YOGA ASANA AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN HUMAN LIFE - Yogasadhana, Classical Yoga, Modern Yoga, Life Style

Yoga asana and its importance in human life.

The term Yoga Asana is deduced from the Patanjali Yoga Sutra, wherein it has been stated, “Asanas—Sthiram Sukham Asanam,” which means the position that is comfortable and steady, and in the Western world most people know as colorful physical postures and positions rehearsed in yoga. In this environment, the yoga asanas are rehearsed to develop the capability to sit comfortably in one position for a long time to produce a capability for deep contemplation.

The postures are more than just stretching exercises but they are designed to promote physical health, internal clarity, and spiritual growth. In this busy life of the ultramodern world, the significance of asanas in mortal life cannot be exaggerated, as they offer a holistic approach to well-being, integrating the body, mind, and spirit.

YOGA ASANA

The Origin of Yoga Asana:

Contents hide

1 The Origin of Yoga Asana:

1.1 Types of Yoga Asanas:

1.1.1 The Aim of Yoga Asana:

1.1.1.1 Physical Benefits of Yoga Asana: Enhancing Body Health and Vitality

1.1.1.2 Mental Well-being: Yog asana and the body-mind connection:

1.1.1.2.1 Conclusion: Integrating Yoga Asanas into Daily Life for Holistic Well-being

2 Related Posts:

So far we have learned from different ancient scriptures. Yoga Asana was first taught by Lord Shiva to his spouse Godess Parvati. It is said that nearly there are eighty-four lakh Yoga Asanas out of which there are only eight-four main Yoga Asanas which are being taught by various Yoga Gurus and the remaining are still not known.

The number of Yoga Asanas, as described by Lord Shiva, is the same number of animal species in the world. Out of these eighty-four lakh yoga asanas, only eighty-four are the best. Moreover, out of these eight four, only thirty-two Yoga asanas are considered auspicious in this mortal world.

The eighty-four yoga asanas are:

Types of Yoga Asanas:

The yoga asanas have been categorized into two segments: the first one is dynamic asanas, and the other is static asanas. The dynamic asanas are practiced to develop flexibility and control of the body. For beginners, while practicing first, their muscles are pained, and tensions are created if the practitioner hold the body in a steady yoga asana for a longer period. This creates abandonment and disappointment, which adversely affect the practitioner.

On the other hand, the dynamic yoga poses increase the flexibility, strength, and energy in the body, which encourages the practitioners to continue.

The Aim of Yoga Asana:

The Aim of Yoga Asana is to get relief from physical and mental distress. By developing temporary tension in the body which aggravates the elimination of toxins from the body. it helps to make the joints flexible and strengthen muscle health. On the other hand, it also helps to coordinate the functioning of the nervous system and enhance the efficiency of the internal nervous system thereby increasing the efficiency of the functioning of the internal organs owing to the light massaging effect. Therefore, practitioners with regular Yoga Asana practice can improve their physical health, internal clarity, and spiritual growth.

Physical Benefits of Yoga Asana: Enhancing Body Health and Vitality

In Hata Yoga, the practitioners observed that certain specific asanas open the energy channels and psychic center. The Researchers in this context observed that developing control of the body through practices enables the practitioners to control the mind and energy.

One of the most apparent benefits of asanas is their impact on physical health. Regular practice can significantly improve flexibility, strength, and balance. Furthermore, asanas are known to enhance the functioning of vital systems in the body, such as the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems. By promoting better blood circulation and oxygen flow, asanas help detoxify the body and improve overall vitality, unveiling the importance of asanas in human life.

Mental Well-being: Yog asana and the body-mind connection:

Asanas are not merely physical exercises; they are deeply connected to the mind. The mind and body are not separate entities although there is a tendency to think and act. The gross form of the mind is the body and the subtle form of the body is the mind. The practice integrates and harmonizes these two which requires focus and concentration, leading to increased mindfulness and a greater sense of mental calm. This aspect of asanas is crucial in today’s fast-paced world, where stress and anxiety are rampant. Through consistent practice, individuals can achieve a state of inner peace, highlighting the importance of asanas in managing stress and enhancing mental well-being.

Emotional Balance: Fostering Emotional Stability and Resilience

The main goal of Yoga asana is to help ease mental stress and foster emotional equilibrium. It supports the release of physical tension that often comes hand-in-hand with emotional stress, thereby promoting emotional stability. Moreover, it can help to nurture flexibility against life’s challenges, providing individuals with the emotional strength to face adversities with a balanced and composed mind. This shows the importance of Yoga Asanas in human life as a tool for emotional healing and balance.

Spiritual Growth: Connecting with the Inner Self

Beyond the physical and mental benefits, it offers an avenue to spiritual growth. Our ultimate objective is to awaken our Kundalini Shakti, the evolutionary energy existing within ourselves. Regular practice activates the Chakras which distribute the generated energy of this Kundalini Shakti throughout the body. Through regular practice, the practitioners can develop a deeper connection with their inner self, creating a sense of purpose and fulfillment. This spiritual aspect underlines the importance of asanas in human life as a means of exploring and understanding the self on a deeper level.

Conclusion: Integrating Yoga Asanas into Daily Life for Holistic Well-being

While the importance of asanas in human life is multifaceted, offering benefits that comprise physical health mental clarity emotional stability, and spiritual growth. Most people resemble it as a form of exercise but in reality, this is not exercise. The Asanas are practices that place the body in positions that cultivate awareness breathing relaxation concentration meditation and awareness. As a holistic practice, asanas offer a comprehensive approach to well-being that is accessible and sustainable. By integrating asanas into daily life individuals can embark on a journey towards a healthier, more balanced, and fulfilling existence. Asana practice can be helpful for all individuals.

FAQ:

Question : 1 – What does Asana Mean?

Ans: Asana means where you sit comfortably, easy and relaxed manner for a longer period of time.

Question: 2 – What is Yoga Asana?

Ans: Yoga Asana refers to the physical postures or poses practiced in yoga, designed to improve flexibility, strength, balance, and overall well-being.

Question : 3 – Why Yoga Asana is important?

Ans: Yoga Asana is an integral part of yoga practice. It extends the benefits that go beyond physical fitness. Its importance lies in its ability to create a holistic balance between the body, mind, and spirit.

Question 4:How many types of Yoga Asanas are there?

Ans: There are eighty-four (84) types of yoga asanas, but out of 84, only 32 yoga asanas are considered auspicious.