Yoga: Take The Initiative

If you read my previous article, you will know that Yoga is just like a Panacea. It can help in any kind of chronic pain and can be carried out by men and women, young and old. In this article, I have tried to summarize some of the queries that people have been asking me.

Original Yoga System:

The Original Yoga system is called Maha-Yoga as per the Yoga Shikha Upanishad. The word Maha reveals ‘great’ or ‘highest’. As a result, the Original Yoga System is entitled as great or superior Yoga in Vedic literature. Maha Yoga consists of eight stages.

These eight stages are the basic elements forming the general structure of the Original Yoga System. These eight stages are technically called Ashta-Anga. In the Sanskrit Language, the word “Ashta” means ‘Eight’ and “Anga” means ‘Stage’.

There are more than a thousand techniques laid down in the Original Yoga System. These techniques form the base of the modern Yoga system and cover the needs of all kinds of people.

It’s worth mentioning here that there is no need to change the types of “yoga” to meet the special needs of people. When it is practiced in an original way, then all the aspects of humanity get positively affected and improved automatically. It works from top to the bottom and from inside to outside.

Get Online Knowledge:

All people should have a basic knowledge about the body so that in a critical situation they can make a decision regarding bodily changes. The study of the body is called Anatomy. It is a fundamental subject for anyone considering studying medicine. But those who do not deal in science need not worry, as there are various free online courses which can help you to gain basic knowledge about the body. ALISON provides a diploma level course which you can do sitting at home. This will provide basics about the cardiovascular system, nervous system, respiratory system, digestive system, reproductive system, skeletal system and more.

There are a lot of alternative courses that are available online; you can choose any one depending upon your interest. You can even watch yoga tutorial video, after going through the online course in order to provide a knowledge of your problem.

The Sun Salutation

The Sun holds great significance in our life. It is one of the major sources of life. So from that time when life firstly begins on earth, we are honoring it. One way honoring the sun is done through the dynamic asana sequence Surya Namaskar which is better known as Sun Salutation.

It is a Sanskrit word where Namaskar means Namas, which means “to bow to” or “to adore.” The origin of Sun Salutation lies in India where a large Hindu population worships Surya, the Hindu solar deity. Each Sun Salutation begins and ends with the joined hands mudra (gesture) touched to the heart. The sequence of movements and asanas can be practiced on different levels of awareness, ranging from physical exercise to a complete sadhana which involves asana, pranayama, mantra, and meditation.

The ancient yogis taught us that the outer sun, they see, is, in reality, an image of our own “inner sun,” which corresponds to our subtle, or spiritual, heart. So they started this spiritual practice.

Surya Namaskar is traditionally performed in the morning time to greet the new day. Here is a great article that covers this topic. The sequence of 8 postures can be a complete practice in itself. Kindly note that the Sun Salutes are often performed in sets of 5, but if you are new to the practice it’s wise, to begin with 2 or 3. Each time you go through this sequence, you synchronize your breath with the movements of your body.

The eight basic sun saturation postures, in order of performance, are:

• Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
• Urdhva Hastasana (Upward Salute)
• Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)
• Low Lunge (Anjaneyasana)
• Plank Pose
• Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose)
• Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward-Facing Dog Pose)
• Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose)

Meditation

Meditation is sometimes considered as the process of trying to eliminate the unnecessary chatter of the mind. It helps to reduce the constant thinking, planning and fantasizing which occupies the subconscious mind. If unnecessary thoughts of a person are reduced, it can be said that more than half of his or her tension is reduced. Meditation thus provides a path to attain mental peace. Most of the meditators have said that they feel more energetic, calm, positive and creative after meditation.

A Quick Method of Meditation:

A simple and very easy way to learn meditative exercise which even a beginner can try is described below:

1. Firstly find a quiet place where you can be alone if possible. Kindly note that this technique may be done in crowded places too, as long as it is convenient for you to close your eyes.

2. Try to sit in a comfortable position.

3. Then close your eyes and take three deep normal breaths. Let your thoughts come and go in your mind.

4. Then start to visualize a particular object, for example, a rose.

5. Begin to repeat the word for the object “rose” over and over again in your thoughts in whichever rhythm you want.

6. Then start to imagine the rose opening and closing in the same rhythm when you continue to repeat the word.

7. Continue to repeat your word and see its image even if distracting thoughts come into your mind. For example worries of the day, like “what shall I have for lunch” or “I have pending work to do” etc. Let them simply pass through your mind.

8. Try to keep this process going from two to twenty minutes.

9. When you think it is time to stop, then open your eyes slowly.

You should feel relaxed, refreshed, and less anxious after trying this technique. You may also recite the Mantra “OM”. Just try to recite it as long as possible. It’s the best word that can help you to attain meditation.

Initiation

In general, most of us know that the word “initiate” means- to begin a processor to start something. It really requires guts to actually initiate a plan that has been planned for a long time especially if it’s something new and a complete change from the norm.

It can be said that the initiation serves to physically anchor the spiritual energies which you are surrounded by such as light, power, and protection. These forces of the universe become a part of your energy field. You become able to readily access these energies through your mental, emotional and physical capacities to support you in daily life choices, tasks, and actions. The initiation activates the knowledge which we gain from experiences with spiritual power so that it can support us to be in alignment with our highest and best good, to serve our purpose as a human.

The advancement of our connection with our self is known as “Know Thyself.” Initiation acts as a catalyst which accelerates this process, which helps a person to know their highest purpose and the potentials available to them in life.

Yoga can be the initiator. Exercises practiced in yoga not only help a person to attain a healthy body but can also help you to attain a balance between your soul and mind.

Final word

Yoga offers you a unique set of practices that can help you improve on a number of different issues. Our ancestors had enjoyed a long tension free life with the help of it. So you should take the initiative to make it a part of your life.

Thank you as always for taking the time to read this article, I have lots more information on my site so please check it out.