Yoga is a holistic way to improve your all around health. Do some Yoga today!
YOGA: A Brief Intro:
The
word Yoga is
derived from the Sanskrit root word "yuj", which means
"to yoke." The word Yoga’s traditional meaning, then is to link your
individual Soul (Atman) with the Universal Soul (Brahman). "Atman"
and "Brahman" are Hindu ideas, terms that are used as a reference for
the human mind; in fact, there is only Oneness.
Yoga
embraces a wide range of disciplines whose ultimate goal is the joining of
body,mind and spirit, a conscious unification into Oneness. Yoga is one of six
classic systems of Hindu philosophy whose roots date back 5,000 years. There
are four classic Yogas, and they are progressive in nature; these are Karma Yoga,
Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga and Jnana Yoga. The classic four yogas have expanded
into several other forms of Yoga.
Hatha
Yoga (worshipful poses), is part of Raja Yoga training. Some of the other forms
of Yoga are Nada Yoga (music), Mantra and Japa Yoga (chanting and on beads) and
Kundalini Yoga (study of the psychic centers or chakras).
In
the Western world, the most popular form is Hatha Yoga, (Sanskrit for “Union of
Force”), a form of Yoga that stresses mastery of the physical body as a gateway
to attaining spiritual perfection. Hatha Yoga traces its origins to Gorakhnath,
the legendary 12th-century founder of the Kanphata Yogis.
Yoga will help you gain an increased awareness of your own
body. You are often called upon to make small, subtle movements to improve your
alignment. Over time, this will increase your level of comfort in your own
body. This can lead to improved posture and greater self-confidence.
YOGA on the Web
This is a great place to go for first-timers and even those who've been doing Yoga since before they were born ...
Hot Yoga
Here's a quick video about Bikram Yoga, done in a veritable sauna ...