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Yoga, meaning union or yoking in Sanskrit, is the primary focus of Hinduism's diverse darshans or "points of view". Yoga is a science of the body, the mind, the consciousness and the soul. Yoga is a teaching of wisdom and knowledge which has been transmitted to humanity from the great Yogis and Rishis of ancient times, though its geographical origin lies in India, it is universal, all-valid, eternal knowledge.
There are several forms and paths of yoga that include meditation (Raja Yoga), devotional prayer (Bhakti Yoga), selfless service to others (Karma Yoga), practices for discrimination of truth and reality (Jnana Yoga), and even meditational forms of exercise and bodily upkeep (Hatha yoga, a part of Raja Yoga). Yoga, as codified by Patanjali, is also one of the six major schools of Hindu philosophy and as such specifically refers to Raja Yoga, the royal path of divine meditation on the one Brahman. | |
Yoga is indicative of a broad range of practices that aim to, through physical, mental and spiritual activities, focus the individual on the true essence of reality, to achieve moksha or samadhi, liberation and enlightenment. A man who has taken up successful practice of Yoga is called a Yogi (also spelled Yogin), a woman Yogini.
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| 2005-03-25 00:21 |
 This pose is a highly effective strengthener for the legs and ankles. You have to sort of squint to see the half moon; try drawing a half-circle from the raised top hand through the lifted foot to the standing foot and supporting hand.
The moon has a rich symbolic significance in yoga mythology. In hatha yoga, for example, the sun and the moon represent the two polar energies of the human body. In fact, the word hatha itself is often divided into its two constituent syllables, "ha" and "tha", which are then esoterically interpreted as signifying the solar and lunar energies respectively.
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| 2005-03-25 00:29 |
Literally translated as "intense stretch of the west," Paschimottanasana can help a distracted mind unwind.
Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression
Stretches the spine, shoulders, hamstrings
Stimulates the liver, kidneys, ovaries, and uterus
Improves digestion
Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause and menstrual discomfort
Soothes headache and anxiety and reduces fatigue
Therapeutic for high blood pressure, infertility, insomnia, and sinusitis
Traditional texts say that Paschimottanasana increases appetite, reduces obesity, and cures diseases.
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| 2005-02-23 00:21 |
A yoga instructor performing an asana
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