4Ayurveda Everything About Ayurveda & Yoga
Harmony between Body, Mind and Spirit
The philosophy is Yoga is very simple that aim to achieve connection between body, mind and spirit, anybody can practice Yoga irrespective of his or her age. Yoga is based on ancient Hindu oldest traditional science and the only one available to mankind for self transformation. If Yoga technique are applied in daily life, you can overcome all the pressure that this age brings and live in calmer and more thoughtful way.
Yoga philosophy, similar to Buddhism, believes that spiritual ignorance creates suffering and binds us to the wheel of samsara. The removal of our ignorance can take many different paths and techniques in yoga therapy. Still, the central philosophical teachings of yoga practice revolve around the practice of mental discernment, detachment, spiritual knowledge, and self-awareness.
The renowned sage Patanajali divided Raj Yoga in to 8 steps and these steps form the foundation of Yogic discipline. These eight steps are also known as Ashtang Yoga, as it divided practice in to eight limbs. By incorporating these basic principle in to your day to day activity you can become a better human being and attain quest of your soul.
Yama is Moral Discipline
- Ahimsa (Non Violence) has an all encompassing connotation. It means that you must take care not to harm your body, or the body of any other living being. Ahimsa is also practiced in thoughts, words and deed. As you practice Yoga daily, will respect your body and move your posture very gradually and gently.
- Satya(Truth) means truthfulness in words, thoughts, and deed. Always be truthful to yourself in every matter, your Yoga and Diet practice. Remember if you lie to yourself or other, the only loser is you and your only achievment will be dissatisfaction.
- Asteya (Non Stealing) signifies non stealing, lack jealousy, non covetousness and doing whatever you do, openly. The same goes for your diet and the Yoga practice. Release all the thoughts of jealousy from your mind and never indulge in taking what is not yours.
- Aparigraha (Non Possessive) mean non possessive, non accepting. Share whatever you have in form of knowledge, skills, good thoughts and deed with others. Be generous in your attitude to others. Help and support those in need. The respect you gain from others will make you love yourself.
- Barahmacharya (Continence) literally translated means continence but it really advices moderation in all things. Never indulge yourself in anything you do, be it exercise, diet, life style or habits. Always be in full command of your thoughts and action.
Niyama is purification through discipline
- Saucha (Purity or cleanliness) Treat your body like a temple. Keep it disease free and clean. Replace all the negative thoughts from the minds with good thought and feeling for yourself and others.
- Santosha (Contentment) means satisfaction. Never ever compare yourself with others. Remember you are special and the Creator created you uniquely, one of your kind. Be satisfied with yourself, your capabilities and your strength. Have patience with limitation, and in time you will achieve all that you set otu to do.
- Tapas (Austerity) means be ready for hard work as it is this hard work that will reap benefits later on. Lead a balanced and disciplined life, and avoid over indulgence.
- Svadhyaya (Study of Scriptures) increase your knowledge in all matters and also following the teaching of your teachers and enriching yourself spiritually. Read inspirational book of courage and truth that motivate and propel you towards a better life. Surround yourself with good people and you will always be positive and fulfilled.
- Isvarapranidhana (Surrender to Divine) signifies surrender to higher divine purpose. Put your mind, soul and faith in the work that you are doing without looking for result. Be focused on your goal and you will ultimately achieve it.
When you practice the Yama & Niyama, you control your emotions and passion and keep them in balance for benefits of your body and mind.
Asana & Pranayama helps your body to breathe and be healthy. Your mind will be trained to be in command of yourself and be stable.
Pratyahara control your senses and helps you move inwards and discard all that is not good for body and mind.
Seer and sages deeply understood that the body has seven vital energy points that link various parts of body and any shift in these would bring imbalance in our body. These run from the base of the spine to the crown of the head, meaning that we must move up towards the Divine gradually by mastering the pull of the physical world. Let take a quick looks at these 7 points, which are explained by yoga experts:
- Muladhara is located at the lower end of spine. It govern legs, bones, feet, rectum, and immune system.
- Svadisthana Chakra is located in genital organs between base of spine and navel. It is related to sexual organ, large intestine, lower vertebrae, pelvis, appendix, bladder, and the hip area.
- Manipura Chakra is located at the navel and govern abdomen, stomach, liver, kidney, adrenal gland, spleen, and middle spine.
- Anahata Chakra is located at the heart center and govern heart, lungs, shoulders, arms, ribs, and diaphragm.
- Vishuddha Chakra is located at throat govern thyroid, neck, mouth, teeth, gums, and parathyroid glands.
- Ajna Chakra is located between eye brow and govern brain, nervous system, eyes, ears, pineal glands and pituitary glands
- Shasara Chakra is located in the crown of head and govern the muscular and skeletal system.
