There’s been a rage about Yoga in the last many years. Despite beginning as a meditative practice, it has transformed into a lifestyle trend that has influenced people of all ages across the globe. Practicing yoga regularly fills life with elements of calmness, relaxation, peace, strength, stability, concentration and flexibility. But what is yoga exactly? Let us find out.
What is yoga?
A Sanskrit term, yoga translates to “yoke” or “union.” To yoke refers to unity, which is why yoga creates a union of the body, soul, mind and universal consciousness.
Originally, it was structured by the sage Patanjali around 400 C.E. in his Yoga Sutras. Yoga can be best defined as an ancient practice with its roots in Indian philosophy and its purpose to promote physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
Despite its various interpretations and styles developed over the years, for most people, yoga aspires to help attain liberation from suffering.
Breathing techniques, relaxation, meditation techniques, asanas, chanting, etc. are included in yogic practices. There are multiple types of yoga and each one of them has its own approach and focus.
Aim of yoga
Now since we have figured out what does yoga mean, finding out its goal comes next. Yoga leads the way towards self-discovery and relief. The practices that form it enables people to see themselves even clearly, understand the truth about themselves and overcome anything that doesn’t serve their purpose. Making it a part of life makes one aware of their feelings, thoughts and beliefs besides helping them to make better life choices and live completely.
Yoga is philosophy of life
Not only meditative exercises but yoga is a philosophy of life. It has six branches with all of them having their characteristics. These branches are explained below:
- Hatha yoga: A physical and mental branch, it focuses on the body and mind.
- Jnana yoga: This one is all about wisdom, which is a scholar’s path and develops the intellect via study.
- Raja yoga: It includes meditation and adheres to disciplinary steps or the eight limbs of yoga.
- Bhakti yoga: It creates the path of devotion and is known as the way to direct emotions and foster acceptance and tolerance.
- Karma yoga: A path of service with the goal to build a future that has neither any negativity nor selfishness.
- Tantra yoga: This branch is the way of ceremony, ritual, ceremony or perfection of a relationship.
Benefits of yoga
According to researchers, yoga has the power to:
- Enhance general wellness by providing relief from stress, promoting healthy habits and enhancing mental and emotional health along with sleep.
- Curb chronic diseases and improve the quality of life.
- Relieve symptoms of menopause.
- Help those who are obese or overweight.
- Offer relief from low-back pain, neck pain, headache and osteoarthritis.
- Support the management of anxiety and depression.
To benefit from yoga, having faith in it and including it in daily life is the only way. Its effect may take time but is ensured with consistency. Yoga isn't about being flexible rather it makes the body flexible and benefits everyone be it men or women. On that note, don't let any excuse or doubt hold you back and make yoga an integral part of your life.
Find out more about yoga, its meaning and significance in our exclusive YouTube video.
