...s. This civilization also gave birth to some of the oldest scriptures ever discovered in modern times. The Vedas are considered by many as a form of divine revelation, and contain many references to a higher power and to the practice of Yoga.

On the physical plain, Yoga has shown incredible promise in treating and managing many illnesses. The practice of Yoga has a number of physical benefits for practitioners. It facilitates flexibility, and assists in the lubrication of joints, tendons, and ligaments. Many of the poses and positions work to massage the organs, thus stimulating the body's detoxification process. The physical benefits of Yoga are often considered secondary to the spiritual development. Yoga has the incredible ability to bring into harmony the physical and the spiritual elements of t...more

Yoga and Spirituality

...Kiyak (2002) the following are essential components of spirituality:

Self-determined wisdom in which the individual tries to achieve balance in life
Self-transcendence or crossing a boundary beyond the self, being supported by some power greater than oneself
Achievement of meaning and purpose for ones continued existence
Sense of the wholeness of life and connectedness to the universe
Awe or unconditional joy
Intuitive nonverbal understanding of how to cope with lifes circumstances.

If we want to enhance this aspect of ourselves we need to apply the spiritual tools needed for such transformation, and yoga is one of them. Another spiritual tool which I consider essential is meditation. This is a practice that, as well as yoga, is intended to form a connection between the mind and the body. Meditation enables an individual to produce relaxed inner life and helps to expan...more

The Westernization of Yoga or Why Stretching & Flexibility is Not Yoga

...Yoga has become extremely popular over the last decade. Today, almost everyone knows someone who says they are practicing Yoga. Many of these new yogis/yoginis are quite dedicated and go to class several times each week.

Lets take a look at what they are practicing:

Most classes are 60-90 minutes of doing various Yoga poses/stretches/asanas, which can vary from gentle to intense. The intensity will vary from class to class, style to style and teacher to teacher.

And so, the student will say they are practicing Yoga regularly every week.

I do not wish to belittle anyones practice or imply that anyone is claiming to be or do something they are not. Yet, the fact remains that this is not Yoga.

To claim that this type of activity represents learning Yoga is similar to someone learning the hand and finger exercises practiced by great pianists and thinking that they are learning to play and indeed, even are playing the piano.

This is not the fault of the student. Imagine if most of the piano teachers only taught these exercises and called the practice Piano Class. Why wouldnt the student feel he/she was learning to play the piano?

Perhaps you are saying that this is silly. After all, great pianists make beautiful music when they are playing. Thats true. However, it is my contention that most people are only aware of the exercises and not what the exercises are meant to prepare them for. Its as if somehow they never get...more

The Benefits Of Hatha Yoga Examined

...Hatha yoga is more commonly known as simply 'yoga'. It's a system of exercise originating from India. There are many branches of hatha yoga - you may have heard of Iyengar yoga, Ashtanga yoga, Kriya yoga, Vini yoga and Bikram yoga. They all involve postures or 'asanas'. Some asanas are gentle stretching exercises which can improve flexibility, and others help to develop and improve strength and balance.

Hatha yoga was born in traditional Hindu spiritual practice, so it's no surprise that it may also involve meditation and chanting, as well as philosophical and religious considerations. For those who purely wish to use it as a form of physical exercise, there are many completely secular versions available!

Why Is Hatha Yoga Such A Good Form Of exercise

The first benefit is that it's a fitness routine that can be used by people of all ages and levels of fi...more

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