How can we define Yoga?
1. Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word
‘yuj’
– to yoke, join, union. So yoga means
‘union of the individual consciousness with universal
consciousness’.
2. In the Gita, Shri Krishna
says:
“Yogah Karmasu Kaushalam”
–
‘Yoga is Skillfulness in Action’.
3. In the oldest Yoga text –
‘The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, Vyasa the first
commentator on it says, “yogah samadhih” – ‘yoga is
concentration’.
Why should I practice Yoga?
In the 2,500 year old text
Yoga Sutra
– Patanjali clearly states, “Yogash chitta vritti
nirodhah” – “Yoga is the control of the modifications of
the mind.” Very boldly it asserts that, we can completely control
our mind. We can completely understand our mind. We can
completely conquer our mind. It is a phenomenal
statement to make.
Why should I control, train my mind?
If you wish to be free. If you wish to be a liberated
being. This is the highest reason, why you should control your mind.
For the worldly person – only if we can understand,
train, control, and eventually conquer the mind – can we
be truly happy, successful, healthy, and wealthy!
How do I control the mind?
There is perhaps, no better system available, other than
Yoga to help us control the mind. It is systematic. It
is foolproof. It is complete. It has stood the test of
time. It is time honored – more than 6,000 years old.
At each step, one needs guidance – from an experienced
teacher and eventually a sadguru – realized master.
Is yoga an exercise?
Yoga is not only an exercise but exercise is one part of
it. The other part relates to moral conduct, bioenergy
sense control and meditation. The exercise in Yoga are
both isotonic and isometric; hence it helps in gaining
endurance as well as in adding more lean body mass in
place of fat which help in weight reduction.
Does losing weight really help?
20% - 25% fall in mortality rate. Blood Pressure
Reduction of 10mm of Hg. in systolic pressure. Reduction
of 20 mm of Hg. in diastolic pressure. 9% reduction in
angina symptoms. 50% risk of developing diabetes is
reduced. This justifies the loosing weight does help.
How does a yoga lifestyle help in obesity?
The Yoga based lifestyle is known to reduce craving for
energy rich food. By setting the satiety centre to a
lower level and by emotional balance there is a direct
effect on the limbic system and the hypothalamus.
Can Yoga help for severe back ache problems?
Definitely one can take a lot of help from techniques of
asanas, kriyas and pranayamas. Small management things
like placing hot water bag on the affected area, or
taking warmth of the sun in early morning would also
help.
Are there any kind of Yoga asanas that help during
Pregnancy?
A fit mother-to-be usually has a trouble-free delivery.
The fitness in this would relate to complete physical,
mental and emotional health. Yoga has much to offer in
this direction.
Can Yoga help me to control my anger?
If one can understand that anger is one letter short of
danger, one than realizes that a great deal of harm can
be caused to oneself and others. The whole philosophy
and practice of Yoga is geared to make one less egoistic
and thus less violent.
What does exercise do to your body?
Regular exercise increases the number of capillaries
(small blood vessels), thereby improving the blood
supply. It also increases the mitochondria within the
cells, which are responsible for the release of energy.
Thus, a fit person can efficiently transfer oxygen to
different parts of the body and also release energy
efficiently.
Regular exercise makes a person more efficient at work
and enables the person to work longer hours without
getting tired. Body fat gets redistributed through
regular exercise. During exercise sessions that are
longer than 30 to 35 minutes, body fat is used more than
carbohydrates for deriving energy. As muscle mass
increases, the lean body weight increases as compared to
body fat. Central obesity decreases, insulin resistance
is lowered, HDL cholesterol increases, blood pressure
goes down, diabetes gets controlled and chances of
formation of blood-clots minimised.
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