India is renowned across world for its spirituality and mysticism. Yoga and meditation has always been an intrinsic part of Indian culture. We have a long tradition of yogi’s, saints, mahatmas, Sufi’s and sadhu’s. They have spread messages of compassion, love, care, brotherhood and positive living across the world. They have always taught us that rather than running after materialistic things, we should strive hard to experience inner bliss and happiness. They have devoted their lifetime in practice and teaching of yoga to people to make them free from physical and mental sufferings.

What is yoga?

One of the oldest form of spiritual sciences in the world is Yoga. Shiva is better-known as the first yogi on earth or Adiguru. Yoga is more than 5000 years old the earliest reference of yoga is mention in the Vedic scripture called rig Veda. The word yoga has its root in Sanskrit word ‘yuj’ which means to unite or join. The earliest text of yoga was compiled in 1st or 2nd century BC by great sage Patanjali and known as Ashtang Yoga. In Vedic period sun had very high importance owing to which surya namaskar became a prominent part of yoga. Many yogis, saints and sages preserved and spread yoga for the benefit of mankind. With continuous practise of yoga anyone can obtain liberation from sufferings. Further they can experience the oneness with universe, to achieve the perfect balance of human mind, body and spirit.

Yoga and Religion

Yoga does not fit in to any specific religion, belief system or community. Anyone who wish to have a healthy and happy life can do yoga. There exist many wider aspects of yoga which normally people are not aware of. There is purely one common purpose for practising yoga. To achieve self consciousness or to awaken our consciousness by doing yoga. There exist many paths of yoga. The path which is suitable for an individual depends on his personality. There is no single path or yoga style which will suit everybody. Every style and path of yoga is unique and includes its benefits but they have a common goal to reach awareness. The ultimate aim of yoga is Moksha or kaivalya. It means to get absolute freedom from all kinds of sufferings in the world.

Yoga in modern world

Yoga has gained immense popularity in the past few years. As in modern age we are suffering due to lack of physical activity and stress. Mental psycological stress and anxieties are all time high owing to our hectic lifestyle. Yoga is the most suitable answer for all this issues. It can help us tackle everyday stress, and achieve physical, mental and spiritual health. Its an age old science which is gaining popularity all across the world. There are many types of yoga, what kind of yoga is suitable for you is not very hard to find. Yoga is a method for spiritual uplifting. It is a technology for inner well being. Anyone who practices yoga can get immense benefits irrespective of ethnicity and culture. There are different traditional schools of yoga hatha yoga, raja yoga, bhakti yoga, karma yoga, gyana yoga. Bhakti yoga is where we use the emotions. Karma yoga where we use the body. Gyana yoga is where we use the mind and intellect. We are all the unique combination of all this factors and every path of yoga would fall in any of this factors. You need to choose the path of yoga which suits your need and requirements.

Benefits of Yoga

Yoga requires Purification, concentration, control, dedication and sublimation to the universal energy. It offers a chance to move inwards from outer chaos. Its aim is to is achieve purity and freedom of spirit. We are in the grip of senses and suffering due to our inner disorder and imbalance. Yoga is a science of living a pure and healthy life physically, mentally and spiritually. To achieve this goal a set of physical exercises known as asaanas has been develop. Which anyone can follow irrespective of their age, race or creed.

Stress can have a devastating effect on human body. Many deadly diseases has a direct connection with our stress levels. Studies have found that, back or neck pain, sleeping problems, headaches, drug abuse, and an inability to concentrate is due to high stress. With yoga practices one can get a positive outlook on life, as well as can develop a effective skills to fight stress. Best benefit of yoga is that its helping millions of people today to manage their stress. They can achieve a healthy body and mind by practicing yoga.

Yoga consist of meditation and breathing which can change and improve mental well-being . Regular practice of yoga can create mental clarity and calmness. It also increases attention span and sharpens concentration. Further provides comfort from chronic stress pattern and relaxes mind. As we get more self aware we get both physically and mentally fit. Decrease chronic pain such as lower back pain, arthritis, headaches with relaxation techniques in yoga. It can also help you in reducing insomnia and lower blood pressure.

Various physical benefits of yoga

Yoga poses improves flexibility. Asaanas can stretch your muscles and increased muscle control, flexibility, and range of motion. It can also protect you from injuries. Yoga also tones muscles all over the body and increases muscle endurance. As you need to hold poses for a particular period of time. It helps you with total-body strengthening, balance and flexibility. Yoga involves breathing exercises. Which can improve respiration, energy and vitality and generate relaxation and calmness. Yoga also increases metabolism. It also helps in reducing weight.

Types of Yoga

Hatha

Hatha Yoga is popular all over the world. Main goal of Hath yoga is to unite mind, body and spirit through physical actions. You need to hold few poses for few breaths, it will help you in finding the balance mentally and physically.

With hath yoga anyone can get instant effect. You will feel relax and your mind will be clear and calm after just one session. If you continue with this yoga. With continuous practise you can get, increase strength, radiating personality and serene mind.

Vinyasa

This yoga is a dynamic way which links your breaths and movement in a dance like way. It will take less time to change the poses and you can hold it for less time. You can do this yoga with music matching the poses or the beats.

Iyengar yoga

Its a detail oriented yoga. You will need propes like blankets or ropes. Each pose would be hold for a period of time

Ashtanga yoga

Its challenging, yet orderly approach to yoga. It consist of six series of specifically sequenced yoga posses. You will build internal heat while doing and holding poses. You need to perform the yoga poses regularly in the same order

Kundalini yoga

In this yoga you need to perform kriyas or repetitive physical exercises. Coupled with intense breathing, while chanting, singing and meditating. The aim is to release the untapped energy within you to help you to go higher level of self awareness. It consist of internal aspects of yoga, including breath work, meditation and spiritual energy.

Hot yoga

This yoga is practiced in a heated room where you need to do sequence of yoga poses. If you like to do tough workout then its a great way to sweat while yoga.

Mantra yoga

Mantra yoga as we all know is a meditation technique in which we repeat a word or phrase aloud or silently in our minds. The most traditional mantra is the word ”om.” the effects of sound to heal and centers and helps in bringing clarity to your mind.

Raja Yoga

Classical type of yoga, in which with the help of meditation you train your mind to serve your spirit. Raja Yoga is based on eight limbs. These limbs are:

Yama (Moral and Ethical Discipline)

Niyama (Self Discipline)

Asana (Poses)

Pranayama (Breath Control)

Pratyahara (Sensory Inhibition)

Dharana (Concentration)

Dhyana (Meditation)

Samadhi (Enlightenment)

Always practice yoga under the supervision of a trained yoga instructor. It is a safe method as expert supervision can help you with correct techniques and ways. It will further help you in preventing any injury. If you need a personal yoga trainer or yoga classes in Mumbai contact Smartfind. Its a great platform to search services online. Get a list of highly professional yoga classes and yoga practitioners in Mumbai. It’s very important to get a right yoga specialist at right place and time.