Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : Yoga is a blend of physical, mental, and spiritual activities with its roots in India and a global appeal now. It is derived from the term “nirodh” meaning control in Maharishi Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, referring specifically to the control of the mind’s tendencies. Yoga is an immensely helpful tool today when it comes to mitigating stress and improving the quality life, overall assisting in reinforcing health.
1. Sankirtan yoga:
2. Raja yoga
3. Hatha yoga
Hatha Yoga takes into account physiology and breath control ( pranayama) fostering flexibility, strength and balance to the body while simultaneously promoting inner balance. It is worth noting that Hatha literally translates to balance; representing equilibrium of positive and negative energies and to attain this, Yoga must be practiced with a focus on energy control.
Essential Practices:
• Take Surya Namaskar, Bhujangasana, Tadasana as postures.
• Anulom-Vilom, Kapalabhati to be practiced for improved breathing.
• To relieve physical ailments, reduce stress and further enhance respiratory fitness, improve general health.
2. Raja Yoga or ‘royal path’
focuses on self control, persistence and mediation. It stems from Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga with the following eight principles: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dhrana, Dhyana and the final one, Samadhi.
Core Features:
Focuses on calming the thought patterns of the mind whilst achieving self-awareness
Motivates ethical conduct, meditation and concentration
In Swami Vivekananda words ‘the art of awakening the power of the mind’
3. Bhakti Yoga: The Path of Devotion
Devotion towards divinity is fundamental in Bhakti Yoga. It aids to achieve mental wellbeing, and helps to attain spiritual joy through complete surrender to higher soul.
Practices Include:
Bhajans, Kirtans, prayer, and worship
Inspired from Gita and Narada Bhakti Sutra
Compassion, selfless love and inner peace
Nine Devotional Paths:
Shravan, Kirtan, Smaran, Padasevan, Archana, Vandana, Dasya, Sakhya, and Atmanivedan
4. Karma Yoga: The Path of Selfless Action
Work is performed without attachment to the outcome, focusing on duty and selfless service in ‘Karma Yoga.' The course considers the work as a form of spiritual worship. Spread by Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita.
Principles:
‘Karmanyewadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana’ - Of your actions, only the actions are in your hands, never the outcome.
Assumes work should be done in service to society and surrender to divine will.
Swami Vivekananda: ‘liberation of the soul through selfless work’
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