Stay Fit Always

➤What is Yoga in Brief➤

what-is-yoga

Yoga is a healthy way of life, originated in India. Now it is believed to be a form of science accepted all over the world. The western culture also is accepting it as a healthy form of scientific exercise. Although the origin of yoga is obscure, it has a long tradition. In course of time, various schools of yoga developed. The major schools of yoga are Jnana yoga, Bhakti yoga, Karma yoga and Raja yoga. These schools of yoga advocate particular type of methodology which includes a variety of systematised practices of yoga depending on their particular approach. However, all these are leading to the common goal of self realisation and integration of body and mind.  Yoga for a common person contains the practices of yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, kriya, mudra, bandha and meditation which are helpful to keep oneself physically fit, mentally alert and emotionally balanced. This ultimately prepares ground for the spiritual development of an individual.  The main emphasis of the present yoga curriculum for school going children is to develop their physical fitness, mental development and emotional stability rather than on the spiritual aspect of yoga. Postures or asanas form an important basis of this curriculum.  These have, therefore, been given more weightage. Though, other yogic activities have also been included in the curriculum.

What is Yoga?

The word 'Yoga' is derived from Sanskrit root yuj which means 'join' or 'unite'. This may be taken as the union of body, mind and soul, and is used in the literature both as an end as well as means. As an end, yoga signifies 'integration of personality' at the highest level.  As means, yoga includes various practices and techniques which are employed to achieve the development of such integration. These practices and techniques are means in the yogic literature and are also referred collectively as Yoga : A Healthy Way of Living

Importance of Yoga:➤

Good Health is the right of every human being. But this right depends on individual, social and environmental factors. Along with social or environmental factors to a large extent, we can develop a better immune system and a better perception of oneself so that other conditions do not affect us adversely and we can achieve good health. Health is a positive concept. Positive health does not mean merely freedom from disease, but, it also include a jubilant and energetic feeling of well-being with an amount of general resistance and capacity to easily cultivate immunity against specific offending agents.  There are many modern and indigenous methods and disciplines that can help us to successfully fight with diseases. For example, the system of yoga, naturopathy, ayurveda, unani, homeopathy and siddha can be quoted among indigenous systems, whereas allopathic system is quoted as the modern and popular medical system. Yoga is one of the most powerful drugless system of treatment. It is having its own concept of wellness which has been scientifically understood and presented by many. Yoga can be adopted as lifestyle for promoting our physical and mental health. Yoga, if introduced at the school level would help to inculcate healthy habits and healthy lifestyle to achieve good health.
The aim of yoga thus, at the school level, is to encourage a positive and healthy lifestyle for physical, mental and emotional health of children. Yoga helps in the development of strength, stamina, endurance and high energy at physical level. It also empowers oneself with increased concentration, calm, peace and contentment at mental level leading to inner and outer harmony.