In this article, I have tried to present my knowledge and experience acquired about yoga. It is in a point-by-point manner on ‘What do you mean by Yoga?’. The readers are requested to read and meditate on every point.
Table of Contents
Meaning and definition of yoga.
Yoga is a subtle science that connects the mind and body through physical and mental practice to keep life healthy and happy. The word “Yoga ” originated from the Sanskrit word “Yuj,” which means “to unite” or “to join,” seriously the union of the individual soul with the universal spirit or consciousness. In other words, yoga is the physical practice of connecting the mind and soul with the divine.
आदि योगी शिवः Aadi Yogi Shiva !In other words, Yoga is the system followed by Lord Shiva according to religious beliefs. The general meaning of the word Yoga is connection or union. Yoga is the process of connecting the mind and body through various postures, practices, meditation, etc. The word Yoga has been used in ancient philosophies and scriptures since ancient times.
Yoga makes life happy.
Yoga has been widely used in Sanskrit, Hindu and Nepali scriptures, from self-realization. According to the Saint Vyas, yoga is deep meditation. According to classical grammar, the word yoga is derived from the deep knowledge of connecting the humors of the body.Regular practitioners of yoga live successful and happy lives. They are also able to help others in society.
Yoga mentioned in Holy books.
Yoga is mentioned in holy books such as the Vedas,Gita,and Puranas, while yoga can be considered a form of moving meditation due to its focus on breath and body awareness. The origin of yoga has been around the beginning of human settlement on earth. The sacred land located south of the Himalayas, considered the best place on earth, was called Bharat varsha in ancient times (now divided into countries such as Nepal, India, Pakistan, Burma, Bhutan, and Bangladesh).
“Yoga” physical, mentaland spiritual discipline.
There is evidence that sages practiced and expanded yoga in this place. It began as a spiritual, mental, and physical discipline. It was initially practiced by yogis and students. There was good Civilization in Bharat varsha (Indus Valley) and evolved over centuries, with roots in the Vedic texts.
Meaning of yoga poses
Yoga is not just an exercise but a holistic system that encompasses physical Asanas (postures), pranayama (breath control), dhyana (meditation) and ethical principles (yamas and niyamas). Yoga aims to promote harmony between the mind, body, and spirit, leading to inner peace, well-being, and enlightenment.
Nowadays Yoga is widely practiced around the world today as a way to improve flexibility, strength, and relaxation. However, its true essence lies in its spiritual and philosophical teaching and practice. Here are some examples, Yoga postures are classified in many different ways. For example, sitting postures, standing postures, lying postures, and more to keep various parts of the body healthy, postures to get rid of various diseases, etc.
Some yoga poses for example:
I would like to present some photos of standing poses, sitting poses, and lying poses as examples so that you can practice them. All poses have different importance and benefits for health and peace. If anyone is interested, please watch my YouTube channel named kn sapkota, you can get free training.
1. Tree pose: This asana is called tree pose because it is spread out like a tree and remains stable. It maintains balance. To achieve success in any field, it is necessary for the mind and body to be united and balanced. Similarly, Tadasana is a yoga practice that builds flexibility not only in the muscles but also in the subtle muscles. And this asana plays a big role in making the body light and comfortable as well as loose
2 : Padmasana, or Lotus Pose, is a classic yoga position involving sitting cross-legged with each foot placed on the opposite thigh. By sitting steadily in this asana for at least 15 minutes to 1 hour with slow and long breaths, we can gain health and peace of mind.
3: गोमुखासनः Cow mouth pos strech your entire body—your shoulders and arms, your ankles, hips, thighs and back. In the pose, the folded legs are called physical poses designed to strengthen and stretch the body. They also promote balance, alignment, and relaxation. Examples include tree pose, cow and cat pose, and child’s pos. Pranayama ( Breath control )is considered the life force (prana), and controlling it is believed to help control the mind and body.
4: प्रणायमः Breathing practice : Techniques like deep breathing, alternate nostril breathing, and kapalbhati are common. Dhyan(meditation )is a central aspect of yoga, allowing practitioners to cultivate mindfulness, concentration, and inner peace. It involves focusing the mind, often using techniques of violence (ahimsa, like mantra repetition or visualizations. Philosophy and Ethics: Yoga also teaches moral and ethical guidelines, such as truthfulness (satya), non-violence, and self-discipline (tapas). These principles help guide practitioners in their personal and spiritual development
Benefits of yoga.
The Yoga can be approached in many ways, whether for relaxation, physical fitness, or as a deeper spiritual practice. It has gained immense popularity worldwide for its many benefits, from reducing stress and anxiety to improving overall health. Whether you’re new to yoga or an experienced practitioner, it offers a path for both physical and mental growth. Therefore, in this modern era, I would like to appeal to everyone to follow yoga and make their lives peaceful and meaningful.
Bhagwat Gita says that:-स्पर्शानं कृत्वा बहिर्बाह्यांश्चक्षुषौ व नन्तरे भुवौ।प्राण पणि समौकृत्वा नासाम्यन्तरचारिणी॥ means ,reject all the external subjects, beauty ,essence ,smell etc and concentrate the mind within yourself and concentrate the mind on the central portion of the forehead in between the eyebrows.A person who normalizes both the wings moving with the help of nostrils.
Who is real Yogi ?
In other words, Who manages the act against each other and establishes them equally is a devoted yogi. Who is capable of controlling his mind, heart, and senses always aspires for salvation free of anger and fear, he is always free. Let’s practice regularly; inner peace and happiness will come by themselves. Let’s practice yoga regularly, become peaceful and happy ourselves, and make everyone happy. A Succeed Yoga Practitioner can make his life successful and happy and be able to show society the right way of life.
Yogi ❓( Real Yoga practitioner,)
means ,reject all the external subjects, beauty ,essence ,smell e.t.c and concentrate the mind within yourself and concentrate the mind on the central portion of the forehead in between the eyebrows. A person who normalizes both the wings moving with the help of nostrils, in other words,who manages the act against each other and establishes them equally is a devoted yogi. Who is capable of controlling his mind, heart, and senses always aspires for salvation free of anger and fear, he is always free.