Stress: Asanas reduce the cortisol levels (stress hormone) in the body. Exercise, on the other hand increases cortisol levels because the body perceives exercise as stress.

Types of Postures

Standing Postures

Few of the prominent standing asanas are:

  • Tadasana
  • Utkatasana
  • Vrikshasana
  • Trikonasana

Lying Supine/Prone Postures

After standing postures, let’s move on to lying down postures that basically include prone postures i.e. postures done while lying on the front (abdomen). These postures not only strengthen spine, especially low back, but impact the functioning of abdominal organs as well. The prone postures include:

  • Bhujangasana
  • Shalabhasana
  • Dhaunurasana

Sitting Postures

Sitting or seated postures mainly include forward bend, twisting and backward bend as follows:

  • Paschimottanasana
  • Ardha Matsyendrasana
  • Ushtrasana

Inversions

Inversions entail reverse flow of blood toward head and heart, and supine postures are done lying on the back. Inversions such as Sarvangasana combine well with the supine postures such as Halasana, followed by Matsyasana, which is a counter-pose for both Sarvangasana and Halasana. The other two supine postures covered in this course are Urdhva Dhanurasana, followed by its counter-pose Pawanmuktasana that relaxes the back completely.


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Services

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Contact Us

  • Unit no.009, Floor 10, Emaar MGF Palm Square
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