 |
Yoga Poses - Their Meaning and Application
Yoga Poses The basic meaning of the word Yoga is the harmonizing of the human soul with that of the Universal Soul, or the union of human being with God. Although beginning in India and affecting all all of its religions, Yoga is a practical spiritual science, and Yoga poses are an important aspect of it. The practice of Yoga originates with The Upanishads, the Hindu Scriptures which are a study in meditation, philosophy and the nature of God. The Upanishads mention five different forms or branches of Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Raja Yoga. These are generally accepted as the main types of Yoga by both scholars and practicioners alike. Probably the most renown is Hatha Yoga, as its the recommended style for beginners. I remember being familiar with the term long before I even investigated in any way what Yoga actually was, and perhaps you are also. What people mostly understand to be Yoga are the physical exercises or asanas, the yoga poses, but these are only a part of total Yoga practice, a means of helping one attain spiritual growth through physical discipline.
Hatha Yoga is primarily the practice of the different postures (asanas), or Yoga poses which Yogis have developed over thousands of years of trial, error and experimentation. They have been proven to aid in the development or enhancement of qualities that an individual might be lacking or is deficient in. Its focus is also on conditioning the body so that the mind is not distracted by physical discomfort while meditating.
But Yoga poses and postures are much more than mere physical exercises. Although they do help to develop muscle strength and enhance flexibility, they are scientifically applied postures which are designed to strengthen, purify and balance the endocrine, nervous and circulatory systems, and are an effective means of preventative medicine.
This is the reason you feel increased energy after practicing Yoga for a while, your circulation improves, blood pressure normalizes and your body rids itself of toxins. You'll find that stress is much easier to deal with and your thoughts will be more positive. It's an amazing transformation to experience.
Regardless of how it appears practicing these Yoga poses should not be difficult.The word Asana actually means comfortable pose, the practice of Yoga should be easy and pleasant, and a good teacher will ensure this.
Karma Yoga is based on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Sanskrit scripture of Hinduism, and recommended reading for anyone interested in Yoga.
As the name implies, Karma Yoga is based on action and reward: the action being unselfish and positive works; the reward being salvation and the approval, protection and love of God. As such it is an intrinsic part of not just other forms of Yoga, but everyday living. In this way Yoga becomes, not just something you practice several nights or hours a week, but an all encompassing and rewarding lifestyle, generating positive energy in everything we do. It is important however to focus not on the reward, but the unselfish action. In this way true and natural Karma is generated. Though not essential to its practice, Yoga poses can be incorporated into Karma Yoga and only enhance its effectiveness.
Jnana Yoga is a meditational practice aimed at developing a complete knowledge of one's inner self in order to connect and be at one with the Superior Being or God. It involves displacing one's emotions and desirous thoughts with spiritual clarity and purity in order to percieve and experience the True and Divine reality of the universe and one's purpose and place in it. In order to effectively practice Jnana Yoga, a good solid foundation of Hatha and Karma Yogas needs to be established. This will enable a Yoga practitioner to develop selflessness and a sincere appreciation and love of God. Only then will the self be free enough to pursue, develop and value an honest and informed knowledge of its essence. Bhakti Yoga is basically the devotional practice of loving God and developing a close personal relationship with Him.This can be done much as it is in other religions around the world, through formal worship at an altar, chanting, singing and prayer and also through meditation upon His qualities and principles and application of them in our daily lives. Bhakti Yoga does not always incorporate Yoga poses, breathing (pranayama) and meditation, although it can, but focuses mainly on love of God and surrender to His will. As in all Yoga styles, the goal is pursued with a balanced mindset, devotion is balanced with reason and love is balanced with understanding lest fanatacism be the result. Bhakti Yoga is a daily practice and its principles are closely aligned with those taught by Jesus Christ. Loving one's fellow man and a deep devotion to God are its core principles in the belief that when true love reigns within a person's heart there are no barriers to harmony and connection with God; negative emotions such as hate, jealousy, envy and greed are eliminated. In essence it embraces the principle that Love conquers all.
Raja Yoga is the pathway to supreme enlightenment. Its focus is on developing and mastering the mind. It is considered the highest form of Yoga. In the belief that the mind is our master and dictates our physical actions, whether conciously or subconciously, mastery over it is sought so that we are the true masters of our behaviour and destiny.
In the words of Swami Satchidananda (Founder of Integral Yoga) -
"Every thought, feeling, perception, or memory you may have causes a modification, or ripple, in the mind. It distorts and colors the mental mirror. If you can restrain the mind from forming into modifications, there will be no distortion, and you will experience your true Self." Because the body and mind are interdependent, the disciplining and purification of the body through Hatha Yoga poses and breathing exercises is an important stepping stone to practicing Raja Yoga. A basic condition of good health and emotional balance must be present before one can begin to pursue and appreciate the higher spiritual level attained through Raja. Otherwise barriers exist such as; carnal desire, addictions to tobacco, alcohol and other drugs, emotional instability. These will impede the ability of the practitioner to attain what is in essence Nirvana - a mode of being that is free from mind-contaminants such as lust, anger or craving, or a state of pure consciousness and bliss.
Prana And Its Application in Yoga Poses
|
