Yoga is a potent form of exercise that originated in India as a form of spiritual practice. Although, today’s version of Yoga has little to do with the Hindu practice, it can provide numerous benefits.

For those who are unaware of the Yoga way of exercise, it uses a combination of breathing exercises along with physical movement to free the body while the meditation aspect of Yoga assists in easing the mind and soul.

Benefits Of Yoga – There are many benefits to the Yoga exercise of. Perhaps the best advantage that Yoga provides to the body is the relief of stress and the relief of health factors that cause the stress. With the fast paced world of today, it is easy for an individual to become stressed out with the daily schedule and this type of stress and affect the body and mind.

By participating in Yoga, you will reduce the amount of stress that you have in your life. Some additional benefits of the Yoga lifestyle include the lowering of blood pressure, a better quality of sleep, and a heightened sense of awareness of your surroundings.

Yoga, can also benefit illnesses such as AIDS, cancer, and diabetes.

While Yoga appears to be the ideal way for a healthy life in , it is simply not efficient enough to allow most individuals to reach their ideal weight loss goals. In truth, yoga should be used mainly for the benefits it is known for.

With this being said, Yoga is a great starter exercise for those wishing to achieve their fitness goals but the Yoga exercise should not be the only form of exercise that a citizen uses to achieve a optimal level of fitness.

Yoga doesn’t do a whole lot to build lean toned muscle and burn fat, which is what most people want to do. The Yoga exercise will not allow you to gain the muscle necessary to enjoy the various outdoor attractions of but it will provide you with the an improved control over breathing that will help you journey through the various parks and trails in the area.

The practice of Yoga should be used as a way to free the mind and not as a way to gain the physical strength that will make you look good in a public environment.

Using Yoga In Your Fitness Plan – For those wishing to create a fitness plan, or improve the efficiency of their existing exercise schedule, Yoga is a great option. Since Yoga is not meant as the only source of exercise for those on a fitness plan, it makes a great partner for other forms of exercise such as Pilates and weight lifting.

Since Yoga will reduce the stress encountered from the rest of your exercise plan, it is a good idea to make Yoga a regular part of your healthy lifestyle.

For those who are already experiencing quality results with their exercise plan, the regular practice of Yoga will further increase the benefits and positive results of the workout.

Add Yoga To Your Life – Yoga is not right for everyone but it is an easy form of exercise that everyone should try at least once. If you think yoga would be a good addition to your life, you should talk with a fitness trainer or yoga professional.

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You have looked at yoga meditation, and it looks like something that can give you benefits. You now have two courses that you can take. Either do meditation at home or go to yoga meditation classes. There are many benefits of yoga meditation classes, and we will be taking a look at them in this article.
In this article on the benefits of yoga meditation classes, you will find:
* Benefits Of Yoga Meditation
* Benefits Of Yoga Meditation Classes Vs Benefits Of Yoga Meditation At Home
* How To Find A Local Meditation Class And Get The Benefits Of Yoga Meditation Classes
* Benefits Of Yoga Meditation
Yoga is a form of meditation which has been practiced in some Asian countries for centuries. The benefits of yoga meditation are immense. Peace of mind is one of them. When you begin meditating, you will find that your thoughts are like a busy highway! You just seem to have so many. You may even be saying you don’t have the time to meditate.
When you meditating, you will find that your mind becomes clearer, and you feel more serene and peaceful. Less stress becomes apparent in the face of adversity, and you can take life in its stride.
* Benefits Of Yoga Meditation Classes Vs Benefits Of Yoga Meditation At Home
The question is now that you want to start getting the benefits of yoga meditation, how do you start? There are benefits of yoga meditation classes, and there are benefits to meditating at home.
With Yoga, there are several postures and ways of doing meditation. The benefits of yoga meditation classes verses doing it at home, is that you can learn exactly how to do those postures. You also get to ask your class teacher questions you may have, and get answers to them. Some more benefits of yoga meditation classes, is that you get to meet like minded individuals, and also have more of a commitment to continue.
Doing yoga meditation at home is an option if you simply can’t go to yoga meditation classes, though you would not be getting the full benefits of yoga meditation classes. You will not learn the correct postures, etc. But, still there is hope!
There are many yoga books, and yoga DVD programs that can help you get started in the meditation techniques of yoga. One problem however, is that if you do, do the meditations at home, and learn techniques, then if you decide to go to a yoga meditation class after, you may not see all the benefits of yoga meditation classes. For example, we are creatures of habit. Often when we learn something, even if we are doing it wrong, it can be hard to correct.
* How To Find A Local Meditation Class And Get The Benefits Of Yoga Meditation Classes
Getting the benefits of yoga meditation classes is possible today. There are many yoga meditation classes in the west, and finding one locally is possible. Whether you are in the US, UK, France or Germany or wherever in the world, you can find a way to get the benefits of yoga meditation classes. A lot of these classes can be found online now, and a simple look around some sites can help you find what you need.

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At the heart of personal yoga practice, regardless of whether it is Hatha Yoga or Kundalini Yoga, lies yoga sets. The building block for these sets are, of course yoga poses and exercises, and how to put them together in order to design effective sets and routines is a key aspect of yoga as well. In this article I would like to give you six important guidelines on how to construct these sets.
6 Guidelines for Designing Kundalini & Hatha Yoga Sets:
1. Who Should Design Yoga Sets:
Do not try to design a set if you are just beginning yoga practice. Attend some classes first and develop your personal practice before tying to design your own routines and sets. The last thing you want to do is practice yoga and create more injuries and imbalances for yourself.
2. Yoga Sets Should be Balanced:
This is one of the most important aspects of a yoga set. By balance here I mean that the poses that twist and stretch you one way, should at some point be balanced with poses that twist and stretch you the other way. Similarly, you should design sets that stretch both arms, both legs, etc, equally if possible. In addition, rotations done in one direction should be followed by rotations done in the other direction.
So if in your set you have a backward bending yoga posture, then at some point it is wise to have a forward bending yoga pose as well. As an example, if you employ Cobra Pose early in your set, you can balance it with the Forward Bending Pose sometime later. This will ensure that you don’t end up creating sets after which you feel out of balance and un-centered.
3. Chakras Work Should Be Done Low to High:
In general the rule to follow, especially for Kundalini Yoga Kriyas, is to start working on the lower chakras first and then move up towards the higher chakras. So you would tend to do an exercise like Crow Pose, which works on the Root Chakra, early in the set and do Stretch Pose, which works on the Navel Chakra, sometime after that. This helps to sequentially increase the vibration of the energy higher and higher.
4. Yoga Breathing Guidelines:
For most exercises and postures a corresponding breath is indicated. In most cases, there are several options available that allow you to breathe at a level which is comfortable for you. So advanced practitioners might do Breath of Fire, while a beginner might do Long Deep Breathing with a particular pose.
One rule with yoga breathing though, is that generally you should inhale when expanding the chest and abdominal region and exhale during the movement which contracts these regions. This allows for maximum benefit from the movements and exercises.
5. Rest Periods:
It is wise to design specific rest periods within a set. The one important aspect though of rest, which should be included in every Kundalini Yoga kriya, is a period of relaxation at the end of the kriya.
This relaxation time is critical to allow the body to assimilate all the energy that has been awakened by the yoga exercises. It is during this time, the body heals, grows and nourishes itself.
6. Warm-Ups:
If your set consists mostly of difficult yoga poses and exercises only, make sure you do a warm-up set first before jumping into advanced postures. If you plan to do your set only, then ensure that it first starts off with simple yoga postures and movements, so that you are properly warmed up, then moves on to the more challenging exercises. Warm-ups and not overdoing it are your best defenses against injury.
Summary of Making Your Own Yoga Sets:
The sciences of Yoga, Meditation, Ayurveda, etc, are tools to help you in your own unique path to spiritual awakening. Designing your own Yoga Sets, to help you overcome your personal challenges, I think is a valuable skill to learn. I hope the guidelines above help you maximize the benefits from your personal yoga practice.

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Yoga can be defined as a physical and mental exercise that helps in increasing will power of people. Most of the people believe yoga is a spiritual exercise, which enlightens the spirit and purifies the heart. For example: Doing yoga can help you increase patience and get relief from worries. Yoga has to be practiced in a peaceful environment. Most of the people prefer practicing yoga in natural surroundings. Some people prefer practicing yoga at meditation centers. Whatever may be the place, people should concentrate on the type of clothes they wear for yoga. Yoga Clothes play an important role in yoga practice.  Clothes people wear during yoga should give them maximum comfort and help them to ease body movement. Yoga Clothes unlike ordinary clothes are made of special material.

It’s good if people wear Yoga Clothes that are loose, i.e. clothes like shorts, leotards, sweat pants, camisoles, vests, etc. Men and women generally prefer shorts when practicing yoga. Shorts allow people to see the alignment of their foot, knees and ankles. Yoga Clothes for men comprise of yoga shirts and pants. Yoga shirts need to be light and comfortable. All yoga shirts are made of natural materials and preferably are seamless. In fact that’s true with most yoga clothing. Yoga pants can be used for practicing yoga, martial arts, aerobics, dance, and exercise. Yoga pants fit easily around the waist, and permit stretches.  

Women should wear yoga shorts along with a yoga bra. Yoga Clothes should be comfortable, sweat absorbent and breathable. Women prefer stretchable cotton pants when practicing yoga. These cotton pants fit loosely around the hips, and have a flattering leg finish. Hard tail cotton pants are easily available and these pants are made of cotton Lycra blends.

Pants are usually pre-shrunk with a mix of 90% cotton and 10% Lycra. These pants are available in varying colors, and are ideal for women with varying waist sizes. People should always wear clothes that are good for all yoga exercises. They should check for yoga clothes that are form-fitting, i.e., clothes they select should be suitable and well adjusted irrespective of yoga movements.

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Yoga has been part of our lives when it comes to tension and stress relief. Through
yoga we gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of oneself. It also serves as a
great tool to stay healthy and prevent certain diseases.

Yoga through the years of repeatedly usage has become a popular alternative
medicine. Today it is now used to cure chronic diseases and ailments in the different
body systems. It includes the nervous, circulatory, endocrine, respiratory, digestive,
reproductive and the musculoskeletal system.

Yoga can be practiced by anyone, including the elderly and those that have or suffers
from certain injuries. The use of specific yoga equipments can help people who are
not perfectly capable of doing yoga. The use of yoga Equipment can help you achieve
the maximum physical and mental results of your practice.

One of the best examples of yoga equipments is the Yoga bolsters.

Yoga bolsters are being used in various styles of yoga like the Bikram, Ananda and
Kripalu yoga. These are yoga form that needs much of your yoga bolsters for they
instill more use of extensive yoga poses.

Yoga bolsters provide support for the back, abdomen and legs. Yoga bolsters also
aids in the proper alignment of the body and the stack of spinal vertebrae.

It is also and effective way to cushion and relieve tension in your lower body and
upper body, the neck and the abdomen when doing your poses.

It aids yoga master in doing supine and passive yoga positions. Putting your yoga
bolsters on top of your mat provides added cushioning and support to your lower
body and makes your yoga session more comfortable.

Yoga bolsters are light and can be easily carried and stored at the corner of your
room. It can easily fit in to your drawer or a closet without taking much space.

Yoga bolsters also comes in a variety of size, shapes, colors and materials which is
designed to fit your need and preference.

Different sellers offer cylindrical, rectangular, Zafu, and a lot of other types of Yoga
Bolsters.

Sometime people buying yoga bolsters are quite confused on whether to buy
cylindrical or rectangular yoga bolsters.

So here are some brief discussions on the difference between this two. But if you are
into yoga class and like the yoga bolsters that you are using then you can buy the type you use.

Cylindrical bolsters are a larger and much more firm that the rectangular yoga bolsters.

Cylindrical yoga bolsters are heavier than the rectangular ones, owing the fact that
they have different respective filling materials with different weights.

You can do most things equally well with either kind of Bolster, but the different
shapes do have marginal advantages for certain poses.

Yoga Bolsters are used for comfort in different positions, and come in a variety of
shapes and sizes to provide that extra level of comfort and support. Placed under
knees, ankles, or neck, these Bolsters help to relieve muscle strain during difficult poses.

The round bolsters and Rectangle Bolster props, supports and encourages your body
to stretch, relax and open the areas that need it most.

What ever kind of bolsters that you need, I am sure that you will be able to find one
that will suit your needs.

If ever nothing would fit you in yoga store, make one of your own or find somebody
who can make them, giving you a much more flexibility and customization in getting
the yoga bolsters that you like.

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Yoga is comprehensively known as a form of exercise that stretches and strengthens the body through various poses known as ASANAS. For some people yoga is the realisation of inner self satisfaction. For others it is a religion that they believe and must follow.All of this statement makes it hard to really make a full realisation of what yoga is. So what is yoga?Yoga goes far beyond just mere exercises full of awkward routines. Yoga is the union of mind, spirit and body. Yoga comes from the Hindu philosophy used to attain spiritual insight and harmony.What is yoga? Yoga as a rule refers to the general use of a system of exercises that is practiced as part of this discipline.The word is derived from the Sanskrit “yeung”, which means to join. A yoke as used on oxen is closely related, but also the same root gives us “join”, “junction”, “junta”, “adjust”, “joust”, and “juxapose” to name a few.There are many institutions of yoga all of which have their own unique practices and beliefs. But in this article we have listed down the five most common yoga practices.However, schools and paths have been established with many different variations that aren’t listed here. HATHA: this is the most popular variety of yoga and one that has been commonly taught for years. So what is yoga for them? For them it is perfecting the mind by way of perfecting the body.With this technique many asanas or postures, breathing techniques and meditations are used.ASHTANGA: this yoga is another popular type they are much faster than the other schools. What is yoga for ashtanga’s?For them yoga can be considered as a type of aerobic yoga for they instill quick and smooth transitions between poses.KUNDALINI: This school is focused on awakening and focusing what is known as kundalini energy. Kundalini energy is most easily compared to life energy that lies dormant in our bodies. It is commonly represented by a coiled snake.MANTRA: this type of yoga is focused on calming the mind and body through the usage of words and sounds. The well known ‘om’ chant is commonly heard in this school.TANTRA: This type of school is well known by way of its focus on sexual spirituality. They also focus on kundalini energy, although their intent for awakening it is much different from the Kundalini practice. Yoga is a very diverse practice, no matter which school you choose. People young and old can gain many benefits from regular yoga practices, and asanas can be adjusted to fit physical limitations and other complications.If you want a break from treadmills, weight rooms, or the pool, take a look at yoga. Not only are you striving towards physical well being, you are striving towards spiritual well being as well.Traditionally, yoga consists of eight fundamental paths which are Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga; Hatha Yoga; Purna Yoga; Tantra Yoga; Maha Yoga and Ashtanga or Raja Yoga. In the western world, the term yoga often refers to Hatha yoga and its postures, movements, and breathing techniques.The ultimate goal of yoga is the attainment of liberation from worldly suffering and the cycle of birth and death. Yoga entails mastery over the body, mind, and emotional self, and transcendence of desire. It is said to lead gradually to knowledge of the true nature of reality.

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Planets placed in certain particular positions which have remarkable effects on the natives are called ‘Yoga.’
Some of the special Yogas are described as follows:
1.Raja Yoga: When the lords of the ninth and the tenth house are situated in one another’s house or are in conjunction with each other in either on the houses produce the ‘Raja Yoga’- a good luck in all the undertakings.
2.Kesari Yoga: When the cool planet i.e. the Moon is in the center i.e. ‘Kendra’ position to the Jupiter, the effects produce ‘Kesari Yoga’. Under this yoga, the individual is blessed with a superb intellect and also acquires the capacity to speak to masses in general. He will occupy high position and fame.
3.Lakshmi Yoga: When the Venus and the lord of the ninth house remain in the fifth, ninth or in the central/ ‘Kendra’ position and at the same time in his own place, ‘Lakshmi Yoga’ is created. As the name itself implies, with the effects of this yoga, the native is blessed with a luxurious life, happy family, health, wealth and all other comforts of life.
4.Ruchaka Yoga: When Mars occupies his own place, the native will enjoy the effects of Ruchaka Yoga and he will be blessed with wealth, fame and victory.
5.Saraswathi Yoga: With Venus, Jupiter and Mercury in the 2nd house while Jupiter in his own house, the effects of Saraswathi Yoga is produced. In this case the native will be blessed with wisdom and intellect.
6.Hamsa Yoga: When Jupiter is placed in his own house, the effect is Hamsa Yoga. Blessed with this effect, the native will enjoy great prominence in society, admiration and a commandeering position. He will also possess a beautiful body and a charitable mind.
7.Bhadra Yoga: With Mercury placed in his own house, the effect of Bhadra Yoga is produced and in this case the native will enjoy long life, keen intellect, wealth and prominence in society. He will be a good speaker in assemblies too.
8.Malava Yoga: When Venus is placed in his own house, effect is Malava Yoga. Here, the native is blessed with wealth, enormous property, posh vehicles, large family and keen intellect.
9.Vallaki Yoga: All the seven planets occupying one house each, produces the Vallaki Yoga where the native will be very talented in music, dancing and fine arts.
10.Sasaka Yoga: When Jupiter is in his own house, Sasaka Yoga is produced. The native will be blessed with great wealth and all comforts in life. But he will be a person of easy virtue.
11.Dhama Yoga: When all the seven planets occupy signs consecutively from the Lagna, the effects of Dhama Yoga of produced. The native will be a very philanthropic minded person.
12.Chamara Yoga: When a beneficial planet occupies lagna, the Charma Yoga is created. This is a highly desirable Yoga. The native will be blessed with great wealth, fame and long life.
13.Chakata Yoga: When the moon is placed in the sixth, eighth or twelfth house form the Jupiter, Chakata Yoga is produced where the native will experience misfortunes and various disappointments in life.
14.Rajju Yoga: When all the planets in a horoscope occupy the movable signs, Rajju Yoga is created. The native will be famous and will enjoy interrupted fortunes.

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Around the world Yoga is considered an enjoyable way to keep fit and healthy. And, though it has been around for ages, only recently has Yoga caught the American fancy. It is a well-rounded workout designed to tone up and strengthen muscles; at the same time it increases flexibility. Yoga is also an excellent way to shed weight and boost energy and vitality. As you start to practise Yoga or Pilates, for that matter you will notice the need for some basic Yoga or Pilates equipment and accessories.
Yoga Mats
Good Yoga mats help increase balance and coordination. Most folks are not properly aligned. As a result we do a lot of what we do asymmetrically. For those intending to balance and a sense of symmetry a Yoga mat is a must. Then again, we strongly recommend a hand-woven Yoga mat. However, for those into dynamic and vigorous kinds such Power Yoga, Sticky Mats are well worth considering.
Yoga straps
The Yoga strap is highly beneficial for beginners. They are either fabricated from cotton or nylon and let you grasp your limbs, you couldn’t reach. They also help you hold a pose longer. Yoga Straps are especially helpful in bound poses when the hands cannot reach each other or for asanas where you need to hold both feet but cannot reach them.
Yoga blocks
Yoga blocks are also called Yoga bricks and are useful in executing a variety of Yoga poses. Yoga blocks help in execution of poses and offer many other benefits. Some of the benefits of Yoga blocks are that they provide stability and support for proper alignment; they also help reduce the distance between the body and the ground.
Yoga cushions
Yoga cushions help practitioners establish proper spinal alignment so that the posture stays steady, straight, and comfortable. Yoga Cushions are also beneficial to pregnant women and to people recovering from surgery. With Yoga cushions, most poses can be done comfortably as you sit on a chair or using a chair to maintain balance while standing. For added support or cushioning, Yoga Cushions are also used on top of a Yoga Mat or Yoga Chair height.
Yoga balls
Yoga Balls are a versatile prop for many postures. Fabricated from durable vinyl, they help achieve the necessary balance and support for asanas. Yoga Balls effectively increase your flexibility, improve your range of motion and balance, as well as tone up the muscles. Besides, they also help shape the body and relieve of stress.

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Most westerners usually wince when they the subject of yoga is brought up. All they see is complicated poses done by yoga practitioners. But there is easy yoga and the advanced level, so everyone who is interested can pick it up. Both easy and advanced yoga are formed thousands of years ago in India to assist practitioners achieve balance and harmony in their life. With a balanced and harmonious body, it is easy to be one with the universe.
Yoga is never religious although it was passed down from traditional Hindu sacred document. Easy yoga poses can be obtained from classes, self-help books, self taught videos or DVDs but it is better to begin learning from a qualified yoga teacher. You will then pick up all the proper yoga poses.
Yoga lessons can be tailored for children, pregnant women, senior citizens, etc as easy yoga is not at all difficult to pick up. Exercises keep your body fit and healthy and easy yoga fits the bills as it can be done in relax and joyful approaches.
As your muscles grow suppler, you will experience a growing confidence in addition to rejuvenation, reassurance and relaxation. As a form of meditation, it can help reduce stress and frustrations as well as getting healthy.
Beginners can practice yoga by following few basic steps and from there you can fully understand and garner the many benefits of yoga. Through practicing beginning yoga, you will feel emotionally and physically better.
Initially you will have to pick up the dissimilar features of yoga and the differing types. The philosophy of yoga needs to be learned as well, including the breathing techniques that will assist you in relaxation so as to attain stability to be able to acquire a right frame of mind to do intense meditation.
As you started off with beginning yoga, you will have to experience many levels of yoga and from there build up capability to sense what can be done from one level to another. Altogether there are eight levels and you need to be able to overcome each to achieve insight to a greater life. It is necessary to observe the morals and ethics of yoga in order to lead healthy life.
One of the many benefits of beginning yoga is its curative purposes and it can better your mental and physical well being. Your body will become suppler and you will be able to move about easily and you will also gain muscles and a well toned body. The mental aspects will be a reduction in stress level with increasing consciousness and calmness of mind in addition to concentrating better.
Advanced yoga is taught not to show off but one of the main attribute is humility. Yoga lessons create harmony between mind, body and soul. Although it can be learn from DVDs, books, magazines, etc, do not attempt it if you are not familiar as it is more difficult that envisage. Advanced yoga is for those experienced practitioners and Pilates can be useful too, even though Pilates focus on body and not mind and soul.
Advanced yoga is a gradual build up from easy yoga but there is more than meet the eyes as building up your ethics and morals as well as staying calm and be able to take what life throws at you and follow god’s guidance.
Advanced yoga can muster the mind to walk on broken glasses or through fire and even went without food for days, be clairvoyance and even levitate. But that is not what advanced yoga encourages as it is to be unified with the universe and show you the direction in life.
Another difficult type of yoga is the power yoga and it can be thought of as similar to karate. Even with experience in martial art instructions, you might not be sufficiently prepared to take on power yoga.
Power yoga require total dedication as the training can be intensive but it make little sense as yoga is understood to be relaxing and calming to the mind and body. But power yoga is very physical in nature.
Power yoga is all about fitness and complements the usual stretching, balance and focus; it helps in your blood circulation. The reason is more oxygen is propelled to the muscles, thus improving energy level.
Power yoga is the best way to keep fit and with this, it will help you to grow old with poise and not rapidly. Picking the techniques of power yoga is not enough, you need to practice consistently or your fitness level will drop. Sticking to a firm schedule daily is essential even with distractions. This is what discipline is all about.

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Many people still think that Yoga is a religion. Others believe it to be a kind of magic. Some associate Yoga with the rope trick, with snake-charming, fire-eating or sitting on nail-beds, lying on broken glass, walking on sharp swords, etc. Sometimes it is even linked to fortune telling, spiritualism, hypnotism and other “isms.” In reality, Yoga is a method, a system of physical, mental and spiritual development.
Q): What is the meaning of the word “Yoga”?
A: The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root “yuj,” which means join, or union. The purpose of all Yoga is to unite man, the finite, with the Infinite, with Cosmic Consciousness, Truth, God, Light or whatever other name one chooses to call the Ultimate Reality. Yoga, as they say in India, is a marriage of spirit and matter.
Q: Is there only one Yoga?
A: Yoga has several branches or divisions, but the goal, the aim of all of them is the same – the achievement of a union with the Supreme Consciousness. Raja Yoga (Royal Yoga) is the Yoga of consciousness, the highest form of Yoga. Its practice usually starts with Hatha Yoga which gives the body the necessary health and strength to endure the hardships of the more advanced stages of training.
Hatha Yoga is the Yoga of physical well-being. It consists of several steps and is preceded by the Yama-Niyama, the ten rules of the Yoga code of morality. The first stage is called Asana, or posture; the second is Pranayama, or breath control; the third is Pratyahara or nerve control; the fourth is Dharana, or mind control; the fifth is Dhyiana, or meditation; and finally there is Samadhi, the state of ultimate bliss and spiritual enlightenment. Strictly speaking the last four stages of Hat ha Yoga already merge into the realm of Raja Yoga.
Q: What does “Hatha” mean?
A: “Ha” stands for the sun and “tha” for the moon. The correct translation of Hatha Yoga would be solar and lunar Yoga, since it deals with the solar and lunar qualities of breath and Prana.
Q: What is “Prana”?
A: Prana is a subtle life energy existing in the air in fluid form. Everything living, from men to amoebae, from plants to animals, is charged with Prana. Without Prana there is no life.
Q: What religion does a yogi profess?
A: A yogi can belong to any religion or to none at all. In this case, he usually forms his own relationship with the Ultimate Reality once he has come closer to It.
Q: Can a Catholic take up Yoga?
A: Certainly, since Yoga is not a religion. In fact, a Catholic association has been recently formed in Bangalore, India, in order to introduce the Yoga Asanas to the Catholic young men there, and to integrate them into the Catholic way of life.
Q: If the goal of Yoga is a spiritual illumination, why then is so much attention given to the care of the body?
A: The yogis regard the human body as a temple of the Living Spirit and believe that as such it should be brought to the highest state of perfection. Also, the advanced practices of Yoga require great power of endurance. The body might not be able to stand the strain witho0ut special preparation.
Q: What is the origin of Yoga?
A: Yoga was originated in India several thousand years ago. According to the German Professor Max Mueller, Yoga is about 6,000 years old, but other sources suggest it is much older than that.
Q: Who originated Yoga?
A: This is not known. Patanjali, who lived about 200 B.C., is called the Father of Yoga because he was the first to put into writing what had until that time been handed down only verbally from master, or guru, to pupil, or chela.
There is more to know about yoga, but this information will put you on the right path.

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