...The word 'yoga' is taken from the Sanskrit word 'yuga' which means 'to join.'

Pantanjali, an Indian philosopher, wrote what is thought of as the "bible of yoga" approximately two thousand five hundred years ago. While certain aspects of yoga were being done well before Pantanjali, his writing "encouraged" the practice of yoga and it began widespread practice throughout India.

Written in Sanskrit it contained the eight sutras that are the basic principles of Yoga practice. Physical activity focuses on the body, meditation on the mind and emotions. Yoga combines the practices to give you an overall sense of physical and mental health. Let's look at the sutras and learn a little about each one.

Those eight are:

1. Yama

2. Niyama

3. Asana

4. Pranayama

5. Pratyahara

6. Dharana

7. Dhyana

8. Samadhi

The first two sutras, similar to the Ten Commandments of the Bible, deal with moral and ethical issues. They are basic laws to govern the actions of humanity.

Asana refers to the different postures, or poses, that can be used to st...more

Yoga For Healthy Life

...br> 4.Pranayama- Breathing technique
5.Niyama- Principles of self conduct: purity, self-surrender and satisfaction.
6.Samadhi- the state of higher consciousness where the individual dissolves in the meditation
7.Yama- Universal ethics like sexual restraint, non-stealing, truthfulness, non-violence.
8.Pratyahara- Control of Sense

These are the disciplines of yoga but if person do regular practice of yoga position, meditation and breathing technique. He will get...more

Yoga Meditation 101: Breath Awareness and Posture

...n will occur through focused observance and non-effort.

Breath awareness meditation is the first method, which I teach to beginning meditation students, and to students of Yoga. A beginner Yoga student can easily grasp the concepts of breath awareness and realize the deeper benefits of meditation.

Drawing the spine, into the straightest line possible, is the first goal, because poor spinal alignment is counter productive to meditation, and is not helpful for proper breathing. Many beginning Yoga students may have difficulty sitting straight, without a back rest. Some cultures have no difficulty sitting on the floor, while others sit in chairs, or on furniture, which brings them off the floor; and these Yoga students are used to back support.

If a Yoga student is sitting on the flo...more

Yoga For Kid

... a child needs to know this just as much as a parent does in order for him or her to cooperate.

Explain The Theory

Here's the part that will involve the most preparation in your Yoga For Kid program. Make a program that includes different steps so that it will work. A good piece of advice is to first teach how this will help children understand themselves physically, how it will help them take control of stress, how flexible it will make them and how it will help them coordinate their physical and mental abilities.

Scheduling The Children

At this time, you may have everybody interested so you have to make time for them. You can suggest to do this program in the morning before school or at school if you work in one; or you can opt for an after school schedule. ...more

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