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Yoga in India
Ayurveda,
Yoga and Tantra are all parts of the ancient life-disciplines that have been
practiced in India for centuries. They find mention in the scriptures of the
Vedas and Upnishads. Yoga is the the science of the Union with the divine,
with Truth; Tantra is the most direct method of controlling the energy that
creates the ultimate union with truth; and Ayurveda is the science of life.
The purpose of each practice is to help the individual achieve longevity,
rejuvenation and self-realisation. The object of the practice of Yoga and
Tantra is liberation, although only certain disciplined individuals are able
to achieve the ultimate goals through these practices. If Ayurveda is the
science of the body, Yoga is the science of the body, Yoga is the science of
spirit. They are sister sciences. The practice of Yoga is an important ,
natural, preventive measure to ensure good health. The practice of an
ayurvedic regimen is a precursor to Yoga because it is only when the body is
fit that the individual is ready to study the spiritual science of Yoga.
The father of Yoga, Patanjali,described eight areas of Yoga and
Yogic practices as follows; the natural regulation of the nervous system;
discipline; cleansing; postures; concentration; the awakening of awareness;
and state of perfect equilibrium. Yogic exercises have both preventive and
curative value. They bring man to the natural state of tranquility, which is
equilibrium. Yogic practices help to bring natural order and balance to the
neurohormones and the metabolism and improve the endocrine system and thus
fortify one against stress. Yogic practices for the treatment of stress and
stress-related disorders (such as hypertention, diabities, asthma and
obesity) are remarkably effective.
Employing Ayurvrdic diagnosis
and treatment, yogis deal effectively with these disorders. Ayurvrda
indicates which type of yoga is suitable for different constitutions.
Considered
a prerequisite for spiritual health, meditation forms part and parcel of
yogic practice. It is known to bring awareness, harmony and natural order to
life. It awakens the intelligence to make life happy, peaceful and creative
intelligence is the benediction of meditation.
Meditation results
in increased relaxation, unlocking the storehouse of energy within the body.
Meditation can be incorporated into any form of mind training that calms the
body, increases awareness and creates greater focus for any action that is
sincere, pure and heartfelt.
Benefits of meditation include a
greater sense of relaxation in both mind and body, Greater flexibility of
thinking, an ability to meet situations with freshness and insight. From the
standpoint of pure physical expression, it can help loosen the knots and
tensions trapped in the body disturbing emotions. It can help to change both
facial expression and body posture, thereby softening and strengthening at
the same time. These are some of the possible results, but they are not the
goals. Meditation helps strengthen the positive qualities of compassion,
patience and wisdom and frees us of conflicting emotions and erroneous
beliefs.
There are many forms of meditations silent sitting,
chanting, praying, and walking meditation, meditation that uses
visualization or focus on objects. Meditation can be found in almost every
tradition in the world if one were to look into their more contemplative
practices.
Samadhi is the state of highest equilibrium during
meditation, when the individual consciousness merges into the cosmic
consciousness. All limitations vanish, the individual consciousness empties
itself and in that emptying process, consciousness expands. Life changes and
daily living becomes a new and fresh experience. Life itself becomes
meditation, for meditation it is not separate from life but a part of life.
Creative intelligence begins to operate in the body, mind and consciousness
and all problems dissolve in this new expanded awareness However, one should
remember that all the beneficial results of committed and regular practice.
In the spiritual evolution of a man, Ayurveda is a foundation,
Yoga is the body and Tantra is the head. It is necessary first to understand
Ayurveda in order to experience the practices of Yoga and Tantra. Thus
Ayurveda, Yoga and Tantra form an independent Trinity of life. None of these
practices stand alone. The health of the body, min and consciousness depends
on the knowledge and practice of these three in daily life.