Yoga in India
Ayurveda,
Yoga and Tantra are all parts of the ancient life-disciplines
that have been practiced in India for centuries. They find mention
in the scriptures of the Vedas and Upnishads. Yoga is the the
science of the Union with the divine, with Truth; Tantra is the
most direct method of controlling the energy that creates the
ultimate union with truth; and Ayurveda is the science of life.
The purpose of each practice is to help the individual achieve
longevity, rejuvenation and self-realisation. The object of the
practice of Yoga and Tantra is liberation, although only certain
disciplined individuals are able to achieve the ultimate goals
through these practices. If Ayurveda is the science of the body,
Yoga is the science of the body, Yoga is the science of spirit.
They are sister sciences. The practice of Yoga is an important
, natural, preventive measure to ensure good health. The practice
of an ayurvedic regimen is a precursor to Yoga because it is only
when the body is fit that the individual is ready to study the
spiritual science of Yoga.
The
father of Yoga, Patanjali,described eight areas of Yoga and Yogic
practices as follows; the natural regulation of the nervous system;
discipline; cleansing; postures; concentration; the awakening
of awareness; and state of perfect equilibrium. Yogic exercises
have both preventive and curative value. They bring man to the
natural state of tranquility, which is equilibrium. Yogic practices
help to bring natural order and balance to the neurohormones and
the metabolism and improve the endocrine system and thus fortify
one against stress. Yogic practices for the treatment of stress
and stress-related disorders (such as hypertention, diabities,
asthma and obesity) are remarkably effective.
Employing
Ayurvrdic diagnosis and treatment, yogis deal effectively with
these disorders. Ayurvrda indicates which type of yoga is suitable
for different constitutions.
Considered
a prerequisite for spiritual health, meditation forms part and
parcel of yogic practice. It is known to bring awareness, harmony
and natural order to life. It awakens the intelligence to make
life happy, peaceful and creative intelligence is the benediction
of meditation.
Meditation
results in increased relaxation, unlocking the storehouse of energy
within the body. Meditation can be incorporated into any form
of mind training that calms the body, increases awareness and
creates greater focus for any action that is sincere, pure and
heartfelt.
Benefits
of meditation include a greater sense of relaxation in both mind
and body, Greater flexibility of thinking, an ability to meet
situations with freshness and insight. From the standpoint of
pure physical expression, it can help loosen the knots and tensions
trapped in the body disturbing emotions. It can help to change
both facial expression and body posture, thereby softening and
strengthening at the same time. These are some of the possible
results, but they are not the goals. Meditation helps strengthen
the positive qualities of compassion, patience and wisdom and
frees us of conflicting emotions and erroneous beliefs.
There
are many forms of meditations silent sitting, chanting, praying,
and walking meditation, meditation that uses visualization or
focus on objects. Meditation can be found in almost every tradition
in the world if one were to look into their more contemplative
practices.
Samadhi
is the state of highest equilibrium during meditation, when the
individual consciousness merges into the cosmic consciousness.
All limitations vanish, the individual consciousness empties itself
and in that emptying process, consciousness expands. Life changes
and daily living becomes a new and fresh experience. Life itself
becomes meditation, for meditation it is not separate from life
but a part of life. Creative intelligence begins to operate in
the body, mind and consciousness and all problems dissolve in
this new expanded awareness However, one should remember that
all the beneficial results of committed and regular practice.
In
the spiritual evolution of a man, Ayurveda is a foundation, Yoga
is the body and Tantra is the head. It is necessary first to understand
Ayurveda in order to experience the practices of Yoga and Tantra.
Thus Ayurveda, Yoga and Tantra form an independent Trinity of
life. None of these practices stand alone. The health of the body,
min and consciousness depends on the knowledge and practice of
these three in daily life.
