It tells how yoga can help in leading a long and healthy life.
Health is not only the smooth running of the bodily functions but a state of total well-being within oneself with one’s environment. The literal meaning of the Sanskrit word ‘yoga’ is union, contact, connection or mental concentration. The word has its roots in the Sanskrit word ‘yuj’ which means to yoke, fasten, join, unite, concentrate or meditate deeply.
Achieve the Ultimate Goal with Yoga
Yoga is also one of the six great systems of thought of the Hindu tradition which approach the liberation from this world in their own ways. Yoga tells us the techniques to achieve the ultimate goal. It’s a practice that leads one to the path of self-realization and consciousness.
The thinking principle of the mind is the constant flow of thoughts the mind undergoes. To stop this chain of thoughts by a conscious effort is yoga. There are various yogic practices which help in the total well-being of the man. These practices include forbearance, self-discipline, yogic postures, pranayama, restraint, attention, contemplation and meditation.
Beneficial for the stressful modern life
These practices are taught progressively with many preparatory physical and mental exercises. The traditional postures and concentration practices generally called meditation are inspired after body and mind acquire a pre-requisite for them.
The mentioned yogic practices are really worthwhile in the 21st century as the hectic life in technologically advanced countries and all big cities of the world have made us undergo a mechanization of our existence. This has resulted in the loss of communication between our body and mind. We use our body as a commodity and do not listen to its very deep and inner demands.
The judicious and progressive follow up of yogic practices gives a greater control over the metabolic and the autonomic functions of the body which leads to the recovery of homeostatic dysfunction in the case of the sick and towards perfection of biological equilibrium in the case of normal persons.
Aim of yoga varies for practitioners
Millions of people in India and abroad are having a great craze for yoga. As millions of people are being saved from various ailments by the daily practice of yoga, the craze is only rising for it. In fact, Baba Ram Dev is a name to reckon with in this scenario. He has been organizing yoga camps at various places all over the country to provide personal assistance and training to the suffering mankind. Apart from this, thousands of viewers actually perform various yogic asana by watching Baba Ram Dev programs on television.
However the aims of yoga practitioners are extremely varied. Some are particularly inspired by the spiritual element of yoga while others by the fitness and flexibility provided by the asana. Some people find solutions for varied health disorders and achieve all round development of calm, stress-free mind and a fit body. Whatever may be the reason, it is proved beyond doubt that yoga gives inner satisfaction, mental calmness, good health and long life to the practitioners.
Hence, to live a long and healthy life, it’s essential to start practicing yoga and give place to it in one’s daily routine.
