|
 |
 |
| WHAT IS YOGA? Many who feel that they know what yoga is suppose that it consists of only breathing exercises, postures, different forms of meditation and asceticism; but this is not entirely the case. Yoga is a subject far more vast in scope than is even surmised by the average person. It embraces practically all phases of life and every field of endeavor. Here is a thing that yoga is NOT: Yoga is NOT contortion. It is NOT an abnormal twisting of the body into many shapes miscalled "postures" or Asanas. Yoga is NOT a starvation of the body - especially not to the point where it resembles a living skeleton, not any other form of self-torture. Yoga is NOT comprised of anything which works contrary to Nature. Yoga is NOT an idle "dreaming" away of one's time. Webster's Dictionary defines the term as follows: "Yoga, a form of Hindu ascetic philosophy which inculcates abandonment of all worldly interests and objects." This would be a fine description were it not so limited, as Yoga is not confined to renunciation of action. Yoga is a Sanskrit term derived from its root "Yug," which signifies "to join"; hence, "union." To know fully what Yoga is, one must refer to the Upanishads, which combined are the written standard and the source of Yoga and all other philosophies. From the Kathopanishad is quoted: "That is called the highest condition wherein all the five senses and the mind remain under full control and wherein even the intellect does not pass out to other desires. This steadying of the senses is called Yoga; the Yoga is creating accompanied with giving up." Concerning the preceding quotation, this is the sum: Yoga is the Spirit of God itself - nothing less. Thus can It be perceived that Yoga is a principle - a most highly spiritual one. |
| Yoga or the Spirit of God expresses itself specifically in three different aspects, which are called branches. These branches are known as: Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga and Gnami Yoga, which are described thus: Hatha Yoga is the science of physical well being in which the human body is brought to the most perfect state of health possible through intelligent control of the Prana in breathing, correct posture, proper diet and relaxation. In fact, it is a science which deals with the body - its care - its strength - and all that tends to keep it in its natural and normal state of health. It teaches a natural mode of living. To live in accord with the Laws of Nature is its keynote. A person who practices this branch of Yoga is called a Hatha Yogi. Raja Yoga, or mental development, is the training of the intellectual faculties of Will, Reason, Imagination, Memory and Discrimination through the unfoldment of sub-consciousness of the 'I AM', and the conquest of the senses. In this branch of Yoga, the body is disciplined by and made to obey the orders of the mind. Raja Yoga is known as a Raja Yogi. Gnani Yoga, or Supreme Wisdom, is where the highly developed mind, by pure reason, is able to comprehend the most obstruse knowledge of The Absolute and man's relationship to It. Such knowledge liberates the Spirit, which is the Real Self that appears otherwise fettered by the senses in their attachment to their objects. One that practices this Yoga is called a Gnani Yogi. From these three, which are the principal branches, emanate several others such as: Bhakti Yoga, the Yoga of Divine Love and Devotion; Karma Yoga, the Yoga of work, where one works for the love of his work rather than for the results accruing there-from; Samadhi Yoga, the Yoga of Ecstasy through higher Meditation; Mantra Yoga, the Yoga of Affirmation; Dhanna Yoga, the Yoga of Virtue; Sankhya Yoga, the Yoga of Self-Realization through superior knowledge. The true purpose of Yoga is to cause one's physical, ethical, Psychical, mental and spiritual perfection through its serious study and constant practice, whereby the physical body is made normal that it may be a perfect vehicle or expression (temple) of the indwelling Spirit - God, which is the Real Self of every person. Its study and practice means in sum a sound body and a sane mind. (Information from The Mystery of Breath - Rishi Krishnananda) |
| PRANA / THE BREATH In the air is a form of energy which is known by the Yogis of India as "Prana". Prana is a Sanskrit term signifying "Vital Force". Breath is the measured quality of this Vital Force, or Prana, while breathing is the act of measuring. This Vital Force is in all forms of life - from the amoeba to man. Prana is in the air, but is not the air nor one of its chemical constituents. Through breathing, it is taken up by the system, along with oxygen, and yet is not oxygen. In ordinary breathing, one extracts and absorbs a normal supply of Prana. But by correct breathing, that is, intelligently controlled and regulated breathing (Pranayama), one is able to extract and absorb a greater supply of Prana, which is stored away in the brain and nerve centers, to be used when necessary. One may store away Prana, just as the storage battery stores away electricity. Here are some reasons why one should consciously breathe: Prana purifies and recharges the blood so arteries and veins do not become congested or hardened. It metabolizes the body so the brain and all the other cells perform their work properly. Glands function in their due amount of secretion and excretion. It helps the stomach and other organs of digestion. The lungs and the other respiratory organs will receive their due amount of vitality. Prana also helps cerebrospinal and sympathetic nervous system to not become deranged. All of this depends soley upon man's ability to extract from the air and absorb into his body the required amount of Prana or Vital Force. The cause of senility and all forms of sickness, disease and weakness is the absence of some quality of this Vital Life Force. Hatha Yoga aims at teaching one how to extract from the air and absorb into the body the required amount of Prana to be retained and utilized as a preventive for sickness, disease, weakness, senility and even death. Basic Yogi Complete Breathing Wearing loose fitting clothes, stand or sit comfortably and relaxed with spine straight. 1. (a) Inhale slowly through the nose. The first movement is pressure-on the diaphragm which causes it to descend, filling the lower part of the lungs. (b) The second movement is to protrude the lower ribs, lower part of the chest and - breastbone, which fills the middle portion of the lungs. (c) The third movement is expanding and raising the upper ribs and upper part of the chest to fill the higher section of the lungs. (d) The lower part of the abdomen should then be slightly drawn in to give the lungs a support which action at the same time helps to fill the highest portion of the lungs. Remember, these are NOT three distinct movements, they should be performed in one steady and continuous inhalation from the start to the finish of the breath. Each movement is blended into the other. 2. Retain the air a few seconds (for the count of three). 3. Holding the chest in a firm position, exhale slowly, drawing the abdomen in a little and lifting it upward slowly as the air leaves the lungs. When the air is entirely exhaled, relax the chest and abdomen. It will be helpful to practice this exercise before a mirror, placing your hands lightly over your abdomen so that you can feel the movements of the diaphragm. Two important things to remember are: never retain the air too long. That is, until it becomes uncomfortable; and sufficient rest between breaths. And do not go too fast. Remember 'haste makes waste', therefore, adopt the 'slow but sure' policy. |