Yoga And Diabetes

Posted by Part Time Jobs Online | 3:35 AM

Definition: ‘Yoga’ means to ‘Joint’, that is, that which joins ‘atma’ and ‘Parmatma’ (the supreme power and the individual). Yoga is not merely a way to some postures (Asanas), to keep the body fit and trim but to unite the purush (vyakati or a individual) Prakriti (Nature) and Parmatma. Yoga conjoins and establishes an equilibrium, affinity among all the said elements of universe. It purifies mind, body ad intellect, thus enabling each one of them to perform individual function.

That is attaining control over mental leanings is called ‘Yoga’ which is not alien to Hindu culture and civilization. The great ascetic Patanjali, systemized and categorized in a lucid and scientific way, various disciplines treatises. In short, yoga modifies controls and disciplines various risings and fluctuations of mind. As is well known it is the mind alone which governs, controls and regulates various functions of our body. In away all the body functions get subordinated t command of the mind.

Four paths of yoga : Yoga helps a person to attain his desired aims by resorting to four paths as follows :
1. Karma Yoga
2. Raja yoga
3. Bhakti yoga and
4. Gyan yoga
To lead a peaceful and meaningful life, one can choose anyone of the said four paths, according to his approach, aptitude and temperament. For a person, karma yoga is the best and that is why, Lord Krishna dwelt upon, at length, in Bhagvatgita, alongwith Bhakti yoga and Gyan yoga. Next to Karma Yoga comes Bhakti Yoga which can be treaded only when the disciples unconditionally surrenders himself to God. Bhakti can be possible only by undaunted and unshakable faith in God. This path is far easier that the Gyan Yoga. In Gyan Yoga, one normally revels into ‘Ifs’ and ‘Buts’, and logic forms major part of it . logic is an argument which gives birth to debates and discussions, coupled with inhibitions and suspicion of the follower, resulting in a argumentative and critical approach. A Gyan Yogi suspicion. A Karma Yoga is humble but a Gyan Yoga generally is self-centred and egoistic. Raja Yoga is governed by intellect but the Karma Yoga is governed by mind and heart.

ASHTANG YOGA

Of the four paths mentioned above, one can adopt any path according to his inclination and capacity (including capability) but eight practices are essential to all the adherents of the four Yogic paths. These are eight essential practice which are mandatory for a practitioner.
1. Yama (Ethical Principles)
2. Niyama (Rules of conduct and Individual duties)
3. Asana (Body Postures)
4. Pranayam (Breath Control)
5. Pratyahaar (Sense of withdrawal from worldly objects and belongings)
6. Dharna (Concentration) or some call it conviction/firm view also
7. Dhyan (Mediation)
8. Samadhi (God realization)
Undermentioned four yogic methods cover the aforementioned eight essential disciplines of Yoga.
1. Yama and Nujama are covered by Gyan Yoga.
2. Asanas and Pranayam are covered by Hath Yoga.
3. Pratyahaar is covered by Karma Yoga and
4. Dharma, Dhyan and Samadhi are taken care of by the Raja Yoga. All these yogic disciplines help one to attain peace, mental discipline, discretion and quietude and thus, in a way, change the whole life style of a person.

YOGA AND BODY

Basic aim of yoga is to mould the body, as per the mental and physical practices for acquiring the supreme bliss. An ailing body cannot discharge the various functions and , thus , cannot serve its master-the human being. If body is not in order or in sound health, mind will also remain disturbed. Hence, an equilibrium and suitable balance between body and mind is of prime importance.
The homeopathic basic concept is nearest to the Yogic theory because the former also is decidedly of the view that first of all mind should be treated. Once the mind is sound and healthy, it would take care of the body. But, in turn, an ailing body cannot take care of mind. In fact, health of mind and body is reciprocally dependent on each other, for each supplements and supports functioning of the other. If the vehicle (body) is out of control or in bad shape, an adept driver will manage to drive it. Conversely, if the driver (mind) is novice and naïve, he will not be able to run even the best possible vehicle.
Now a word about Yama (Ethical/social Principles). Yamas are further divided into five under-noted sub-divisions viz.
1. Ahinsa (Non –violence/Mercy to living being)
2. Satya (Truth)
3. Asteya (Non-Steeling)
4. Brahmacharya (Celibacy or sex-mortality)
5. Aparigraha (Non-Hoaring tendency)


ASANAS IN YOGA

Yoga Asanas (postures) have been derived on an analogy from certain articles used in daily life, animals and birds because while performing a particular Asana, the pose attained/formed during on asana resembles shape/form, or at least, a physical resemblance identical to living bird or animal or some object.
According to pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, ‘But the old asana method is perhaps more typical of India and seems to fit in with the spirit of her philosophy. There is poise in it and an unruffled calm, even while it exercises the body. Strength and fitness are gained, without any waste of energy or disturbance of the mind. And, because of this, the asanas are suited to any age, and some of them can be performed even by the old. There are large numbers of these asanas. For many years now I have practiced a few simple selected ones, whenever I have had the chance, and I have no doubt that I have profited greatly by them, living as I often did in environments unfavorable to the mind and the body.”
If a busy person like Nehru, could derive benefits from performing certain asanas, to keep his body and mind in happy and fit frame, then why could not you and I ?
Dr. Rajendra Prasad opined, “……I am fully convinced that this is the best system of physical culture and from all angles, superior to other systems. One of the salient features of the system is that it is, from all angles, a complete and comprehensive system based on scientific principles. It has a unique feature of influencing each and every part of the body and keeping it in perfect health. Besides being scientific, it is natural also. It is the simplest and most inexpensive way of keep it fit.”
The averments of our too legendary national leaders is no less a tribute to Yoga.

0 comments