Yoga is known to many, but very few really understand what is it, or practices it. it is said that it helps or cures many ailments; but many believes that these cures are just psychological.
It one wants to start Yoga education and practice, he has a choice of countless of books, cds, and help kits and many other paraphernalia to choose from, for him to enter into the world of Yoga.
There are nine major styles of Yoga namely- Bhakti, Hatha, Jnana, Karma, Kundalini, Mantra, Raja, Tantra and Yantra. All of them promote union of the body, the spirit and the mind. These are said to achieve harmony, which results in tranquility. This is a holistic approach to attain happy life. Literally, yoga means union or unity.
Yoga originated in India several thousand years ago. it is the mother of many present day Asian martial arts and many health wellness programs. Bhakti, Jnana, Karma and Raja yoga are the higher forms of yoga.
Hatha Yoga is the most popular style outside India. most starting practitioners use this style. Hatha Yoga and its sub styles concentrate on the physical health, which is expected to result in better mental health condition. Those Hatha Yoga practitioners outside India don’t usually deal with spiritual health. some consider this Yoga style as exported Hinduism that deals only with the teaching of improved body and mind.
Thus if you want to start yoga, you must determine what direction your teacher or Guru is leading you. Is it to physical, mental or spiritual well being? This is also true when you choose books, cds and other yoga instructional materials.
As a whole, Yoga is a benign religion. it teaches tolerance and unity. it prefers unity over sectarianism, tolerance over prejudice and must learn to tolerate diversity. As a whole the aim of yoga is world peace through unity.
These show influence and improve ones attitude toward others and his environment. by doing these, he is also improving his mental, physical and spiritual health. so it is a religion that improves oneself through himself.
