The Distinctive Facts About Yoga
At the outset, Yoga is a Sanskrit word for ‘union’ that focuses on creating a union of the body, mind, and heart to achieve unbound liberation, called ‘Samadhi’ that Yoga regards as the ultimate stage of union with the divine.
We are dedicated to honor and share the roots of Yoga tradition that originated in India. The ancient practice is rooted in the enriching soil of the Indus Valley at the foothills of the Himalayas. The 5,000-year-old ancient tradition is a combination of several practices like Asana (physical postures), Mantra (chanting), Dhyana (meditation), and Pranayama (breathwork).
The coveted Yoga alliance is an inspiring source for encouraging self-regulation, universal acceptance of individuals and communities from diverse backgrounds, and providing unconditional access to topnotch, effective, safe, and equitable Yoga practices.
Indispensable Facts of Yoga, Uncovered
We at India Yoga Alliance strive to uncover crucial facts of Yoga, not reveled much before.
Yoga Was originated in India & was first Introduced to the Western World in 1893
The Hindu guru Swami Vivekananda is credited with playing a significant role in bringing yoga to the West. In 1893, he delivered a speech to the Parliament of Religions in Chicago. According to legend, yoga’s popularity in America was propelled by this lecture.
The Beatles’ George Harrison contributed to the launch in the West as well. The Beatles were the first group to use the sitar into rock music. Additionally, they were the first to incorporate Hindu tunes into contemporary Western music.
The “Take Back Yoga” Campaign in USA
The Hindu American Foundation’s “Take Back Yoga” campaign was introduced before the end of 2010. The objective was to raise public knowledge of yoga’s Hindu origins.
However, several scholars disputed the campaign’s credibility. They said that yoga genuinely had its roots in India’s Vedic tradition. Long before Hinduism emerged, the Indo-Europeans arrived there about the third millennium B.C.
Swastika and OM
Actually, the swastika is a yoga symbol. The phrase Swastik, which means “that which is related with well-being” in Sanskrit, is where the sign originates. Om is described as the first sound of the cosmos and is reported to sound practically humming when spoken aloud. The Third-eye (Ajna) Chakra, sometimes referred to as “the conscience,” is related to it.
Yoga & Sex
The moola bandha muscles, also known as the pelvic floor muscles, are strengthened through yoga practise. In exchange, yoga serves as a workout that has advantages akin to Kegel exercises. Orgasms feel stronger as a result.
Rig Veda
One of the oldest books still extant is the Rig Veda, often known as “praise of wisdom.” It was thought by scholars to have aspects of yoga. It is thought to be older than 4,000 years, maybe dating to 1500 B.C.
Buddhism
In yoga, the lotus stance is a sitting position. The immaculate symmetry and poise of a lotus blossom are intended to be shown. Siddhartha Gautama, the man who founded Buddhism, was frequently shown in the lotus position. Hindu deity Shiva was also in this position.
Yogi – Yogini
Yogis are a term frequently used to refer to all yoga practitioners. However, the proper name for female yoga practitioners is “yogini.”
Having said that, the term “yogini” is also used to refer to a female companion in some Tantra schools. In addition, yoginis are the name given to the 64 female goddesses who are in charge of bringing forth the universal creative force.
Carl Jung
A psychiatrist from Switzerland, Carl Jung. He was among the first Westerners to really study yoga. He made remarks on the East’s advancement of higher awareness, which aided in introducing yoga’s principles and practices to the West. He enjoyed doing kundalini yoga.
Stone Age & Yoga
Shamanism from the Stone Age first appeared around 25,000 B.C. According to experts, yoga combined several of these components. Yoga incorporated austerity, transcendence, enlightenment, and shamanic positions.
Manusmriti
Ralph Waldo Emerson was visited by Henry David Thoreau at his library. There, the Hindu law text known as Manusmriti was captured in his peripheral vision. After that, Thoreau made an effort to lead a solitary and generally contemplative life.
Breathe in Ancient Yoga
This may explain why yoga places so much emphasis on breathwork and breath control; it was formerly believed that delaying your inhales and exhales would increase the duration of your life.
Yoga Postal Stamp
International Yoga Day was first observed in late June in 2015. The Indian Postal Service issued its first yoga stamp in observance of the day. The stamp showed the silhouette of a yogi who was sitting and holding the Anjali Mudra.
Alzheimer Disease
Research that was financed by the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation found that regular yoga and meditation practise might significantly slow down cognitive decline.
Yoga Can Alleviate Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder sufferers who practise yoga can find substantial alleviation. As an adjunct therapy, it was also shown to be beneficial for individuals with depression and anxiety.
Yoga for Promoting Quality of Sleep
Depending on the kind of yoga you do, some can aid in sleep while others can be used as exercise! Slowing down thinking processes and promoting longer, deeper sleep at night can both be achieved by practicing slow flow with regulated and deep breathing.
India Yoga Alliance – The Community Perspective
When we say a community, we focus on creating a dynamic space for one and all where everyone is a student and teacher, learning, sharing, exchanging ideas, and guiding each other towards achieving the common goal of Yoga.
Yoga is a holistic philosophy, a way of life that is truly transformational. It’s not merely an ancient aspect buried in oblivion. It is an invaluable inheritance of the present. Yoga is an essential need of today’s modern world and the culture of tomorrow, and our community takes concrete steps to actively promote and encourage the practice of the sacred tradition on a global scale.
We believe in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We’re driven by holistic ancient practices and our vision is to see a decolonized future of yoga. Our approach is deeply rooted in the traditional lineage of Yoga. We work towards eliminating the most harmful myth of the essence of Yoga that it’s just a workout like any other exercise.
What is the Yoga Community?
In simple words, a community is a group of people gathering and interacting in the same location. And in our Yoga Community, it’s a group of individuals taking a Yoga class together. However, a Yoga community doesn’t stop at that. When people come together for Yoga, they have no idea about what they’re getting into. Yoga has a profound effect on the mind and psyche and people are keen to connect with others having similar experiences.
A casual chat before or after the class transforms into cultivating relationships in a Yoga community. And, the relationship and conversations are way different compared to other relationships.
While its highly gratifying for a Yoga instructor to see their students practice it with passion, it’s equally satisfying to see them network with others and take their Yoga friendship outside. These relationships are often spontaneous and also inevitable when a group of like-minded individuals come together under a common roof. These relationships are conductive to build a Yoga community that is highly beneficial for everyone involved, including teachers and participants.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga dates back to the 15th century, and unlike the other types of Yoga, it’s slow-paced and relaxed that focuses on meditation. Several Asanas like Ardha Chandrasana, Dhanurasana, Setu bandh, and Gomukhasana make this technique complete that also includes several styles of modern Yoga.
Vinyasa Yoga
Also known as Ashtanga Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga increases strength and builds lean muscle mass throughout the body. All muscle groups receive equal attention that create a perfect balance in a flowing and continuous movement. One famous Asana is the Surya Namaskar or Sun salutation that includes a series of asanas performed at dawn on an empty stomach.
New to yoga?
Here are some resources to help get you started:
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Types of yogaTypes of yoga
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Find the Right TeacherFind the Right Teacher
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Becoming a Yoga TeacherBecoming a Yoga Teacher
Kundalini Yoga
It’s the Yoga of awareness that penetrates deep into your mind with a powerful spiritual aspect. It combines movement, breath, sound, and meditation to relax and restore the mind and body from deep within. The practice improves overall strength and endurance while strengthening the nervous system, purifying blood, and works on your subconscious mind.
Anusara Yoga
It’s a new form of Yoga that is considered one of the most spiritual one, and focuses on your inner self and soul. It combines Hatha Yoga with Tantric philosophy. Anusara in Sanskrit means flowing with grace, and it is believed that all beings have inherent goodness present in them. This practice boosts strength, tones muscles, and relaxes the mind and body to optimum.
Bikram Yoga
There are 26 different poses that are specifically practiced in hot and humid environments. It’s a proven Yoga technique to lose weight that helps you burn 60 calories in one session. It’s equal to an intense workout in a hot environment that helps the body to relax and improve breathing to achieve mental focus. It’s founded by the Indian Yogi by Bikram Choudhury.