Before YOU say NO to YOGA

Om Saha Navavatu
Saha Nau Bhunaktu
Saha Virya Karvav-Hai
Te-Jasvi Nava dhitam-Astu
Ma Vidvi Ṣav-Hai
Om SantiḤ santiḤ santiḤ
OM Paramatma, protect and bless us.
Give us strength to come to the end of the path,
To eternal knowledge,
Help us so that we do not turn against one another,
and eternally united continue on the path together.
OM Peace Peace Peace

-Swami Maheshwarananda

Yoga is a science which works on eight aspects of a person; physical, vital, mental, emotional, psychic, social and spiritual health. When the body is physically healthy, the mind is clear, focused and stress is under control, you act as more established being. The word yoga means ‘unity’ or ‘oneness’ and is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘yuj’, which means ‘to join’. It is a method of preparing the system for spiritual awakening but it is also a very important science of health. This science can be learnt by following Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and they are –

1.Yam (ethics) 2. Niyama (virtuous Behavior) 3. Asanas (postures) 4. Pranayama (breathe) 5. Pratyahara (awareness) 6. Dharana (concentration) 7. Dhyana (reflection) 8. Samadhi (union)
For transcendental experience, these sutras by Patanjali should be observed religiously. This does not mean giving up all pleasures of your life, but as they say “you can never have your cake and eat it too.” So, once you decide to step into higher dimensions of consciousness you must be ready to sacrifice some of those practices which acts as barriers in reaching out the 8 main goals.

1. Physical & Vital Health
व्यायामात् लभते स्वास्थ्यं दीर्घायुष्यं बलं सुखं। आरोग्यं परमं भाग्यं स्वास्थ्यं सर्वार्थसाधनम् ॥
Exercise is the foundation to good health, long life, strength & happiness. Being healthy makes you stand in the league of utmost good fortune and helps you in achieving all desired goals and aspirations of life. In Yoga, to preserve and restore health, there are physical exercises (Asanas), breathing exercises (Pranayam) and Relaxation techniques classified into 3 categories.
a. Beginners Group b. Intermediate Group c. Advance Group
Since ancient times, it has been used by yogis and rishis, not only to maintain good health and vital energy but also to gain relief and elimination from all kinds of diseases and defects. It is true that the practices require more time and effort on the part of the patient than conventional therapies, but in terms of permanent, positive results, as well as saving the enormous expenditure on medicines, they are certainly, more worthwhile.
An equally important factor in the maintenance of good health is eating right. What we eat influences both our body and psyche – our habits and qualities. So, give extra importance to this aspect too.

2. Mental, Psychic & Emotional Health

In today’s scenario, we are led through life by the mind and senses, rather than having these under our control, our mind and senses control us. However, to gain control of the mind, we must first place it under inner analysis and purify it. Negative thoughts and fears create an imbalance in our nervous system, threaten our emotional web and through this our physical function. This is the cause of many illnesses and sorrows. Clarity of thought, emotional stability, inner freedom, contentment and a healthy self-confidence are the basis for mental wellbeing. Yoga helps us in overcoming negative qualities and thoughts and aim to develop positive thoughts and behavior. It offers numerous methods to attain mental wellbeing: Mantra practice, observe breathing through Pranayama, Dharna (meditation) and Dhyana (concentration). The practice guides us to become acquainted with our own nature – as we are and why we are so and then beyond self-acceptance to self-realization (Samadhi).

3. Social Health
Another growing problem of today’s time is social illness. Where relationships are tainted and people are suffering at the hands of loneliness. They are longing for true companionship and falling in the trap of some eternal bliss which they will find outside (in somebody else). Social health is the ability to remain happy and joyful inside and to be able to make others happy too. Yoga assists in overcoming this illness and grants people a new, positive aim and purpose in life with the help of Yam (ethics), Niyam (virtuous behavior), Pranayama (breathe), Pratyahara (awareness). Remember, a positive company is of great importance in spiritual development. Make Yoga your true companion and it will help you in staying positive, further encouraging you to connect with relations, society, neighbor’s community and world in a more positive sense and adding value in their lives and to work for the welfare of mankind.

4. Spiritual health

In Yoga there are 2 important aspects or principle of spiritual life. These are called Yam & Niyam. Observing these helps one to transcend his inner energy towards the ultimate union. What are Yam and Niyam?

Non-violence, truth, non-stealing, continence (being absorbed in a pure state of consciousness), forgiveness, endurance, compassion, humility, moderate diet and cleanliness are the ten rules of conduct (this is yam or ethics).

Penance (austerity), contentment, belief (faith) in the Supreme (God), charity, worship of God, listening to the recitations of sacred scriptures, modesty, a discerning intellect, japa (mantra repetition) and sacrifice are the ten observances (this is niyama or virtuous behavior).
Yam & Niyam are important means to achieve substantial spiritual progress. And as they say, “there is no half measure in spiritual path”. Balance your body first and then purify your thoughts. Pray to God for inner strength and walk down the path of your soul union.

Conclusion
Swami Sivananda Saraswati of Rishikesh explained Yoga as an “integration and harmony between thought, feeling, deed or integration between head, heart and hand”. Yoga is a source of spirituality and wisdom. Yoga is not a part of any religion, but all religions are part of Yoga, because Yoga is universal. It is a root to all religions. It is a religion in terms of relation between individual and cosmic self, that is God. Practice it with indomitable will and determination opens the path of well-being and happiness. I wish you all luck and hope my blog helps you in starting a new journey of your life – YOGA! 😊

Reference –
1. Hath yoga Pradipika – Swami Muktibodhananda
2. Asana, Pranayam, Mudra, Bandh – Swami Satyananda Saraswati
3. From the work of Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda