 Beginners start here... What is Yoga?Yoga is an art, a science, and a philosophy. It touches the life of man at every level, physical, mental and spiritual. It is a practical method for making one's life purposeful, useful and noble.
Hatha Yoga is a scientific system of postures and breathing excercises that prepare you for deep relaxation and meditation. It has become a popular therapeutic activity to exercise, keep fit and relax. I think if you ask a Yogi why they practice you will typically get an answer like: "Yoga just makes me feel better in my self." Many people start Yoga to rehabilitate after injury or a health issue. Others just find the sense of calm and relaxation found in a Yoga class balances out the stress of modern life. It's time to take responsibility for your own health and wellbeing.
If you can breathe, you can do Yoga...In the western world we normally use the term Yoga to refer to the Hatha Yoga system of postures (Asana) and breathing excercises (Pranayama). Following a long tradition that some believe goes as far back as ancient Egypt, the Hatha Yoga system of postures and breathing was was compiled by Yogi Swatmarama in India in the 15th century, in a book called the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. It was popularised in the UK and America in the 20th Century by teachers like B K S Iyengar, and now you will find local classes in many styles of Yoga.Do try this at home...Just put down your mat... |