1. The meaning of yoga

Looking at the world today, yoga centers are everywhere, especially in cities in North America and Europe. It seems that there are people taking yoga classes wherever they go, and among them There are also a large number of world-class celebrities who have achieved outstanding results in different fields such as politics, business, and art, but they all flock to yoga. For example:

1. Rock poet Sting and 45-year-old pop music leader Madonna publicly demonstrated difficult yoga movements

2. In 2001, the American "Time" magazine Using yoga as the cover, it introduces this health trend sweeping across the United States

3. Prince Charlie of the United Kingdom used yoga to cure back pain. More than 500,000 people in the United Kingdom also learn yoga.

4. IBM uses yoga exercises to recharge employees and make them creative.

5. Singer Donna uses yoga to balance her emotions, and martial arts star Yang Lijing uses yoga for rehabilitation.

6. Diving star Tian Liang

7. A medical institution of the Indian military stationed in Ladakh, Indian-controlled Kashmir, began teaching yoga to 100 soldiers at the end of 2005. The local altitude is 3350 meters to 4570 meters.

Indian military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Batra said that in high-altitude mountainous areas, yoga stretching exercises are a good way to train soldiers, because other training methods are not feasible, and even the shortest distance running will make them tired. People are panting. Not only that, but since soldiers are stationed in "high-pressure areas" where conflicts often occur, yoga can help them stay alert. ?Yoga helps soldiers transform negative stress into positive energy, which is necessary to stay alert. Here, staying alert can mean the difference between life and death. ?Lieutenant Colonel Batra said that the yoga classes have obvious effects and the soldiers have stopped drinking and smoking. Are they healthier?

What kind of magic does this ancient exercise originating from the mysterious East have? What exactly is yoga?

Yoga is a very ancient energy knowledge cultivation method that combines philosophy and science. and art in one. The foundation of yoga is built on ancient Indian philosophy. For thousands of years, the psychological, physical and spiritual disciplines have become an important part of Indian culture. Ancient yogis developed the yoga system because they believed that by moving the body and regulating the breath, they could have complete control over the mind and emotions, as well as maintain a permanently healthy body. Yoga is a Sanskrit word (Yoga). The root of the word yoga, yug, originally means to hitch an ox and a horse to the shaft of a chariot. The meaning of the word is "unity" or "union, unity", which also means core and essence. How to understand the yoga that is now promoted to the public: Yoga is a philosophy that originated in ancient India. The yoga we practice now is a kind of yoga that is derived from this and includes sports gymnastics, psychological adjustment, mental development, personal hygiene, and healthy eating. A set of highly effective fitness methods.

2. The formation of yoga

Archaeologists once excavated a well-preserved pottery in the Indus River Basin, which depicts the form of yoga figures meditating. This pottery It has a history of at least five thousand years, so it can be seen that the history of yoga can be traced back to even longer times.

In primitive society, people lived in groups and made a living by hunting. In the process, people created many static postures with reference to the characteristics of all living things, just like the famous Hua Tuo Five Animals Show in China, which is described in "Introduction to Hatha Yoga" In the book, only 84 postures appeared, but it is said that there are as many as 8.4 million postures circulated today. These movements are classified according to their characteristics and can be divided into:

1. Imitation of postures of animals and plants, such as snake pose, cat pose, dog pose, tiger pose, tree pose, etc.;

< p>　2. Imitate postures of cultural landscapes, such as skyscraper style, antenna style, magic chair style, airplane style, etc.;

3. Imitate postures of sports events, such as diving style, etc.

4. Postures that imitate movements in life, such as arm extension pose, bean grinding pose, etc.;

5. Postures named after Indian gods, such as Kirshna pose, Vespa pose , Hanuman pose etc.

Yoga postures should be stable, comfortable and relaxed, and consist of the following categories:

Stretching movements such as: Warrior First Pose, Magic Chair Pose, etc.;

Compressive movements such as: Garland Pose, Cannonball Pose, etc.;

Twisting movements such as: Spinal Twist Pose, etc.;

Balance movements such as: Warrior No. Three poses, King of Birds pose, etc.;

Inversion movements such as: headstand, scorpion pose, etc.;

Support movements such as: inclined plank pose, double-handed snake pose, etc.

3. Yoga goes to the world

Yoga is not a religion, but a practice that includes body, mind and spirit. Many churches in the world have learned from yoga and promoted it. The development of yoga.

In the 1790s, at the World Expo held in the United States, Indian yoga master Vivekananda demonstrated yoga to the world. He was the first person to leave India and promote yoga to the world. From then on, Americans began to understand and practice yoga, and it influenced the entire Western countries and even Asia.

The earliest people in contemporary mainland China got to know yoga was Zhang Huilan’s yoga teaching video that was broadcast on CCTV in 1985. This was the beginning of many people’s introduction to yoga. At first, yoga was carried out in coastal cities and regions in China. In recent years, it has become popular in inland cities. China has the largest number of people practicing yoga in the world.

In China, there is a misunderstanding about practicing yoga, that is, yoga is a women’s patent. In fact, many yoga masters in the world are men. In the past, in India, women only took care of children and did housework, and only men were allowed to practice. Yoga.

Yoga postures use ancient and easy-to-master techniques to improve people's physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual abilities. It is a way of exercise that achieves the harmony and unity of body, mind and spirit. The ancient Indians believed that man can be one with nature. They integrated different yoga practices into their daily life and pursued it unswervingly: morality, selfless movements, stable mind, religious responsibility, no desire, meditation and the universe. of nature and creation.

4. Components of yoga

Six elements

(1) Yoga asanas (movements, postures) There are three main points for balanced fitness: flexibility , muscle strength, and cardiopulmonary function are improved and strengthened. When we practice these stretching movements regularly, we will find that: 1. Yoga asanas can make us more aware of the health signals sent by the body, and allow us to interpret these signals more accurately;

2. Greatly improve body comfort.

(2) Yoga breathing Deep breathing can cleanse and recuperate our bodies. Yoga breathing is done through the nose. When inhaling, sufficient oxygen enters the lungs, and every cell in the body can get activity. The oxygen you need; when you exhale, waste products from your body are expelled. Not only that, the body can also communicate with the solar plexus, the energy storage area, through breathing, thereby obtaining abundant energy, making people younger physically and psychologically.

(3) Yoga diet Yoga advocates a simple and natural way of eating, and the most respected food among yogis is vegetarian food.

(4) Yoga Relaxation Good rest and relaxation are very important. If the body and mind are in a state of overwork or stress for a long time, the operating efficiency will be reduced. Excessive fatigue and stretching will cause serious damage to the body and spirit. Rest and relaxation are the most natural ways to recharge the body, and yoga relaxation techniques can exercise the mind and muscles to achieve complete relaxation.

(5) Yoga mindfulness and meditation Regular meditation can make people’s minds clearer, their attention more focused, and their thinking more efficient. The cultivation of mindfulness helps to purify people's thinking and make people have wisdom and inner peace.

(6) Correct lifestyle Yoga aims to create a healthy body and mental vitality. The correct way of life includes: a positive attitude towards life and good life principles, a kind heart in all aspects of life, not harming any living thing in thoughts, words, and actions, and being in harmony with everything around you.

5. Main schools of yoga

According to the records of "Bhagavad Gita", throughout the history of India, the following important schools of yoga are as follows:

(1) Raja Yoga? Also known as Eight-limb Yoga (Raja Yoga)

This is the way of meditation. Through the eight limbs of yoga, the power of the entire mind is condensed. This yoga is also the way to control the mind. It consists of the famous eight limbs of yoga. The important classic of the Wang Yoga school of thought is the Yoga Sutra. It is called the only way to the spiritual world. Focus on thoughts and breath control. Meditation is usually performed using some asanas such as the lotus position. King Yoga actively advocates the eight limbs of yoga, namely restraint, obedience, posture, breath control, restraint, inner awakening, meditation, and samadhi.

Eight limbs of yoga:

1. Restraints (Yama) They are no killing, no corruption, no stealing, no sexual intercourse, and no greed. These precepts are norms of social and personal morality that, if not followed, can lead to chaos, violence, deception, theft, debauchery, and greed.

2. Obey (Niyama) prohibitions are universally applicable moral principles, while obedience is a code of conduct that restricts individuals. Personal code of conduct: cleanliness, contentment, asceticism, introspection, and respect for God

3. Asana (Asana) Asana can bring stability, health and lightness to the limbs. A stable and pleasant posture can bring mental stability and prevent impatience.

You need a ventilated and clean place, a blanket and determination. Yoga posture practice does not require equipment assistance, because

Yoga believes that human limbs already provide gravity and anti-gravity. Conditions, through practicing yoga postures, the body's agility, balance and durability are improved, and the vitality of life is increased.

The names of yoga poses reflect the evolution of yoga over centuries. Some postures are named after plants, such as: tree pose, lotus pose; named after insects, such as: locust pose, scorpion pose; named after water animals and amphibians, such as: fish pose, turtle pose, Frog pose and crocodile pose; named after birds, such as peacock pose, swan pose; named after four-legged animals: dog pose, camel pose, lion pose. There are also some named after heroic tasks, such as Hanuman Pose, Krishna Pose, etc.

By practicing yoga asanas, dualistic thoughts such as gain and loss, victory and defeat, honor and disgrace, body and spirit will disappear.

4. Pranayama is breathing control

The life of a person who practices yoga is not measured by days but by the number of breaths. Therefore, follow the correct rhythm and slow down. A long breath. These rhythmic breathing patterns strengthen the respiratory system, calm the nervous system, and reduce cravings for substances. Incorrect breathing control exercises will cause practitioners to introduce some diseases into the body, such as hiccups, rheumatism, asthma, headaches, etc. It will take a long time to master the correct breathing method of slow and steady stretching.

5. Pratyahara If a person’s reason succumbs to the senses, he will lose his way. But if the person breathes in a controlled manner, the senses will not pursue the object of desire outwards, but will turn inward. , then people will be freed from the shackles of sensory desires and reach the fifth stage of yoga, which is pratyahara. The senses are now under control. (Consciousness control

6. Inner awakening (Dharana)) When the body is tamed through the training of asanas, the brain is tempered by the fire of breath control, and the senses are controlled by the sense of control, the yoga practitioner enters the state known as Dharana. The sixth stage of inner awakening, in which you focus completely on one point or devote yourself to a task

7. Meditation (Dhyana) When the mind meditates on a thing, it will become something. Which form of thing. For example, when we see that when oil is poured from one container to another, we can see the uninterrupted flow of oil. When concentration continues, people enter a state of meditation. Practice and gain spiritual awareness.

8. Samadhi (Samadhi) is the ultimate goal pursued by yoga practitioners. At the highest stage of meditation, it is like entering the state of concentration. At this time, the body and senses are at rest. , as if asleep, while the spirit and intellect remain alert and transcend the ordinary state of consciousness. (Transcendental selflessness)

(2) Hatha Yoga? Also known as Hatha Yoga

This is a way to strengthen the body, using the postures and breathing methods in yoga to strengthen the body and enhance energy. . Hatha yoga focuses on physiology and is a system of body cleansing, breathing and various physical exercise methods.

(3) Jnana Yoga? Also known as Jina Yoga

This is the path to enlightenment. Jnana yoga focuses on philosophy and is a system of philosophical speculation that explores issues such as truth and unreality, permanence and temporary, vitality and matter. It advocates cultivating the concept of knowledge, freeing ourselves from ignorance, reaching divine knowledge, and looking forward to becoming one with Brahman.

(4) Karma Yoga? Also known as Practical Yoga

This is the way to purify the mind. It is a system of selfless activities and work. Karma Yoga advocates focusing on the inner world and guiding more perfect behaviors through inner spiritual activities. When doing so, you should have a voluntary, non-rewarded, and kind-hearted attitude.

(5) Bhakti Yoga? Also known as devotional yoga

This is the way of love. Through the cultivation of religious sentiments, we learn that the essence of truth is love. Only when our hearts are filled with love can we become one with the final truth.

We learn according to the true meaning of yoga regardless of sect, because no matter what kind of yoga, it is a tool for the practitioner, and the different methods of using the tool naturally have many sources, but Practicing yoga has the same purpose, which is to exercise the body and mind, so all schools of yoga are an incredibly rich asset to the yoga practitioner.

6. Characteristics and effects of yoga

(1) Seven chakras and three chakras of yoga

Muladhara chakra, reproductive chakra, navel chakra, heart chakra, Throat chakra, ajna chakra, crown chakra

Left chakra, middle chakra, right chakra

(2) Characteristics of yoga

1. The most significant feature of yoga is It regulates the mind and unifies the body and consciousness. Yoga has the effect of changing the psychology. This is also an important reason why modern people accept and love it. Yoga pays more attention to the practice of body postures to achieve the purpose of cultivating the mind.

2. The safe and gentle nature of yoga makes it suitable for a wide range of people and can avoid sports injuries. In yoga classes, the music is soothing, the teacher’s words are soft and slow, and students’ bodies and minds are exercised in a quiet state.

3. Yoga postures can stretch and stimulate the body smoothly, symmetrically, softly and continuously. After each movement is completed, there is usually a corresponding relaxation movement, which is very good for the body. Stretching and relaxing, comfortable and smooth.

4. Yoga is not limited by venue, time, or financial conditions. It only requires a quiet corner, a clean mat, and a pure heart.

5. Yoga can play an auxiliary medical role in regulating and exercising the body in an all-round way. It not only exercises external physical fitness, but also regulates and improves the endocrine, microcirculation and visceral systems in an all-round way. The most valuable thing about the effect is that yoga also has postures to take care of the internal organs, scalp, back muscles, etc., which are almost impossible to exercise in daily life. Therefore, yoga can play an indirect or direct role in the prevention and even treatment of diseases.

6. Yoga also has a complete system, including yoga diet, yoga cleansing, yoga breathing, yoga relaxation, yoga meditation and meditation, and yoga lifestyle and concepts. It is broad and profound. The practice and theoretical system make yoga go beyond the scope of general sports.

(3) Effects of yoga

(1) Gain strength, flexibility and balance, and improve cardiopulmonary fitness.

(2) Effective fat reduction and body shaping.

(3) Effectively relieve stress and tension.

(4) Effectively improve body energy and godly power.

(5) Effective detoxification and beauty.

(6) Effective prevention and treatment of diseases.

(7) Effectively increase vitality, vitality and extend life.

(8) Effectively develop creativity and enhance memory.

(9) Effectively improve thinking ability and focus.