Anyone who is interested in learning yoga can choose a number of different types. Taking a closer look at yoga will also involve taking a look at one of its more popular forms also known as Hatha yoga.
Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word that means "union" in English. People who are experts in the study of Yoga believe that this union is the union of the inner soul and the cosmos as well. Yoga started some five to eight thousand years ago in India and over the years yoga experts who are called Yogis or Yoginis created techniques in Yoga that were practical and help an individual achieve the final goal of this union between the inner soul and cosmos. During this classical yoga period, the Yoga Sutra which was written by Pantanjali in the second century was created. This Sutra is also known as the foundation of all existing kinds of yoga. The most popular form of yoga in the western world in known as Hatha yoga and when people mention yoga, this is usually what they are referring to.
It was the Yogi Swami Swatmarama who came up with the word Hatha yoga. The translation of "Ha" and "Tha" in Sanskrit is Sun (heat) and moon (cold) respectively, this definition of yoga means a union of forces that are in opposition. Hatha yoga is meant to prepare a person for a higher level of yoga. It involves breathing techniques known as Pranayama, special postures known as asanas and meditation. By balancing the positive and negative forces within the body we can easily regulate the vital forces in our body now as prana. We can also clear our minds and gain subconscious states too. Hatha yoga is the most physical form of yoga that is known today.
Hatha yoga starts off with a cleansing process which opens up the psychic (pranic) channels. Yogis in ancient times actually believed that the mastery of breathing patterns ultimately lead to the mastery of the mind. This in turn would bring the body into a state where it would be free from diseases as the opening of blocked channels allows for a state where the mind and body is balanced. Breathing to these yogis was one of the most essential functions in the entire body. Because prana can be found in the air, breathing properly can lead directly to good health.
After this we have the asanas or poses. These poses are used to control and extend the vital energy that exists in each of us. Asanas are special body positions which equip you with qualities that you do not posses. These poses help you balance and regulate the nervous, endocrine and circulatory systems too. Asanas are also known to have healing effects too. The initial reasons why these Asanas were developed were so that people would be able to remain in one position for a considerably long time which would aid in meditation. Today we can easily see that these asanas provide flexibility as well as strength and balance.
Darren Williger writes for CoffeeZen.com, BeeYourself.com, and PrimeYoga.com
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