The science of Yoga originated & evolved in India thousands of years ago, even before the times of Veda. It developed into a systematic doctrine & technique when Maharishi Patanjali composed the Yoga Sutras, though Patanjali is not the inventor of Yoga. Then who is it?

In the yogic culture, Shiva is not only seen as a God, but also as the Adiyogi, the first yogi – the originator of yoga. He was the one who first put this seed into the human mind. According to the Yogic lore, several thousand years ago, Shiva transformed himself into the Adi Guru. This day when the first guru was born is known as Guru Purnima.

On the banks of KantiSarovar, a lake that lies a few kilometers above Kedarnath, Shiva produced seven fully enlightened beings – the seven celebrated sages who are today known as the Saptarishis, and are worshipped and admired in Indian culture. Shiva put different aspects of yoga into each of these seven people, and these aspects became the seven basic forms of yoga. Even today, yoga has maintained these seven distinct forms.

The philosophy and techniques of Yoga were used in all the endeavors of human existence for creativity and originality, be it Science, Arts, Medicine, Architecture, Cosmology and more. After Patanjali, many sages and Yoga masters contributed greatly for the preservation and development of the field through well-documented practices and literature.

In the modern times, what has become popular among the masses in the name of Yoga is only the Asana & Pranayama. But that is only small part of Yoga. Yoga has spread all over the world by the teachings of eminent Yoga masters from ancient times to the present date. Today, everybody has conviction about Yoga practices towards the prevention of disease, maintenance and promotion of health. Millions and millions of people across the globe have benefited by the practice of Yoga and the practice of Yoga is blooming and growing more vibrant with each passing day.

The yogic science is not about a yoga class that you go through about how to bend your body – which every new born infant knows – or how to hold your breath – which every unborn infant knows. This is the science of understanding the mechanics of the entire human system.

TIPS

A Yoga practitioner should follow the guiding principles given below while performing Yogic practices:

BEFORE THE PRACTICE

  • Śauca means cleanliness – an important prerequisite for Yogic practice. It includes cleanliness of surroundings, body and mind.
  • Yogic practice should be performed in a calm and quiet atmosphere with a relaxed body and mind.
  • Yogic practice should be done on an empty stomach or light stomach. Consume small amount of honey in lukewarm water if you feel weak.
  • Bladder and bowels should be empty before starting Yogic practices.
  • Yoga mat, sheet, or folded blanket should be used for the practice.
  • Light and comfortable cotton clothes are preferred to facilitate easy movement of the body.
  • Yoga should not be performed in state of exhaustion, illness, hurry or in acute stress conditions.
  • In case of chronic disease/ pain/ cardiac problems, a physician or a Yoga therapist should be consulted prior to performing Yogic practices.
  • Yoga experts should be consulted before doing Yogic practices during pregnancy and menstruation.

DURING THE PRACTICE

  • Practice sessions should start with a prayer or invocation as it creates a conducive environment to relax the mind.
  • Yogic practices shall be performed slowly, in a relaxed manner, with awareness of the body and breath.
  • Do not hold the breath unless it is specially mentioned to do so during the practice.
  • Breathing should be always through the nostrils unless instructed otherwise.
  • Do not hold the body tightly, or jerk the body at any point of time.
  • Perform the practices according to your own capacity.
  • It takes some time to get good results; so persistent and regular practice is very essential.
  • There are contraindications/ limitations for each Yoga practice and such contraindications should always be kept in mind.
  • Yoga session should end with meditation/ deep silence.

AFTER PRACTICE

  • Bath may be taken only after 20-30 minutes of practice.
  • Food may be consumed only after 20-30 minutes of practice.

Food

A few dietary guidelines can ensure that the body and mind are flexible and well-prepared for practice. A vegetarian diet is usually recommended, and for a person over 30 years, two meals a day should suffice, except in cases of illness or very high physical activity.

Resources

  1. Ministry of Ayush: http://ayush.gov.in/about-the-systems/yoga
  2. United Nations International Day of Yoga: http://www.un.org/en/events/yogaday/
  3. Common International Day of Yoga Protocol: http://ayush.gov.in/sites/default/files/CYP%20Booklet%20English%20%281%29.pdf
  4. History of Yoga Documentary Film: http://vishuddhifilms.com/history-of-yoga.html

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