YOGA AND ITS BENEFITS (Badri Prasad Paudel)

 YOGA AND ITS BENEFITS

 

Badri Prasad Paudel

Faculty of Department of Science and Technology

Nowadays, people are too busy to sustain their lives. They work hard for much time and as a result they bear a lot of pressure and tension. The lifestyle of human beings has totally changed due the invention of modern devices and facilities that reduce physical work. As a result it gradually decreases their physical and mental health status. To overcome such problems, yoga is the best solution which we can achieve without any cost.

INTRODUCTION

Yoga is a type of exercise which connects our body and mind. A person is said to be healthy if he/she is physically and mentally fit. It balances our mind and body in harmony. It is an ancient art Which includes both physical and mental exercise. It makes our mind relax and supports comfortable respiration. Regular practices of yoga helps to maintain physical, social and emotional aspects. In addition, It helps us meditate and relax and it is the best medicine to control anger and anxiety.

ORIGIN

Yoga originated in the ancient time in India and was introduced by one of the greatest saints Maharshi Patanjali. The word yoga has been derived from the Sanskrit language which is related with discipline. In the earlier days it was followed by hinduisms and later by buddhisms and jainisms. Nowadays it is very popular in western countries also.

MAJOR BENEFITS OF YOGA

Yoga has numerous benefits if we practice it with certain rules. Some benefits of yoga are listed below,

             i. It keeps away from physical and mental ailments.

             ii. It develops our memory power.

             iii. It maintains physical and mental fitness.

             iv. It connects and balances our body and mind.

             v. It increases our concentration power.

             vi. It makes our body flexible.

             vii. It strengthens our body and gives us feelings of well-being and smarts.

             viii. It helps us to manage anger and anxiety.

             ix. It keeps away from emotional disorders.

             x. It reduces the expenditure on the medical sector.

EIGHT DISCIPLINARY RULES OF YOGA

Maharshi Patanjali proposed eight rules of yoga which are listed below.

             i. Yama

             ii. Niyama

             iii. Asana

             iv. Pranayama

             v. Pratyahar

             vi. Dharana

             vii. Dhyan

             viii. Samadhi

Among them the first two rules yama and Niyama are concerned with social disciplinary rules. Yama is concerned with self- disciplinary action. There are five rules of yama. They are:

             i. Natya

             ii. Ahinsha

             iii. Brahmacharya

             iv. Asteya

             v. Aparigraha

Similarly, there are five rules of Niyama also. They are:

             i. Saucha

             ii. Santosha

             iii. Tapa

             iv. Swadhyaya

             v. Ishwora pranidhana:

PRANAYAM

Pranayam is one of the most important parts of yoga which controls respiration activities. It is a breath exercise which can concentrate inhaling and exhaling of air. Pranayam keeps our blood circulation active and discards waste matter from the body. It also keeps the nerve system functioning well. Anulom and Bilulom are the two major components of pranayama.

YOGA ASANAS

Altogether there about 2100 asanas(body poses) are mentioned till now and among them 84 yoga asanas were described and followed by rishi munis. Each and every yoga asana has specific values and one should practise according to his/her needs. Some common yoga asanas with pictures are mentioned below.

             1. Padmasana    

                                        

             2. Bhujangasana           

                               

             3. Dhanurasana                   

                       

             4. Matsyasana                     

                             

             5. Sirsasana                     

                     

             6. vajrasana               

                           

             7. Halasana                   

                       

             8. Sarvangasana

Thus Yoga Asanas play a very important role in our life. The practices of some yoga asanas aid spiritual feelings which reduces the thinking of violence in the society also. By practicing Yoga Asanas regularly, it supports stretching,strengthening, balancing, breathing and focusing the energy in particular part of the body, muscles, glands and helps them in functioning in harmony.