KNOW MORE ABOUT YOGA By Aravinda K., B.E., M.S., M.Tech, Samskrtha Kovida, Geetha Kovida

IF YOU KEEP DOING WHATEVER YOU HAVE BEEN DOING, YOU WILL KEEP GETTING WHATEVER YOU HAVE BEEN GETTING. IF YOU KEEP DOING WHATEVER OTHERS ARE DOING, YOU WILL KEEP GETTING WHATEVER OTHERS ARE GETTING.

Meaning of the term “yoga” The term yoga means union. The purpose of yoga is to join ourselves with the divine energy, which means to join jeevathma with the paramathma. Jeevathma is the individual conscious energy and Paramathma is the total unconscious presence, which in general terms is called as God. Hence, the practice of YOGA leads to find out Your Origination in God’s Action.

Descriptions Manthra-yoga is the process of chanting manthras, either orally or mentally, by means of which the resonant energy is produced within the body, and mind is brought under control. Laya-yoga is the process of spiritual exercises by means of which the thoughts in the mind are dissolved. Hata-yoga is the process of purifying body, mind and soul by means of applying the force. Raja-yoga is the process of deep observation and correction, to gain complete control over all the physical and psychological activities, and to attain perfection.

Pathanjali’s system Maharshi Pathanjali’s system of Ashtanga-yoga is designed as a combination of all of the above yogic methods. This is performed to achieve the complete health, which includes the physical, the psychological and the spiritual health. The Ashtangayoga consists of eight limbs, as indicated below -

Limb Process Effect Yama Social discipline Better character & conduct Niyama Individual discipline Better hygiene & dedication Asana Physical control Better health & strength Pranayama Energetic control Experiencing the life-force Prathyahara Sensory control Focusing the conscious mind Dharana Internal concentration Control of memory recall Dhyana Total contemplation Stoppage of the thoughts Samadhi Dissolution of the ego Realization of the self

Yama & Niyama Yama – Ahimsa, Sathya, Astheya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha Niyama – Shaucha, Santhosha, Thapas, Swaadhyaaya, Eeshwarapranidhaana The person who is aspiring to learn yoga should follow Yama and Niyama as far as possible. Without following these, if he/she tries to practice the other six disciplines, he/she will not be successful in achieving the ultimate goal, as the energy that is going to be utilized will not be in the pure form.

YOGASANAS versus OTHER EXERCISES 1 Blood circulation improves fully, and is of uniform distribution It improves only to some extent, & is of unequal distribution 2 Stress that is stored in the muscles is released fully It is released partially, sometimes adversely 3 Wide variety of exercises are present Repetitive actions, without much variety 4 Sitting, lying and standing postures are present in plenty Standing type exercises are present mainly 5 Body becomes flexible & adaptable, because of stretching Body becomes tough & rugged, because of strengthening 6 Exercises for the sense organs as well as the internal organs Nothing as such 7 Breathing becomes slow and deep Breathing becomes rapid and shallow

Comparison continued… 8 No age restrictions as such, because of slow movements, and lack of tiredness There are age restrictions, because of rapid movements, and tiredness thereafter 9 No need of external objects, and hence no chance of injury They are used sometimes, and hence high chance of injury 10 There are rules to be followed about food and its consumption No such rules at all 11 Discipline of time is followed Nothing as such 12 Concentration, awareness and mental peace increase gradually Only concentration may increase, and not the other two 13 Mainly for the internal beauty (strengthening of nerves) Mostly for the external beauty (building of muscles) 14 Initiation of spirituality happens No such initiation

SOME USEFUL TIPS Stop drinking bed coffee, bed tea etc. Instead practice Ushahpana (gargle and spit initially, and then drink). While taking bath, take hot-water bath from bottom to top and cold-water bath from top to bottom. Use wholesome, traditional and alkaline food. Also, expose yourself to sunlight regularly. Consume food as 50% solid, 25% liquid and leave 25% space in the stomach. Drink water half an hour before or after meal, not during meal (quantity based on the needs).

TIPS CONTINUED Avoid pungent foods. Reduce salt, onion and garlic. Use milk, butter and ghee sufficiently. While consuming any food article, wash your face before and mouth afterwards, compulsorily. Cleanse your eyes regularly; blink your eyes in a cup of water mixed with 15 drops of lemon juice. Listen to devotional and relaxing music; it works by the principle of resonance of vibrations. Study the spiritual books, comprehend the nature of the self, and be aware of your higher spirits.

THREE STAGES OF SUCCESS Phase Effort Process Initial Exciting Daring Learning Middle Testing Desperate Practicing Final Perfecting Determined Training

PURPOSE GOAL stands for Gaining Overall Achievement in Life. The areas: Personal, Relational, Professional, Social, Intellectual, Spiritual. LIFE stands for Living In Further Evolution. FATE stands for Faith, Actions, Thoughts, Environment. TIME stands for The Infinite Movement of Energy.

DON’T YOU HAVE TIME? Assuming 100 years of age, leave out the first 25 years for childhood & adolescence, and the last 5 years for old age. You are left with 70 years; i.e., 6,13,200 hours. Leave out 20 hours every day (sleep + daily chore + profession + petty work + travel); you are left with 4 spare hours per day; i.e., 1,02,200 hours. This means that you have about 17% of spare time, in 70 years. For junior class: 2 hrs X 52 weeks X 1 yr = 104 hours. For senior class: 3 hrs X 52 weeks X 5 yrs = 780 hours. Hence, out of your spare time, you are sparing only 0.1% for attending junior class, and 0.76% for senior class.

DON’T YOU PRACTISE? Practising yogasana for 30 minutes everyday, and for 6 days in a week, utilizes 10,920 hours; i.e., 10% of your spare time. In addition, practising pranayama & prathyahara together, for 45 minutes everyday, utilizes 27,300 hours; i.e., 27% of your spare time. Can’t you spare a small amount of spare time for health, happiness and fulfillment? If you can’t, then you better get wasted by the time.

SAYINGS OF YOGAMAHARSHI DR. SWAMI GEETHANANDA GIRI Yoga is a scientific system of conscious evolution. Yoga is the mother of all sciences. Yoga is the mother of all religions. Do not depend on anything outside of your own self. Yoga is the original science of self help. Health and happiness are your birthright; claim them. Spiritual realization is your goal; pursue it. Watch the breath, until you become the breath. There is only one secret in this Universe, and that is … there is no secret!

SAYINGS CONTINUED… A Gurukula is a place where learning is by absorption, rather than by superimposition of mundane knowledge. It is the not the chosen few; it is the few who have chosen. Dharma is the highest expression of cosmic truth; it is to know the reason for personal existence and to unfold consciously through experience back to the cosmic state. That which cannot be followed in day-to-day living should not rightly be called religion. Life is to be practical, simple, uncluttered, efficient, rewarding & enlightening. Anything in one’s life that tends to confuse, distort or derange, should be shunned as one’s mental and mortal enemy. These are the real teachings of the Geetha. You don’t have a problem; you are the problem.

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