Originating and implemented in India thousands of years ago, Yoga, essentially is a way of life and an integrated means of synchronizing mind, spirit, and body, a system now practiced universally, regardless of caste, creed or religion.

In addition to other forms of treatment, yoga proves an effective physical therapy for helping alleviate painful conditions, such as, arthritis, stiffness of neck, back and feet, improved blood circulation, constipation, increased lung capacity, improved respiratory conditions, insomnia, and much, much more.

Yogic exercises called Asanas or postures in Sanskrit language comprise of what is designated as Hatha Yoga. If, one practices this ancient and respected system, it most certainly helps in maintaining physical, mental and emotional health. And, best of all, regardless of age or present physical condition, one can perform these non-strenuous exercises, without any harm or damage to self. Easy of pace, yoga is not based on competition, nor does it believe in competing with others.

While, the results of doing strenuous physical exercise is reflected in the muscles and tone of one’s body, yoga addresses every mental and the physical aspect of mind and body, and helps a yogi slowly come to realization of the spiritual reality of one’s existence over time.

This ancient system is a unique method has proved its timelessness by helping combat the stress and strains of modern day life!

Article Source: http://www.articleszoom.com

About the Author :
Yogabestseller.com is your one stop place for all Yoga Accessories! Get massive range of Yoga books, Yoga mats, Yoga audiotapes at unbeatable prices! Buy Yoga Books, Yoga blocks, Yoga Straps, yoga meditation mats, foam blocks and many other yoga products at reasonable rates. Visit www.yogabestseller.com

Technorati Tags: Arthritis, Arthritis Stiffness, Blood Circulation, Caste, Creed, Emotional Health, Hatha Yoga, India, Insomnia, Lung Capacity, Mind Spirit, Muscles, Pace, Physical Therapy, Postures, Religion, Respiratory Conditions, Strenuous Physical Exercise, Yogic

Yoga is a form of exercise that includes several asanas (postures). It was discovered in ancient age in India. With time and age, this form of exercise has attained immense fame. In fact, the whole world is curious to learn this form of art that is invincible and can easily cure most of the serious ailments.

Whether it is weight loss, keeping good levels of blood sugar, controlling cholesterol levels, eliminate toxins from the body or fighting heart diseases, yoga would solve all your problems.

Practicing yoga is a complicated process. In order to ensure complete benefit, it is important to make sure that one is performing the exercise in a correct form. For this, you need to trust a yoga instructor.

Choosing a good one is a crucial decision. Here is information on how to choose the best yoga instructor for yourself irrespective of the subject; a skilled and experienced person can bring out the best in you.

It is utmost beneficial to join a Yoga class. Particularly when it comes to learning certain challenging poses.

Remember that in the process of learning yoga, the guru-shishya (teacher-student) relationship plays an important role. It may not be easy to analyze the abilities of an instructor, especially if you are a beginner.

Here are some guidelines you should follow in order to choose the right teacher for yourself:

a) Knowledge

These days, yoga instructors are certified. A skilled and experienced teacher will have full and detailed knowledge on yoga. Remember that one cannot learn yoga from videos or books. The knowledge of this ancient form of art needs practice.

b) Conversation

Try to have a conversation with your prospective coach. Assess whether you like them or not. Some of the skilled and veteran teachers believe in integrating the Dharma talks in to the class. While others love to keep the chanting at the end, so what to you actually prefer. Make a choice based on your preference.

c) Explanation

An experienced and skilled coach will explain you about all the important postures prior to demonstrating. The instructor will explain you why a particular posture needs to be practiced and the benefits it provides. This will allow you to learn the best.

d) Demonstration

You need to see whether the yoga teacher demonstrates yoga clearly to you. See to it, how this instructor demonstrates each posture and teaches you.

e) Good assistance

A good instructor will assist you with the posture and help you to know whether you are doing it correctly. This will also help you avoid facing certain complications.

f) Time for relaxation

It is very important to start a yoga class with meditation and end it with relaxation to achieve maximum benefits. Meditation helps in preparing your body for the most difficult pose. A good relaxation technique will help you bring your body back to neutral.

Finally, the best way to find a good yoga coach is to trust word-of-mouth. If an instructor is really good, he or she would be liked by the students and the fame will be spread worldwide.

Article Source: http://www.a1-articledirectory.com

For more Articles, News, Information, Advice, and Resources about YOGA and MEDITATION please visit YOGA TIPS and MEDITATIONBUZZ

Technorati Tags: Ailments, Benefit, Blood Sugar, Cholesterol, Cholesterol Levels, Exercise, Fame, Heart Diseases, India, Postures, Weight Loss, Yoga Instructor

Yoga is the vogue for those trying to lose some weight and get fit. It is relaxing and through meditation, one can achieve calmness of mind, as well as increase suppleness and agility through the exercises.

Yoga was formed about eight thousand years back and it can be attributed to the Indus Valley and the Vedic civilization. Other hinted to it way back before the formation of the Vedas in India. Certain historians deem that it only goes back to about four thousand years as a result of Vedic shastras and the Hindu sacred manuscript. Vasishta, Yajnavalkya, and Jaigishavya whom are well known Vedic wise men and they are among the supreme practitioners.

Yoga in recent times has been reduced to physical exercises completely different from what was scripted. Hatha yoga is the most widespread type of yoga practiced in the west. The practices are mainly centered on stretching and breathing devoid of the spiritual aspects.

Yoga offer host of benefits to our physical, emotional and spiritual make ups that other exercises cannot provide, therefore it is advantageous to take up yoga. It is one of the best exercises as it reduce your stress level and calms the mind as yoga requires stretching of the body and taking up dissimilar poses, even when you are controlling your breathe.

This give rise to a calm body yet you are fully in control. Also they are certain kinds of yoga which center on meditation and relaxation. Doing the different poses will at the same time get you lean, toned and fit. Yoga not only assists you in losing weight but tone and fortifies your body as well, that by building gorgeous muscles and not bulking.

It is one of the best forms of exercises irrespective of age or gender. Picking up the fundamentals of yoga is not difficult by progressing from simple to advanced level of postures. The most fundamental forms of yoga is the asthanga yoga with bikram yoga being the most complicated as you will have to practice it in 40 degree Celsius and a humidity of about forty percent.

Through books and DVDs you can pick up yoga easily or visit a gym to learn from a qualified yoga teacher and learning from a yoga teacher will help you to pick up the nuances of yoga and they will be there to correct your mistakes.

Learning yoga is an ongoing process and you will grow to enjoy the benefits as it is not an exhausting and arduous undertaking. Compare to other exercises, this is the one that you can benefit physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Yoga is initially alternative kinds of exercises that began to be more widespread and becoming mainstream. The yoga practice in the west is hatha yoga and it is through vigorous exercises get the body ready for extended period of meditation. Other kinds of Yoga are not that physical but just there as a philosophy.

Contorting the body into odd physical shapes is known as asana yoga. It might make you squirm but it is meant for the body to relax. There are other poses too but the easy one is enough to give the practitioner strength, control and suppleness.

Even though western countries concentrate on the physical aspects, breathing technique is as vital. Breathing complements the exercises as oxygen supports the body. With the correct breathing technique, it will help you to alleviate your stress and fuel you up. Meditation from yoga helps you to relax, think on your feet and there is a whole concept of mind and body development.

Yoga is very beneficial to mind and body and the practices have been spreading throughout the world. The increasing popularity is due to endorsement by physician who counsels their patients to take it up for the value and advantages of yoga and it also has been widely research.

As yoga relaxes and calms the mind and body and offer many other benefits, for instant uplifting of your mood; it is not surprising that physicians and scientist are keen on it and much has been written on the subject. Yoga also helps in healing and maintains health. Together there are six types of yoga and they are Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Tantra Yoga and Hatha Yoga.

Therefore with an understanding of yoga, it will point you to one of these six types and eventually when you have pick up enough knowledge; it will open your mind.

Article Source: http://www.a1-articledirectory.com

Cindy Heller is a professional writer. Visit free yoga exercises to learn more about different types of yoga and yoga for weight loss.

Technorati Tags: Agility, Calmness, Civilization, Hatha Yoga, Hindu, Historians, India, Manuscript, Meditation, Physical Exercises, Shastras, Suppleness, Vogue, Wise Men, Yoga Yoga

Most westerners usually wince when they the subject of yoga is brought up. All they see is complicated poses done by yoga practitioners. But there is easy yoga and the advanced level, so everyone who is interested can pick it up. Both easy and advanced yoga are formed thousands of years ago in India to assist practitioners achieve balance and harmony in their life. With a balanced and harmonious body, it is easy to be one with the universe.

Yoga is never religious although it was passed down from traditional Hindu sacred document. Easy yoga poses can be obtained from classes, self-help books, self taught videos or DVDs but it is better to begin learning from a qualified yoga teacher. You will then pick up all the proper yoga poses.

Yoga lessons can be tailored for children, pregnant women, senior citizens, etc as easy yoga is not at all difficult to pick up. Exercises keep your body fit and healthy and easy yoga fits the bills as it can be done in relax and joyful approaches.

As your muscles grow suppler, you will experience a growing confidence in addition to rejuvenation, reassurance and relaxation. As a form of meditation, it can help reduce stress and frustrations as well as getting healthy.

Beginners can practice yoga by following few basic steps and from there you can fully understand and garner the many benefits of yoga. Through practicing beginning yoga, you will feel emotionally and physically better.

Initially you will have to pick up the dissimilar features of yoga and the differing types. The philosophy of yoga needs to be learned as well, including the breathing techniques that will assist you in relaxation so as to attain stability to be able to acquire a right frame of mind to do intense meditation.

As you started off with beginning yoga, you will have to experience many levels of yoga and from there build up capability to sense what can be done from one level to another. Altogether there are eight levels and you need to be able to overcome each to achieve insight to a greater life. It is necessary to observe the morals and ethics of yoga in order to lead healthy life.

One of the many benefits of beginning yoga is its curative purposes and it can better your mental and physical well being. Your body will become suppler and you will be able to move about easily and you will also gain muscles and a well toned body. The mental aspects will be a reduction in stress level with increasing consciousness and calmness of mind in addition to concentrating better.

Advanced yoga is taught not to show off but one of the main attribute is humility. Yoga lessons create harmony between mind, body and soul. Although it can be learn from DVDs, books, magazines, etc, do not attempt it if you are not familiar as it is more difficult that envisage. Advanced yoga is for those experienced practitioners and Pilates can be useful too, even though Pilates focus on body and not mind and soul.

Advanced yoga is a gradual build up from easy yoga but there is more than meet the eyes as building up your ethics and morals as well as staying calm and be able to take what life throws at you and follow god’s guidance.

Advanced yoga can muster the mind to walk on broken glasses or through fire and even went without food for days, be clairvoyance and even levitate. But that is not what advanced yoga encourages as it is to be unified with the universe and show you the direction in life.

Another difficult type of yoga is the power yoga and it can be thought of as similar to karate. Even with experience in martial art instructions, you might not be sufficiently prepared to take on power yoga.

Power yoga require total dedication as the training can be intensive but it make little sense as yoga is understood to be relaxing and calming to the mind and body. But power yoga is very physical in nature.

Power yoga is all about fitness and complements the usual stretching, balance and focus; it helps in your blood circulation. The reason is more oxygen is propelled to the muscles, thus improving energy level.

Power yoga is the best way to keep fit and with this, it will help you to grow old with poise and not rapidly. Picking the techniques of power yoga is not enough, you need to practice consistently or your fitness level will drop. Sticking to a firm schedule daily is essential even with distractions. This is what discipline is all about.

Article Source: http://www.a1-articledirectory.com

Cindy Heller is a professional writer. Visit free yoga exercises to learn what is yoga and history of yoga.

Technorati Tags: Body Fit, Exercises, Harmony, Hindu, India, Pregnant Women, Self Help Books, Senior Citizens, Universe, Westerners, Yoga Lessons, Yoga Poses, Yoga Practitioners, Yoga Teacher

Yoga is a traditional system of healing for the mind and body. It means union. It is a popular belief that yoga can cleanse your body of toxins and improve muscle tone, as well as help in blood circulation. Yoga was first originated in India, where it still remains a living tradition and is followed as a means to enlightenment. This spiritual practice has been evolving for more than 5,000 years now. In yoga there are many spiritual and physical exercises that are practiced to improve ones health and well being. It is very beneficial for people suffering from anxiety, arthritis, headache, migraine, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis, and much more.

Healthy body and happiness:

It is a popular saying that a sound mind could lead to a healthy body. Everybody has the right to be happy. Happiness and peace comes from within. It depends on your thinking and also on your body. Your body’s health and your mind are directly related. Only if you have a healthy body will you be free from any physical pain, and your mind will not be disturbed. Without good health you cannot be completely at peace. In yoga various types of meditation are taught, and you are made to concentrate on your inner self. It helps to focus on positive thinking and push all the negative thoughts away. Every disease and sickness is considered nothing more than an imbalance in the natural harmony of the body and mind. Restoring this balance leads to true healing.

Yoga has become very popular worldwide. People are seeking for it, as they realize the importance of self-contentment and inner peace. Be it work pressure or health problems, yoga can help you see through it. Following yoga postures, breathing exercises and meditation can relieve you from all pains and troubles. Yoga can also help you to lose weight. It lets you tune in, chill out, and shape up, all at the same time.

Health benefits of Yoga:

Yoga is said to be beneficial for healing many problems. Some of the benefits of yoga are:

• Helps to control anxiety
• Reduces stress
• Improves arthritis, back pain, and osteoporosis
• Relieves asthma
• Controls blood pressure, diabetes and epilepsy
• Combats chronic fatigue and depression
• Cures headaches, heart disease and multiple sclerosis
• Improves concentration and creativity
• Improves blood circulation
• Lowers fat
• Creates a sense of well being and calm

Risks:

It is very important to practice yoga under the supervision of an experienced and well-trained trainer; otherwise doing wrong exercises can sometimes worsen your problem and lead to complications. The best time to do yoga is said to be in the morning. Pregnant ladies can also do yoga, as it helps in easy delivery and helps lose weight post pregnancy.

Reach your goals:

Yoga means to unify all forms of life. It has a holistic approach to all aspects of life – physical, mental and spiritual life. Each person is considered a unique combination of body, mind and soul. It teaches the importance of maintaining harmony between the mind and the body. One can achieve happiness, contentment, liberation and enlightenment from the union with the divine consciousness known as Brahman, or with Atman, the transcendent Self. With yoga, one can achieve these goals.

Paul MacIver is a contributing author for Information Spring – Visit www.guide-to-yoga.info where you can read more about yoga, yoga mats, yoga wear, and yoga equipment.

Article Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com

Technorati Tags: Anxiety, Arthritis, Blood Circulation, Enlightenment, Happiness, Headache Migraine, Health, India, Living Tradition, Migraine, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscle Tone, Osteoporosis, Peace, Physical Exercises, Popular Belief, Pregnancy, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Spiritual Practice, Yoga

When you practice yoga, it is, of course, not necessary to have a full understanding of yoga history in order to fully benefit from your practice. A brief understanding of the history behind yoga, however, may increase your spiritual practice and inspire you to find out more about the tradition behind the discipline.

The first writings about yoga were written in Sanskrit in early religious manuscripts in India called the Vedas. The word ‘yoga’ has many meanings. The root of the word is ‘yug’ which means ‘to hitch up’, referring to fastening horse bridles to a carriage. But yoga also means ‘to actively put to use’ or ‘yoke’ or ‘join’. Today, it is agreed upon that yoga is a method of joining or a discipline. Men who practice yoga are called yogi or yogin and women who practice yoga are called yogini.

Yoga was first passed from generation to generation by word of mouth. It wasn’t until about 2000 years ago when an Indian named Patanjali wrote ‘The Yoga Sutra’ that the philosophy of yoga was committed to paper. Yoga is not just about stretching and breathing and holding poses. Yoga is a philosophy on how to live life and deal with the challenges that human beings face daily. The Yoga Sutra defined this philosophy in 195 statements.

Sutra can be defined as ‘thread’ or ‘aphorism’, which means ‘a short declaration of truth’. It also means ‘the concentration of a large quantity of information into a simple definition’. It is a way of looking at truths that apply to everyone despite culture in the clearest way possible.

Hatha yoga, or the yoga that you do when you take a yoga class or perform yogic poses, was begun as a physical form of meditation. The physical act of yoga calms your body and allows your mind to become calm. It also gives you the physical strength to sustain long periods of meditation.

When you perform the physical practice of yoga, you are only engaging in half of the discipline as it has been practiced for thousands of years. Yoga is an incredible form of exercise and calming for the body, but it can also be used as a spiritual practice and a way to calm the mind and will as well.

Article Source: http://www.a1-articledirectory.com

Stephen Kreutzer is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides yoga tips on www.more-about-yoga.com.

Technorati Tags: 100 Women, Discipline, Fastening, History 101, Horse Bridles, India, Practice Yoga, Religious Manuscripts, Spiritual Practice, Tradition, Word 97, Yoga History, Yoga Sutra, Yogi, Yoke

The practice of yoga, as you may realize, has been around for thousands of years. Several researches have claimed it to be around for more than 5,000 years, actually. It was first developed in India as a philosophical practice that is centered significantly on obtaining union with the mind and body; hence it is named yoga from the Sanskrit word yuj meaning to unite.

The sequences of ashtanga yoga are primarily based on the book entitled Makaranda. This ancient spiritual approach is an energetic exercise originally intended for the teenage boys. However, things have changed and is now been performed by individuals of all ages.

The term ashtanga yoga actually means eight limbs namely yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi.

Yama has five parts such as aparigraha (non- covetousness), brahmacharya (celibacy), asteya (not robbing), satya (honesty) and ahimsa (non- violenece).
Asana is a posture that focuses on breaking free from the tensions.

Pratyahara provides internal strength by getting rid of different manner of interruptions that will lead to the development of will- power.

Dharana begins with concentration which is integrated with meditation finishing off in samadhi.

Samadhi has four impediments namely abhinivesha (fondness of the world), asmita (egoism), avidya (ignorance) and raga- dvesha (all likes and dislikes).
Dhyana proposes that material attachment, gluttony, slothfulness and subtle yearnings are considered as obstacles.

Article Source: http://www.a1-articledirectory.com

About the Author (text)

Have you every thought of becoming a yoga instructor? Being a yoga teacher is a very fulfilling and rewarding career. To learn about the best yoga home study course go to www.yogainstructorscoursecertification.com

Technorati Tags: Asana, Ashtanga Yoga, Asteya, Covetousness, Dharana, Exercise, General Principles, Honesty, India, Internal Strength, Philosophical Practice, Posture, Researches, Sequences, Spiritual Approach, Teenage Boys, Tensions, Yoga Practice

Yoga is, basically, a series of ancient practices that started in India. Since its beginnings and regardless of what branch of yoga is involved, the final purpose of yoga refers to achieving freedom from worldly pain as well as reaching an ongoing cycle of life and death. However, it has obviously shifted its sense of mainly being a spiritual practice through its widespread popularity and with the help of a yogi anybody has access to the health benefits and relaxation that yoga offers.

This is probably one of the best options nowadays in terms of relaxation for people with a stressful schedule. Yoga does, however, require that you perceive it seriously and rigorously. First of all, there’s more to it than people in spandex you see on TV in complicated, twisted positions. It’s a demanding process that’s linked to more than a single aspect of one’s lifestyle. It requires a lot of discipline and commitment. However, if you decide to take the yogi’s advice and realize the implications of yoga as to a safe diet, mental relaxation and so on and so forth, you’ll surely make the best of the health benefits it has to offer. In any case, remember to undertake plenty of documentation and explore all possible means of informing yourself before jumping to any conclusions and deciding in favor of one yoga style or another.

However, nothing is more appreciated like the actual health benefits which yoga can bring a person. The key element here is stress. A lot of the common diseases are somehow related to nervous tension and practicing yoga deals with the problem from its very core. Needless to say, on the long term, it also helps with illnesses that are not necessarily related to it, such as spine issues. Still, it’s advisable that you make use of yoga as an alternative treatment, instead of relying on it exclusively.

Health benefits stretch, though, further than the everyday use of the term. It’s also a matter of mental health and within mere weeks of rigorous yoga you’ll be able to see results regarding your life quality you never thought of.

If your interest in yoga has already been aroused, you should also consider Pilates. It’s more of an alternative form of yoga based on nearly the same principles, but the main difference is that it’s much newer. Pilates was developed by a German athlete somewhere around 80 years ago, while yoga is a thousand year old Indian practice with connections in religion and spirituality. They work differently for each individual, so do some research and ask for the advice of an expert.

There are several yoga practices destined to result in health benefits for a more specific range of individuals. For example, during pregnancy, it can ease pain in different parts of the body and even contribute to efficient nourishing of the fetus, as well as deal with anxiety and accomplish a great improvement in your general mood. It can also be an important step in healing mild depressions.

Few things are as rewarding and relaxing as yoga. With numerous health benefits, it’s accessible to nearly anyone willing to dedicate themselves to this ancient Indian practice. General improvements in body flexibility, concentration and performance won’t fail to appear.

Article Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com

Technorati Tags: Ancient Practices, Discipline, Freedom, Health Benefits, India, Lifestyle, Popularity, Relaxation, Spandex, Spiritual Practice, Yoga Benefits, Yogi

Although there are many styles of yoga, the differences are usually about emphasis, focusing on one element or another. All of the styles share the same origin – one is not better than another – it is just a matter of personal choice – there is only one yoga. However, many people over recent years have developed and taught their own style and in some of them, much of the true meaning of yoga has been missed out. The following major styles of Hatha Yoga can be seen as the closest to the ‘true’ teachings of yoga.

The founders of the 3 major styles — Ashtanga, Iyengar and Viniyoga — were all students of Sri T. Krishnamacharya, a famous teacher at the Yoga Institute at the Mysore Palace in India. Two other popular styles, Integral and Sivananda, were created by disciples of the famous guru Sri Swami Sivananda.

Ashtanga Vinyasa

This is a presentation of classical yoga, rather than a style. It was developed by Pattabhi Jois (Krishna’s senior student), based on the teachings of the Yoga Korunta. ‘Ashtanga’ means ‘8 limbs’ – as described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.

The Korunta method of Yoga is extremely ancient and was discovered and updated by Shri T. Krishnamacharya, a great master from Southern India who died in Madras in February 1989 at more than 100 years old.

The intense physical activity gradually generates a high level of energy. Combining the postures and breathing control of classical yoga with dynamic movements, – physical, mental and spiritual powers are developed. This is a process for producing intense internal heat and a purifying sweat that detoxifies the muscles and organs. The postures are linked by ‘Vinyasa’ movements taken from the Sun Salutation, synchronised with Ujjayi breathing. The Yoga Korunta consists of six series of some 40 postures each. The first series or first level, the second series or intermediate level, and the advanced series, levels A, B, C and D.

The first series is called Yoga Chikitsa (yoga therapy). It works on alignment, particularly of the muscles and joints of the body.

The second series is called Nadi Sodhana (purification of the subtle channels). It works on harmonising body and mind by fortifying the nervous system.

The advanced levels develop and intensify vital energy (prna).

Iyengar Yoga

Developed by B.K.S.Iyengar – This style emphasizes alignment and symmetry (especially through standing postures). It has a firm philosophical base in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. It encourages the use of props and straps to aid proper alignment, until the pupil achieves perfection in the posture. The aspect of “timing” is emphisised – where students are taught to stay for a longer duration of time in each posture so as to experience it. Students work within their own capabilities, and as they progress in strength and flexibility – the props can be disguarded.

Viniyoga

Developed by T.K.V. Desikachar, the son of Krishnamacharya (teacher to some of the great yoga instructors including Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois). This gentle form of flow yoga places great emphasis on the breath and coordinating breath with movement. Viniyogas flowing movement or vinyasa is similar to ashtangas dynamic series of poses, but is performed at a greatly reduced pace and stress level. Postures are chosen to suit the students abilities – so it is excellant for beginners, and those recovering from illness.

Note – although this term is widely used – it has been stated that Desikachar is no longer associating himself with the term.

Integral

Developed by Swami Satchidananda – the man who taught the crowds at the original Woodstock to chant “Om” – Integral classes put almost as much emphasis on pranayama and meditation as they do on postures.

Sivananda

This style of yoga was founded by Swami Vishnu-devananda – a student of Sri Swami Sivananda. Sivananda yoga offers a gentle approach, which takes the student through the twelve sun salutation postures and incorporates chanting, meditation, and deep relaxation in each session. The Sivananda school of yoga encourage students to embrace a healthy lifestyle and the 5 points of yoga which are – healthy diet, proper exercise (asanas), proper breathing, proper relaxation, and meditation.

Ananda Yoga

Developed by Swami Kriyananda, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda (author of the – Autobiography of a Yogi). Ananda Yoga is a classical style of hatha yoga that uses asana and pranayama to awaken, experience, and begin to control the subtle energies within oneself, especially the energies of the chakras. Its object is to use those energies to harmonize body, mind, and emotions, and above all to attune oneself with higher levels of awareness. One unique feature of this system is the use of silent affirmations while in the asanas as a means of working more directly and consciously with the subtle energies to achieve this attunement.

Please note that the author can NOT be held responsible for incorrect information in this article. This is for entertainment purpose only.

Article Source: http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com

For more YOGA visit – www.yogabhoga.co.uk and for PURE raw foods visit www.rawfoodhomepage.com

Technorati Tags: Classical Yoga, Disciples, Element, Founders, Guru, Hatha Yoga, India, Krishnamacharya, Personal Choice, Sri Swami, True Meaning, True Teachings, Yoga Institute

Meditation is a simple mental practice, which looks like thinking, but goes far beyond the process of thinking. Meditation is a heightened state of awareness. The practice of meditation can be seen in ancient religious texts (Christian, Muslim and most importantly Hindu scripts). The most widely followed meditation is Yoga meditation. Yoga was part of ancient Indian (Hindu) life and is still widely practiced. Yoga also suggests a few asana (yoga poses) for meditation and there are poses that are not suited for meditation.

Meditation, as a religious ritual was practiced for over 5000 years. The most developed form of meditation is from India, the yoga meditation. Originally proposed as a religious practice, yoga meditation is now widely practiced in the western world for its curative and pacifying effects. This kind of medicine is proved to have positive effects on both physical and mental health. Conditions like high blood pressure, insomnia, stress, etc are effectively cured with guided yoga meditation.

The goal of meditation can vary. Initially, meditation can be practiced just for relaxation. Meditation gives a relaxed and peaceful mind. Meditation can also give you greater focus and concentration powers. Meditation involves meditating of a single point or idea. This concentration passes on to all other aspects of your life. Ancient yoga practitioners of India aimed spiritual awakening through meditation. Buddha was originally meditating under a Bodhi (ficus) tree, when he achieved enlightenment. Sikhism, Taoism, Jainism, etc have meditation as an important part of their religious rituals. Similarly, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, etc also have disciples of meditation at varying levels.

Eastern martial arts like Karate, Kung fu, etc required the practitioners to meditate, to increase concentration and for better performance.

The first stage of meditation is choosing a calm location, free from distractions of all kinds. In the ancient times, Indian sages went to forests, away from other the civilization to meditate and they meditate for several years. And they mostly meditated while in the lotus pose of yoga practice. They also meditated while standing on one foot.

Meditation includes first stopping your mind from wandering into distractive thoughts. The only way you can do this is by first observing the thoughts that come to your mind, without making any effort to control or stop the thoughts. After a few days of trying, there will be only a few dozen thoughts coming to your mind, as against the hundreds of thoughts that pestered you while you started your attempt of meditation. Further attempt of a few more days will help you control your thoughts and put your focus on just one thought or idea.

One easier way to control the excess of thoughts is to just listen to the rhythm of your breathing, without controlling it. Soon you can contemplate on one thought or no thought at all. When you can fully concentrate, without the knowledge of the outside world, you have achieved the conditions of meditation. Even if you approach it as a means of fighting stress and a means of achieving higher levels of concentration, meditation will soon help you experience a spiritual bliss – no one else can explain it to you.

For meditation videos and articles, visit www.onmeditation.tv now!

Article Source: http://www.thecontentcorner.com

Technorati Tags: Ancient Religious Texts, Guided Meditation, High Blood Pressure, Hindu Scripts, India, Indian Hindu, Insomnia, Medicine, Mental Health Conditions, Muslim, Peace, Practice Yoga, Religious Practice, Religious Ritual, Stress, Yoga Meditation