FAQ on Yoga

:: Could you please define the term "YOGA"?
:: What makes Yoga so popular even in this Technological era ?
:: Is Yoga confined merely to the practice of Asanas?
:: As a beginner, what changes should I make in my life style ?
:: What benefits would I gain by shifting my work-outs at the gym to yogasanas ?
:: How does asanas enable me to gain control over the mind ?
:: I have heard a lot about Soorya namaskara[ritual salutation to the sun]. Good if you could explain the same.?
:: What is the Therapeutic value of yoga?

Could you please define the term "YOGA"?
The term Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word yug which means "to unite". Here the union is of Jeevathma with Paramathma [ the individual self with universal self].This means the expansion of narrow, constrained and ego-centric personality to the all pervasive, eternal and blissful state of consciousness.

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What makes Yoga so popular even in this Technological era?
The study and practice of Yoga from the Vedic age to the present age has proved that Yoga practice is a conscious process of gaining mastery over the mind, enabling one to develop his latent potentialities, improve concentration and memory etc. This naturally leads to success, improvements in relationships and a balanced life which is the goal of each individual even in this modern world. Besides this, Yogic practices are a boon to the sick, a solace to the restless mind and also help one to maintain his beauty and body shape.

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Is Yoga confined merely to the practice of Asanas?
Asana is just one of the ashtanga [8 limbs] of Pathanjalis Yoga sootras.The ultimate goal of Yoga is to attain the complete state of bliss [samadi].This is achieved by the hierarchical practice of asthangas.that is yama(Ethical observation), niyama(Physical & mental habits), asana(Physical exercise),pranayama(Inhalation & exhalation), prathyahara (Control of mind),dharana(Concentration), dhyana(Meditation), samadi(Total bliss).

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As a beginner, what changes should I make in my life style ?
Yoga aims to attain physical, mental, and spiritual happiness and since sareera[physical body and manas[mind] are inter linked ,the food you eat, habits like smoking and drinking, personal hygiene etc not just influence your body but also have their impact on your mind.So, slowly cultivate the habit of having sathvic ahara[wholesome nutritious diet], reduce the number of ciggerettes and the drinks you consume daily, and also be clean and tidy to draw the maximum benefit from the practice of yoga.

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What benefits would I gain by shifting my work-outs at the gym to yogasanas?
While the daily work-outs at the gym may keep your body in shape and reduce the cholesterol level, by practicing the yoga asanas mentioned in the yogasootras, you gain control over your mind, your emotions, temper and anger in addition to the physiological benefits.

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How does asanas enable me to gain control over the mind?
Asanas are performed by regulating breathing and having an awareness of the changes taking place at the cellular level while stretching, flexing, twisting, and relaxing various parts of the body. Gradually, you will find that you gain mastery over your consciousness through this practice.

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I have heard a lot about Soorya namaskara[ritual salutation to the sun]. Good if you could explain the same.?
Soorya namaskara is a combination of many asanas performed by regulating breathing and so daily practice of 3 to 6 rounds keep you physically, mentally and spiritually fit.

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What is the Therapeutic value of yoga?
Besides toning your muscle and keeping your body in shape, yogic practices regulate the production and release of hormones - from the hypothalamus, stimulating hormones from the pituitary gland, the release of various growth, sex, steroid, corticosteroid hormones from the respective glands, the release of histamines, digestive enzyme, etc. These are beneficial for diseases like Diabetes, Hypertension, ulcers, asthma, whose etiology is well known to you. The various asanas are performed giving importance to spine and so reduces rheumatic complaints, low back pain and above all, gives wonderful results in managing abnormal mood behaviors..

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