Yoga: An Ancient Self-Improvement Program

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Yoga: An Ancient Self-Improvement Program
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Many people think of yoga as a variety of uncomfortable, even painful, looking postures that only people who are "double-jointed" can get themselves into. Others view it as some kind of strange Eastern religion. Yoga is a total way of life whose purpose is to unite the self (body, mind, and spirit) with the supreme consciousness.
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Yoga developed within the Hindu culture many thousands of years ago. There is evidence of yogic postures in sculpture excavated from the Indus Valley, which is thought to date as far back as 3000 BCE. The Hindu Vedas, which date from 2500 BCE or earlier, are the first scriptures to mention Yoga. The Baghavad Gita, which was written around the sixth century BCE, is the most well known of the yogic scriptures. The Baghavad Gita is an epic poem in which Brahmin, or God, in the embodiment of the Lord Krishna, teaches the warrior, Arjuna, the principles and practices of Yoga.
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In Patajali's Yoga Sutras we find the most complete text on Raja Yoga, which is the form of yoga most familiar to the Western world. There are, however, four paths of yoga. They are Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Janna Yoga and Raja Yoga. Karma Yoga consists of the elimination of the ego through selfless service to humanity without expectation of reward. This path is considered the most appropriate for the outgoing personality. Bhakti Yoga is for those whose energy tends to be more emotional. It revolves around the development of unconditional love and devotion through prayer, meditation and ritual such as the chanting or singing of praises to God. Janna Yoga is considered the most difficult path as it requires the development of great intellectual powers. On this path spiritual development is gained through knowledge and wisdom. Raja Yoga is considered to be the psychological approach. It involves the development of concentration and control through a healthy body. Hatha Yoga is a form of Raja which emphasizes the postures (asanas), regulated breathing (pranayama) and meditation.
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The United States became acquainted with Raja Yoga mainly through the work of Swami Vishnu Devananda who, under the direction of Swami Sivananda (probably the greatest yogi of modern times), brought it here in 1957. After careful observation of the ways of the West, Swami Vishnu developed a system for a long and healthy life which consists of five principles. These principles are proper relaxation, proper diet, proper exercise, positive thinking, meditation and proper breathing.
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One of the beauties of Yoga is that anyone can practice it at any time and in any place. One does not need any special equipment, special clothes or a particular location. The yogic postures exercise all parts of the body including the muscles, joints, spine and nervous system, skeletal system, organs and glands. The breathing exercises, called pranayama, have a calming and refreshing effect, helping to control body and mind. Meditation increases clarity and concentration. Scientific observation has shown Hatha Yoga to have the effect of increasing lung capacity, decreasing body weight and girth, increasing the ability to handle stress, decreasing blood cholesterol and decreasing blood sugar.
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Yoga is the oldest known system of personal development. Most people who practice it find that they get what they came for and so much more. As a form of exercise and relaxation, yoga has greatly increased in popularity and classes are being made available all over the country at health clubs, women's centers and Y's.
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This article is intended for informational purposes only. Nothing in this publication is intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis and advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or health-care provider before starting any new diet or procedure involving your health. Prompt professional medical guidance is recommended for any health problem.