Welcome to the Yoga Tips Library, a new resource for information on yoga for man and women.

We have collated a wealth of yoga information and will be bring you regular tips to help you appreciate the benefits of yoga in our Mind Body Yoga section of our wbesite.

INTRODUCTION TO YOGA

Introduction to yoga is often done through group classes or even by videos. It is an ancient discipline at first practiced by aesthetics and religious scholars. However now it is gaining unprecedented popularity as people from all walks of life embrace it. Now a growing number of people are seeing the benefits of this ancient discipline in our modern day lives

The 8 branches of Yoga are:

Yamas: this is your attitude towards the world around you and other people. There are five of these Yamas.

• Ahimsa or non-violence: this yama is all about kindness to everyone and everything and making a special effort not to harm any living thing including yourself
• Satya or truthfulness: this is about thinking before you act or speak and understanding the consequences of your actions and speech.
• Asteya or non-stealing: this is about not stealing other people’s material goods or ideas and not using ones power to for selfish gain or betraying trust.
• Bramacharya or non-lust: this is to practice moderation in everything and controlling our desires and exercising self control
• Aparigraha or non-possessiveness: this means not taking advantage of people and situations and being free from greed. It is learning not to exploit others.

Niyamas: Is about your attitude to yourself and how you treat yourself. It includes self examination.

Asanas or Physical Poses: An introduction to yoga would not be complete without the 3rd and most famous branch of yoga Asanas or Physical Poses: These are the physical positions in this discipline that keep the body healthy and release energy to it. In this way a person is able to be more mentally alert and has an overall feeling of well being.

Pranayama or Breathing Exercises: These are the exercises that control breathing and release energy to the body. This also allows you to focus better and is often done in preparation for meditation.

Prathayara or Withdrawal of the Senses: This is part of meditation the complete withdrawal from the outside world.

Dharana or Concentration: This is the art of focusing and concentration and again is often a preparation for meditation.

Dhyana or Meditation: This encompasses the discipline of meditation. This is how you train your mind to focus better and relive yourself of tension and stress. Mediation can do many things apart from disciplining your mind; it can also release energy to your body and improve your overall health.

Samadhi or Enlightenment: This is the zenith of these 8 branches. It is when you reach the final peak of your disciplines. You feel that you and the universe are one and you experience the peace and awareness that the entire teachings have been leading up to.

With this short introduction to yoga you will see how it involves everything about your life the people around you and your environment. You can learn more about this fascinating discipline by taking lessons, reading books and studying videos. They will show you the multiple benefits of this ancient art. Go out there and explore the mysterious and wonderful world of this time-honored discipline in mind body yoga.