tobe the founder of youa), the meaning of the word “Yuj’ is to stabilize the min (super contoller). In simple words, yoga is a way to join God, i.e. - of soul with God ar wih him According to Swami Digambar Ji, “Yoga is a union of Atma.and-Parmatma”. According to Satyapal, “Yoga is derived fram Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’ which means the union of soul with Go According to Shankracharya, “Yoga is the withdrawal of s¢ rgans from the worldly objects and the Sssia (an epic book) describes yoga as “Evenness of temper”. Yoga is also considered as the union of the nerves Ida and Pingla, union of sun nerve and moon nerve, union Regalive and positive, union of Shiva (spirit) with Shakti (mother nature) and union of Mooladhar Chakra (© plexus) with Sshsrara Chakra (thousand lotus petal plexus). Yoga is the union of Prana Vayu with Apan Vay current with excretion current.) ‘ The pir 4y speaking, Yoga is a life science which deals with the health of the body and harmony a Saar of yoga Is (0 provide sound body with tension-free sound mind. The ultimate aim 0.2 ‘tien ‘on and self-perfection’ which comes through ‘self-purification and self-realization ¥Y Yoga is @ way of life, a means to enjoy complete happiness, healthy and peaceful living. Union of Atma Pi ‘armatama is possible by the purification of body and mind, According to Ashtang Yoga from Patanjali, you® 6%! of eight stages to achieve the union of Atma and Parmatams 1(B) IMPORTANCE OF YOGA \\. Yoga is a ‘yoga develops and (i wi fence’ as well as the ‘art of living? for a healthy, happy and prosperous life. Regular practi Purifies body and mind to its optimal level. It regulates proper functioning of glands in @ we zlell eee pdevelops ability t control our sense organs to function properly. It relaxes sam Ite*;and tensions to lead a peaceful life. It also cures many chronic diseases — {dual and make him healthy & fit. : af June is celebrated as Yoga Da 3; {p Improves Cardiovascular System : Yoga asanas and pranayams improve se acency of cardiovascular system, thus endurance get highly developed with ent level of strenath ability. It strengthens our respiratory muscles and other © esto their optimum level. {a Reduces Cardiac Problems : Yoga practice cures and improves the psiency of heart. It Keeps us away from many cardiac problems. Heart and ‘pominal viscera get gentle massage by asanas and pranayams Gi Proper Functioning of Digestive Organs : Yoga asanas, pranayams and sksijas improve the efficiency of digestive organs. The digestive glands function properly. Moreover, it develops high level of immunity i) Control over Sense Organs : Yoga practices develop the ability to control the sense organs. It develops them tpfinction properly according to the individual needs. It also relaxes the body from its pains and thus stabilises mind. (0) Relaxes Stresses and Tensions : Yoga relaxes the body and mind. It removes the stresses, tensions and worries. Thus, it freshens our mind and soul completely. (0) Develops Concentration : Various techniques of yoga develop the concentration to a greater extent, thus semory reall ability increases. The meditation techniques stabilise the deflected mind in a proper direction. (0i Good Physique : Yoga asanas tone up the body and muscles. They make the body to look attractive and smdace excessive fats from the body, thus prevent obesity. They also regulate proper diet according to individual needs. (bill) Removes Ortho Problems : Many types of chronic ortho problems like arthritis, joint pain, spondylitis, backache, etc., can be prevented and cured through yoga. (é) Cures Diseases : Yoga practice prevents and cures many types of diseases like cold, cough, asthma, gastric problems, constipation, piles, high blood pressure, ete 2) Prevents Premature Ageing : Yoga techniques prevent premature ageing, thus old age factors can be delayed and optimum healthy living can be attained. (a) Improves Health and Hygiene : Yoga practices improve the health and develop hygienical habits of the individual, Thus, healthy, happy, peaceful and prosperous life can be achieved. EET CRC LRN Ashtanga Yoga is based on Yoga Philosophy of Patanjali. It has suggested eight-fold process to attain Purification of body and mind to achieve union of Atma with Parmatama, ‘They are: QYAMAE These are universal commandments or morality guidelines for good behaviour in society. In other Words, these are the basic principles forthe benefit of society. They are named as := (i) NIYAM : These are personal observances or self-purification by discipline. In other words, th these are 4 principles for making individual healthy, These consist of hygienic habits, proper diet, rest & sleep, daip : daily roy proper work, self discipline ete. They are named as : (a) Sauch (Purification) (6) Santosh (Contentment) (©) Tapas (Asceticism) (@ Swadhayaya (Study) (e) Ishwara Pranidhana (Dedication to God) (ii) ASANAS : These are slow stretching activities performed , agility, balance etc. It develops | are of following types to improve the whole body fitn good posture and cure many diseases. Asanas (@) Cultural Asana (Vyayam) (for body fitness), (5) Meditative and Relaxative Asana (for body relax) (c) Therapeutic Asana (for curing certain diseases) (i) PRANAYAMS : This is a systematic and rhythmic control of breathing performed to improve the internal functioning of the whole body. Pranayams are based upon following processes of breathing (a) Purak (Inhale) (6) Rechuk (Exhale) (¢) Khumbhak (Hold of breath) (@) Yogie-Kriya (for body cleaning) () PRATYAHARA : These are performed to improve intelle develops inner mental strength by controlling sense organs or withdraw i) DHARANA: Focusing on a single object, i.e., high concentration. It should be performed guidance of a guru or teacher who guides you for the maximum development and control of senses: sh levels? ctual capability by withdrawal of senses! al of sense organs from w orldly pains. under the (il) DAYANA : 11 is the process of controlling the mind through meditation, It develops hig concentration. (ili) SMADHL ; 11 is the state of super-consciousness where ‘dhayana’ reaches to its climax. Itis also the! of union with God, i.e, merging consciousness and salvation. M ec} any people having the opinion that it takes many births and constant practice to attain all stages ote Mt i : . nr d mes stage, one is free from the bondage of birth and death, On the path of achieving these iso on , # lot of wonderful powers by which performing miracles are possible. In this age of frustration and d8 ain i ome areas helps to get rid of many ailments, diseases, problems, tensions, etc, Moreover, it develops oP level of health to lead a happy and prosperous life.