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YOGA- A DOUBLE EDGED SWORD
Fire, when used in a gas stove, cooks our food, but if not controlled, burns it up.
We are generally careful that we do not touch electric points with wet hands lest we incur a shock!
Any technology has specific criteria under which it will give the desired results. The same is applicable to Yoga (meaning union) the ancient Indian science elucidated for the well being of mankind. Maharishi Patanjali the pioneer of this technology has defined eight steps of this ladder to union with the higher reality. The first step is Yama- codes of conduct with the society namely ahinsa (non-violence), satya (truth), bramacharya (saving energy), asteya (not stealing), aparigrah (adequate use of material goods). The next step is Niyam- codes of conduct with the self namely sauch (cleanliness), tapa (penance), santosh (contentment), swadhyaya (introspection), Ishwar pranidhan (prayer).
Asanas is the 3rd step. These are postures ranging from simple stretching up to the most complicated shirshasana (Standing on your head).They condition your body for the next stage. One should begin with simple stretches as they are equally effective, and there is no need for doing complicated postures.
Just as one moves to college after going to school, after regular practice of asanas one should move to Pranayana. Many a times we take the lower classes of school lightly and move ahead but this makes our basics weak and hampers our progress later on.
Pranayanas, the most prevalent form of Yoga today are breathing practices which are to be done in a very slow, relaxed, guarded manner; without exerting yourself. The next 4 steps namely Pratyahaar, Dharna, Dhyana and Samadhi are means for going deeper within the self until one seeks the ultimate truth.
Today, Yoga is more of a fitness routine rather than a technology of knowing the self. No doubt, it is an excellent way to restore your health. Whether you want to lose weight or are seeking a cure for Asthma, Yoga provides the means, but when applied within the set norms.
A practitioner of Yoga needs to live a disciplined, regular life, rising early, eating well balanced meals at regular intervals and going to bed early.
Each one of us is a unique person, thus the exercise routine has to be customized as per the individual, preferably by an experienced Yoga teacher. One should not begin practice using aids like books, internet or Cds. Practices are selected according to age, inherent constitution, current health status, season of the year etc. One has to begin with simple stretches done in a slow rhythmic manner without any jerks concentrating on one’s breathing. When the practices are done in a way which is not suitable and unfriendly to your body they will cause trouble. One could suffer from flatulence and distension of the abdomen, increased susceptibility to infection, bleeding, menstrual irregularities-just to name a few. There are many more ill effects which could be caused. The golden rule to save yourself from any of these adverse effects is to be alert and aware of any discomfort. If you are not at ease while doing any of the exercises, stop immediately. After starting a new schedule observe its effect on your body and mind for 24 hours and only then proceed.Yoga is a tool which can give you total health, longevity, creativity and freedom-use it to suit Yourself.
Published: October 01, 2007