Background
More than 5000 years ago word yoga was mentioned in Sanskrit written Indian sacred texts. Therefore, it is believed that the name of yoga is Sanskrit, one of the oldest languages in the world, being a root to many other Indian languages. The word ”Yoga” itself comes from the word ”Yuj” meaning join, combine, reunite.
From northern India, an ancient yoga practice focuses on breathing, flexibility, and physical and mental well-being. It combines three main practices and disciplines: physical, mental, and spiritual. Yoga combines two main elements, which are breathing and postures. Nowadays, yoga is popular among many countries and nations worldwide. Yoga is considered a spiritual discipline with the main goal of bringing harmony between mind and body, man and nature. It is divided in three parts named ”Vata”, ”Pitta” and ”Kapha”. The practice considers three main objectives to have in balance. These objectives are physicality, personality and emotions. It is important to have self-realization by overcoming sufferings and living in peace and harmony.
Yoga has several fundamental postures that are essential to know when practicing yoga. These fundamentals are necessary to get to where yoga leads to improved physical and mental health.
Modern Period of Yoga
Many people traveling to India got interested in Yoga and started following and sharing its credentials. Yoga masters began to travel to the West to increase popularity, telling stories about yoga. Yoga has been promoted by T. Krishnamacharya, Swami Sicananda and several other yogis. They have practiced Hatha Yoga and established Hatha Yoga School in the 20th century. Krishnamacharya had three students who would continue spreading the popularity of yoga all over the world. These students wrote books about yoga and established yoga centers in different countries. The first yoga studio in Hollywood was established in 1947. Nowadays, Hatha yoga has different styles and is expressed in different practices.
The first yogi who brought yoga to the west is considered to be Swami Vivekananda in the late 19th. He described yoga as a ”science of the mind” and translated books from Sanskrit into English. This led to a great interest of people in the United States and people started welcoming other yogis to get more knowledge and practice about yoga.
Six Basic Principles of Yoga
- Asana – Proper Exercise
- Pranayama – Proper Breathing
- Savasana – Proper Relaxation
- Vegetarian – Proper Diet
- Vadanta – Positive Thinking
- Dhyana – Meditation
Proper exercise called Asana involves physical benefits such as flexibility and strengthened muscles. Another principle, proper breathing called Pranayama connects the body to its energy through various breathing techniques. Moreover, every now and then our bodies need to relief stress and anxiety. This is where Savasana, principle of proper relaxation comes into action. We all have heard the statement: “we are what we eat“. Principle of vegetarian determines eating healthy food as it is believed to be a fuel to our body. Yogis believe that our minds can be controlled by positive thinking and meditation (Vadanta and Dhayana).
Types of Yoga
There are several types of yoga from which five main ones are: Anusara, Kundalini, Vinyasa, Bikram and Hatha. These forms of yoga introduce different techniques and are represented in various postures. Anusara is considered to be the most spiritual form of yoga focused on mental well-being. Similarly Kundalini concentrates on ones inner state and includes seven chakras in the practice. Vinyasa, on the other hand, focuses more on breathing techniques and includes postures different from the two previous ones. Furthermore, Bikram is a type of yoga mostly practices during hot periods of time. Finally, Hatha yoga which is the commonly used in yoga courses introduces the basics of yoga and relaxation techniques.
Benefits
Yoga has many benefits for your health. Practicing yoga regularly lets you feel better in your body. It improves balance, strengthens muscles, makes you flexible and provides the harmony. Yoga helps to beat anxiety and stress. Moreover, it can improve your mood and make you happier. It also increases productivity by sharpening your brain and improving memory and concentration. It is believed that practicing yoga can help you perform better in studying and score better in your exams.
Five Main Benefits of Yoga
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Helps in managing weight
- Improves flexibility and balance
- Helps to bring peace of mind
- Rises motivation and productivity level
Summary
Nowadays, many people from different countries all over the world are involved in yoga and for many of them, yoga has become an integral part of their daily lives. We often hear about meditation, positive thinking and a healthy lifestyle, and these are all parts of yoga that many people turn into their lifestyle.
Details
Where? Campus Urstein, Room 358
When? Course 1: Monday 17:00-18:00 Course 2: Monday 18:05-19:05 Course 3: Monday 19:10-20:10
What shall I take with? Sport clothing, yoga mat, towel
How much is the course fee? € 40,–
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