YOGA

Yoga is a form of exercise that focuses on breathing to increase physical and mental well-being. It includes a range of movements, breathing exercises, and meditation designed to reduce stress, stay healthy, increase strength and flexibility. Its purpose is to create awareness and harmony in mind and body. Yoga practice, an old tradition, provides many mental and physical benefits. It strengthens the muscles, supports the respiratory system and heart health, helps in addiction treatment, reduces stress, anxiety, depression and chronic pain, improves sleep patterns and increases the quality of life. Practiced in various ways in many countries, yoga is accepted as a complementary and alternative medicine type as a holistic approach in the West.

History of Yoga

   Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘yuji’ which means ‘unity’. The origin of yoga, thought to be as old as human history, is uncertain, but early archaeological evidence found in India (stone and clay tablets containing yoga poses) dates to 3000 BC. The history of yoga is divided into 4 periods in many sources:

• Vedic period

The first Hindu records are the period when the Vedas were written (1700-1100 BC). Farewell means knowledge. The Vedas, the oldest teachings of yoga, consist of 4 books, namely Rig, Sama, Yacur, and Atharva; they contain hymns and poems that praise the high power.

• Pre-classical period

 It is the period in which the sacred texts Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita were created that talk about the interconnectedness of everything in the universe. Upanishads contain more than 200 teachings created by priests. Bhagavad Gita is about the conversation between God and man. The texts seen as the end and complement of the Vedas are given to people; It aimed to help them determine their actions through yoga-meditation and eliminate the ego.

• Classical period

It is the period when Patanjali formed the Yoga Sutras. Classical Yoga (Raja) is defined in these texts. Considered the first authoritative text on yoga philosophy and practice, it contains 196 sutras. Eight paths to awareness and enlightenment are outlined in texts that talk about ethical principles for a meaningful life.

• Postclassical period

It covers many different schools that emerged after Patanjali. Introduced to the West in the early 19th century, yoga has spread all over the world with the help of Krsnamaçarya and his students.

   There are many different types of yoga that have a very long history and are important to humanity.

Types of Yoga

• Karma Yoga:

 It is the yoga of movement. The aim of the person is not to expect reward for his actions, to get rid of ego and to reach spiritual freedom.

• Bhakti Yoga:

It is yoga of love; it is an unconditional, unconditional path devoted to the source of creation. It focuses on one’s self rather than physical movements, it is mostly meditative.

• Raja Yoga:

Ashtanga is known as kings yoga or knowledge yoga. It represents the 8 ways of yoga. It is a complete system that includes all ethical, mental and spiritual teachings. It is believed that when the mind is under control, consciousness will rise to higher levels.

• Tantra Yoga:

It is the activation of all energies in the body in balance. It is believed that enlightenment will come with the expansion of consciousness, the dissolution of the mind, and the comprehension of one’s own reason for existence.

• Hatha Yoga:

Hatha, a physical type of yoga, is one of the most popular styles; its purpose is to increase the capacity of the physical body. “Ha” consists of the words “sun” and “tha” moon. It expresses the unity of the opposite but complementary tendencies in the body-mind, it means the balancing of the polarities.

• Therapeutic Yoga:

 It is the application of yoga postures to the treatment of health problems. Yoga therapy is done to reduce structural, physiological, emotional-spiritual pain.

What Should Be Done Before Starting Yoga?

   Sunrise and sunset are considered the best times of the day so that you can fill your body with a special energy like sunrise and sunset. If this is not possible, find the best time for yourself.           

   You can start the day by filling your body with positive energy in the mornings or you can do it in the evening to relax after a stressful day.

   Find a place where you will not be disturbed; You can apply it indoors or outdoors wherever there is a flat surface and where you can move freely.

   Do not eat or drink during yoga to avoid losing your concentration. Drink water before or after the session to stay hydrated.

   Your clothes should not restrict your movements; wear comfortable, light clothing.

   You must have bare feet or use non-slip socks.

   You can use a yoga mat, blanket or non-slip cover that will make it easy and safe for you to work on.

   If you want, you can play relaxing music in the background.

How To Do Yoga?

 Yoga begins with breathing exercises;

• Start breathing through the nose with the mouth closed. Get rid of tension, stress, negative thoughts. Relax, concentrate on your breathing, feel the relaxing and energizing air as it flows slowly through your body.
• Then it continues with physical exercises: listen to your body, respect it, let it guide you.
• The final phase is the relaxation phase called deep rest: You can go into relaxation or meditation.

   Let’s focus on a controversial question about yoga, which we have covered in detail.

Is Yoga a Philosophy or Belief?

   Although much debated, according to many sources, yoga is not a religion or belief system; A philosophy that emerged thousands of years ago is an applied art of living with a scientific background. A person who practices this philosophy is called a Yogi.

   In the pre-religions yoga system, there is no leader or worship of God; class, belief, race, gender, nonexistent, cultural and spiritual system open to all humanity. It does not promise any reward or punishment; There is no compulsory ritual and practice, it is an individual study.

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