Yoga focuses on breathing, flexibility and mental focus building for mental and physical well-being. It’s a mix of physical, mental and spiritual practices which makes a human being disciplined. What began as a spiritual practice in ancient India has evolved into a popular discipline followed by millions worldwide.
“Yuj,” is a Sanskrit word that means to connect or unite. This is where the word “yoga” comes. The word’s basic fact tells a powerful story. It helps to build up a connection between your body and mind. This will help the individual’s body and mind work together in precise habits.
Yoga seeks calm and self-actualization even in the face of the most challenging tasks. That’s when people reach the state of “kaivalya” or real freedom. It creates fundamental human values and encourages people to lead healthy lives that are full of happiness, contentment, and thankfulness.
Yoga through the ages
Yoga’s historical development offers a fascinating glimpse into the nature of humanity. Here’s a look at different aspects of yoga over the years:
Indus Valley Civilization
The Indus Valley Civilization’s archaeological discoveries contain the oldest evidence of yoga. Seals show people in what appear to be yogic asanas (poses), indicating that even in prehistoric times, this practice was well-established.
Vedic Period
The earliest Indian literature, the Rig Veda, is where the word “yoga” first appears. In this context, it speaks to a mental state of yoking or unity with the divine.
The philosophical treatises known as the Upanishads, which are connected to the Vedas, build on the idea of yoga as a way to personal knowledge.
Classical period
During this time, Patanjali wrote the Yoga Sutras, which are regarded as the founding texts of yoga philosophy. The eight limbs of yoga (Ashtanga Yoga) described by Patanjali provide an organized approach to becoming free. It includes meditation, asanas (physical postures), pranayama (breath control), and ethical behavior.
Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism all absorbed yoga into their spiritual traditions, resulting in a mixture of the three traditions.
Medieval period
Hatha yoga rose to popularity during this time, with a focus on physical postures and breathing techniques. Tantra yoga was developed to investigate the connection between awareness and energy.
Modern period
Yoga was first introduced to the West in the late 19th and early 20th century by individuals such as Swami Vivekananda. Yoga’s appeal as a stress-reduction and fitness tool skyrocketed in the 20th century.
Nowadays, there are many different types of yoga, ranging from the intense Vinyasa to the healing Yin yoga.
Postures matter in yoga
When yoga is started there are certain postures which are needed to bring up the foundation of yoga practice. With the help of these postures, it helps individuals grab the benefits of flexibility, improved muscle strength and many more. Sometimes it also improves your happiness.
There are thought to be 66 fundamental yoga poses and 19 distinct forms of yoga.
Benefits of Yoga
Physical benefits:
Yoga helps to extend and widen your muscles, benefiting the joint range of mobility. Individuals’ chance of injury can be lessened and daily activities will become easier with this flexibility. Muscle power is boost up by holding yoga positions, especially in the shoulders, back, and main body. The person who do yoga in a daily basis has the upperhand on balance, posture, and general level of fitness which can be heightened in all circumstances.
Diffrent types of yoga, including Vinyasa yoga, can improve your heart rate and strengthen your heart.
Discomforting issues from conditions adding up headaches, arthritis, and lower back discomfort can be reduced from doing this yoga.
Mental benefit:
Yoga combines meditation and breathwork, which helps ease anxiety and promote mental calmness. Yoga teaches you to calm your mind and control your breathing, which can help you become more focused and attentive.
Practicing yoga can increase your awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations.
Yoga offers an option for inquiry whether your goals are greater spirituality, inner peace, or physical fitness. Millions of people are still inspired by yoga’s diversity and wide range of activities, which may be traced back to its ancient roots and modern forms.
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Writer
Mostofa Imam
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE