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. |
