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Sivananda Style of Yoga |
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Yoga is a way of life, an integrated system of education for the body, mind, and inner spirit. This art of right living was perfected and practiced in India thousands of years ago, but since Yoga deals with universal truths, its teachings are as valid today as they were in ancient times. Yoga is a practical aid, not a religion, and its techniques may be practiced by Buddhists, Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and atheists alike. Yoga is union with all. |
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5 Limbs of Sivananda Yoga: |
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1. Proper exercise: Asanas (postures) *Lubricate the joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other parts of the body, help to tone the nervous system, improve circulation, release tension, and increase flexibility. When performed slowly and in a relaxed manner, they also broaden the mental faculties and enhance spiritual capabilities (meditation etc.). Benefits of Asanas: *Physical: *It has often been said that, “you are as young as your spine” *Mental: Steady postures free the mind from disturbances caused by physical movement, promoting steadiness of mind, balanced emotions, and an improved outlook on life. *Pranic: Asanas work in much the same way as acupuncture or shiatsu, but the Yogic system of pranic balancing is more subtle. To gain benefit, you must practice regularly over a period of time. The different poses put pressure on various points, purifying and strengthening the nadis. *Deep breathing helps to cleans and nourish the physical body. As you inhale fully, you are supplying an abundance of oxygen, an element that is essential to every cell in the body. As you exhale, the waste products are being expelled. Breathing also helps to connect the body to its battery, the solar plexus, where tremendous potential energy is stored. When this is tapped, it releases vital energy, or prana, and results in physical and mental rejuvenation. *Chakras and Nadis: there are 72,000 nadis crisscrossing the astral body. The point where a number of nadis cross is called a charka. Pranayama cleanses and strengthens the nadis and charkas. *When the body and mind are continually overworked and stressed, their natural efficiency diminishes. Rest and relaxation are nature’s ways of giving the body a chance to recharge. Like the radiator of a car, they cool down the system. Yogic methods retrain the mind and muscles to relax completely. 4. Vegetarian Diet. *A meat free diet enables the body to obtain the maximum benefit from food, air, water and sunlight. The Yogic diet consists of goods that are easily digested and promote good health. As well as being simple, natural and wholesome, it takes into account the subtle effect that food has on the mind and on the astral body. *Tamasic, Rajasic, Satvic 5. Positive Thinking and Meditation. *Just as any vehicle requires an intelligent driver, so the body needs a balanced mind that can stay in control. Regular meditation will help you achieve this; your mind will become clearer and more focused, and your ability to concentrate will improve. Positive thinking will purify the intellect, and you will begin to experience wisdom and inner peace. |
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