I am ex-servicemen from Indian Army and now I
am a soldier of your yoga following army. I believe
now that if this physical body is a gift of GOD then
'Yoga' is what keeps it going, which further means
that your Yoga regimen and medicinal regimen as
suggested by Acharya Balkrishna ji could keep it
healthy forever. Here I am sharing the health
benefits that I am enjoying from Yoga and
Ayurveda so that others could benefit too.
When I was stationed at Tejpur in Assam in 1999 I
contracted Red and White blisters in my mouth
which could not be cured and thus Doctors also
prescribed me for biopsy thinking of them as
cancer, which was found to be untrue later with my
biopsy reports from Pune. But the Doctors termed
it as 'Lichen Planus' somewhat similar to cancer as
an incurable disease. They said it could never be
cured and these blisters would keep reappearing on
their own in due course of time. I could not eat
properly due to it and thus from 1999 till 2008 I
lost a lot of weight.
Fortunately I learned your Yoga and by regularly practicing yoga for the
next six month the blisters have been cured. I have
consumed boiled gourd and ridge-gourd for 8 years
and now I could eat food with gusto. Even I have
gained 5-6 Kg of weight too.
Even the Cervical Spondylitis for which I was
suggested surgery has also been cured with yoga.
Being an alcoholic I was also suffering from piles
and shivering of hands which have also been cured
completely. My Bronchitis Asthma has also been
cured up to 90%. I would always be grateful to
you.
to cure your health issue with yoga contact us at info@ayurwellness.in
Showing posts with label Yoga. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yoga. Show all posts
Breathing therapy
Breathing Therapy
The nose has a left and a right side; we use both to inhale and exhale.
Actually they are different; you would be able to feel the difference.
The right side represents the sun, left side represents the moon.
During a headache, try to close your right nose and use your left nose to breathe.
In about 5 mins, your headache will go?
If you feel tired, just reverse, close your left nose and breathe through your right nose.
After a while, you will feel your mind is refreshed.
Right side belongs to 'hot', so it gets heated up easily, left side belongs to 'cold'.
Most females breathe with their left noses, so they get "cooled off" faster.
Most of the guys breathe with their right noses, they get worked up.
Do you notice the moment we wake up, which side breathes faster? Left or right? ?
If left is faster, you will feel tired.
So, close your left nose and use your right nose for breathing, you will get refreshed quickly.
This can be taught to kids, but it is more effective when practiced by adults.
My friend used to have bad headaches and was always visiting the doctor.
There was this period when he suffered headache literally every night, unable to study.
He took painkillers, did not work.
He decided to try out the breathing therapy here: closed his right nose and breathed through his left nose.
In less than a week, his headaches were gone! He continued the exercise for one month.
This alternative natural therapy without medication is something that he has experienced.
So, why not give it a try?
The nose has a left and a right side; we use both to inhale and exhale.
Actually they are different; you would be able to feel the difference.
The right side represents the sun, left side represents the moon.
During a headache, try to close your right nose and use your left nose to breathe.
In about 5 mins, your headache will go?
If you feel tired, just reverse, close your left nose and breathe through your right nose.
After a while, you will feel your mind is refreshed.
Right side belongs to 'hot', so it gets heated up easily, left side belongs to 'cold'.
Most females breathe with their left noses, so they get "cooled off" faster.
Most of the guys breathe with their right noses, they get worked up.
Do you notice the moment we wake up, which side breathes faster? Left or right? ?
If left is faster, you will feel tired.
So, close your left nose and use your right nose for breathing, you will get refreshed quickly.
This can be taught to kids, but it is more effective when practiced by adults.
My friend used to have bad headaches and was always visiting the doctor.
There was this period when he suffered headache literally every night, unable to study.
He took painkillers, did not work.
He decided to try out the breathing therapy here: closed his right nose and breathed through his left nose.
In less than a week, his headaches were gone! He continued the exercise for one month.
This alternative natural therapy without medication is something that he has experienced.
So, why not give it a try?
Benefits of Yoga - Magic for a healthy pregnant mom’s!
We know that yoga brings mind, body and the soul to sync into a single force there by stimulating energy from within. Yoga is essential for expecting mothers to keep up good health with sufficient energy. It is more beneficial to take a routine practice of yoga for maintenance of body balance by strengthening the lower part of the body.
There are many problems faced during pregnancy, one is the back ache which is considered as complicated one with variation in the heaviness of the uterus. Prenatal yoga for weight loss program is recommended as it strengthens the muscles to support the pressure exerted at the lower back portion.
Breathing control exercises are more beneficial to calm down your mind and make if focused out of stress and body pain at times. It helps in regulating the problems related to flow of oxygen through the body as well as reduces the difficulty of pain management in labor.
Changes in the body weight and posture will make them feel a bit difficult in daily routines. Balancing yoga pose and asana helps mom’s to keep fitness, adhering yoga to the routines normally energizes the body. Comfort on the child birth is being enhanced with the different stretching and balancing poses from the dictionary of yoga. Child birth preparation is the main focus of following certain yoga postures as it facilitates easiness and gives a better spacing comfort in position for trouble-free labor.
Special features of practicing yoga are that it gives you calmness with good health and strength to manage the body condition. Keeping oneself calm with light music in relaxing postures of yoga keeps mind rested from stress symptoms. Prenatal yoga helps in managing the anxiety related to the health care in the pregnant stage. It also creates a bond between the mom and the baby with the side-lying or semi-reclining pose as practiced in Shavasana in the prenatal yoga.
Prenatal yoga classes also help to meet moms forming a supportive network to share their thoughts and feelings. This helps in leaving behind the uneasy feel with the pleasant aspiring words of the instructor.
Overcoming Depression with Meditation
The Teachings of the Bhagavad Gita
Marks of a Self-Realized Person
Lord Krishna said: When one is completely free from all desires of
the mind and is satisfied with the Supreme Being by the joy of
Supreme Being, then one is called an enlightened person, O Arjuna.
(2.55)
A person whose mind is unperturbed by sorrow, who does not crave
pleasures, and who is completely free from attachment, fear, and
anger, is called an enlightened sage of steady intellect. (2.56)
The mind and intellect of a person become steady who is not attached
to anything, who is neither elated by getting desired results, nor
perturbed by undesired results. (2.57)
When one can completely withdraw the senses from the sense objects as
a tortoise withdraws its limbs into the shell for protection from
calamity, then the intellect of such a person is considered steady.
(2.58)
The desire for sensual pleasures fades away if one abstains from
sense enjoyment, but the craving for sense enjoyment remains in a
very subtle form. This subtle craving also completely disappears from
the one who knows the Supreme Being. (2.59)
__________________________________________________________
Overcoming Depression with Meditation
by Dr. Frank Morales, Ph.D.
(Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya)
Modern America is a land of many interesting, and often painfully
ironic, contradictions. On the one hand, we supposedly enjoy more
prosperity, longevity, comforts, and conveniences in the United
States than any other civilization has even dreamed of in previous
history. Supposedly.
On the other hand, however, America is currently going through one of
the biggest mental health crises that any nation in history has ever
experienced. Various forms of depression, anxiety disorders and
neuroses are affecting millions of Americans. Depressive disorders
affect approximately 18.8 million American adults, or about 9.5% of
the U.S. population age 18 and older in any given year. For those
cases of depression that are reported, many more remain unreported,
and thus unknown. This current mental health crisis includes such
ailments as major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, and
bipolar disorder.
What is especially disturbing is that depression is increasingly a
common occurrence among the nation's young, a demographic that should
be enjoying the fun and carefree life usually associated with
childhood. Pre-schoolers are the fastest-growing market for
antidepressants. At least four percent of preschoolers -- over a
million! -- are considered clinically depressed. CNN recently
reported on a study that revealed that as many as 3 million teenagers
contemplated suicide in 2006. The rate of increase of depression
among children is an astounding 23%.
30% of women are depressed. Men's figures were previously thought to
be half that of women, but new estimates show that the actual figures
are higher than at first suspected.
Depression will be the second largest killer after heart disease by
2020 -- and medical studies have shown that depression is a
contributory factor to fatal coronary disease.
Depression results in more absenteeism and loss of employment than
almost any other physical disorder, and costs employers more than
US$51 billion per year in absenteeism and lost productivity, not
including high medical and pharmaceutical bills.
The treatment modalities often used in the attempt to combat
depression are diverse and have varied results. Some of these
treatments include talk therapy and anti-depression medications.
Currently, several million Americans are on various anti-depressants,
including Prozac, Lexapro, and Amitriptyline. Many of these anti-
depression medications have had only mixed results.
Antidepressants work for 35% to 45% of the depressed population,
while more recent figures suggest as low as 30%. Standard
antidepressants, SSRIs such as Prozac, Paxil (Aropax) and Zoloft,
have recently been revealed to have serious risks, and are linked to
suicide, violence, psychosis, abnormal bleeding, and brain tumors.
Though most doctors advise a combination of therapy and
antidepressants, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has an 80%
relapse rate in the long term.
While medication and therapy can often take the edge off of the
experience of depression, they are far from successful in all
instances. The only truly effective cure lies in going to the root
of depression. That root is ultimately spiritual in nature.
Depression is itself only a direct symptomatic manifestation of the
radical secularization of human society. Previous to secular
modernity, depression was a much less prevalent phenomenon. And when
it was experienced, the reasons were more clearly environmental and
causal than they are now. In the past, depression was directly
associated with a specific event or occurrence in the person's life
that directly caused the depression. Today, however, an increasing
number of depressed persons are experiencing more generalized
depression, a type of general existential angst, the exact cause of
which it is difficult for them to pinpoint. Some of the leading
causes of depression today include a sense of meaninglessness;
consuming and generalized fear; spiritual crises, and the high
degrees of stress and anxiety that has become accepted as normal in
modern, radically secularized, everyday life.
For younger people, especially, when asked why they are experiencing
deep depression, many youth will point to a complete sense of
meaninglessness in their lives. The don't know why they are here,
what their purpose in life is, why they are bothering to learn and
work hard, and why our present-day, materialistic society is geared
in such a way as to provide them with no real answers to their quest
for meaning. While pop culture, technology, and the youth scene
serves as a temporary outlet for many teens, more often than not it
only serves to tremendously exacerbate the problem of depression.
Secular modernity presents us with a social-philosophical construct
that is artificial, anti-natural, and ultimately destructive and
unhealthy in nature. In our society, we have been deprived of the
age-tested, fundamental vehicles through which we can excel
spiritually, intellectually, and culturally. Spirituality and
Dharma, which form the basis of all meaningful human growth and
progress, has been systematically and viciously erased from modern
secular societies to such a radical extent that hundreds of millions
of persons worldwide are vividly feeling the ill effects of a life
devoid of meaning, value, nobility, goodness, heroism, and the quest
for Truth.
The search for truth has been replaced in the lives of billions with
the search for entertainment.
Rather than encouraging such spiritual values as courage, nobility,
and heroism, the modern world today encourages the coldly
unsatisfying propaganda of radical egalitarianism. Rather than
encouraging the nurturing of the inner life of the spirit, and the
natural joy, peace and fulfillment that results from a healthy
spiritually-centered life, today it is only selfish economic
advancement and the value of purchasing power that is advocated.
Rather than a lifestyle of mental, physical and spiritual health,
today lifestyles of selfish hedonism, consumerism, greed, fame, and
lust are upheld as the ideal course of behavior, and the values
toward which all should aspire.
Dharma, the principle of living one's life in accordance with Natural
Law and God's will in a manner that is healthy, fulfilling,
nurturing, and truly progressive, has now been replaced with an
artificial and life-denying lifestyle that only produces a profound
sense of meaninglessness and anxiety.
The ultimate cure for society's present crisis of depression and
meaninglessness is to re-embrace a life of meaning, a life of
Dharma. Dharma, by its very definition, denotes the sustaining
foundation of all reality. Dharma is the concept that all that we
experience in this world is based upon a higher, spiritual reality
that provides the ordering principles necessary for the proper
function of the world. To understand Dharma is to understand the
world, and the natural laws behind all things that make life a
meaningful and beautiful expression of the Divine in spacial-temporal
reality. To know Dharma is to know life's ultimate meaning. And the
way to fully know Dharma is through the process of meditation.
For millennia, a spiritually based practice of meditation has been
shown to be very effective in combating such problems as stress,
anxiety, fear, and feelings of meaninglessness. Because meditation
addresses the root causes of depression and anxiety, the time honored
techniques of meditation can be a much more effective cure for
depression than either talk-therapy or medication.
Meditation is a natural, easy and proven method that has been shown
in hundreds of clinical studies to bring about deep states of peace,
calm and mental clarity. In addition, a specifically spiritual
regimen of daily meditation can help to foster a deep sense of
meaning and spiritual comfort.
Meditation has been shown to work on two distinct levels: a) the
cognitive level, and b) the spiritual level. On the cognitive level,
meditation helps to bring about a deep equipoise and a calming relief
to one's overactive mind. Today, especially, the mind is constantly
bombarded with an unending stream of diverse information - some
valuable, most useless. As a direct result of such information
bombardment, the mind is in an almost constant state of agitation and
confusion. Meditation serves to calm the mind, allowing our
attention to shift from the storm of external stimuli to the deep
inner peace that is the natural state of the soul. As a consequence
of having a calm mind, we then find that we can think and make
important decisions with much more clarity, insight, and power. We
are now able to process information in a way that serves us, rather
than merely being the victims of myriad sensory impressions and
information overload.
On the more spiritual level, meditation has the ability to provide us
with deep levels of self-realization and God-realization that, up
till now, may have seemed to be impossible attainments to many of
us. By meditating with the expressed goal of making spiritual
progress, and knowing God and self, we then traverse beyond the
merely cognitive and mental, and begin to penetrate the inner realms
of eternal spirit. When we have self-realization, we now experience
the transcendent peace and calm that is the natural result of living
in spirit. When we have God-realization, we are now in communion
with the very source of our being, the eternal, loving Absolute who
is our very best of friends, and greatest of well-wishers. In such a
transcendent state of spiritual attainment, no anxiety, stress,
depression, or fear can ever burden our minds or hearts again. For
we have now, through the process of spiritual meditation, realized
the infinite well of spiritual peace that lies naturally within.
The root cause of most depression today, then, is the pervasive sense
of meaninglessness that naturally accompanies life in a radically
secularized, materialistic society. The cure to such existential
meaninglessness is to partake profoundly in the spiritual nature of
our true selves and the spiritual foundations underlying our everyday
concerns. The artificial construct of materialism needs to be
replaced with Dharma, and the natural lifestyle and spiritual way of
being that Dharma teaches us to embrace. The most effective way of
accessing the spiritual reality that is our true self, and thus to
over-come the unnatural state of depression, is God-centered
meditation as taught in the ancient tradition of Sanatana Dharma.
For further information about overcoming depressing and learning to
embrace happiness again through meditation, please contact the
International Sanatana Dharma Society: To contact
Sri Acharya-ji, email him at: info@dharmacentral.com.
www.dharmacentral.com
info@dharmacentral.com
(608) 280-8375
The Author:
Dr. Frank Morales, Ph.D. (Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya) is an
American who has been practicing Sanatana Dharma for over 30 years.
He has a Ph.D. in Religious Studies and is recognized by the global
Hindu community as one of the leading Hindu Acharyas (Spiritual
Preceptors) in the nation. With a large international following of
both Indian and Western students, Sri Acharya Ji is especially
renowned for his highly authentic approach to Dharmic spirituality,
his authoritative and scholarly approach to teaching, and his clear
emphasis on serious spiritual practice and direct experience of self-
realization and knowledge of God. He has lectured on Sanatana Dharma
at such prestigious institutions as Harvard University, Columbia,
Rutgers, Cornell, Northwestern, as well as for such companies as Ford
Motor Corporation and Lucent Technology. He is the Founder and
President of the International Sanatana Dharma Society.
Marks of a Self-Realized Person
Lord Krishna said: When one is completely free from all desires of
the mind and is satisfied with the Supreme Being by the joy of
Supreme Being, then one is called an enlightened person, O Arjuna.
(2.55)
A person whose mind is unperturbed by sorrow, who does not crave
pleasures, and who is completely free from attachment, fear, and
anger, is called an enlightened sage of steady intellect. (2.56)
The mind and intellect of a person become steady who is not attached
to anything, who is neither elated by getting desired results, nor
perturbed by undesired results. (2.57)
When one can completely withdraw the senses from the sense objects as
a tortoise withdraws its limbs into the shell for protection from
calamity, then the intellect of such a person is considered steady.
(2.58)
The desire for sensual pleasures fades away if one abstains from
sense enjoyment, but the craving for sense enjoyment remains in a
very subtle form. This subtle craving also completely disappears from
the one who knows the Supreme Being. (2.59)
__________________________________________________________
Overcoming Depression with Meditation
by Dr. Frank Morales, Ph.D.
(Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya)
Modern America is a land of many interesting, and often painfully
ironic, contradictions. On the one hand, we supposedly enjoy more
prosperity, longevity, comforts, and conveniences in the United
States than any other civilization has even dreamed of in previous
history. Supposedly.
On the other hand, however, America is currently going through one of
the biggest mental health crises that any nation in history has ever
experienced. Various forms of depression, anxiety disorders and
neuroses are affecting millions of Americans. Depressive disorders
affect approximately 18.8 million American adults, or about 9.5% of
the U.S. population age 18 and older in any given year. For those
cases of depression that are reported, many more remain unreported,
and thus unknown. This current mental health crisis includes such
ailments as major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, and
bipolar disorder.
What is especially disturbing is that depression is increasingly a
common occurrence among the nation's young, a demographic that should
be enjoying the fun and carefree life usually associated with
childhood. Pre-schoolers are the fastest-growing market for
antidepressants. At least four percent of preschoolers -- over a
million! -- are considered clinically depressed. CNN recently
reported on a study that revealed that as many as 3 million teenagers
contemplated suicide in 2006. The rate of increase of depression
among children is an astounding 23%.
30% of women are depressed. Men's figures were previously thought to
be half that of women, but new estimates show that the actual figures
are higher than at first suspected.
Depression will be the second largest killer after heart disease by
2020 -- and medical studies have shown that depression is a
contributory factor to fatal coronary disease.
Depression results in more absenteeism and loss of employment than
almost any other physical disorder, and costs employers more than
US$51 billion per year in absenteeism and lost productivity, not
including high medical and pharmaceutical bills.
The treatment modalities often used in the attempt to combat
depression are diverse and have varied results. Some of these
treatments include talk therapy and anti-depression medications.
Currently, several million Americans are on various anti-depressants,
including Prozac, Lexapro, and Amitriptyline. Many of these anti-
depression medications have had only mixed results.
Antidepressants work for 35% to 45% of the depressed population,
while more recent figures suggest as low as 30%. Standard
antidepressants, SSRIs such as Prozac, Paxil (Aropax) and Zoloft,
have recently been revealed to have serious risks, and are linked to
suicide, violence, psychosis, abnormal bleeding, and brain tumors.
Though most doctors advise a combination of therapy and
antidepressants, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has an 80%
relapse rate in the long term.
While medication and therapy can often take the edge off of the
experience of depression, they are far from successful in all
instances. The only truly effective cure lies in going to the root
of depression. That root is ultimately spiritual in nature.
Depression is itself only a direct symptomatic manifestation of the
radical secularization of human society. Previous to secular
modernity, depression was a much less prevalent phenomenon. And when
it was experienced, the reasons were more clearly environmental and
causal than they are now. In the past, depression was directly
associated with a specific event or occurrence in the person's life
that directly caused the depression. Today, however, an increasing
number of depressed persons are experiencing more generalized
depression, a type of general existential angst, the exact cause of
which it is difficult for them to pinpoint. Some of the leading
causes of depression today include a sense of meaninglessness;
consuming and generalized fear; spiritual crises, and the high
degrees of stress and anxiety that has become accepted as normal in
modern, radically secularized, everyday life.
For younger people, especially, when asked why they are experiencing
deep depression, many youth will point to a complete sense of
meaninglessness in their lives. The don't know why they are here,
what their purpose in life is, why they are bothering to learn and
work hard, and why our present-day, materialistic society is geared
in such a way as to provide them with no real answers to their quest
for meaning. While pop culture, technology, and the youth scene
serves as a temporary outlet for many teens, more often than not it
only serves to tremendously exacerbate the problem of depression.
Secular modernity presents us with a social-philosophical construct
that is artificial, anti-natural, and ultimately destructive and
unhealthy in nature. In our society, we have been deprived of the
age-tested, fundamental vehicles through which we can excel
spiritually, intellectually, and culturally. Spirituality and
Dharma, which form the basis of all meaningful human growth and
progress, has been systematically and viciously erased from modern
secular societies to such a radical extent that hundreds of millions
of persons worldwide are vividly feeling the ill effects of a life
devoid of meaning, value, nobility, goodness, heroism, and the quest
for Truth.
The search for truth has been replaced in the lives of billions with
the search for entertainment.
Rather than encouraging such spiritual values as courage, nobility,
and heroism, the modern world today encourages the coldly
unsatisfying propaganda of radical egalitarianism. Rather than
encouraging the nurturing of the inner life of the spirit, and the
natural joy, peace and fulfillment that results from a healthy
spiritually-centered life, today it is only selfish economic
advancement and the value of purchasing power that is advocated.
Rather than a lifestyle of mental, physical and spiritual health,
today lifestyles of selfish hedonism, consumerism, greed, fame, and
lust are upheld as the ideal course of behavior, and the values
toward which all should aspire.
Dharma, the principle of living one's life in accordance with Natural
Law and God's will in a manner that is healthy, fulfilling,
nurturing, and truly progressive, has now been replaced with an
artificial and life-denying lifestyle that only produces a profound
sense of meaninglessness and anxiety.
The ultimate cure for society's present crisis of depression and
meaninglessness is to re-embrace a life of meaning, a life of
Dharma. Dharma, by its very definition, denotes the sustaining
foundation of all reality. Dharma is the concept that all that we
experience in this world is based upon a higher, spiritual reality
that provides the ordering principles necessary for the proper
function of the world. To understand Dharma is to understand the
world, and the natural laws behind all things that make life a
meaningful and beautiful expression of the Divine in spacial-temporal
reality. To know Dharma is to know life's ultimate meaning. And the
way to fully know Dharma is through the process of meditation.
For millennia, a spiritually based practice of meditation has been
shown to be very effective in combating such problems as stress,
anxiety, fear, and feelings of meaninglessness. Because meditation
addresses the root causes of depression and anxiety, the time honored
techniques of meditation can be a much more effective cure for
depression than either talk-therapy or medication.
Meditation is a natural, easy and proven method that has been shown
in hundreds of clinical studies to bring about deep states of peace,
calm and mental clarity. In addition, a specifically spiritual
regimen of daily meditation can help to foster a deep sense of
meaning and spiritual comfort.
Meditation has been shown to work on two distinct levels: a) the
cognitive level, and b) the spiritual level. On the cognitive level,
meditation helps to bring about a deep equipoise and a calming relief
to one's overactive mind. Today, especially, the mind is constantly
bombarded with an unending stream of diverse information - some
valuable, most useless. As a direct result of such information
bombardment, the mind is in an almost constant state of agitation and
confusion. Meditation serves to calm the mind, allowing our
attention to shift from the storm of external stimuli to the deep
inner peace that is the natural state of the soul. As a consequence
of having a calm mind, we then find that we can think and make
important decisions with much more clarity, insight, and power. We
are now able to process information in a way that serves us, rather
than merely being the victims of myriad sensory impressions and
information overload.
On the more spiritual level, meditation has the ability to provide us
with deep levels of self-realization and God-realization that, up
till now, may have seemed to be impossible attainments to many of
us. By meditating with the expressed goal of making spiritual
progress, and knowing God and self, we then traverse beyond the
merely cognitive and mental, and begin to penetrate the inner realms
of eternal spirit. When we have self-realization, we now experience
the transcendent peace and calm that is the natural result of living
in spirit. When we have God-realization, we are now in communion
with the very source of our being, the eternal, loving Absolute who
is our very best of friends, and greatest of well-wishers. In such a
transcendent state of spiritual attainment, no anxiety, stress,
depression, or fear can ever burden our minds or hearts again. For
we have now, through the process of spiritual meditation, realized
the infinite well of spiritual peace that lies naturally within.
The root cause of most depression today, then, is the pervasive sense
of meaninglessness that naturally accompanies life in a radically
secularized, materialistic society. The cure to such existential
meaninglessness is to partake profoundly in the spiritual nature of
our true selves and the spiritual foundations underlying our everyday
concerns. The artificial construct of materialism needs to be
replaced with Dharma, and the natural lifestyle and spiritual way of
being that Dharma teaches us to embrace. The most effective way of
accessing the spiritual reality that is our true self, and thus to
over-come the unnatural state of depression, is God-centered
meditation as taught in the ancient tradition of Sanatana Dharma.
For further information about overcoming depressing and learning to
embrace happiness again through meditation, please contact the
International Sanatana Dharma Society: To contact
Sri Acharya-ji, email him at: info@dharmacentral.com.
www.dharmacentral.com
info@dharmacentral.com
(608) 280-8375
The Author:
Dr. Frank Morales, Ph.D. (Sri Dharma Pravartaka Acharya) is an
American who has been practicing Sanatana Dharma for over 30 years.
He has a Ph.D. in Religious Studies and is recognized by the global
Hindu community as one of the leading Hindu Acharyas (Spiritual
Preceptors) in the nation. With a large international following of
both Indian and Western students, Sri Acharya Ji is especially
renowned for his highly authentic approach to Dharmic spirituality,
his authoritative and scholarly approach to teaching, and his clear
emphasis on serious spiritual practice and direct experience of self-
realization and knowledge of God. He has lectured on Sanatana Dharma
at such prestigious institutions as Harvard University, Columbia,
Rutgers, Cornell, Northwestern, as well as for such companies as Ford
Motor Corporation and Lucent Technology. He is the Founder and
President of the International Sanatana Dharma Society.
Importance of Yoga for Athletes- Jumping
The movements in the various jumps involve one leg. The repeated use of the same side will result in asymmetry. The groin muscles are opened only on one side and hip joints are also subjected to one side strain.
Yogic Remedy
1. For the jumper Asana the open up the groin like the Upavishta Konasana and Baddha Konasana, Samakonanasa and Supta Padangushtasana are very useful to prevent imbalances.
2. Hanumanasana optimizes muscle usage in the triple and long jumper
3. Balancing asana is useful for the pole vaulter to train both sides of the body for load bearing
4. In particular, one side balances like Vaishtasana and Kasyapasna trains the side of body and Latissmus dorsi muscles
Yogic Remedy
1. For the jumper Asana the open up the groin like the Upavishta Konasana and Baddha Konasana, Samakonanasa and Supta Padangushtasana are very useful to prevent imbalances.
2. Hanumanasana optimizes muscle usage in the triple and long jumper
3. Balancing asana is useful for the pole vaulter to train both sides of the body for load bearing
4. In particular, one side balances like Vaishtasana and Kasyapasna trains the side of body and Latissmus dorsi muscles
Importance of Yoga for Athletes- Throwing
All the throwing events involve one arm. In the long run, the imbalance between the overused and under used muscles gives trouble.
For example in throwing the Discus - the palm of one hand is constantly folded and the other is not used.
In shot put throw the One – Side effect often lasts for years after the cessation of the sports. The most common is that of the spine being always rotated to the right. The excessive strain on the facet joints result in an uneven and premature wear and tear and a scholastic deformity.
Yogic Remedy
Lateral bends and twisting asana are useful to prevent the strain on the spine and maintain healthy evenness of usage
For example in throwing the Discus - the palm of one hand is constantly folded and the other is not used.
In shot put throw the One – Side effect often lasts for years after the cessation of the sports. The most common is that of the spine being always rotated to the right. The excessive strain on the facet joints result in an uneven and premature wear and tear and a scholastic deformity.
Yogic Remedy
Lateral bends and twisting asana are useful to prevent the strain on the spine and maintain healthy evenness of usage
Importance of Yoga for Athletes- Running
There is a tendency for long distance runner to push the body to a high level of training without recognizing the danger signals. The benefits of running are at the cost of inner organs. The heart and lungs are irritated. The abdominal organs are disturbed by constant movement, which causes the cramping of the circulatory flow. Due to age factors the endurance capacity of the athletes cannot be retained for long time.
Yogic Remedy
1. The Hamstring mucles, which are tough and hard due to hours of running, are softened by yogic stretches
2. Excess heat in the body is removed by Sheetali Pranayama. This is valuable in Marathon runners
3. The Heart and lungs are protected by back and forward bends.
4. The abdominal organs are toned by Asanas like-Supta Virasana,Purvottanasana, twisting and back bends.
5. The reproductive systems of women athletes are protected if asanas are practiced
Yogic Remedy
1. The Hamstring mucles, which are tough and hard due to hours of running, are softened by yogic stretches
2. Excess heat in the body is removed by Sheetali Pranayama. This is valuable in Marathon runners
3. The Heart and lungs are protected by back and forward bends.
4. The abdominal organs are toned by Asanas like-Supta Virasana,Purvottanasana, twisting and back bends.
5. The reproductive systems of women athletes are protected if asanas are practiced
Importance Of Yoga For Innate Side Effects Of various Sports
Sports give the entire world an opportunity to mingle together, exchange values and improve relations. Sporting events form an ideal condition for human race together. In general most people indulge in sporting event for the pleasure of it and also as a means of achieving fitness to tone up their bodies. The nature of competitive sports is entirely different from the recreational sports activities. Competitive sports demand continuous strenuous training for a long duration. As a result injury is quit common in competitive sports. The main problem here is that in competitive sports only one part of the body is given more work, where a s the other parts are neglected. As the sports are becoming more and more professionalized, players suffers from stress greater from the executives. In the case of the professional players, the right approach is to use yoga. Yoga is an ideal method for protecting the mind and body of the athlete. So the professional sports persons should realize yoga as an inevitable technique in maintaining the peak of physical and mental health.
Here we are now proudly presenting various yogic approaches for different sports items. Bookmark this page and become a regular reader of this content. Also send your request at riyazn123@yahoo.co.in
Here we are now proudly presenting various yogic approaches for different sports items. Bookmark this page and become a regular reader of this content. Also send your request at riyazn123@yahoo.co.in
Yoga Therapy
Science has enabled man to perform miracles. The height of a mountain or depth of an ocean is not all a problem to man. But it is a pity and painful fact that with these miracle powers man is still helpless in the hands of death and disease. Often he pays an untimely toll to death .Man should be the master of destiny, man should have the power to cure his diseases and to control his premature death. Indian yogic sciences are definite aids to this end
Yoga science ios divided into three branches-Hatha yoga, Raja Yoga and the Vaidya yoga
The Hatha yoga stresses on the purification of the body. A pure body and perfect health are stepping stones to godly life and ideal life. Raja yoga stresses on purification of mind and suspension of mental operations. The Hatha yoga is mainly used in yoga therapy. Hatha yoga can be divided into 6 parts. Dhouti, Basti, Neti, Asana, Mudra and Pranayama
Yoga therapy has two aspects. One is the purification of the body by eliminating the toxins and accumulated waste materials using procedures like Dhouti,Basti and Neti.
The second aspect is the correction of pranic flow in the body through asana and pranayama
The accumulated Poisons are the nourishing food for all disease germs. If these are removed no dangerous diseases can attack our body. If these cleansing techniques are applied when diseased it will cure fastly.
The pranic flow or energy flow through the body is deteriorated during diseases and the imbalance of the pranic flow will increase the diseases. By the practice of asana and pranayama, energy flow through the subtlest channels of the body is increased. This is achieved by increasing the blood flow in the body. The blood flow is increased by the consecutive contraction/stretching and relaxation of various groups of muscles in the body.
A change in the attitude and lifestyle is necessary to help the individual to avoid the health hazards and cope with the future. The root cause of the ailment is stress. Through the various therapeutic techniques of yoga one can pluck out this root cause and provide health and harmony
WHO has recently defined health as the state of complete physical, mental, social and spiritual well being and not merely an absence of disease or infirmity. It is only recently that the modern science has accepted the mind and spirit as the integral part of human being. But the yogic tradition has recognized these fact centauries ago. According to yogic tradition there are 5 sheaths for human body. They are
1. Physical body (Annamaya Kosha)
2. Pranic body (Pranamaya Kosha)
3. Mind body (Manomaya Kosha)
4. Intellect body(Vijanamaya Kosha)
5. Bliss body (Anandamaya Kosha)
Here health means the well being of all the 5 sheaths which is more vast and deep than the definition given by WHO
An individual needs proper balance of the 5 sheaths to be in a state of complete health. Pathogenesis according to yoga sastra can be explained as the disturbance occurring in the Manomaya kosha due to the interactions with the physical world. This disturbance in Manomaya kosha is called as Adhi.The stress disturbs the Prana in Prana maya kosha and finally manifests as diseases in Annamaya kosha. Due to the ailment, the individual becomes unhappy and low individual caliber. Thus he become completely ill health and imbalanced in all the 5 layers of existence.
The integrated approach of Yoga Therapy uses Asanas, Kriyas and Yogic diet for development to Annamaya kosha, Pranayama for Pranamaya kosha, meditation and devotional session for Manomaya kosha, notional correction for Vijanamaya kosha and working in relaxation for Anandamaya Kosha. Usage of all these practices is required for curing stress related diseases. Thus by these yogic techniques health, harmony and peace can be brought to the suffering humanity.
Asanas have their main purpose in making the nerves and muscles stronger and keep the spine flexible. As a machine cannot work without strong tape or chain which connects all portions of the machines, our body machine cannot work with out healthy, strong nerves and muscles. This is why asanas are essential for health.
The main purpose of Mudras is to keep the glands in health and proper function. These glands have great responsibility in maintaining physical health and mental equilibrium. The body becomes weak, invalid and diseased and finally falls prey to premature death due to lack of adequate secretions of endocrine glands. So the glands are the conductors, preservers and destroyers of the body. The practices of mudras are essential to regulate the glands in marinating normal health.
All created things are made up of prana or vital force. So prana is also the creator, conductor and preserver of the body. The process by which the expansion of the prana is managed is called Pranayama .Pranayama especially helps to maintain strong heart and lungs.
Hatha yoga was used by the Indian monks for prevention of diseases. Through Hatha yoga we can treat diseases like Heart diseases, hyper tension, coronary thrombosis, diabetes, asthma, gastric ulcer, carcinoma at the preliminary stages, dysentery and other chronic diseases. Yoga methods can claim the highest place among all systems of cure because the body’s self healing mechanism is promoted by activating the endocrine glands or by increasing the pranic flow through the body or by removing the blocks to the flow of pranic energy in the body .In all other systems of cure some other external agents are used as medicine which may act as toxins. Yogic therapy also improves the standard of life of the diseased person.
Therapeutic Applications
1. By the practice of Dhouti karma, diseases like Kasa(cough),Swasa(dypsnea),Splenomegaly, skin diseases and 20 types of Kaphaja diseases are cured
2. by practicing Vasti karma, diseases like Ascites, Tridoshaja diseases etc are cured
3. Kapalabhati cures all diseases of the head
4. Practices of Trataka cures diseases and all discomforts of eye
5. Indigestion and related diseases are cured by Nauli
6. Practice of Mayurasana cures diseases of sinus and diseases like Jwara, Gulma etc
7. Bhadrasana is an anti dote to poison
8. Matsyendrasana stimulates gastric fire and cures many terrible diseases
9. The practice of Sarvangasana balances the endocrine system of the body
10. The best among all asana, The Pascimothasana makes the breath flow through threw sushman, stimulates gastric fire and cures all diseases of man
Limitations of Yogic Therapy
1. The practice of yoga cannot be prescribed as a medicament. Yoga is way of life and the patient must adopt it as a part of his life
2. In acute conditions of diseases and in painful stages, it is not easy to perform asanas or other kriyas.
3. Even though the cure of diseases through yoga is permanent, it is time consuming
4. This method of treatment cannot be practiced with out the cooperation of the patient. The patience and determination of both the patient and physician is important here
Yoga science ios divided into three branches-Hatha yoga, Raja Yoga and the Vaidya yoga
The Hatha yoga stresses on the purification of the body. A pure body and perfect health are stepping stones to godly life and ideal life. Raja yoga stresses on purification of mind and suspension of mental operations. The Hatha yoga is mainly used in yoga therapy. Hatha yoga can be divided into 6 parts. Dhouti, Basti, Neti, Asana, Mudra and Pranayama
Yoga therapy has two aspects. One is the purification of the body by eliminating the toxins and accumulated waste materials using procedures like Dhouti,Basti and Neti.
The second aspect is the correction of pranic flow in the body through asana and pranayama
The accumulated Poisons are the nourishing food for all disease germs. If these are removed no dangerous diseases can attack our body. If these cleansing techniques are applied when diseased it will cure fastly.
The pranic flow or energy flow through the body is deteriorated during diseases and the imbalance of the pranic flow will increase the diseases. By the practice of asana and pranayama, energy flow through the subtlest channels of the body is increased. This is achieved by increasing the blood flow in the body. The blood flow is increased by the consecutive contraction/stretching and relaxation of various groups of muscles in the body.
A change in the attitude and lifestyle is necessary to help the individual to avoid the health hazards and cope with the future. The root cause of the ailment is stress. Through the various therapeutic techniques of yoga one can pluck out this root cause and provide health and harmony
WHO has recently defined health as the state of complete physical, mental, social and spiritual well being and not merely an absence of disease or infirmity. It is only recently that the modern science has accepted the mind and spirit as the integral part of human being. But the yogic tradition has recognized these fact centauries ago. According to yogic tradition there are 5 sheaths for human body. They are
1. Physical body (Annamaya Kosha)
2. Pranic body (Pranamaya Kosha)
3. Mind body (Manomaya Kosha)
4. Intellect body(Vijanamaya Kosha)
5. Bliss body (Anandamaya Kosha)
Here health means the well being of all the 5 sheaths which is more vast and deep than the definition given by WHO
An individual needs proper balance of the 5 sheaths to be in a state of complete health. Pathogenesis according to yoga sastra can be explained as the disturbance occurring in the Manomaya kosha due to the interactions with the physical world. This disturbance in Manomaya kosha is called as Adhi.The stress disturbs the Prana in Prana maya kosha and finally manifests as diseases in Annamaya kosha. Due to the ailment, the individual becomes unhappy and low individual caliber. Thus he become completely ill health and imbalanced in all the 5 layers of existence.
The integrated approach of Yoga Therapy uses Asanas, Kriyas and Yogic diet for development to Annamaya kosha, Pranayama for Pranamaya kosha, meditation and devotional session for Manomaya kosha, notional correction for Vijanamaya kosha and working in relaxation for Anandamaya Kosha. Usage of all these practices is required for curing stress related diseases. Thus by these yogic techniques health, harmony and peace can be brought to the suffering humanity.
Asanas have their main purpose in making the nerves and muscles stronger and keep the spine flexible. As a machine cannot work without strong tape or chain which connects all portions of the machines, our body machine cannot work with out healthy, strong nerves and muscles. This is why asanas are essential for health.
The main purpose of Mudras is to keep the glands in health and proper function. These glands have great responsibility in maintaining physical health and mental equilibrium. The body becomes weak, invalid and diseased and finally falls prey to premature death due to lack of adequate secretions of endocrine glands. So the glands are the conductors, preservers and destroyers of the body. The practices of mudras are essential to regulate the glands in marinating normal health.
All created things are made up of prana or vital force. So prana is also the creator, conductor and preserver of the body. The process by which the expansion of the prana is managed is called Pranayama .Pranayama especially helps to maintain strong heart and lungs.
Hatha yoga was used by the Indian monks for prevention of diseases. Through Hatha yoga we can treat diseases like Heart diseases, hyper tension, coronary thrombosis, diabetes, asthma, gastric ulcer, carcinoma at the preliminary stages, dysentery and other chronic diseases. Yoga methods can claim the highest place among all systems of cure because the body’s self healing mechanism is promoted by activating the endocrine glands or by increasing the pranic flow through the body or by removing the blocks to the flow of pranic energy in the body .In all other systems of cure some other external agents are used as medicine which may act as toxins. Yogic therapy also improves the standard of life of the diseased person.
Therapeutic Applications
1. By the practice of Dhouti karma, diseases like Kasa(cough),Swasa(dypsnea),Splenomegaly, skin diseases and 20 types of Kaphaja diseases are cured
2. by practicing Vasti karma, diseases like Ascites, Tridoshaja diseases etc are cured
3. Kapalabhati cures all diseases of the head
4. Practices of Trataka cures diseases and all discomforts of eye
5. Indigestion and related diseases are cured by Nauli
6. Practice of Mayurasana cures diseases of sinus and diseases like Jwara, Gulma etc
7. Bhadrasana is an anti dote to poison
8. Matsyendrasana stimulates gastric fire and cures many terrible diseases
9. The practice of Sarvangasana balances the endocrine system of the body
10. The best among all asana, The Pascimothasana makes the breath flow through threw sushman, stimulates gastric fire and cures all diseases of man
Limitations of Yogic Therapy
1. The practice of yoga cannot be prescribed as a medicament. Yoga is way of life and the patient must adopt it as a part of his life
2. In acute conditions of diseases and in painful stages, it is not easy to perform asanas or other kriyas.
3. Even though the cure of diseases through yoga is permanent, it is time consuming
4. This method of treatment cannot be practiced with out the cooperation of the patient. The patience and determination of both the patient and physician is important here
Rules Of Pranayama
Some rules for Pranayam
Select a clean and peaceful place for doing Pranayama. If possible, choose a place near a clean pond or river.
As there is a lot of pollution in the cities, some kind of incense can be lit like Guggulu and purified butter, to create a clean environment at that place, igniting a lamp with purified butter only, can also serve the purpose.
Sit either in any of the Asanas, viz. Padmasana, Sidhasana or Vajrasana, which ever you find convenient. The sheet or cloth (cotton or wool etc.) on which you sit must be a non-conductor of electricity.
Breathe only through the nose, because by doing so the air which you take in, is filtered. During daytime when you are not sitting for the performance of Pranayama make it a habit to do respire only through nose and not through mouth. Nasal respiration keeps the temperature of the Nadis (Vessels) –'Ida',Pingala and 'susmana' even. It also prevents foreign and harmful objects from getting into lungs.
Like ‘Yog’, Pranayama should also be performed four or five hours after taking food. In the morning Pranayama should be done after finishing daily routine acts like cleansing mouth, emptying of bowels etc., it should also be done before Yogsana. In the beginning Pranayama should be done for five or ten minutes gradually the time may be increased up to about 1/2 or 1 hour. Maintain a specific number of repetitions and do not variate. Maintain a specific rhythm. If it is not possible to clean the bowels by morning, at night take some mild laxative like terminalia chebula (Indian Hardaya) or any other mild laxative (a non habit forming medicinal herb having a laxative effect). Kapala-bhati Pranayama, if done regularly for a few days will help in curing constipation.
Keep your mind calm and composed. However, Pranayama can also calm down the disturbed mind and keep one happy.
Methods of Pranayama may be varied according to the seasons and your own physical make up and mental attitude. Keep this in mind and modulate the method accordingly. Some Pranayama increase the body temperature, whereas, some bring it down. Some Pranayama maintain the temperature at the normal level.
If you feel fatigued in the course of doing Pranayama , rest for sometime and then begin deep breathing, which will remove the fatigue.
Pregnant women, hungry persons, persons suffering from fever and those who are lustful having no control on their passions should not do Pranayama . If you are sick, keep in mind the instructions to be followed by sick persons while during Pranayama.
For prolonged exercises of Pranayama, observance of celibacy is necessary. Besides, food should be simple not containing irritating spices. It should be ‘Sattvika’ – (Plain and simple, non-spicy food). Use of cow’s milk, ghee (clarified butter), fruits and green vegetables can be said to be ideal food. Moderation also is a good rule to observe.
Do not strain yourself while doing ‘Kumbhak’ i.e. retaining the breathed air inside or keeping the air out after exhaling (Breathing in is called ‘puraka’, retaining the breathed air in is called ‘Kumbhak’ and exhaling the air is called ‘Recak').
Pranayama does not mean just breathing in, keeping the breathed air in and exhaling it. It also means establishing control on the entire breathing process, and maintaining mental equilibrium, and concentration of mind.
It is beneficial to chant the mantra (a group of words that carry vibrations and energy) Om (the first cosmic soundless sound), aloud and repeat the same several times before doing Pranayama. Even recital of sacred songs in the praise of almighty God or recital of some sacred hymns may be beneficial. This will calm your mind and make you fit for Pranayama, because a peaceful mind is very essential while doing Pranayama . Mental or loud recitation of Gayatri Mantra (considered as one of the greatest mantra, used in meditation and also for chanting) or any other sacred hymn brings spiritual benefits to the Sadhaka.
See that while doing Pranayama , none of your organs such as mouth, eyes, nose, etc. feels any strain and it should be done gradually without any undue stress or strain. All the organs of the body should be kept in normal condition. While doing Pranayama sit in an erect posture. Keep your spine and neck straight. This is essential for reaping the full benefit of Pranayama .
If possible Pranayama should be done after your usual morning functions like cleansing of mouth, evacuation of bowels, bathing etc. However, if it becomes necessary for you to take bath after Pranayama , keep an interval of about 15 to 20 minutes between Pranayama and bathing. For acquiring proficiency in Pranayama do not depend on books or what is done and preached by others. Seek the guidance of an expert and do Pranayama under his direct supervision.
Different treatise advocating or dealing with the subject of Pranayama describe several methods and each of them has its own importance. However, it is not possible for most people to do all these exercises daily. Hence, with the blessings of our teachers and in view of our experience, we have evolved seven methods of Pranayama , which incorporate into themselves, almost all the peculiarities of Pranayama rendering them scientific and useful from a spiritual point of view. All these seven types of Pranayama can be done, as a routine and in a time bound programme of about 20 minutes. The person who does these exercises daily and regularly can attain following benefits which are briefly described as under:
All the three Doshas (Humors) - Vata , pitta and Kapha get adjusted in proper proportion and abnormalities in them are removed.
Digestive system improves and diseases pertaining to digestive organs are cured.
Diseases pertaining to lungs, heart and brain are also cured.
Obesity, Diabetes, Cholesterol, Constipation, Flatulence, Acidity, Respiratory troubles, Allergy, Migraine, High blood pressure, diseases pertaining to kidneys, sexual disorders of males and females etc. are also cured.
Resistance against diseases is stepped up. Immunity develops.
Hereditary diseases like diabetes and heart disease are can be avoided.
Falling of hair or its premature graying, appearance of wrinkles on face or other parts of the body at young age, diminution of eye sight, forgetfulness, etc. are relieved and process of aging is retarded.
Face becomes bright, luminous and calm.
Energy Chakra are cleansed and enables the practitioner to awaken the Kundalini.
Mind becomes stable and tranquil. A sense of contentment and enthusiasm or zeal develops. Conditions like depression are relieved.
Performance of yogic exercises like meditation will be easy.
All the diseases of the physical and etheric bodies will be cured. Freedom from negative and harmful mental conditions like anger, lasciviousness, greed for money, arrogance etc. will be achieved.
All the physical and mental disorders and abnormalities are cured and toxins eradicated from the body.
Freedom from negative thinking is achieved and the mind develops the habit of positive and constructive thinking.
Courtesy : http://www.divyayoga.com
Select a clean and peaceful place for doing Pranayama. If possible, choose a place near a clean pond or river.
As there is a lot of pollution in the cities, some kind of incense can be lit like Guggulu and purified butter, to create a clean environment at that place, igniting a lamp with purified butter only, can also serve the purpose.
Sit either in any of the Asanas, viz. Padmasana, Sidhasana or Vajrasana, which ever you find convenient. The sheet or cloth (cotton or wool etc.) on which you sit must be a non-conductor of electricity.
Breathe only through the nose, because by doing so the air which you take in, is filtered. During daytime when you are not sitting for the performance of Pranayama make it a habit to do respire only through nose and not through mouth. Nasal respiration keeps the temperature of the Nadis (Vessels) –'Ida',Pingala and 'susmana' even. It also prevents foreign and harmful objects from getting into lungs.
Like ‘Yog’, Pranayama should also be performed four or five hours after taking food. In the morning Pranayama should be done after finishing daily routine acts like cleansing mouth, emptying of bowels etc., it should also be done before Yogsana. In the beginning Pranayama should be done for five or ten minutes gradually the time may be increased up to about 1/2 or 1 hour. Maintain a specific number of repetitions and do not variate. Maintain a specific rhythm. If it is not possible to clean the bowels by morning, at night take some mild laxative like terminalia chebula (Indian Hardaya) or any other mild laxative (a non habit forming medicinal herb having a laxative effect). Kapala-bhati Pranayama, if done regularly for a few days will help in curing constipation.
Keep your mind calm and composed. However, Pranayama can also calm down the disturbed mind and keep one happy.
Methods of Pranayama may be varied according to the seasons and your own physical make up and mental attitude. Keep this in mind and modulate the method accordingly. Some Pranayama increase the body temperature, whereas, some bring it down. Some Pranayama maintain the temperature at the normal level.
If you feel fatigued in the course of doing Pranayama , rest for sometime and then begin deep breathing, which will remove the fatigue.
Pregnant women, hungry persons, persons suffering from fever and those who are lustful having no control on their passions should not do Pranayama . If you are sick, keep in mind the instructions to be followed by sick persons while during Pranayama.
For prolonged exercises of Pranayama, observance of celibacy is necessary. Besides, food should be simple not containing irritating spices. It should be ‘Sattvika’ – (Plain and simple, non-spicy food). Use of cow’s milk, ghee (clarified butter), fruits and green vegetables can be said to be ideal food. Moderation also is a good rule to observe.
Do not strain yourself while doing ‘Kumbhak’ i.e. retaining the breathed air inside or keeping the air out after exhaling (Breathing in is called ‘puraka’, retaining the breathed air in is called ‘Kumbhak’ and exhaling the air is called ‘Recak').
Pranayama does not mean just breathing in, keeping the breathed air in and exhaling it. It also means establishing control on the entire breathing process, and maintaining mental equilibrium, and concentration of mind.
It is beneficial to chant the mantra (a group of words that carry vibrations and energy) Om (the first cosmic soundless sound), aloud and repeat the same several times before doing Pranayama. Even recital of sacred songs in the praise of almighty God or recital of some sacred hymns may be beneficial. This will calm your mind and make you fit for Pranayama, because a peaceful mind is very essential while doing Pranayama . Mental or loud recitation of Gayatri Mantra (considered as one of the greatest mantra, used in meditation and also for chanting) or any other sacred hymn brings spiritual benefits to the Sadhaka.
See that while doing Pranayama , none of your organs such as mouth, eyes, nose, etc. feels any strain and it should be done gradually without any undue stress or strain. All the organs of the body should be kept in normal condition. While doing Pranayama sit in an erect posture. Keep your spine and neck straight. This is essential for reaping the full benefit of Pranayama .
If possible Pranayama should be done after your usual morning functions like cleansing of mouth, evacuation of bowels, bathing etc. However, if it becomes necessary for you to take bath after Pranayama , keep an interval of about 15 to 20 minutes between Pranayama and bathing. For acquiring proficiency in Pranayama do not depend on books or what is done and preached by others. Seek the guidance of an expert and do Pranayama under his direct supervision.
Different treatise advocating or dealing with the subject of Pranayama describe several methods and each of them has its own importance. However, it is not possible for most people to do all these exercises daily. Hence, with the blessings of our teachers and in view of our experience, we have evolved seven methods of Pranayama , which incorporate into themselves, almost all the peculiarities of Pranayama rendering them scientific and useful from a spiritual point of view. All these seven types of Pranayama can be done, as a routine and in a time bound programme of about 20 minutes. The person who does these exercises daily and regularly can attain following benefits which are briefly described as under:
All the three Doshas (Humors) - Vata , pitta and Kapha get adjusted in proper proportion and abnormalities in them are removed.
Digestive system improves and diseases pertaining to digestive organs are cured.
Diseases pertaining to lungs, heart and brain are also cured.
Obesity, Diabetes, Cholesterol, Constipation, Flatulence, Acidity, Respiratory troubles, Allergy, Migraine, High blood pressure, diseases pertaining to kidneys, sexual disorders of males and females etc. are also cured.
Resistance against diseases is stepped up. Immunity develops.
Hereditary diseases like diabetes and heart disease are can be avoided.
Falling of hair or its premature graying, appearance of wrinkles on face or other parts of the body at young age, diminution of eye sight, forgetfulness, etc. are relieved and process of aging is retarded.
Face becomes bright, luminous and calm.
Energy Chakra are cleansed and enables the practitioner to awaken the Kundalini.
Mind becomes stable and tranquil. A sense of contentment and enthusiasm or zeal develops. Conditions like depression are relieved.
Performance of yogic exercises like meditation will be easy.
All the diseases of the physical and etheric bodies will be cured. Freedom from negative and harmful mental conditions like anger, lasciviousness, greed for money, arrogance etc. will be achieved.
All the physical and mental disorders and abnormalities are cured and toxins eradicated from the body.
Freedom from negative thinking is achieved and the mind develops the habit of positive and constructive thinking.
Courtesy : http://www.divyayoga.com
Kapalabhati
Kapalabhati
Kapalabhati is a breathing technique used specifically for cleansing. It removes mucus from the air passages, relieves tension and clears blockages in the chest. This is achieved via deliberately breathing faster, and at the same time using only abdominal breathing, not chest breathing. The breath is short, rapid, and strong using the lungs as a pump, and creating so much pressure to clear air passages, from the lungs up through the nostrils. Kapala means "skull," and bhati means "that which brings lightness." Kapalabhati is a good thing to do when feeling heavy or dizzy in the head. For problems with the sinuses or numb feeling around the eyes, kapalabhati can also be helpful.
Surya Namaskar
Surya Namaskara was a part of the daily ritual of our ancients. It is a wonderful regular routine of exercise, prayer and worship given in the scriptures of ancient of India. Surya Namaskara means salutations to Lord Surya.
The Technique
1.Stand facing the east at dawn and recite the mantras to pray Lord Surya and offer red sandals, flowers, rice grains (Akshatas) with water or simply water as libation and perform Surya Namaskara. It must be performed before the sunrise.
2.Take water in a pot and mix all the materials in it and hold the pot in your fingers, keeping the thumbs aside and face the east. Chant the following Mantra and offer the libation thrice.
Ehi Soorya sahastransho tejorashe jagatpate
Anukampaya mam bhaktya grihanarghyam divakara
Then offer the following prayer to Lord Surya.
Dhyaeah sada savitri mandala madhyavarti
Narayanah sarashija sanasanni vishtha
Keyurvan makara kundalavan kireeti
Hari hiranyamaya vapurdhrit shankha chakrah
Surya Namaskaras
There are twelve positions in Surya Namaskara. Twenty-five such Namaskaras form one Avriti (frequency). Surya Namaskara must be performed preferably in an open and airy place. Perform Surya Namaskara slowly without exerting too much or panting and puffing. There is one Mantra for each of the twelve Namaskaras- there by you also recite the dwadasa namas of Sun.
1st Position - Dakshasana
Mantra: Om Mitraya Namah
Procedure : In the first position of Surya Namaskara contemplate the virtues of Lord Surya with concentrated mind and feel that you are the friend of everybody and have friendship with every creature on the earth. Immersing yourself with these feelings stand erect stretching your hands, neck and all other parts of your body. Stretching both of your arms, touch your thighs with palms and inflate the chest and point your vision on the tip of the nose. This is a position of attention.
Benefits: Disorders of the skin and waists are corrected, the back and the legs become strong. Focusing of the vision on nose helps to control the mind. It is an easy and effective way of attaining good health and development of personality for the students. Meditating with concentrated mind enhances confidence.
2nd Position: Namaskarasana
Mantra : Om Ravaye Namah
Procedure : Fold together both of your hands in such a way that that both the thumbs begin to touch your chest. Expand your chest and pull in the belly as far as possible. Look straight ahead. The head, the neck and the body should remain in a straight line. Closing the mouth inhale the breath and hold it inside as far as possible and then expose the breath.
Benefits: Good for the diseases of the throat and voice is enhanced. Both mind and body become healthy.
3rd Position: Parvatasana
Mantra : Om Suryaya Namah
Procedure: Raising the arms up, stretch whole of your body backward while gazing at the sky with open eyes. Bend backward as mush as possible, inhale and expand your chest at the same time.
Benefits: Both the shoulders and the food pipe (Esophagus) get exercise and diseases related to them are corrected. Eyesight is also improved.
4th Position: Namaskara Hastapadasana
Mantra: Om Bhanave Namah
Procedure: Inhale deeply, retain the breath and bend forward without folding the knees. Rest both your palms on the ground and touch your knees with your forehead or the nose and exhale the breath with audible sound. In the beginning if you can't rest your palms on the ground, just touch the ground with fingers.
Benefits : Disorders of the belly and digestive system are corrected. The chest and hands become stronger and you become well balanced, beautiful and good looking. Diseases of the feet and fingers are also corrected.
5th Position: Ekapada Prasaranasana
Mantra : Om Khagaye Namah
Procedure: Inhale and pull your right leg backward in such a way that the knee and the fingers of the foot touch the ground. The abdomen and belly must be pressing hard into the left leg. Raise your head as high as possible and look upwards. Push the waist down and hold the breath and stay in the posture as long as you can - comfortably.
Benefits : The posture stretches the small intestine and the seminal vesicles. Hence this posture helps in correcting the constipation and diseases of the liver. Thinness of the semen is also corrected. Diseases of the throat are also corrected.
6th Position: Bhudharasana
Mantra : Om Pushne Namah
Procedure: Inhale the breath deeply and hold it and pull both of your legs backward, so that the thumbs of the feet, ankles and knees touch each other. Stabilizing the feet and keeping the head, waist, the back and the elbows in a line bend forward and resting both the palms on the ground keep your body like a bow.
Benefits : One gets relief from the pains - specially of arms, legs and the knees. Bulging waist is trimmed and it is good for the abdominal disorders.
7th Position: Ashthanga Pranipatasana
Mantra: Om Hiranyagarbhaya Namah
Procedure: Holding the breath, rest both your knees on the ground. Touch the ground with your chest and touch the lower part of the neck with chin. Also touch the ground with the upper part of the forehead and the nose. Please note that the abdomen should not touch the ground. It should be pulled in. Then exhale the breath. Both the hands/palms must be on the side of the chest.
Benefits : This posture makes the arms strong. If ladies perform this Asana before getting pregnant, the breast fed babies could be saved from the attacks of many diseases.
8th Position: Bhujangasana
Mantra : Om Marichye Namah
Procedure: Keeping the legs, palms and knees as in Ashtanga prampatasana position above, unfold the arms and rise inhaling the breath, push the chest out and bend the waist in a circle backward. Then rise and bend your head backwards looking up and back as much up as possible and exhale the breath.
Benefits : Tones up the body and the back muscles and improves the eyesight. Corrects all kinds of disorders related to the reproductive system, corrects the irregularities in females menstrual cycles. Blood circulation is also improved.
9th Position: Bhudharasana
Mantra : Om Adityaya Namah
Repeat the process of Bhudharasana as described in the step six - Inhale the breath deeply and hold it and pull both of your legs backward, so that the thumbs of the feet, ankles and knees touch each other. Stabilizing the feet and keeping the head, waist, the back and the elbows in a line bend forward and resting both the palms on the ground keep your body like a bow.
Benefits : One gets relief from the pains - specially of arms, legs and the knees. Bulging waist is trimmed and it is good for the abdominal disorders.
10th Position: Ekapada Prasaranasana
Mantra: Om Savitre Namah
Procedure: Repeat the process of the fifth Namaskara as described in the fifth position but just reverse the position of the legs.
11th Position: Namaskara Hastapadasana
Mantra : Om Arkaya Namah
Repeat the process described in the fourth position.
12th Position: Parvatasana
Mantra: Om Bhaskaraya Namah
Procedure : Same as position 2
Then come back to the 1st position and repeat the full round once more
Our ancients used to do 25 rounds of Surya Namaskaras, called one Avriti. Can you?!
As per the scriptures one who performs the Surya Namaskaras daily does not get poor in a thousand births.
Practice surya namaskara and keep away diseases from you.
The Technique
1.Stand facing the east at dawn and recite the mantras to pray Lord Surya and offer red sandals, flowers, rice grains (Akshatas) with water or simply water as libation and perform Surya Namaskara. It must be performed before the sunrise.
2.Take water in a pot and mix all the materials in it and hold the pot in your fingers, keeping the thumbs aside and face the east. Chant the following Mantra and offer the libation thrice.
Ehi Soorya sahastransho tejorashe jagatpate
Anukampaya mam bhaktya grihanarghyam divakara
Then offer the following prayer to Lord Surya.
Dhyaeah sada savitri mandala madhyavarti
Narayanah sarashija sanasanni vishtha
Keyurvan makara kundalavan kireeti
Hari hiranyamaya vapurdhrit shankha chakrah
Surya Namaskaras
There are twelve positions in Surya Namaskara. Twenty-five such Namaskaras form one Avriti (frequency). Surya Namaskara must be performed preferably in an open and airy place. Perform Surya Namaskara slowly without exerting too much or panting and puffing. There is one Mantra for each of the twelve Namaskaras- there by you also recite the dwadasa namas of Sun.
1st Position - Dakshasana
Mantra: Om Mitraya Namah
Procedure : In the first position of Surya Namaskara contemplate the virtues of Lord Surya with concentrated mind and feel that you are the friend of everybody and have friendship with every creature on the earth. Immersing yourself with these feelings stand erect stretching your hands, neck and all other parts of your body. Stretching both of your arms, touch your thighs with palms and inflate the chest and point your vision on the tip of the nose. This is a position of attention.
Benefits: Disorders of the skin and waists are corrected, the back and the legs become strong. Focusing of the vision on nose helps to control the mind. It is an easy and effective way of attaining good health and development of personality for the students. Meditating with concentrated mind enhances confidence.
2nd Position: Namaskarasana
Mantra : Om Ravaye Namah
Procedure : Fold together both of your hands in such a way that that both the thumbs begin to touch your chest. Expand your chest and pull in the belly as far as possible. Look straight ahead. The head, the neck and the body should remain in a straight line. Closing the mouth inhale the breath and hold it inside as far as possible and then expose the breath.
Benefits: Good for the diseases of the throat and voice is enhanced. Both mind and body become healthy.
3rd Position: Parvatasana
Mantra : Om Suryaya Namah
Procedure: Raising the arms up, stretch whole of your body backward while gazing at the sky with open eyes. Bend backward as mush as possible, inhale and expand your chest at the same time.
Benefits: Both the shoulders and the food pipe (Esophagus) get exercise and diseases related to them are corrected. Eyesight is also improved.
4th Position: Namaskara Hastapadasana
Mantra: Om Bhanave Namah
Procedure: Inhale deeply, retain the breath and bend forward without folding the knees. Rest both your palms on the ground and touch your knees with your forehead or the nose and exhale the breath with audible sound. In the beginning if you can't rest your palms on the ground, just touch the ground with fingers.
Benefits : Disorders of the belly and digestive system are corrected. The chest and hands become stronger and you become well balanced, beautiful and good looking. Diseases of the feet and fingers are also corrected.
5th Position: Ekapada Prasaranasana
Mantra : Om Khagaye Namah
Procedure: Inhale and pull your right leg backward in such a way that the knee and the fingers of the foot touch the ground. The abdomen and belly must be pressing hard into the left leg. Raise your head as high as possible and look upwards. Push the waist down and hold the breath and stay in the posture as long as you can - comfortably.
Benefits : The posture stretches the small intestine and the seminal vesicles. Hence this posture helps in correcting the constipation and diseases of the liver. Thinness of the semen is also corrected. Diseases of the throat are also corrected.
6th Position: Bhudharasana
Mantra : Om Pushne Namah
Procedure: Inhale the breath deeply and hold it and pull both of your legs backward, so that the thumbs of the feet, ankles and knees touch each other. Stabilizing the feet and keeping the head, waist, the back and the elbows in a line bend forward and resting both the palms on the ground keep your body like a bow.
Benefits : One gets relief from the pains - specially of arms, legs and the knees. Bulging waist is trimmed and it is good for the abdominal disorders.
7th Position: Ashthanga Pranipatasana
Mantra: Om Hiranyagarbhaya Namah
Procedure: Holding the breath, rest both your knees on the ground. Touch the ground with your chest and touch the lower part of the neck with chin. Also touch the ground with the upper part of the forehead and the nose. Please note that the abdomen should not touch the ground. It should be pulled in. Then exhale the breath. Both the hands/palms must be on the side of the chest.
Benefits : This posture makes the arms strong. If ladies perform this Asana before getting pregnant, the breast fed babies could be saved from the attacks of many diseases.
8th Position: Bhujangasana
Mantra : Om Marichye Namah
Procedure: Keeping the legs, palms and knees as in Ashtanga prampatasana position above, unfold the arms and rise inhaling the breath, push the chest out and bend the waist in a circle backward. Then rise and bend your head backwards looking up and back as much up as possible and exhale the breath.
Benefits : Tones up the body and the back muscles and improves the eyesight. Corrects all kinds of disorders related to the reproductive system, corrects the irregularities in females menstrual cycles. Blood circulation is also improved.
9th Position: Bhudharasana
Mantra : Om Adityaya Namah
Repeat the process of Bhudharasana as described in the step six - Inhale the breath deeply and hold it and pull both of your legs backward, so that the thumbs of the feet, ankles and knees touch each other. Stabilizing the feet and keeping the head, waist, the back and the elbows in a line bend forward and resting both the palms on the ground keep your body like a bow.
Benefits : One gets relief from the pains - specially of arms, legs and the knees. Bulging waist is trimmed and it is good for the abdominal disorders.
10th Position: Ekapada Prasaranasana
Mantra: Om Savitre Namah
Procedure: Repeat the process of the fifth Namaskara as described in the fifth position but just reverse the position of the legs.
11th Position: Namaskara Hastapadasana
Mantra : Om Arkaya Namah
Repeat the process described in the fourth position.
12th Position: Parvatasana
Mantra: Om Bhaskaraya Namah
Procedure : Same as position 2
Then come back to the 1st position and repeat the full round once more
Our ancients used to do 25 rounds of Surya Namaskaras, called one Avriti. Can you?!
As per the scriptures one who performs the Surya Namaskaras daily does not get poor in a thousand births.
Practice surya namaskara and keep away diseases from you.
Yoga V's Pilates - A Difference Of Consciousness
Yoga is a transformative art, and deceptively simple. At least, although the advanced yoga postures are in fact difficult to the unpracticed, and look it, the changes that yoga can bring into one's life belie the apparent simplicity of stretching muscles.
After all, we stretch muscles at the gym during a warm up. So what is the basic difference between yoga and regular workouts, including pilates. Pilates, after all, took some of its inspiration from yoga. Or at least the aspect of yoga that is made of the physical exercises, the asanas.
Yoga integrates the breath and consciousness with physical stretches in a way that I haven't even felt in pilates, although pilates is great as a way of strengthening the internal muscles of the body as well, particularly the pelvic floor.
But in yoga, through the breath, and focusing on it within our body, we come to a greater understanding of both our body and ourselves. We begin a more conscious relationship with our individuality. We meet that unique expression of ourselves expressing physically in that moment. And we are able to begin a process of changing that which is blocking the vital flow of our energy.
That is why it doesn't matter what state we are in when we begin practising a yoga posture. We might be more or less stiff, or in pain, or distracted, than usual. It is a journey of discovery, not of trying to fit ourselves into an external idea, even if that idea is represented in that moment by the yoga posture we are trying to do. Desikachar writes that the body can "only gradually accept an asana". We should not strain ourselves, or judge ourselves, if we cannot fit into that posture. That posture is a possible outcome, yes, but what we do in our practice of yoga is to take the journey.
Desikachar makes another important point: "We should remain flexible so that we are still able to react to changes in our expectations and old ideas. The more distanced we are from the fruits of our labors, the better we are able to do this... Paying more attention to the spirit in which we act and looking less to the results our actions may bring us - this is the meaning of isvarapranidhana in kriya yoga"
The asanas are a way of preparing ourselves to more fully meet the challenges of life in a way that does not throw us off balance, and increases our capacity to adapt to those changes that are inherent in life. They allow us to be more sensitive and aware to what is really going on inside us, and in life itself. This growing self knowledge then provides us with a more complete picture in which our responses to whatever situations confront us more accurately reflects what is truly present. There is a deeper engagement that goes beyond the vagrancies of the mind, the self doubt, the domination of our preconceptions and expectations, or our need for something to be a certain way.
When we are distracted or preoccupied with doubts, worries, and fears, and even hope that is attached to an outcome (need), the vital energy of our whole being is leaking, diffused. Through yoga practice, we are able to clear the detritus, to redirect our diffused energy within, to sit within the body, our being, again. This is an energetic aspect of self-mastery. Integral to this is the knowledge of oneself as whole, and simultaneously a part of the wholeness that is within everything.
References: Desikachar, Heart Of Yoga
Article Source: http://bestinfobay.com
By: Rebecca Prescott
After all, we stretch muscles at the gym during a warm up. So what is the basic difference between yoga and regular workouts, including pilates. Pilates, after all, took some of its inspiration from yoga. Or at least the aspect of yoga that is made of the physical exercises, the asanas.
Yoga integrates the breath and consciousness with physical stretches in a way that I haven't even felt in pilates, although pilates is great as a way of strengthening the internal muscles of the body as well, particularly the pelvic floor.
But in yoga, through the breath, and focusing on it within our body, we come to a greater understanding of both our body and ourselves. We begin a more conscious relationship with our individuality. We meet that unique expression of ourselves expressing physically in that moment. And we are able to begin a process of changing that which is blocking the vital flow of our energy.
That is why it doesn't matter what state we are in when we begin practising a yoga posture. We might be more or less stiff, or in pain, or distracted, than usual. It is a journey of discovery, not of trying to fit ourselves into an external idea, even if that idea is represented in that moment by the yoga posture we are trying to do. Desikachar writes that the body can "only gradually accept an asana". We should not strain ourselves, or judge ourselves, if we cannot fit into that posture. That posture is a possible outcome, yes, but what we do in our practice of yoga is to take the journey.
Desikachar makes another important point: "We should remain flexible so that we are still able to react to changes in our expectations and old ideas. The more distanced we are from the fruits of our labors, the better we are able to do this... Paying more attention to the spirit in which we act and looking less to the results our actions may bring us - this is the meaning of isvarapranidhana in kriya yoga"
The asanas are a way of preparing ourselves to more fully meet the challenges of life in a way that does not throw us off balance, and increases our capacity to adapt to those changes that are inherent in life. They allow us to be more sensitive and aware to what is really going on inside us, and in life itself. This growing self knowledge then provides us with a more complete picture in which our responses to whatever situations confront us more accurately reflects what is truly present. There is a deeper engagement that goes beyond the vagrancies of the mind, the self doubt, the domination of our preconceptions and expectations, or our need for something to be a certain way.
When we are distracted or preoccupied with doubts, worries, and fears, and even hope that is attached to an outcome (need), the vital energy of our whole being is leaking, diffused. Through yoga practice, we are able to clear the detritus, to redirect our diffused energy within, to sit within the body, our being, again. This is an energetic aspect of self-mastery. Integral to this is the knowledge of oneself as whole, and simultaneously a part of the wholeness that is within everything.
References: Desikachar, Heart Of Yoga
Article Source: http://bestinfobay.com
By: Rebecca Prescott
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