“Yoga does not transform the way we see things; it transforms the person who sees.” -~ Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar
Yoga has become very popular in these stressful times. This universally embraced technique had its origin in ancient India and has been a part of the cultural ethos of this land for many millennia. In present times, people mostly associate yoga with various postures and exercises that help relax and strengthen the body. Yoga is something more profound. The word yoga actually means union, the union of our Self (Atma) with the Supreme Self (Paramatma). In simple terms, yoga can be seen as a harmony between our body, mind and breath. In recent times, many aspects of this age-old practice have been forgotten or ignored. It’s time we focus on these overlooked aspects to reap wholesome benefits from a tradition passed on to us from time immemorial.
Most Overlooked Aspects of Yoga
Yoga, a Spiritual Discipline
Most of us consider yoga just a physical exercise that strengthens our core muscles and builds immunity. This is not a true picture of yoga. Yoga is essentially a spiritual discipline that takes us on an inner journey leading to the experience of our true Self. Did you know that there are eight limbs(Ashtang) of yoga namely, Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi? These limbs have great significance, and their meanings denote the same.
How-to-incorporate-the-8-limbs-of-yoga-into-your-practice?
Connection with Breath
Breath is an important component of any yoga practice. The yoga breathing techniques are known as Pranayama. Prana refers to the universal life force and ayama means to regulate. Prana is the vital energy needed by our body and mind without which our body would perish. Regulating the prana can bring great relaxation to the body and mind. How to do Pranayama?
Importance of Yogic Guru
Yoga is a profound process that is intricately crafted. A Guru who has experience and knows the process can easily guide you to perfect your yoga and attain its values. If you are not rightly guided in the process or end up doing the process wrong, then the technique might do you more harm than good. The transfer of knowledge and wisdom from an able spiritual teacher to the student is an essential step in the yogic tradition of this land. How does a yoga guru light the path of the student?
“A city without streets, a king without a treasury, a merchant without a business, a face without a nose, life without wisdom, and a life without a Guru are all considered the same.”
~ Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Yoga is Multidimensional
Most of us wish to develop a fit and flexible body with yoga but yoga has many dimensions. It is not limited to the physical alone but encompasses multiple aspects that can transform our whole life. Yoga has a many-fold meaning that is factored in the names of its different limbs(Ashtang). Yoga emphasizes equanimity, dispassionate action, conscious living, wisdom, impartiality, devotion and meditation which help blossom our personalities. It takes diligence and practice to learn the art of yoga. Hence, yoga is not limited but is multidimensional and it gradually changes our life. Through yoga, you achieve much more than a disease-free body. You become free of stress, prejudice, sorrow, inhibitions and trauma, and experience holistic well-being.
Yoga Sparks our Intuition
When you are guided by a Guru, you understand the relevance of yoga and its components. The present generation may not have entirely explored the aesthetics of yoga, which has a strong foundation. Holistic yoga boosts our intellect and sparks our intuition to find wisdom in everyone and everything and moulds us to use our potential to achieve our life goals with clarity.
“Yoga is not just doing some exercise, it is much more. It is to expand your awareness, sharpen your intellect and enhance your intuitive ability.”
~ Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Yoga Brings Peace
When you see yoga just as a tool to get a flexible body, you may not realize how yoga can take you on a spiritual journey. The aspects of asanas, breath control and self-awareness are just the beginning of the whole process. Yoga allows you to explore yourself, discover the purpose of your life, and connect with the everlasting peace and happiness that can be found within. It helps connect you with your soul (Atma) and the Supreme Soul(Paramatma) through meditation and thereby lead you towards your spiritual aspirations. In short, yoga keeps us healthy and conscious, and ultimately leads us to realize the divinity within.
Yoga Influences Your Decisions
Yoga influences the way you think, talk and make daily choices in life. It makes you aware of your surroundings and helps you reflect on your feelings and emotions. Yoga and breath control empower you to detoxify your mind of stress, anxiety and depression while also relaxing your body of pain and knots. With a firm commitment to daily practice of yoga, your brain releases oxytocin, serotonin and other hormones, engages in new connections, and improves your cognitive skills such as memory and learning.
Not Just Internally, Yoga Guides us Externally too
We already know that yoga has eight limbs(Ashtang) of which Pratyahara is one of the most overlooked aspects.Pratyahara implies control of ahara’ or becoming proficient in controlling external influences. Although ahara means food, here it implies anything that our body and mind feed on, from food and thoughts to sensations. Pratyahara teaches us to withdraw ourselves from wrong food, bad company and negative impressions. Just as a bad diet toxifies our bodies, bad impressions and relationships impurify our minds and make us do wrong actions. On the other hand, accepting only the positives will help us meditate effectively.
Conclusion
It takes years of practice to get a flexible mind and a flexible body with yoga. Although we understand some of the benefits of yoga, we must also remember the most overlooked aspects of yoga. The branches of the yoga tree are many, and only by seeking knowledge of its vastness can we understand the importance of each branch. Modern yoga may not incorporate the overlooked aspects of holistic yoga, but it's yours and our responsibility to enrich our lifestyle and rebuild new generations with proper knowledge of yoga, mindfulness, and meditation.
Learn the easiest way to transform your life with yoga here.
