Yoga, A Way Of Life

'Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.

                               Bhagwad  Gita

The secret to knowing health is knowing how to deal with one's body. Our yogis through their research discovered Yoga, the science of seeking out the flow,  which rises and falls within each of us; then tuning in and harmonising one's existence with the flow.

The word Yoga means connection - union. Yoga is the unification of mind,  body and soul. It is the art and science of true and lasting happiness. The prime purpose of Yoga is internal cleansing by self knowledge. It not intended for physical fitness. Physical fitness is the byproduct of Yoga. Asanas,  postures, pranayama, dhyana offers physical,  psychological and spiritual benefits. Yoga unifies human consciousness with the divine consciousness. 

Yoga needs to permeate all our actions. The yamas and niyams -the restraints and observances are the first two stages of Ashtang yoga - non-violence, truth, non-stealing, continence and celibacy, purity, contentment, penance, study of self and surrender to the absolute respectively are good check points. The other six steps are asanas,pranayama, pratyahar,dharana, dhyana and samadhi.

To relieve from stress asanas and pranayama can help, because stress is all in the  mind. When the mind gets disturbed,  we  should move into the body. Asanas can be simple,  but should be done with sincerity and proper balance of inhalation and exhalation. Pranayama is essential to regulate breath and vital energy. "Those who have mastered the art of breathing have mastered the art of living ".

The common thread that unifies all yogic practices is energy. Prana - energy intelligently governs all bodily systems and is intimately connected with the mind. Since the goal of life is happiness, prana's connection with the mind is relevant. Things that we like lift our spirit and things that we dislike depress us. Hence, people react positively and negatively, up and down all day, every day. By practicing Yoga we can control upward or downward movements of energy. Thus, we can control our emotions and begin to find inner joy through dedicated practice. 

Yoga is to shine the light of awareness in every corner of the body. We become more conscious of our actions, because we begin to live in the present. Awareness is the greatest gift of Yoga. Yogasutras by Maharshi Patanjali gives valuable insights into Yoga. By practicing eight- fold steps, one gets started towards the journey of self-realisation. Although Hathayoga and Rajyoga seem different, but the  ultimate goal of all practices is self realisation through practicing Rajyoga given by Maharshi Patanjali. 

In the current scenario of Covid-19, one can not only boost his immunity,  but also gets protected by practicing Yogic practices. It is a protective shield - vaccine for any disease. One can live a happy, balanced and a disciplined life, if he incorporates Yoga in his daily routine. 

On this international Yoga Day,  let us all commit some time to our overall health. Yoga is a complete way of life with practices and insights, enhancing everything we do. Unifyng all the techniques of Yoga is Meditation.