The word 'Yoga' reminds us of 'Yogasana' here is a very
close relationship between Yoga and Yogasana. Really speaking, 'Yogasana' is
a part of 'Yoga'. We think, that Yoga itself means 'Yogasana'. Which is the
most important part out of the eight different parts in our body? Every part
has its own importance and peculiarity. Of course, we don't want to go deep
into detail of these parts. We have to keep in mind that, Asana is one of
the parts of the 'Yoga'. For the time being, we will study this part in more
detail.
There
is one misunderstanding in case of 'Yogasana' i.e. 'Yogasana is a type of
Exercise'. This misunderstanding is there in many 'Yoga learns' and 'Yoga
propagandist'. Government has also handed over the 'Yogasanas' to
sports-ministry instead of education ministry. Yogasanas are being taught
and studied by considering them equivalent to exercise. Hence, it is
adversely affecting the existence of 'Yoga' in Asana. If we study Asana
through an exercise point of view, then we may get its benefits. But these
will not be the benefits of Yogasana.
We say, that it is harmful to exercise as age increases. So, we will have to
apply same principle to 'Yogasana' also. On the contrary it has been said
that very old people, patients can also practice Yogasana. It is very true,
that exercise and Yogasana are related to the muscular system of body. May
be due to this reason, Yogasanas are considered as part of exercise. But the
real difference lies here. In exercise, more emphasis is given on movements
of muscles whereas, in Yogasana it is given on steadiness of muscles. Yoga
Maharshi Patanjali has defined Yoga as 'Steady and comfortable state means
Asana'.
( || Sthirsukham Asanam || ).
If we think over this definition, it can be noticed that
exercise and Yogasana are two distinct aspects i.e. they work in exactly
opposite directions to each other. If you keep this point in mind, then the
next explanation can be easily understood.
It is know that, Yogasana means the different states of
parts of body. In this state, stability and comfort of body parts and so of
muscles is to be achieved. This is called as Asana. To achieve
this state, we have to practice a specific movement. It is to be practiced
very slowly i.e. the movements should be very slow. If the movements are
fast, then it will be difficult to attain steadiness in later states. Thus,
the movements to be practiced in Yogasana have to be very steady and slow.
While practicing such movements, some muscles may get stressed. At this
time, if you try to keep muscles relaxed, then both the pressure and stress
on them will be relived. To do so, try to concentrate on your body
movements. Due to this, the muscles that are taking part in movements will
be pressed to the required extent only. And the non - interacting muscles
will be in relaxed state. With the help of such movements, the expected
results can be experienced.
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It would be helpful to know the impact of such type of
movements on other systems of body. In exercise, if we keep the speed of
movements more, then muscles are under strain. So the speed of blood
circulation as well as pressure increases. As this is the function of heart,
it has to perform some extra work. Exactly opposite results are obtained due
to Yogasana. Due to slow and steady movements, muscles do not have to work
extra. Once you have undergone any particular state in Asana, requirement of
blood is reduced. Also, stress on heart is relived. With the help of advance
study in Yoga, functioning of heart takes place more slowly. Same effect
take place on the respiratory system during exercise. Due to rapid
movements, heart has to perform extra task. Similarly, due to more need of
oxygen by muscles, breathing takes place rapidly i.e. Along with speed of
heart beats speed of breathing also increases. Due to reduction in
requirement of Oxygen in Yogasana, speed of respiration also reduces. So,
there is no load on respiratory system. If speed of heartbeats and
respiration increases, sweating takes place. Unlike Yogasana, sweating takes
place in exercise. If at all there is sweating from body in Yogasana, then
mind well, that something has gone wrong. Make the changes accordingly.
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Thus, it becomes the study of exercise more, than of the
Yogasana, if the fact that Yogasana is not exercise is not understood. It
results in advancement of muscles. Enhancement of muscle power is the main
purpose of exercise. It's not at all expected by means of Yogasana. Due to
Yogasanas, muscle power doesn't grow up. But, their capability to work for a
long time increases. I.e. Due to exercise, strength is raised and through
Yogasanas, stamina is raised up. The reason for this lies in the manner, how
you practice both Yogasana and Exercise.
While exercising, muscles have to work extra. Thus, we
feel stressed and need more rest. In Yogasana, no such rest is needed. On
the contrary, muscles become active due to practicing of Yoga. Eventually,
we feel more energetic.
It is very difficult to implement the fact, that Yogasana
and exercise are altogether different. But it is equally true, that if we
work in that direction, it will be certainly fruitful. All of a sudden the
steadiness of muscles cannot be achieved so, you may feel strain in the very
initial stages of this study. Sometimes, both heartbeats and speed of
respiration may increase. Hence at some stages provision for breathing is
also made while Performing Yogasana. It is difficult to maintain the
steadiness of muscles. But it is equally easy to practice the movements
steadily. In study of Yoga, all movements are important and it is easy to
practice them slowly. It is worth achieving a success, if you could practice
them slowly.
Many
types of body movements have been mentioned in Yoga, before actually
starting with study of Yogasana. In all these types, no precise steadiness
is required. But 'Slow Speed' is soul of these types and it is easy to
achieve it. Thus, through all these types, basic principles of Yogasana can
be easily implemented. Hence, yogasanas, that are mentioned further can be
practiced easily. Their good results can also be experienced. Like this, if
strong base of Yogasana is built up, then you can practice further types of
Asanas. i.e. Pravesh, Parichaya, Pravin, Pandit etc. in a real sense. You
can certainly experience the good results of this study.
It looks like, as if out of eight stages, in the Yoga -
Yogasana is same as that of exercise. But we know, that it is not to be
practiced like exercise. Other stages of Yoga do not have any relation at
all with the exercise. Five ethics are told in first part 'Yama' about noble
behavior in society. To keep yourself healthy and mentally fit, five
important things are mentioned in chapter 'Niyama'. Third system is of
'Asana' and forth Anga is of 'Pranayarana'. The whole control over
respiratory system is mentioned in the 'Pranayama' chapter.
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In the fifth chapter 'Pratyahara', certain ways to
control your mind are told. The last three parts are Dharana, Dhyan and
Samadhi. All these parts are concerned with mind control.
From the explanation, given above, it can be easily
noticed that
'Yog is not an exercise, but it's a lifestyle'.
Yoga is a riotous way to live happy & healthy life. |