Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.
Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action … a holistic approach [that] is valuable to our health and our well-being. Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature.
Despite awesome advances in modern medicine, globally millions die of cardiovascular diseases every year. Allopathy depends on powerful drugs that have many undesirable side effects, especially when administered over a period. There is a pressing need for introducing yoga as an add-on, complimentary system to augment modern Medicare.
Indian yogic tradition is pre-historic believed to originate 5000 years ago. The first book of humankind, Rigved, mentions about yogic meditation. Yajurved exhorts us to practice yoga for enhancing mental health, physical strength and prosperity. Upanishads are replete with yogic concepts and Bhagavadgita (~3000BC) mentions the term yoga.
Standardise yoga ha eight limbs or key facets:
- Yamas (observance),
- Niyamas (self-discipline),
- Asana (physical postures),
- Pranayama (breath regulation),
- Pratyahara (sensory withdrawal),
- Dharana (concentration),
- Dhyana (meditation), and
- Samadhi (integration).
