What are yoga asanas?
Yoga asanas (hatha yoga) are steady body postures that are meant to restore and maintain physical and spiritual well-being, improve the body’s flexibility and vitality, and keep the flow of energy through the body. The combination of asanas and breathing techniques allow the emergence of a clearer state of mind preparing the practitioner for advanced yogic practices.
What is the difference between asanas (hatha yoga) and physical culture (sports)?
While physical culture emphasizes muscular strength, yoga asanas strengthen and purify the nervous system, particularly the spinal cord and nerve ganglia and increases neuro-somatic control (control over the physical body). (shape, fit) They work on the neuro-endocrine system, massaging internal organs and balancing the hormonal activity in different endocrine glands. But all these are the by-products of yoga asanas. The main goal is to achieve a deeper state of consciousness by bringing harmony to the body-mind system.
What is pranayama?
Pranayamas are breathing techniques that work on a subtle level and on different body systems. Pranayama utilizes the breath to channel energy through specific paths in the body for the sake of energy expansion. On a gross level pranayamas are shown to relieve stress, improve the function of the nervous system, develop steadiness of mind, and increase will power.
What are kriyas?
Kriyas are cleansing techniques. On the physical level, kryias remove accumulated stress, toxins and wastes, activate stagnant portions of the nervous, respiratory and digestive systems. On a subtle level kriyas open the channels of energy activate energy centers and keep their activity balanced.
Can I learn Yoga and meditation from a book?
Yogic techniques taught are delicate and personal. Although the outline of practices is common for all practitioners, specific details in the practice would be adjusted by the teacher to suite each practitioner individually. Yoga is a personal experience and there is no ‘one for all answer’. Books usually describe the basics that may apply for the majority of people but advances and results can be sought only on the basis of individual approach.
Do these technique suite me?
Although yoga techniques are given for groups, certain details concerning practice are adjusted individually to suite each and every seeker. Listen to your inner guide, to the voice of your heart. Does this technique make sense to you? But remember, the desired results come only with persistency and regular practice.
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