Millions of yoga devotees around the world consider their practice a panacea for all bodily and mental ailments. Indeed, yoga develops physical abilities, flexibility, coordination of movements, and most importantly, nothing soothes and relieves stress like meditation and breathing exercises. But is mass enthusiasm really justified?Indian gymnastics?
The main varieties of yoga
In yoga, there are many directions and schools, which differ significantly from each other in methods, goals and philosophy. And today it does not stand still: the movement is developing, creating new trends and adapting to the needs of Western people with their fast-paced lifestyle. Fundamentally, yoga lovers can be divided into 2 categories: those who perceive classes mainly as physical exercises, and those who consider them as a way of spiritual improvement.
Wherein classical yoga- First of all, a religious and philosophical practice with a rich history of many thousands of years. Its varieties include:
- hatha;
- karma;
- bhakti;
- jnana;
- rajah.
These are ancient Hindu teachings based on service to the deity, self-knowledge, unity with absolute truth, mind control through meditation and classes. Later branches of yoga focus on the formation of a beautiful hardy body and the harmonization of energy, using yogic techniques in various combinations: asanas, breathing, mantras, fasting, cleansing procedures.
Before choosing one or another direction - kundalini, iyengar, bikram, jivamukti and others - it does not hurt to get acquainted with its features:
- how great is the spiritual component in it;
- dynamic or static asanas are practiced;
- what additional influences are used - sound, light, heat, moisture.
Modern fitness yoga has practically left the philosophical beginning of the doctrine and is a gymnastics that borrows exercises and techniques from different schools. But even in such a truncated version of yoga, it brings undoubted benefits to both the body and the psyche.
Video: Yoga benefits and results. How to get benefits and results in yoga in a shorter time
Yoga as a system of general health
Everyone comes to yoga in their own way. One is looking for a way to deal with depression and chronic fatigue, the other is getting rid of back pain, and the third is trying to lose weight. Regular practice allows you to achieve all these goals and even more. Especially if, along with gymnastics, the newly minted yogi changes his way of life and brings him closer to the principles of the teaching.
However, from the point of view of general recovery, the philosophical and religious component is not so important. When doctors recommend a patient to do yoga, they mean a specific physical activity that has a beneficial effect on all body systems.
Special postures combined with breathing exercises stimulate metabolism, relieve spasms and congestion, activate blood circulation. Yoga has been proven to:
- improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
- prevents stagnation of lymph;
- normalizes intestinal motility;
- promotes the elimination of toxins;
- regulates the hormonal background;
- strengthens the musculoskeletal frame;
- calms the nervous system;
- boosts immunity.
Yoga as gymnastics for the spine and joints
A flexible spine and mobile joints are the foundation of a healthy musculoskeletal system. Even if you are not flexible enough by nature or have become so with age, regular exercise will help you restore the functionality of the osseous-ligamentous apparatus and develop it to its maximum limits.
Doing asanas, you stretch the muscles and joints, stimulating metabolic processes inside the tissues. Already after 1.5 - 2 months, the production of synovial fluid is activated in the joints, the muscles are quickly released from lactic acid, which causes a feeling of fatigue and tension. And flexibility is one of the signs of youthfulness of the body.
Yoga is a source of strength and endurance
Any yoga practice develops physical endurance. Some schools purposefully train coordination of movements, working capacity, hardening. So, Ashtanga yoga asanas require significant muscle effort. Both the postures themselves and the transition between them are highly complex, accompanied by special breathing movements (pranayama) and fixation of the gaze at certain points (drishti).
Such practices are suitable for people who already have a strong body and strive for improvement. physical abilities. If you do not differ in power and endurance, they can be developed with the help of yoga, but for a start it is better to choose a simpler direction.
Try Iyengar, for example. Doing exercises for flexibility, coordination, breath control, you will strengthen the muscular frame and become much stronger in body and spirit. Correct posture, plasticity, increased efficiency are already a worthy result of classes and a good basis for a deeper immersion in yoga.
Yoga as a breathing practice
Breathing exercises are one of the foundations of yoga. Pranayama, or the ability to control breath, essential part exercise(asana) and relaxation (shavasan). It is known that such exercises improve lung ventilation and the functioning of the respiratory system as a whole. , and in particular the brain, receives more oxygen, and with exhalation it intensively gets rid of metabolic products. Slow, deep breathing helps to calm down, normalize the pulse and lower blood pressure.
In Hindu practices, it ensures proper circulation vital energy. Energy harmony is the key to physical health and mental balance. Breathing exercises contribute good mood, a sense of joy, the achievement of enlightenment, clarity of thought.
Yoga - antistress
Stress is a permanent state of modern man. Natural mechanism aimed at mobilizing forces in extreme conditions designed for short term use. But the body cannot live long at the limit of its capabilities. As a result, constant stress, in addition to overwork, chronic fatigue, insomnia cause disturbances in physiological and nervous processes. This triggers pathological changes in organs and tissues.
Yoga Helps prevent psychosomatic illnesses by relieving stress. The combination of gymnastics and meditation calms and improves overall well-being, both physical and nervous. But the main thing is breath control, focusing on one’s inner “I”, the desire for harmony teaches not to focus on troubles and problems and perceive them as momentary and transient phenomena.
During the class, you concentrate on performing asanas, correct breathing, gradually withdrawing into itself and disconnecting from the outside world. Having mastered the technique of shavasana, you can achieve complete muscle and mental relaxation, "reboot" the brain. The biochemical processes that are taking place in the body at this time help to neutralize the negative consequences:
- reduced production of stress hormones;
- the nervous system calms down;
- normal pulse is restored;
- pressure normalizes;
- immunity is strengthened.
Yoga adherents, in principle, are less prone to stress, know how to resist it and adapt more easily to rapidly changing conditions.
Yoga in the fight for harmony and beauty
Yoga is a popular fitness direction that helps to maintain a figure. But if you are clearly not in shape, it is unlikely that you will be able to lose weight just by performing asanas. Exercise stress during gymnastics, it accelerates metabolism and muscle growth, but this is not enough for active fat burning.
To lose weight, it is important to observe food restrictions. Yoga helps regulate appetite by reducing the release of stress hormones. By systematically practicing meditation, you will stop eating troubles, and you will also be able to more easily maintain diets. Admirers of the doctrine are convinced that "junk" food and bad habits are not compatible with yoga. If you are exercising, be consistent: change your lifestyle.
Slenderness is not the only "trump card" of yoga on guard of beauty. Saturation of tissues with oxygen, active detoxification of the body, increased metabolic processes have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin. It becomes dense, elastic, due to which the oval of the face is tightened, wrinkles are erased, circles under the eyes disappear. The result is a fresh, radiant, youthful look.
At the same time, yoga slows down the aging process from the inside. With age, the synthesis of sex hormones naturally decreases, which provokes flabbiness of the skin, wrinkles, loss of muscle and bone tissue. Yoga devotees look and feel younger than their hypodynamic peers. Thanks to the stimulation of the endocrine glands in the blood, the optimal level of sex steroids - estrogen and testosterone, which are responsible not only for beauty and youth, but also for libido, is maintained.
Is yoga good for everyone?
As a general strengthening gymnastics, yoga is suitable for people of any age, the main thing is to responsibly approach the choice of direction and instructor. Beginners should not take on difficult practices, and the guru should be highly qualified so as not to harm health. In any case, there are adapted fitness programs with elements of Indian teachings that can be performed by unprepared people.
- osteochondrosis;
- scoliosis;
- intervertebral hernia;
- joint diseases;
- vegetovascular dystonia;
- chronic fatigue;
- sleep disorders;
- functional disorders of the digestive, endocrine system;
- psychosomatic manifestations;
- psoriasis, neurodermatitis and other chronic diseases dependent on the nervous system.
Despite all the beneficial effects of yoga, it is far from being shown to everyone. There are conditions that prevent classes:
- severe illness with poor general health;
- mental disorders;
- organic cardiovascular pathologies (aneurysm, defects, arrhythmia, myocardial damage);
- craniocerebral and vertebral injuries;
- blood diseases;
- infections of the musculoskeletal system;
- oncological problems.
Before starting classes, consult a doctor. If you are already practicing, you should be aware of the time limits. These include:
- exacerbation of the chronicle;
- conditions after medical interventions;
- severe overwork;
- temperature;
- extreme physical activity;
- taking a massage course.
You should not exercise on a full stomach and combine exercises with bath procedures. Postpone going to the steam room for 6 to 8 hours after performing asanas.
Pregnancy and critical days are not a reason to stop practicing, but gymnastics must be adapted to changes in female body. So, during menstruation, “inverted” postures, twists, and deflections are contraindicated.
Asanas that cause an increase in abdominal pressure are prohibited for expectant mothers and with digestive problems.
2.2.1. Yoga
The word "yoga" comes from the Sanskrit word meaning "unity" and "effort" when it comes to a noun, the verb is translated as "combine" and "concentrate". Yoga is an approach to life that assumes that our body is closely connected with the mind, and the mind is connected with the soul.
The age of Indian yoga is estimated at 4,000 years.
Briefly, its essence can be expressed in the following theses:
Yoga is health, a harmonious balance of physical and mental forces at any day and hour.
Yoga is best quality any part of the body and their best interaction with each other, as well as with the external environment. The dynamic unity of all elements of the body.
Yoga is harmony and flexibility, beautiful posture and instant readiness for fast and precise action.
Yoga is a deep and calm self-confidence.
Yoga is the ability to work well and hard, to fully relax. This is internal discipline and longevity.
Yoga consists of three main components:
1. Special physical exercises, which are called "asanas".
2. Breathing exercises, which are called "pranayama".
3. Work with our consciousness, or simply speaking - meditation.
First, it's very helpful. Compared to shaping, aerobics and step, which almost all women who dream of perfect figure, yoga classes are much more effective, because yoga allows you to burn fat from the internal organs. This process is much slower than subcutaneous, but the result is much more stable.
Secondly, yoga is what helps to truly move away from the affairs and worries that do not allow us to breathe calmly throughout the day. Classes should be held under calm, quiet music, movements should be unhurried, one exercise should smoothly flow into another. Yoga does not require any additional equipment, so anyone can practice at home.
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The modern public perception of Yoga is fundamentally different from the very essence of Yoga in the traditional sense in which this teaching was developed by the ancient saints and ascetics.
The modern public perception of Yoga is fundamentally different from the very essence of Yoga in the traditional sense in which this teaching was developed by the ancient saints and ascetics.
Firstly, yoga was originally a whole system in which physical exercises and postures were a small, albeit quite useful part. Target ancient yoga was spiritual, and not bodily-physical, and the word "Yoga" referred to the whole system, and not just to postures - Asanas.
At present, there is an excessive emphasis on asanas and "Yoga" itself has become associated mainly with its bodily-physiological part and has become a kind of fitness. All this together led to the fact that people began to believe that the purpose of Yoga is precisely the maintenance of health and excellent health. physical form. However, this is a lie.
The goal of Yoga is exclusively Yoga itself - as a process of awakening the true essence of a person and a way of liberation from the power of samskaras and the cycle of rebirths.
The substitution of the concepts of “Yoga” and “Asana”, or rather, the actual monopolization of yoga by the practice of asanas, which is taking place in our time, is far from being as harmless as it might seem at first glance. At a minimum, this misleads hundreds of thousands of people around the world who have just felt an impulse, perhaps not yet fully realized, to an inner search for oneself and turned to spiritual knowledge. But as a result, these people receive "initiation" from the so-called "teachers" of various styles of what they present under "Yoga" and which in essence is a set gymnastic exercises flavored with occult terminology.
In fact, such teachers preach a FALSE, since the very thesis underlying the activities of such “Yoga schools”, “Yoga centers”, “Yoga classes”, etc. is false. This is a false thesis that "Yoga" is physical system with a powerful spiritual component, which in the end can lead to self-realization of a person. This is not just a substitution of concepts and a shift in emphasis, but an emasculation of the primordial Yoga, in its essence a deep philosophical and spiritual teaching. As a result, some so-called "teachers", in pursuit of profit, actually bring Yoga to the level of a "exercise program on DVD".
You can often hear how some followers of Yoga, including those who have received various certificates of mastery from various schools, say, “I practice only Hatha yoga, I am not interested in deep meditation. I want to achieve perfection through Hatha yoga.”
However, Hatha yoga is just a method of bringing the body to a balance that creates conditions for the further evolution of consciousness. Without this goal, Hatha Yoga classes are meaningless, because the body is only an instrument of practice, and not an end in itself for practice.
The famous teacher of modern India, Swami Rama, in his lectures explained:
“Today, the term “Yoga” has become synonymous with a passing infatuation or simple eccentricity. Many incompetent teachers have made Yoga the object of commercial exploitation and one small aspect of Yoga is passed off as the whole of Yoga.
For example, many people in the West believe that Yoga is a cult of the body and beauty, others consider Yoga to be a religious cult. Both opinions distort the true meaning of Yoga.
Swami Rama further gives a comparison: “If you are going to the Himalayas, you can go by car or fly by plane. Every day, millions of people drive cars and fly planes. But this does not mean that everyone who travels by car and plane will end up in the Himalayas if their destination is not the Himalayas.”
Hatha yoga, as well as the religious aspect of yoga, is just, relatively speaking, " vehicles which help to achieve the ultimate goal of Yoga. But they will lead nowhere if practiced on their own.
Here is a typical example of the substitution of concepts. Ashtanga.com describes Ashtanga Yoga as “the system of Yoga transmitted to the modern world by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009). This Yoga method involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of physical positions, a process that produces intense internal heat and a deep cleansing sweat that detoxifies the body. The result is improved circulation, light and strong body and calm mind.
At the same time, as Swami Sivananda Saraswati writes: “In the traditional concept of Yoga, systematized by Patanjali, Ashtanga Yoga meant an eight-step system of practice through which freedom was achieved.” Moreover, this system includes not only postures and breathing, but also deep meditative practices that occupy a predominant place in it.
The substitution of the concepts of Yoga leads many people to the belief that doing something that is included in Yoga for the purpose of healing, relieving stress, etc. - is yoga. It's not like that. This is a delusion, since the practice of anything that does not correspond with the goal of Yoga in self-realization higher levels essence of man, is not Yoga.
As stated in the classic treatise Hatha Yoga Pradipika - sloka 4.79 - “The practice of Hatha Yoga without the realization of Raja Yoga is fruitless. There are practitioners of Hatha Yoga who have no knowledge of Raja Yoga. I consider them just practitioners because they don't get the fruits of their efforts."
Do Hatha Yoga exercises provide health benefits even apart from holistic Yoga? Yes, of course, with the right implementation they bring. But their mere fulfillment does not make a person either a yogi or even a student on the path of Yoga.
“Yoga is a method of medical treatment” is a false statement.
“Yoga is a method of physical therapy” is a false statement.
The purpose and essence of Yoga is not to make the body healthy. The only goal of Yoga is spiritual in nature and the realization of Yoga takes a person beyond the limits of the physical body with its illnesses and inevitable death.
The commercialization of Yoga has led to the fact that a person, having completed a course for money in the so-called schools (centers, studios, courses, "ashrams", etc.) of Yoga, can become a certified teacher (instructor, "guru", etc.) .) yoga without reading a single line from the classical Yoga Sutras. And then many of these "teachers" feel themselves competent enough to create their own directions and schools of Yoga.
It is characteristic that very often the name of such a school contains the name or surname of its founder, who is still in good health. In addition, very often this kind of “teachers” use traditional ancient names and terms, misleading students who take this for the real continuity of the new teaching with the original.
When does yoga stop being yoga?
Imagine seeing a car with a friend. A friend asks, "What is this?" You answer: "It's a car." Imagine that a car has no steering wheel and your friend asks the same question. You still answer, "This is a car." But what if all four wheels, doors and motor are missing? And then to a friend's question, "What is it?" You will probably answer - "Junk. Scrap Metal.
Think of Yoga, which, after adapting to modern Western culture, has been stripped of its essential components. Will it still be Yoga? Without higher meaning, goals and methods? Definitely - no.
From an article by Swami Janeshwar Bharati
The physical exercises of the Yoga system include certain positions or postures of the body, usually static (asanas and mudras), internal "locks" and tensions (bandhas), and some cleansing procedures (kriyas).
These exercises have an extremely diverse and beneficial effect on the body due to their strong effect on all internal organs, systems and energy; they (exercises) give an undoubted healing and preventive effect.
Time, place, conditions.
Any class time, but better in the morning or in the evening for 30 - 40 minutes. before meals or 2 to 3 hours after meals.
It is better to practice outdoors, in a calm, quiet and dry place, protected from wind, draft and direct sunlight, or in a ventilated room with a normal temperature (15 - 25″C).
Before classes, carry out all possible cleansing procedures (nose, mouth, throat, intestines, bladder); you can take a warm bath or shower.
Exercises are performed on a flat hard platform (on warm ground, grass, wooden floor), on which a rug, mat or blanket should be laid.
The total time of classes is no more than 1 hour.
15 minutes after class. you can take a warm bath or shower.
Asanas cannot be combined with ordinary physical exercises and games, it is better to alternate them every other day or, in extreme cases, in the morning - asanas, and in the evening - ordinary exercises and games.
Basic rules for performing asanas
- It is necessary to enter into the asana (take a pose) slowly, smoothly and gradually, increasing muscle tension to the maximum, at the moment of the final adoption of the pose.
- The pose is taken to an extremely permissible position (all the way), when restrictions, inconvenience or pain are already beginning to appear, but this border should not be crossed.
- After taking a pose, it is necessary to carry out a complete and maximum relaxation of all muscles that are not involved in holding the pose. This relaxation and "freezing" in the posture is very important; they should be pleasant and stable, not cause discomfort and fatigue, and this is the whole effect.
- After maximum relaxation and “freezing”, establish slow, even and rhythmic breathing (through the nose) with a gradual slowing of breathing until it is “losed”.
- While holding the pose, focus on a certain nerve center (chakra) or on an organ, and if this is not specified, then simply on the Void or on your “I”.
- After the end of the pose, gradually tensing the muscles, slowly and smoothly return to the original (before the pose) position and immediately completely relax.
- Between poses, with complete relaxation, take 2-3 slow full breaths.
- In conclusion, after exercise, always take a resting position (savasana) for 10-15 minutes.
Note.
In the posture, a feeling of calmness, pleasure and joy should be experienced; for any inconvenience, pain, weakness, palpitations, etc., you must interrupt the exercise, slowly return to starting position, relax, take a deep breath and, after resting for 20-30 seconds, carefully proceed to next exercise. With repeated discomfort, stop exercising, rest lying on your back, relaxing, and check your health as soon as possible.
Typical complex of basic asanas
(For practically healthy and physically trained persons).
1. (!) Stretching of the spine (). 1 minute.
2. Spinal rotation (). 2 minutes.
3. Retraction of the abdomen (). 3 times for 5-15 sec.
4. Rotation of the abdominal muscles (). 3 times for 5 - 10 sec.
5. (!) Tilt forward (). 20-30 sec.
6. (!) Tilt "head-knees" (). 20 - 30 sec.
7. (!) Headstand (). 15 minutes.
8. (!) Triangle; tilt to the side (). 30 - 60 sec.
9. (!) Shoulder stand; "Birch" (). 3 - 5 min.
10. (!) Deflection, support on the head (). 2-3 min.
11. (!) Plow pose (). 1-5 min.
12. Fish pose (). 30 - 60 sec.
13. Tilt forward while sitting "head-knees" (). 1-5 min.
14. (!) Cobra pose (). 3 times for 20 sec.
15. (!) Leaning forward in the saddle (
Funk & Wagnalls Encyclopedia
Respected Western publishers recognize authentic, traditional Yoga, as opposed to the so-called Yoga teachers and Yoga teaching schools. The following excerpt is from the new Funk & Wagnalis encyclopedia:
Yoga(Skt. "bonds", "connection"), one of six classical systems philosophy of Hinduism, which differs from the rest by the miracles of bodily control and mystical powers, the possession of which is attributed to advanced followers. Yoga states a doctrine which describes that through the practice of certain disciplines, a penitent person can achieve liberation from the limitations of the body, the illusions of the senses, the trap of thoughts, and thus achieve unification with the object of knowledge. Such union, according to the doctrine, is the only true way of knowledge. For most Yogis (those who practice Yoga), the subject of knowledge is all-pervading Brahman. A minority of Yogis seek perfect self-realization instead of the knowledge of God...
The final stage, in the doctrine of Yoga, is seldom attained in one lifetime. It usually takes several births to achieve liberation, first from the world of phenomena, then from thoughts of oneself, and finally from the enslavement of the spirit by matter. Separation of spirit from matter Kaivalya or true liberation...
Two Understandings of Yoga
A recent insight: The typical perception of Yoga has changed a lot in the last century, especially in the last few decades. Much of this has happened because of changes in the West, especially in the US, although it's not just an American phenomenon (the same changes happened with Tantra)
The essence of two understandings: the essence of these changes that have taken place can be expressed in two understandings, one of which is modern and erroneous, and the other is ancient and true
- Erroneous: Yoga is a physical system with a spiritual component
- True: Yoga is a spiritual system with a physical component.
Understanding the recent degradation of understanding that Yoga is only a set of physical exercises is one of the most important steps for modern seekers of authentic Yoga.
Yoga and Christianity: To say that yoga is more of a physical fitness, as many Christians have done, is like saying that the Christian denomination consists largely of drinking wine and eating bread with a meal, and that there is nothing higher in Baptism than taking a shower or bath. The purpose of Yoga is Yoga.
The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-07
Yoga(Skt. connection), a general term for the spiritual disciplines of Hinduism, Buddhism and all of South Asia, which are aimed at achieving higher consciousness and liberation from ignorance, suffering and rebirth. More specifically, it is also the name of one of the six orthodox systems of Hindu philosophy. Both Vedic and Buddhist literature discuss the doctrines of wandering ascetics in ancient india who practiced different kinds asceticism and meditation. The main text of the philosophical school of Yoga, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (2nd century BC), is a systematization of one of these ancient traditions.
Yoga is a classical philosophy: Yoga is one of the six schools of Indian philosophy. These are Nyaya, Visheshika, Mimamsa, Sankhya, Yoga and Vedanta. A short review of these six schools or systems will easily elucidate the true nature of authentic Yoga as a system of spiritual endeavours. (It is worth noting that there is no universal agreement: some consider the Buddha's doctrine to be the seventh system or school of Indian philosophy, and not a separate system in which his [Buddha's] methods came from the same source. In addition, some consider this division inaccurate, claiming that the only true Yoga comes directly from the ancient texts, the Vedas).
Six Schools of Indian Philosophy
Yoga contains or is built on other philosophies: It is important to note that the Yoga system contains or is built on four other systems or schools of Indian philosophy (Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa and Sakhya). In other words, it is not important to dive into these systems as separate classes and practices. They are properly included in the Yoga system in terms of doing practices. In addition, the Vedantic system is the actual companion of the Yoga system.
Dates of these systems: The exact dates of the formation of these six systems are not known, since learning was originally exclusively oral, since writing had not yet been created. However, as a rule, think they came 2-3 thousand or more years ago. Some say that the origins of these traditions go back 5,000 to 10,000 years or more. The lack of clear dates is also due to the fact that practitioners were so focused on the eternal properties of higher truths that they simply didn't care to record the dates.
Yoga. Practical Methods for Gaining Direct Experience: Yoga systematically deals with all levels of existence, trying to know the eternal center of consciousness. Yoga is best described in the Yoga Sutras and involves the systematic observation of one's inner states in order to overcome them all, reaching the center of consciousness. Yoga is also often referred to as Sankhya Yoga because Yoga contains practical methods for putting into practice through direct experience of the truths of the Sankhya philosophy.
Sankhya. Manifest structure: The Samkhya philosophy offers a structure for all levels of manifestation, from the most subtle to the grossest. Sankhya comes from samyag akhyate, which literally means "that which explains the whole". Sanhya deals with prakriti (matter), purusha (consciousness), buddhi or mahat (intellect), ahankara (false ego), three gunas (elements of stability, activity and lightness), mind (manas), cognitive and active senses (indriyas) , and five subtle and gross elements (earth, water, fire, air and ether). By the effulgence of its breadth, it contains all the realms of Vaisheshika, Nyaya and Mimamsa, which are described below.
Vedanta. Contemplative self-questioning: Vedanta philosophy and practice provide contemplative methods of self-inquiry that lead to the realization true nature a person that is not affected by birth, aging or decay. Main essence these practices - meditation on Mahavakyami. The teachings of Vedanta are best described in the Upanishads.
Vaisheshika. Real sciences: The Vaisheshika system was developed by Prashastapada and emphasizes the material sciences such as chemistry. It includes the study of the elements of earth, water, fire, air and ether, as well as time, mind and soul.
Nyaya. Reasoning: The Nyaya system was founded by the ancient sage Gautama, and deals with logic, the process of reasoning. Doubt is considered a prerequisite to philosophical questions. The rest of the systems of Indian philosophy use this process.
Mimamsa. Freedom through action: The Mimamsa system was founded by Jaimini and strives for freedom through action. It has a detailed philosophy that has to do with ritual, worship, and moral conduct, which has developed into a philosophy of karma.
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Swami Rama explains that the word Yoga has unfortunately been misused. Therefore, people think that Yoga means physical exercise to stay young. It is, however, a science that deals with the body, breath, mind and soul, and ultimately with the Universal Consciousness.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4emkk6IZ08(video)
Swami Satyananda Saraswati, the founder of the Bihar School of Yoga, nicely describes the current state of Yoga in the introduction to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika with commentary by Swami Muktibodhananda Saraswati, where he writes:
In ancient times, Hatha Yoga was practiced for many years as a preparatory stage for higher levels of consciousness. Now, however, the true purpose of this great science was completely lost. The practices of Yoga that were created by the rishis and sages of antiquity for the evolution of mankind are now understood and used in a very limited way. Often we can hear: "Oh, I don't practice meditation, I just practice physical yoga Hatha Yoga." Now is the time to correct this point of view. Hatha Yoga is a very important science for people today....
The main goal of Hatha Yoga is to create an absolute balance of the interacting activities and processes of the physical body, mind and energy. When the balance is created, it serves as an impetus for the awakening of the central channel (sushumna nadi) which is responsible for the evolution of human consciousness. If Hatha Yoga is not used for this, its true purpose is lost.Confusion about goals and tools
The body is not the goal: The human body is a wonderful tool and needs to be taken care of. However, the body is the instrument and not the goal of traditional Yoga. In science and medicine, the pill is the tool, but the pill itself cannot be the goal. In the science and practice of authentic Yoga, the body is the instrument, but the body itself is not the end. Confusion of ends and means: This may sound like something against the body, but that is not the point. It is not a conflict between philosophies. Rather, there is a misunderstanding of ends and means.The Goal of Yoga is Yoga
None of lower levels not intended: in traditional Yoga, the practitioner works and trains all levels of existence, including relationships, self-exploration, feelings, body, breath and mind. However, none of the above is in itself the goal of Yoga.
On the authentic path: The practitioner follows the path of authentic Yoga:
Relations: The practitioner builds relationships with the world through practices such as non-violence, honesty, mindfulness of truth, and non-possession. However, in itself building relationships with the world is not the goal of Traditional Yoga.
The senses: The practitioner trains the senses to be able to consciously regulate them in a positive way, although working with the senses in itself is not the goal of traditional Yoga.
Body: the practitioner works with the body to make it flexible, strong and strong. But working with the body is not in itself the goal of authentic Yoga.
Breath: the practitioner trains the breath to make it even, slow and quiet. But breathing training in itself is not the goal of traditional Yoga.
Mind: The practitioner works with the mind on all its levels, although such study of the mind is not in itself the goal of authentic Yoga.
The purpose of Yoga is beyond this: The sole purpose of Yoga is above all this, while the above points are obstacles that block the realization of the Personality, Truth or Reality to be sought. Since they are obstacles, they are given special importance in practice so that they no longer cover the eternal center of consciousness.
Swami Rama writes about the situation in traditional Yoga and modern Yoga in his book, "The Path of Fire and Light." (Path of Fire and Light):
Most people look at Yoga as a system physical culture. Only a few understand that the science of Yoga is perfect in itself, and deals systematically with body, breath, mind and spirit.
When a person understands that he is not only a living being, but also a creature that breathes and thinks, then his search is not limited to the body and breath.
For him, gaining control over his mind and its modifications, as well as over feelings and emotions, becomes more important than the practice of certain postures and breathing exercises. Only meditation and reflection can help the practitioner to understand, control and manage the mind.
In the opening paragraph of the Yoga Lectures, Swami Rama explains:
The word Yoga is overused and often misunderstood these days., now is the age of fantasy, and Yoga is now relegated to the role of a kind of fad, a passing hobby. Many false and incomplete teachings are propagated in the name of Yoga, and it became the subject of commercial exploitation, and just one small aspect of Yoga is often taken as the whole of Yoga. As an example, many people in the West think it is a cult of the body and beauty, while others consider Yoga a religion. All this obscures the true meaning of Yoga.
In the second volume of The Path of Fire and Light, Swami Rama goes even further where he emphatically states:
The word "Yoga" has now become trivialized, vulgarized, and currently does not mean anything.
Mixing means and ends: If you are going to the Himalayas, you can either fly by plane or drive first. However, the fact that you use the indicated means of transport does not mean that you will necessarily end your journey in the Himalayas. Every day, there are many millions of people who travel by these modes of transport, but they randomly mystically do not end their journey in the Himalayas if they do not initially set themselves the goal of getting there. The goal or destination of Yoga is Yoga itself, the connection itself, the connection of the small soul and the universal soul. If a person knows how to bend his body in a certain way, this does not mean that he will be able to achieve this higher connection, i.e. Yoga.