Principles of Yoga
Yoga is as generic term for physical, mental and spiritual disciplines, originated from ancient India. Spiritual and aesthetic discipline including breath control, simple meditation and adoption of specific body postures, practiced for health and relaxation.
The term 'Yug' means to Unite/Integrate a persons own consciousness with the universal consciousness. It is a harmonious blend between the body, mind and the spirit, wherein the body controls the actions, the mind controls intelligence and the spirit controls emotion.
| Body | Controls action | Involves exercising |
| Mind | Controls intelligence | Imcludes breathing techniques |
| Spirit | Controls emotion | Includes meditation |
Thus, yoga teaches that the jeevathma (human spirit) can be united with paramathma (God) to secure moksha (liberation)
´According to modern scientists, everything in the universe is just a manifestation of the same quantum firmament. One who experiences this oneness of existence is said to be in yoga
History of Yoga[edit | edit source]
Traced back to over 5,000 years ago, but some researchers think that yoga may be up to 10,000. The early writings on yoga were transcribed on fragile palm leaves that were easily damaged, destroyed or lost. There were four main periods
Pre-Classical Yoga: Indus-Sarasvati civilization in Northern India over 5,000 years ago. Scriptures present in Rig veda. Mantras and rituals used by Brahmas
Classical Yoga: Patanjali’s Yoga-Sûtras, the first systematic presentation of yoga. the practice of yoga into an "eight limbed path. Steps to achieve mosksha
Post-Classical Yoga: rejected the teachings of the ancient Vedas and embraced the physical body as the means to achieve enlightenment. primarily think of yoga in the West: Hatha Yoga.
Modern Period: Swamy Vivekananda presented hatha yoga to the world.
The branches of Yoga include:
Hatha yoga: ´This branch uses physical poses or asanas , breathing techniques of pranayamas and meditation to achieve better health as well as spirituality
Different styles in this path:
´Iyengar, integral, astanga etc
