Yoga and Meditation
Yoga has become an inseparable part of our lives. Either you are practising it or watching others doing the same. Health gurus recommend Yoga as one of the best alternatives to cure many ailments. Community parks today are the popular hubs for Yoga enthusiasts. What is Yoga and from where did it originate? Let’s go on the journey of the ancient philosophy for the healthy coordination of body, mind and soul.
Yoga Origin and History
🐞 Yoga was originated in India. Yes, put a full-stop to your curiosity and remember it once for all🙂
🐞 One of the six orthodox schools of Hindu tradition, Yoga means the physical, mental and spiritual practices to improve the overall health.
🐞 The signs of using Yoga were found in Indus Valley stone carvings.
🐞 Rigveda didn’t mention the practising of Yoga, though Brihadaranyaka Upanishad explains the use of Pranayama (Controlling breath with yoga).
🐞 Bhagwad Geeta and Mahabharata (Religious books of Hindus) also have relevant texts on Yoga.
🐞 Swami Vivekananda introduced Yoga to the western countries in the nineteenth century. After that many yoga gurus started their practice in other countries.
🐞 Buddhism, Jainism and Ajivika schools of thought also followed the yoga directives.
🐞 Yoga means union. Any path that unites/connects you to the superior power is yoga. It can be physical stretching, controlling the breath or meditation.
🐞Mediation is focusing on the ultimate power (God/ Brahmana) to achieve self-realization. It is a form of Yoga where we calm the wandering mind by concentrating on a single object, real or virtual.
🐞 Modern Yoga came into existence in the 1980s and it was quite different from the ancient Yoga philosophy. While ancient Yoga was more physical exercises and a spiritual connection, Modern yoga blends western gymnastics with ancient ‘Hath Yoga’. Modern Yoga has been used for physical health and fitness only; the spiritual aspect is ignored.
🐞 The number of Yoga- Asanas grew rapidly in the twentieth century.
🐞 People differed in coming to the conclusion that Yoga is only a physical exercise. Many countries banned Yoga because it was linked with Hinduism. But with time everybody is understanding the benefits of Yoga.
Yoga is a blessing for humans. In a stressful life like ours, practising yoga can bring visible results. These scientifically proven health concepts should be adopted for healthy living. What do you think? Please share your views in the comment box:)
This post is a part of Blogchatter A2Z and Global AtoZ blogging challenge. I’m writing 26 posts in the month of April on the theme Glimpse of India. Follow my work on social media platforms with hashtags #AditiWrites, #CelebrateIndiaWithAditi
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