Hatha yoga, originally developed by Yogi Swatmarama during the Classical period in the 15th century, is based on the eightfold path codified in the Yoga Sutra. The eight limbs of this path consist of:
The history of yoga can be traced back to 3000 BC from stone tablets with identifiable poses depicted on them. Although yoga is primarily a self-focused discipline, historians believe its roots are grounded in shamanism and its community-based, Stone Age practices. The history of yoga is inextricably tied to the historical progression of the Indian religion and culture and can be divided into four movements: the Vedic, pre-Classical, Classical and post-Classical.
According to WebMD, almost 11 million Americans practice yoga, so yoga is clearly not a passing fad. Yoga encourages a healthy lifestyle by incorporating the mind/body dynamic in its practice. The benefits of yoga include:
Yoga is both a physical and a spiritual ritual used to increase the body’s flexibility while calming the mind. This mind/body duality is signified by the name itself: “yuj” is a Sanskrit verb meaning “to unite.” When Westerners consider what is yoga, they are generally thinking of Hatha yoga, which literally means “forceful” yoga and incorporates poses with regulated breathing. However, there are now a wide range of different disciplines that have grown more popular in the U.S., including “hot” yoga practiced in studios with temperatures up to 105 degrees. Despite the different techniques and names, yoga is fundamentally a way of treating the body with respect by listening to it through meditation, challenging it through the poses and using breathing to make everything come together.
Sometimes life presents opportunities that are just too good to pass up. Recently I was offered a chance to blog for my friends at the online store for Its Simply Zen www.ItsSimplyZen.com. I have used, and recommended their site because I love their quality product lines, discount prices and free shipping. It is extremely important to me, however, to give my blog readers more than an advertising pitch. I promise to stay true to my real self and share my thoughts, trials, inquisitiveness and knowledge. My hope is that, through your comments, I will gain insight into what my readers are thinking and what they would like to hear more about. We will discuss product reviews, types of yoga, meditation tips, retreat reviews among other things.