ArticlesBase.com - Free Articles Directory
Free Online Articles Directory
20.07.2008 Sign In Register Hello Guest
Email:
Password:
Remember Me 
forgot your password?


Yoga Sutras | Ashtanga Yoga | Patanjali Yoga Sutras | Pranayama and Asana

Author: Alien Author Ranking Gold Featured Author | Posted: 10-07-2007 | Comments: 0 | Views: 19 | Rating:  (57) Article Popularity - Blue (?) Got a Question? Ask.
Alien

Yoga Sutras

Yoga is an art of discipline that was developed by an Indian Hindu named Patanjali. He wrote a book on yoga in Sanskrit over two thousand years ago. Yoga sutras comes in many forms specially designed to suit different types of people. Therefore, some forms of yoga have gained popularity significantly.

The word “yoga” derived from the Sanskrit word "Yuj", which means to yoke, and is typically translated as union, integration, attach, join, or unite. Thus, it is the union and integration of every part of a human being, from the innermost to the external.

The yoga sutras are considered to be a collection of yogic thoughts that is largely raja yogic in nature. In yoga sutras, Patanjali suggests eight steps that are the basic principles of yoga practice to calm one's mind and unite with the infinite.

The yoga sutras are the physical activities that focus on the body, meditation and the mind. Yoga sutras combine the yoga practices to provide an overall sense of physical and mental health.

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras - Ashtanga Yoga

Here are the eight yoga sutras to look at and learn a little about each one.

* Yama - abstentions

* Niyama - self-purification and study

* Asana - posture or pose

* Pranayama - breathe control

* Pratyahara - sense control

* Dharana - concentration

* Dhyana - contemplation

* Samadhi - veridical meditation

Yama and Niyama

The first two yoga sutras, yama and niyama, are ten good logical guidelines for bringing spiritual consciousness into a social perspective to lead a healthier, happier life. They both cope with moral and ethical issues.

They are the fundamental laws to direct the actions of humanity. These yoga sutras help us in respecting the principles of this life, in balancing our inner intensification with outer restraint. Following these principles of yoga sutras means leading a life in a better way, about making it possible to understand and connect with the divine. Thus they lead us to a conscious life.

Asana

Asana refers to the different postures that can be practiced to reinforce the body physically. It is treated as yoga postures in accord with one's inner consciousness. A Regular practice of this yoga sutra helps to keep our body fit, controls levels of cholesterol, normalizes blood pressure, reduces weight, and recovers heart performance.

Pranayama

Pranayama is a multiple term 'prana' and 'yama', which means the maintenance of prana in a healthy way throughout one's life. It is the control of our breathing through yoga exercises. Regular practice of pranayama helps to control the prana in and around us. Thus it leads to a state of inner peace.

Pratyahara

Pratyahara is achieved when all of your senses are withdrawn from the outside world. It is necessary to practice pratyahara for reaching the three meditative stages: dharana, dhyana and samadhi. It is a yoga technique through which you are focusing, on what is going on within your body.

Dharana

Dharana, this one of the yoga sutras centers on your concentration. It’s to help you in developing a one-mindedness that, special concentration techniques to enable you to focus only on your inner world.

Dhyana

Dhyana is translated as meditation, when the mind gains the ability to maintain its concentration without getting diverted. You unite with your inner self and image of concentration. You use the time to reflect on your special qualities.

Samadhi

The last one of the yoga sutras is Samadhi or total absorption, is the capability of becoming one with the true self and unites into the object of concentration. Reaching Samadhi is the ultimate aim of all yoga practitioners of classical yoga. It means “union with the supreme.” For yoga devotees, this is the supreme goal.

It is the identification with static reality. It requires a dedicated practice to achieve the perfect yoga sutra. It takes ample of dedicated practices on concentration, contemplation, and meditation to let you on the way to the final sutra of Samadhi. With this one of the yoga sutras, you develop a great amount of determination and will power.

Most people turn to yoga for asanas, the postures. They are seeking the ways of relaxing, increasing their flexibility and practicing yoga exercises that isn’t tiresome. In Asana, the yoga postures are needed to be firm and pleasant.

It may also take some time for them to feel that way, as there are some postures that are not easy or comfortable to perform at initial stages. So, at this stage, you can make use of supports in order to feel steady and pleasant. Make use of props, such as a pillow to allow more comfort.

You should make challenge of yourself until you feel comfortable with the first postures you learn. It is necessary for you to find a stable and comfortable place within you in order to discover your true potential. The inner center is where all action should originate.

Ultimately, you are able to relax and meditate. While practicing yoga sutras and it’s going smoothly, you’re already half way there. The feeling of success makes you recognize that all things are possible. So, better challenge yourself at the moment in order to discover your quiet, peaceful inner peace.

Rate this Article: Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/yoga-articles/yoga-sutras-ashtanga-yoga-patanjali-yoga-sutras-pranayama-and-asana-179260.html

Print this Article Print article   Email to a Friend Send to friend   Publish this Article on your Website Publish this Article   Send Author Feedback Author feedback  
About the Author:

Alien writes for Online diagnosis . He also writes for yoga class and yoga for health

Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free!

Article Comments

Comment on this article Comment on this article
Your Name
Your Email:
Comment Body
Enter Validation Code: Captcha


Related Articles

The Origins of Yoga
By: Mike Herman | 30/05/2006 | Non-Fiction
What is Yoga? Yoga is an ancient philosophy that came from India that promotes personal health, grown and wellness. Yoga is an old system of exercises and development of the body, mind, and spirit. It consists of gentle movements, long stretches, and deep breathing.

Building Stamina Through Yoga
By: nagaraja rao m r | 09/07/2007 | Yoga
The practice of yoga integrates physical and mental exercises including postures, breathing techniques, mantra, yogic relaxation, and meditation, all of which stabilize, condition, and reward the mind and body.

Why Ashtanga Yoga May Be Right For You?
By: Christopher Smith | 05/12/2006 | Non-Fiction
There seems to be a lot of confusion around Yoga and the different types and methods of Yoga. Please read the attached article to learn more about Ashtanga Yoga.

Yoga's Eight Fold Path to Enlightenment
By: Brodi Saatpha | 16/05/2006 | Wellness
An insightful and informative article about Yoga's eight-fold path to enlightenment.

Yoga Techniques for Taking the Stress Out of Vacations
By: Nishanth Reddy | 26/06/2007 | Health
Yoga techniques help to reduce the stress that rises from our daily activities. In order to avoid the vacation stress, it is better to follow yoga techniques for stress management.

Yama And Niyama In Yoga
By: Sharon Hopkins | 01/02/2006 | Health
Yoga defines yama and niyama as the positive and negative aspects of behaviour respectively.

Yoga Techniques to Avoid Vacation Stress | Yoga Techniques for Stress Management
By: Alien | 11/07/2007 | Yoga
This page will provide information on how to avoid vacation stress with the help of yoga techniques. Yoga techniques act as a stress reliever. The reasons for getting stress and angry during your vacation are many and may be due to poor services, awful weather, high charges, crowd, noisy tourists and many more.


By: | 31/12/1969 |

Got a Question? Ask.

Ask the community a question about this article:

Frequently Asked Questions

Living yoga multivitamins
By: pam | 23-06-2008
Hi does anyone know where to buy Living Yoga multivitamins....and has anyone tried them? thanks

Yoga Instructor search
By: kacee412 | 16-06-2008
Does anyone know where Christine Iannone teaches Yoga since her studio closed in Brentwood, Ca?

Holistic lifestyle
By: La_Bella_Kari | 21-04-2008
What Is Holistic Living And Health And What Are Its Benefits?

Is yoga helpful in getting pregnant?
By: aneeka | 04-04-2008
is yoga helpful in getting pregnant?

GIs it ok to do yoga and jogging on the same day?
By: pickleshy | 16-03-2008
Is it ok to do yoga and jogging on the same day?

Is Kapalbhatti harmful for people with high blood ...
By: ujna | 15-03-2008
Is Kapalbhatti harmful for people with high blood pressure? How much time should kapalbhatti be practised to help back pain? How soon can 1 expect relief?

Q&A Powered by:
Powered by Yedda 

Latest Yoga Articles

Yoga in Practice - How to Get the Most Out of Your Mind
By: Paul M. Jerard Jr. | 18/07/2008
In Yoga, mental health is approached from a pro-active mindset. Optimum mental health is the gateway to learning, self-worth, emotional stability, and communication with others. Let's look at Yoga's approach to getting the most out of our minds.

Yoga in Practice - Teaching Yoga With Humility
By: Paul M. Jerard Jr. | 18/07/2008
No matter how many signs you put up, cell phones ring off in Yoga classes. No matter how many rules you have, a small number of students continue to break old rules and create new ones. If you hand the studio policies to a new student, you may hear, "Why do you have so many rules?"

Yoga in Practice - Two Steps to a Clear Mind
By: Paul M. Jerard Jr. | 18/07/2008
Organizing the mind is just one of the many wonderful benefits of Yoga practice. Long-term students, of Yoga, manage to get the most out of each day, but is there a "system" to it? Let's look a little bit closer at Yoga's approach to daily life.

Yoga in Practice - Three Steps to Tranquility
By: Paul M. Jerard Jr. | 18/07/2008
Luckily, Yoga has many methods, which reduce stress levels and bring about inner peace. Let's look at some methods you can practice to relax and live in tranquility.

Indoor Playground Activities
By: peterhutch | 17/07/2008
One of the best ways to keep your child active and happy is to have some indoor games which your child can enjoy. Indoor preschool games can be played in any room of the house and these can be real fun as well.

What are the Benefits of Yoga?
By: Laura Assafi | 15/07/2008
Yoga and wellbeing meet fashion and feminity. A new idea made in Germany!

Start An Early Path To Well-Being: Babies And Yoga
By: Kevin Sinclair | 15/07/2008
Yoga, in its purest form, is a discipline that connects the mind, body, and spirit. It's more than a philosophy, it's a way of being. Forget the stereotyped, tree hugging, hippie mantras of naysayers. There is more to it than stretching, sweating, and breathing.

Surfing and Yoga- Five Good Reasons Why This Combination Works
By: Me-Shell Mijangos | 14/07/2008
You might think that surfing and yoga are far out from each other but you are wrong. Both have similar concepts that really blend well to give you a better life. Here are five reasons why surfing and yoga is a great combination.

More from Alien

2 Day Diet Pills Completely Safe to Consume
By: Alien | 19/07/2008 | Weight Loss
The ‘2 DAY DIET’ pills incorporated for the purpose of reducing weight does not have any after effects and is completely safe to use.

Cruise Vacations-have a Happy Vacation
By: Alien | 18/07/2008 | Travel Tips
We all enjoy holidays, but whereas they are times in our life’s full of enjoyment and new adventures, going on a holiday means as well an extra cost that hurts our wallet.

Has it Ever Crossed Your Mind to Have a Wedding Cruise?
By: Alien | 18/07/2008 | Travel Tips
Wedding cruises are some of the most idealistic and beautiful experiences that every couple should experience. See in your mind's eye being on the deck on a beautiful night with the soft sea breezes and the moon.

Holidaying on a Cruise Ship
By: Alien | 18/07/2008 | Travel Tips
Nowadays the well-known cruise line vacations have come within the affordability of the not so wealthy and well-known. Now cruise lines proffer reasonable deals and last minute cruise concessions that make celebration on a cruise for a family achievable.

Things to Consider on a Caribbean Cruise and Stay
By: Alien | 18/07/2008 | Travel Tips
The Caribbean is some of the most well-liked cruise and stay holiday in the globe. The great weather conditions and large number of islands make Caribbean cruise very much popular and well accepted.

Cruise Ships are Very Safe
By: Alien | 18/07/2008 | Travel Tips
Each time you are taking a holiday; you ought to take care and be secured. Physical protection is extremely significant and so is staying fit if you actually want to be benefited from your vacation.

Celebrate Your Honeymoon Vacation on a Cruise
By: Alien | 18/07/2008 | Travel Tips
Ever since the early days individuals grow up with a feeling that there is somebody special waiting for them. And frequently we assume of spending our life with our unique and special ones in our rosy fantasy world.

How to Get the Best Cruise Deal Online
By: Alien | 18/07/2008 | Travel Tips
If you're preparing to obtain a cruise you desire, take care that you get the best cruise contract agreement presented. And there are lots of methods to set aside a bunch of funds on your subsequent cruise, if you are willing to accomplish.

Article Categories






Give Feedback

Sign up for our email newsletter

Receive updates, enter your email below