WHAT IS YOGA?

Yoga was developed in India thousands of years ago, where its techniques were kept secret and were passed down from guru to disciple by word of mouth.  The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root "yuj" which means to join, yoke, attach or bind.  Yoga is a system of physical, mental, and spiritual practices, with the ultimate goal of union between the indivdiual selt (atman) and the higher self (Brohman).  The classical yoga texts are written from a Hindu perspective and sometimes the higher self is referred to as God, but this does not mean yoga is a religion, or that certain religious beliefs must be adhered to.  Yoga is a philosophy, a science and an art form.

The yoga featured in the box sets we sell in our store are called Hatha yoga and is the most commonly practiced form in the West and concentrates mainly on the physical body through asanas (postures), and pranayama (breathing practices).  Hatha comes from the Sanskrit words "ha" and "tha", which mean sun and moon respectively.  Hatha yoga brings about a balance between opposites--sun/moon, cool/warm, left/right, negative/positive etc.  It is also a means of awakening the "kundalini" or universal energy, which is dormant in the base chakra (see page 114 of our Yoga book for more detail).

RELEVANCE OF YOGA TODAY

Many of us are constantly under pressure, juggling family life with work and the needs each of these areas demand.  All these factors build up to a stressful existence with little time being spent on the individual.  Yoga is, therefore, very relevant in today's busy world.

In yoga we are taught to listen to our bodies, to experience the effect the yoga practices have on us as individuals.  In this way it gives us a better awareness and understanding, not ony of our own needs, but also those of others.

Yoga is suitable for most people, and each individual can go as deeply into it as they want.  Many take it up solely for the physical aspect and this is absolutely fine.  Quite often though, with regular asana practice, lined with breath control a spiritual awakening occurs.

THERE ARE MANY BENEFITS WHICH CAN BE ACHIEVED THROUGH REGULAR YOGA PRACTICE--NOT ONLY FOR THE BODY BUT FOR THE MIND AS WELL.

PHYSICAL BENEFITS:  the gentle stretching involved in asana practice will improve blood circulation to the cells of the body, thus enhancing muscle tone, strength and overall fitness.  One should always try to hold each posture for an equal length of time on each side, so that the body becomes more balanced and symmetrical.

MENTAL BENEFITS:  Merely dedicating time to yourself will be beneficial.  The physical movements of yoga linked with the breath will calm the mind and improve concentration.  Yoga can relieve stress, allowing more control over the emotions--especially anger.  This will all add up to increased feelings of happiness and positive thinking.