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YOGA

MEANING OF YOGA OR WHAT IS YOGA?

The origin of the word yoga is from the Sanskrit word Yuj , which means to join. The Patanjali is to be the

founder of yoga. In simple words, yoga is a way to join God. In other words Yoga is a union of Atma &

Parmatma. Yoga has been practiced in India since times immemorial. Practice and importance of yoga

has been referred to in our Vedas i.e. Athar Ved, Rig Ved, Yajur Ved and Saam Ved. The four path of

Yoga are:-

1. Karm Yog2. Gyan Yog3. Dhyan Yog4. Bhakti Yog

YOGA AS HERITAGE OF INDIA

Indian cultural is very old and very wide. Yoga is a part of the old cultural heritage. It had originated in

India many years ago. In ancient time yogas cultural values had no written records but it was inherited

from generation to generation through Bhramins or Gurus. Yoga has been described in holy book

Ramayana. In Geeta Lord Krishna had explained the importance of yoga in life. In many old temples

there has been depiction of yoga asanas and pranayama. The cultural heritage of yoga was lost during

the Mugal and British period.

ELEMENTS OF YOGA

According to Ashtang yoga from Patanjali, there are the following processes of yoga:-

1. YAMA: These are the basic principles for the benefit of society such as honesty, truthful, non-violence, non steal.

2. NIYAM: These are the basic principles for self like a healthy body, hygienic habits, proper diet,sleep, rest, work routine etc.

3. ASANA: These are slow stretching activities performed to improve the whole body fitness.4. PRANAYAM: This is a systematic control of breathing performed to improve the internal

functioning of the whole body. Many types of kriyas are also practiced in these.

5. PRATYAHAR: These are performed to improve intellectual capabilities. It develops inner mentalstrength by controlling sense organs.

6. DHARNA: These are performed under the able guidance of a guru, who guides for maximumdevelopment and control of sense.

7. DHAYANA: It is the process of controlling the mind through meditation. It develops high level ofconcentration.

8. SAMADHI:It is the stage of super consciousness where dhayana reaches its climax. It is alsothe state of union with God.

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ASANS AND ITS BENEFITS

1. TARR ASANA: In this asana, a person stands on toes. Slowly raises both hands as much aspossible while coming on toes.

BENEFITS:-

I. Develop legs muscles.II. Increases height in children.

III. Relieves leg and ankle pain.2. TRIKON ASANA: Feet apart, try to touch hand to foot while other hand is raised up and look up.

BENEFITS:-

I. Improves trunk and legs flexibility.II. Reduces obesity.

3. PADMA ASANA: It is sitting with crossed legs in such a way that feet should touch the oppositehip while hands are on knees and the back is straight.

BENEFITS:-

I. A very good meditation posture.II. Improves leg strength and flexibility.

III. Cures arthritis.4. VAJRA ASANA:- In this asana we sit with flexed legs with hands are over knees and back straight.

Body is resting over the ankles.

BENEFITS:-

I. Improves leg muscles and shapens legs.II. Cures gastric problems.

5. SHAV ASANA: It is a resting pose in a lying position. Hands and feet are motionless, face isupwards, control the breath without any disturbance. It is a relaxing pose.

BENEFITS:-

I. Relaxes body.II. Stabalise the breathing.

III. Reduces stress and tension.

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DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ASANAS AND EXERCISES

ASANAS: These are slow stretching activities in which heart rate, breath rate and body

temperature remain normal. The effects of yoga are internally felt and not observable. It increases

concentration and controls our behavior. To show positive effects of yoga is a long process but the

results are permanent.

EXERCISES: Exercise is a fast activity in which heart rate, breath rate and body temperature

increase. The effects are external and observable like increase in muscle mass. These effects are for

shorter period and can be measured. It also improves physical fitness and wellness.

ROLE OF YOGA IN SPORTS

Yoga plays an important role in sports. The elements of yoga like asana, pranayam and dhyan are usually

performed by sportsmen for various purposes in sports. Yoga benefits in following ways:-

I. Develops FitnessII. Relaxes Body

III. Improves ConcentrationIV. Helpful During Off-seasonV. Improves various systems

VI. Increases ImmunityVII. Weight Control

PRANAYAM:

Pranayam means control and regulation of the respiration. The practice of Pranayam is done by

concentration and regulation of breathing. Pranayams are systematic breathing activities in which

inhale, exhale and holding of breath (Purak, Rechak and Kumbhak) are controlled. Pranayama helps

sportsmen to improve their vital capacity and breath holding capacity. Pranayam also helps in

purification of blood which ultimately keep all the body organs health which is necessary to lead healthy

life.

MEDITATION

Meditation means attention. When one sustains the attention or maintains the focus of attention

through concentration unbound by time and space, then it becomes meditation. Meditation improves

the concentration level of sports person and helps to learn techniques easily. It helps to keep the mind

stable, it relaxes the stresses and tensions of the person.