Yoga

YogSutras is about Yoga sutras of Patanjali, Raja Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Tantra Yoga, Matra Yoga, meditation, Yoga Asanas, Yoga Mudras, Pranayama etc. 

http://yogsutras.blogspot.com/

Yoga–> The word “Yoga” comes from Sanskrit root “Yujir Yogey” means to unite, to yoke, to join, to put together, Yoga about developing harmony between mind and the body. In Yoga, you use your mind to perceive (diagnose) and guide (heal) your body. Yoga is a 5000 year old science whose teachings were first imparted not in a classroom or Gurukul, but on the battle field of Kurukshetra. In the epic ‘Mahabharata’, the sage, Lord Krishna is first said to have imparted the teachings of Yoga to his despondent student Arjuna. Yoga refers to traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India; to the goal achieved by those disciplines; and to one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy. 

Yoga is a way of life, a conscious act, not a set or series of learning principles. The dexterity, grace, and poise you cultivate, as a matter of course, is the natural outcome of regular practice. You require no major effort. In fact trying hard will turn your practices into a humdrum, painful, even injurious routine and will eventually slow down your progress. Subsequently, and interestingly, the therapeutic effect of Yoga is the direct result of involving the mind totally in inspiring (breathing) the body to awaken. 

Major branches of yoga include Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Hatha Yoga. Raja Yoga, compiled in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and known simply as yoga in the context of Hindu philosophy, is part of the Samkhya tradition. Many other Hindu texts discuss aspects of yoga, including the Vedas, Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the Shiva Samhita and various Tantras.

The main credit for systematizing Yoga goes to Patanjali who wrote ‘Yoga Sutra’, two thousand Years ago. He described the principles of the full eight fold yogic discipline. He composed the treatise in brief code words known as ‘Sutras’. ‘Yoga Sutra’ is the most important basic text on Yoga. It is through this basic treatise that the essential message of yoga spread throughout the world.

 

Aim of Yoga is the attainment of the physical, mental and spiritual health. Patanjali has recommended eight stages of Yoga discipline. They are           

• Yama- Yamas (abstentions or restrains)
• Niyama- Niyamas (observances)-austerities, purity, contentment, study, surrender of the ego
• Asana- Physical postures or exercises
• Pranayama- Control of vital energy (Breathing control)
• Partyahara- Withdrawal of the senses
• Dharana- Concentration of the mind (Contemplation)
• Dhyana- Meditation
• Samadhi- Attainment of The super conscious state 

There are different types of yoga that are practiced such as the following:    

• Raja Yoga
• Pranava yoga
• Vinyasa Yoga
• Ashtanga Yoga
• Power Yoga
• Bikram Yoga
• Hatha Yoga
• Kundalini Yoga
• Dhyana Yoga
• Iyengar Yoga
• Bhakti Yoga
• Jnana Yoga
• Karma Yoga
• Mantra Yoga
• Tantra Yoga
• Purna Yoga
• Sidha Yoga
• Anusara Yoga
• Restorative Yoga

This page has the following sub pages.

• Top Yoga Centers in India
• Yoga for Fitness