YOGA AND MEDITATION TOUR IN INDIA

What is Yoga

Yoga is the Sanskrit term for Union. Many people believes that, the term Yoga refers to union between body and mind or body, mind and spirit, but, the traditional acceptance is the union between the Jivatman and Paramatman that is between one's individual consciousness and the Universal Consciousness. Therefore, Yoga refers to a certain state of consciousness as well as to methods that help one reach that goal or state of union with the divine.

Origin of Yoga

Yoga was propounded by the ancient Indian sage Patanjali and is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Yog' which means 'union,' presumably union with the divine being or God. It is a secular and scientific methodology to experience the integration of the body-mind-soul.

Most Practiced Yogas

Some of the most often practiced types of Yoga are : Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Tantric Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Raja Yoga.

The Need of Yoga

Amidst the stress of the regular activities our mind craves for peace and tranquility. To uplift ourselves physically, mentally and spiritually, most of the time we walk at the seashore or gaze at the soothing sunrise to attain temporary peace. But, it becomes more refreshing and reviving if we can take a break and opt for the soothing Yoga activities.

Yoga in India

Since time immemorial India has been the land of saints and sages who meditated and practiced yoga. The spiritual city of Rishikesh happens to be the Yoga capital of India. Tourists flock to practice Yoga in the lap of the Himalayas in India. Rishikesh hosts the International Yoga Week every year in the month of February attracting several experts and participants. The trip to Rishikesh is incomplete without the visit to the Glasshouse on the Ganges, which was once a private garden retreat of Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal.

The Benefit of Yoga

Practicing Yoga is not just key techniques to recline you. They can be chosen to channelise your mind, revive your soul and keep your body fit. It is in the coordination of the - body, mind and soul, that the perfect state of composure can be attained. Yoga clubs the tempo of the body with the melody of the mind and the amity of the soul, to create the symphony of life.

The Yoga and Its Common Features

A sage, Patanjali, put forward yoga as a system of philosophy. The common form of Yoga is also referred to as the Ashtang Yoga, which comprises of eight basic features namely Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratayahara, Dharna, Dhayan and Samadhi. Each feature has its own importance.

Yama

Yama encourages the universal disciplines of truth, self-control, non-violence, non-stealing and non-greed.

Niyama

The second feature, Niyama, advocates human values of contentment, self-study, penance, cleanliness and surrender to God.

Asanas

Asanas are the various Yogic postures that are to be performed to keep the body healthy and fit.

Pranayama

Pranayama is one aspect of Yoga in which the management of the breath is covered.

Pratayahara

The feature of Pratayahara is practiced to relax the mind and alienate oneself from the five senses.

Dharna and Dhyan

Dharna and Dhyan are about concentrating and meditating.

Samadhi

The final aspect of Samadhi refers to the ultimate state of oneness with God.

The Yoga Centres in India

There are several centers in India bringing the authentic forms of Yoga techniques within the reach of the common man. The Yoga tour in India aims at offering an introduction to the tourists about the yoga centres in India and the teachings and training of Yoga at these centres like Madras (Chennai), Rishikesh, Kerala, and Bihar. Yoga tour at the Yoga centres in India destroys the toxic properties of the body through purification of bowel, enemas, cleansing of the nasal passage and eyes.

Yoga Remedies

Even today, people practice the ancient art of Yoga religiously as it brings out the best in the person. Usually the common man practices Yoga for curing specific problems and taking remedies against the illness.

Yoga is also practised to cure the common modern day ailments like Asthma, Arthritis, etc. There are several asanas that can be practice to inculcate confidence and keep depression at bay. Attainment of the certain pose instructed in an asana makes the body supple.

Yoga & Ecosystem

Most of the medication systems are dependent on our environment. To produce medicines, some times, trees are cut or animals are injured. But, Yoga is one form of treatment that is truly Environment-friendly. Yoga is the Eco-friendly Way for Curing Ailments and providing treatments. Practicing Yoga is the only form of treatment, which does not harm any animal or plant to produce treatment. This form of treatment is very successful, if done with proper points. The practice of Yoga does not injure or harm our ecosystem.

Yoga (Sanskrit, Pali: yoga) refers to traditional physical and mental disciplines that originated in India. The word is associated with meditative practices in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Within Hinduism, it also refers to one of the six orthodox (astika) schools of Hindu philosophy, and to the goal towards which that school directs its practices. In Jainism, yoga is the sum total of all activities – mental, verbal and physical.

Major branches of yoga in Hindu philosophy include Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Hatha Yoga. According to the authoritative Indian philosopher Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, yoga, based on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, comprises one of the six main Hindu schools of philosophy (darshanas), together with Kapila's Samkhya, Gautama's Nyaya, Kanada's Vaisheshika, Jaimini's Purva Mimamsa, and Badarayana's Uttara Mimamsa or Vedanta. Many other Hindu texts discuss aspects of yoga, including the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the Shiva Samhita and various Tantras.

The Sanskrit word yoga has many meanings, and is derived from the Sanskrit root "yuj", meaning "to control", "to yoke" or "to unite". Translations include "joining", "uniting", "union", "conjunction", and "means".It is also possible that the word yoga derives from "yujir samadhau," which means "contemplation" or "absorption." This translation fits better with the dualist Raja Yoga because it is through contemplation that discrimination between prakrti (nature) and purusha (pure consciousness) occurs.

Yoga and its Benefits

You're never too young or too old to reap the health benefits of yoga. Find out how all types of yoga can improve your health. Yoga, the Sanskrit word for "union", is a practice that uses posture and breathing techniques to induce relaxation and improve strength, and its health benefits may surpass those of any other activity. Whether you practice yoga to relax, stretch, breathe, meditate, or simply because it's in fashion, you may not realize the numerous health benefits of yoga. And while there are many different kinds of yoga, ranging from the more gentle hatha yoga to the more strenuous, like Bikram yoga (which is performed in a 105°F room) or power yoga, every form of yoga improves your health from head to toe. Here are some of yoga's many health benefits.

Benefits of Yoga to Your Bones, Muscles, and Joints

1. The physical benefits of yoga are myriad. Yoga keeps your body strong, as it involves all the muscles in your body to hold and balance yoga asanas (poses). The various yoga postures strengthen your feet, legs, hands, abdominals, lower back, legs, and shoulders.

2. Yoga's stretching and breathing exercises improve your flexibility, helping joints, tendons, and muscles stay limber. People suffering from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis will see a noticeable improvement in their stiffness, pain, and other arthritic symptoms by practicing yoga poses and postures.

3. Yoga improves your endurance, especially the more athletic forms of yoga such as ashtanga yoga, power yoga, vinyasa yoga, and Bikram yoga. These rigorous yoga practices follow a specific sequence of poses (asanas) that become more challenging as you progress. Unlike the more gentle hatha yoga, the forms of ashtagna yoga, power yoga, vinyasa yoga, and Bikram yoga require you to keep your body in constant motion between poses, resulting in a strenuous cardiovascular workout and improved core strength.

4. Hatha yoga can relieve chronic back and neck pain, since the poses and postures gently stretch and strengthen your back and neck muscles. Yoga is often prescribed to help heal various injuries, including repetitive strain injuries, knee and back injuries, pulled hamstrings, even minor skin burns. Of course, you should consult your physician before using yoga as a treatment for any injury! 5. Yoga is an excellent weight-bearing exercise that can improve your bone density. This is particularly beneficial for women approaching menopause, since yoga can help ward off osteoporosis, or thinning of the bone.

Benefits of Yoga to the Cardiovascular System

Yoga has tremendous health benefits for your heart. Most notably:

1. The gentler forms of yoga lower your blood pressure because the asanas (yoga poses, postures, and yoga positions) keep blood flowing evenly throughout your body while you focus on your breathing.

2. People suffering from hypertension can benefit from yoga tremendously, as hatha yoga can lower your heart rate and blood pressure.

3. Many practitioners claim that yoga has also lowered their cholesterol.

4. Power yoga is an excellent form of cardio conditioning, which strengthens core muscles while it keeps blood and oxygen circulating throughout your body.

Benefits of Yoga on Mental Health

1. Yoga benefits anyone's mental health by helping him or her relax, and it is an effective form of psychological therapy. Yoga reduces anxiety and stress, resulting in better health, better mood, and better concentration throughout the day. Yoga has been used to help treat a wide variety of emotional and mental disorders, including acute anxiety, depression, and mood swings.

2. Even children can benefit from yoga. Those with attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity can learn to relax and get control by using yoga breathing and yoga asanas.

3. Because yoga is a form of meditation, it results in a sense of inner peace and purpose, which has far-reaching health benefits.

4. Yoga has been used to help heal victims of torture or other trauma.

Benefits of Yoga on Other Health Conditions

1. Do you have frequent headaches? Yoga can rid you of tension headaches and migraines because yoga circulates blood and oxygen to your head, which can often prevent headaches from starting.

2. A regular yoga practice helps boost antioxidants throughout your body, resulting in a stronger immune system and improved ability to heal quickly from disease or injury.

3. Yoga can help you lose weight and maintain a healthy weight throughout your life. Power yoga is a vigorous form of yoga that burns calories, resulting in weight loss.

4. Many women going through menopause report an easing of symptoms when they begin practicing yoga.

Benefits of Yoga in Everyday Life

1. Yoga can help cure insomnia, as regular yoga practice leads to better and deeper sleep.

2. Yoga can help fight fatigue and maintain your energy throughout the day.

3. Yoga is an effective treatment for a variety of autoimmune diseases because it can reduce the symptoms these diseases often cause, such as stiffness, malaise, fatigue, and weakness.

4. Regular yoga practice will create multiple and noticeable benefits to your health. Try some yoga postures today! And as your instructor will no doubt tell you at the end of your practice: Namaste.