Introduction To Yoga

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Introduction to Yoga
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1. What Is Yoga?
The word yoga, from the Sanskrit word yuj means to yoke or bind and is often
interpreted as union or a method of discipline. A male who practices yoga is called a
yogi, a female practitioner, a yogini.
The Indian sage Patanjali is believed to have collated the practice of yoga into the Yoga
Sutra an estimated 2,000 years ago. The Sutra is a collection of 195 statements that
serves as a philosophical guidebook for most of the yoga that is practiced today. It also
outlines eight limbs of yoga:
the yamas (restraints), niyamas (observances), asana (postures), pranayama (breathing
),pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), dharana (concentration), dhyani (meditation),
and samadhi(absorption). As we explore these eight limbs, we begin by refining our
behavior in the outer world, and then we focus inwardly until we reach samadhi
(liberation, enlightenment).
Today most people practicing yoga are engaged in the third limb, asana, which is a
program of physical postures designed to purify the body and provide the physical
strength and stamina required for long periods of meditation.
2. What Does Hatha Mean?

The word hatha means willful or forceful. Hatha yoga refers to a set of physical
exercises (known as asanas or postures), and sequences of asanas, designed to align
your skin, muscles, and bones. The postures are also designed to open the many
channels of the bodyespecially the main channel, the spineso that energy can flow
freely.
Hatha is also translated as ha meaning sun and tha meaning moon. This refers to
the balance of masculine aspectsactive, hot, sunand feminine aspectsreceptive,
cool, moonwithin all of us. Hatha yoga is a path toward creating balance and uniting
opposites. In our physical bodies we develop a balance of strength and flexibility. We
also learn to balance our effort and surrender in each pose.
Hatha yoga is a powerful tool for self-transformation. It asks us to bring our attention to
our breath, which helps us to still the fluctuations of the mind and be more present in the
unfolding of each moment.
3. What Does Om Mean?

Om is a mantra, or vibration, that is traditionally chanted at the beginning and end of
yoga sessions. It is said to be the sound of the universe. What does that mean?
Somehow the ancient yogis knew what scientists today are telling usthat the entire
universe is moving. Nothing is ever solid or still. Everything that exists pulsates, creating
a rhythmic vibration that the ancient yogis acknowledged with the sound of Om. We
may not always be aware of this sound in our daily lives, but we can hear it in the
rustling of the autumn leaves, the waves on the shore, the inside of a seashell.
Chanting Om allows us to recognize our experience as a reflection of how the whole
universe movesthe setting sun, the rising moon, the ebb and flow of the tides, the
beating of our hearts. As we chant Om, it takes us for a ride on this universal
movement, through our breath, our awareness, and our physical energy, and we begin
to sense a bigger connection that is both uplifting and soothing.
4. Do I Have to Be Vegetarian to Practice Yoga?

The first principle of yoga philosophy is ahimsa, which means non harming to self and
others. Some people interpret this to include not eating animal products. There is
debate about this in the yoga communityI believe that it is a personal decision that
everyone has to make for themselves. If you are considering becoming a vegetarian, be
sure to take into account your personal health issues as well how your choices will
affect those with whom you live. Being a vegetarian should not be something that you
impose on othersthat kind of aggressive action in itself is not an expression of
ahimsa.
5. How Many Times Per Week Should I Practice?

Yoga is amazingeven if you only practice for one hour a week, you will experience
the benefits of the practice. If you can do more than that, you will certainly experience
more benefits. I suggest starting with two or three times a week, for an hour or an hour
and a half each time. If you can only do 20 minutes per session, thats fine too. Dont let
time constraints or unrealistic goals be an obstacledo what you can and dont worry
about it. You will likely find that after a while your desire to practice expands naturally
and you will find yourself doing more and more.
6. How Is Yoga Different From Stretching or Other Kinds

of Fitness?
Unlike stretching or fitness, yoga is more than just physical postures. Patanjalis eightfold path illustrates how the physical practice is just one aspect of yoga. Even within the
physical practice, yoga is unique because we connect the movement of the body and
the fluctuations of the mind to the rhythm of our breath. Connecting the mind, body, and
breath helps us to direct our attention inward. Through this process of inward attention,
we learn to recognize our habitual thought patterns without labeling them, judging them,
or trying to change them. We become more aware of our experiences from moment to
moment. The awareness that we cultivate is what makes yoga a practice, rather than a
task or a goal to be completed. Your body will most likely become much more flexible by
doing yoga, and so will your mind.
7. Is Yoga a Religion?
Yoga is not a religion. It is a philosophy that began in India an estimated 5,000 years
ago. The father of classical ashtanga yoga (the eight-limbed path, not to be confused
with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga yoga) is said to be Patanjali, who wrote the Yoga
Sutra. These scriptures provide a framework for spiritual growth and mastery over the
physical and mental body. Yoga sometimes interweaves other philosophies such as
Hinduism or Buddhism, but it is not necessary to study those paths in order to practice
or study yoga.
It is also not necessary to surrender your own religious beliefs to practice yoga.
8. Im Not FlexibleCan I Do Yoga?

Yes! You are a perfect candidate for yoga. Many people think that they need to
be flexible to begin yoga, but thats a little bit like thinking that you need to be able to
play tennis in order to take tennis lessons. Come as you are and you will find that yoga
practice will help you become more flexible.
This newfound agility will be balanced by strength, coordination, and enhanced
cardiovascular health, as well as a sense of physical confidence and overall well-being.
9. What Do I Need to Begin?

All you really need to begin practicing yoga is your body, your mind, and a bit of
curiosity. But it is also helpful to have a pair of yoga leggings, or shorts, and a t-shirt
thats not too baggy. No special footgear is required because you will be barefoot. Its
nice to bring a towel to class with you. As your practice develops you might want to buy
your own yoga mat, but most studios will have mats and other props available for you.
10. Why Are You Supposed to Refrain From Eating 2

3 Hours Before Class?
In yoga practice we twist from side to side, turn upside down, and bend forward and
backward. If you have not fully digested your last meal, it will make itself known to you
in ways that are not comfortable. If you are a person with a fast-acting digestive system
and are afraid you might get hungry or feel weak during yoga class, experiment with a
light snack such as yogurt, a few nuts, or juice about 30 minutes to an hour before
class.

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www.wellbeingart.

2. What Does Hatha Mean?

3. What Does Om Mean?

4. Do I Have to Be Vegetarian to Practice Yoga?

5. How Many Times Per Week Should I Practice?

6. How Is Yoga Different From Stretching or Other Kinds

8. Im Not FlexibleCan I Do Yoga?

9. What Do I Need to Begin?

10. Why Are You Supposed to Refrain From Eating 2

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