Ancient Yoga Skills

Yoga, a popular exercise form these days has its roots long back in the history. It has a mention in the Vedas of Indian culture. The saints got enlightenment following yoga religiously. It is Sanskrit word which means union of soul with God. It has a mention in Bhagwad Gita, Upanishads back in 400 BC.

These scriptures mention about the ancient skills of yoga. Bhagwad Gita an epic has mentioned four yogas namely Rajyoga, Karmayoga, Bhakktiyoga and Jnanayoga.

Karmayoga means yoga through work.

·         Karma in Sanskrit means work. The people of ‘Rajasic’ natur who are constantly active and involved in something or the other, do not get time for meditation  can follow this yoga.

·          It teaches ‘how to attain the ultimate’ through your work or karma. Lord Sri Krishna also taught this to Arjun while he was in the battle field as per the mentions in Mahabharata.

Rajyoga: Controlling your mind

·         Controlling your mind and relaxing is the utmost form of yoga. It’s your mind that leads to all your actions and thoughts and hence controlling it helps you control your life.

Jnanayoga : Jnana means knowledge and this means yoga through knowledge.

·         This helps one distinguish between right and wrong, real and unreal. It is the logical and intellectual development of an individual.

·         It helps you learn distinguish between real and unreal, get rid of all passions and six virtues of life

Bhaktiyoga: Yoga through devotion

·         Devoting yourself to the creator leads to the ultimate search of humanity.

Patanjali the old institution of Yoga, formulated the sutras of Yoga or formulas of yoga. All religions in India have its base somewhere and are attached to Yoga at some or the other point. Buddhism also embraces yoga. Meditation in Buddhism, has its roots in Yoga. In Buddhism a popular term is ‘Yogachara’. It means practicing this art. The practice in Yoga leading to enlightenment is known as Yogachara.

Yoga basically aims to the tranquillity or peace of mind and body. What we know as Yoga pose is actually the ‘Asanas’. Patanjali describes  Asanas and says these are body postures and these should be comfortable so that it relaxes your mind and body. There are many asanas however; you should master it to get the right benefit from each.

Having its base in ancient culture of India this art is now most popular form of exercise world over. The art has benefited many people since ages. With time there are some modifications to this. Unlike practicing yoga in Himalayas or lonely places now yoga is practiced in yoga studios or yoga retreats. However the main aim remains same- Tranquility of mind, soul and body.