Ashtanga Yoga
Regular practice of yoga has brought immense health benefits to millions of people worldwide. Yoga has evolved from thousands of years and people across all cultures, religions and countries are seeking out the benefits that yoga offers. There are many different types of yoga forms that have evolved over the years. These different types of yoga were introduced by Yogic Gurus and then taught to people. Today we delve further into Ashtanga Yoga.
Ashtanga Yoga is the system of yoga taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Bangalore. This method of yoga includes the proper synchronization of breath along with the asanas or postures so that it leads to intense internal heat and purifying sweat that helps to detoxify the muscles and organs. As a result you experience immense improvement in your blood circulation. It also helps you to maintain a strong body and a calm mind.
Ashtanga can be broken down into Astha meaning eight and Anga menaing limbs and so the whole word means the Eight Limb Path. The asanas, Pranayamas and the Dharnas are based on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The history of Ashtanga Yoga goes back to 500 B.C. it has its roots in the Vedic Philosophy and great sage composed the path into a Philosophy. The book contained the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga. The first limb is Yama meaning principles or moral code. Yama is divided into Ahimsa (Principle of non violence), Satya (Truth), Asteya (Non Stealing), Brahmacharya (Celibacy) and Aparigah (Non possessiveness).
Next is Niyama related to Personal Disciplines. It consists of Shoucha (Purity), Santosh (Contentment), Tapa (Endurance), Swadhyaya (Self Study), Eshwar Pranidhan (Dedication). The third limb is the Asana related to yoga postures and positions. Pranayana consists of breatying exercises and the control and extension of breath. Pratyahara refers to the preparation to improve the thinking capabilities and power of the mind. Then is Dharana which concentrates on mind on one objects and its field. Dhyan refers to drawing the mind from all external objects and focusing it on one point and meditating on it. Sanadhi is the state of joy or what we refer to as super bliss. It is also referred to as the union of Jivatman and Paramatman. Sanadhi also refers to Salvation, which means Realization of God which is the ultimate achievement of human birth.
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