| Yoga is a group of ancient spiritual practices
originating in India. As a general term in Hinduism
it has been defined as referring to "technologies
or disciplines of asceticism and meditation which
are thought to lead to spiritual experience and
profound understanding or insight into the nature
of existence." Yoga is also intimately connected
to the religious beliefs and practices of the other
"Dharmic" religions. Outside India,
Yoga is mostly associated with the practice of
asanas (postures) of Hatha Yoga or as a form of
exercise, although it has influenced the entire
dharmic religions family and other spiritual practices
throughout the world.
Hindu texts discussing different aspects of yoga
include the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, the
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika,
the Shiva Samhita, and many others.
Major branches of Yoga include: Hatha Yoga, Karma
Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Raja Yoga.
Raja Yoga, known simply as Yoga in the context
of Hindu philosophy, is one of the six orthodox
(astika) schools of thought, established by the
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
BENEFITS OF YOGA
This ancient health & fitness practice provides
both physical & mental therapy. It considers
ageing as largely an artificial condition, caused
mainly by autointoxication or self-poisoning.
By keeping the body parts clean and well lubricated,
cell deterioration can be greately reduced. To
get the maximum benefits of yoga one has to follow
three main guidelines i.e. practice of asanas,
pranayama and yoga nidra.
With the regular practice of asanas, we control
our cholesterol level, reduce weight, normalise
blood pressure and improve cardiac performance.
Asanas harmonize our mental energy flow by clearing
any blockages in the subtle body, leading to mental
equilibrium & calmness.
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