What is Yoga? Do you all know Yoga originated 5000 years ago? Is it religion specific?
Let us dive into the history and evolution of yoga on this seventh international yoga day which falls on June 21, 2021.
The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word, ‘Yoj’ means union. The main aim of Yoga is to develop a union between the human spirit and divine spirit. It is an art of healthy living. The practice that helps one in acquiring this is called yoga and the ones who practice it are called Yogis.
The origin of yoga roots its way back to several thousands of years. Shiva is considered as the first yogi or Adi Yogi, also as Adi Guru or first guru.
Several thousand years ago, Shiva, the Adi guru, shared his intense knowledge with the legendary Saptarishis (seven sages). These sages carried their yogic science knowledge across the world. But it was in India, where yoga found its full form and expression by a sage called Agastya, who has travelled across India, embed and made yoga as a way of life. The fossils, seals and scriptures found in Indus valley civilization with poses and pictures confirms the presence of yoga in ancient India.’
There are four types of Yoga
- Karma
- Kriya
- Bhakthi
- Gnana
Benefits of Yoga:
Yoga, if adopted as a lifestyle, has a number of benefits. The main aim of yoga is to bring a union of body, mind and spirit and achieving this helps to improve ourselves, both physically and mentally. Practicing yoga regularly also helps in fighting lifestyle chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Yoga improves the lung functions and also increases the oxygen level.
Pranayama aids in achieving a better balance between right and left brain that brings more balance to our emotional and rational thinking. Meditation brings more clarity which helps in introspection of oneself that helps in understanding the purpose of our very existence. Regular use of Yoga also improves memory.
Mythological beliefs about Yoga
It is widely believed across the world that Yoga comes from Hinduism. Yoga does not adhere to any specific religion, belief or community. It has always been practiced as a means/technology for inner well-being.
The word yoga is directly being inferred to asanas(poses) these days. Well, yoga is not a mere physical exercise that has poses instead it is an integration of personality. The sole purpose of it is that five aspects of personality should work harmoniously which are physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual. To attain these, one should be strong. To make one strong, these asanas are practiced.
The reach of Yoga in modern world:
Yoga is not practiced only in India anymore. It has become globalised. We could see everyone across the globe with their yoga mats. Swami Vivekananda played an important role in spreading the yoga practice across the west on his trip to the Parliament of Chicago, in 1894 where he spoke about India and Hinduism. That event had a greater impact on the western understanding of Yoga. Later in the 1900s, it was also spread by the travellers who travelled to India and was inspired by Yoga. Globally, Yoga is practised as a form of physical exercise and to relax. However, it is more than just an exercise. It helps in bringing a balance in day-to-day life and to attain one’s best self.
Today on this International Yoga day, let’s celebrate a few Yoga enthusiasts who enlightens layman with knowledge of yoga
#01 Abhijeet Singh @abhijeet_sing
#2 Mohini Bhatia @theyogagirlmohini
#3 Abhishek Singh @acrobaticyogi
#4 Deepika Mehta @deepikamehtayoga
#5 Nisha Chand @bloom_with_yoga
#6 Sugandha Swarnkar @sugandhaswarnkaryoga
#7 Ekta Bhasin @ektabhasin_
#8 Surabhi Ghiya @yogawithsg
Also Read: 15 Best Uncommon Uploads From “The Uncommon Box Facebook Group” – August 2020
#9 Deepanshi @deepanshi.yogabyshi
#10 Shweta Gupta @shweta.pregnancy.yoga
#11 Radhika @_yoga_classes
Today when we are struggling and coping up with the ongoing Pandemic it becomes imperative to keep ourselves healthy and sound. Also, the unfortunate news & constant fear for well-being have resulted in so much subconscious stress. Modern science lets us understand the workings of yoga methods that have become the test of time. It is proven that it helps us in relieving anxiety and keeping up with our immunity. Then why not include them in our daily routine?
So, let’s stretch to beat the stress & boost our health!
The article is written by Arthy Ramkumar. Her Instagram id is @arthy_ramkumar
The article is Curated by Alisha and her Instagram id is @yeah_me_alisha
and Vaibhav and his Instagram id is @frameshade
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