Yoga Life, The Patanjali Yoga Sutras an Introduction

The Patanjali Yoga Sutras is the most popular influencer for wisdom, concepts, and practices of yoga even for modern yoga cultures today .Patanjali can be said as one of the finest collection of knowledge on the path of spirituality laid out in an easy and structured format for anyone seeking enlightenment. Even though yoga has been mentioned in various ancient texts, including the Vedas, Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita etc, the credit for putting together a formal, cohesive philosophy of yoga goes to Sage Patanjali. In his Yoga Sutras, Patanjali has provided the very essence of the philosophy and teachings of yoga in a highly scientific and systematic exposition. it is created by Maharishi Patanjali, who is also considered as ‘the father of Yoga’. Although people know very little about Patanjali himself, many believe he’s thought to have lived between 200 and 500 B.C.The   Patanjali Yoga Sutras are one of the nine darshanas of Hindu schools of philosophy and a very important milestone in the history of Yoga. The book is a set of 195 aphorisms (sutras), which are short, terse phrases designed to be easy to memorize. Though brief, the Yoga Sutras is an enormously influential work that is just as relevant for yoga philosophy and practice today as it was when it was written. The sutras are divided into four chapters (pada) as follows:
Samadhi Pada: The first chapter provides a definition and the purpose of yoga. various approaches that can be used to achive the objectives of yoga are provides. it has 51 sutras. in sutra 2 of the first chapter, patanjali defined the yoga as

            योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः॥२॥ 

“yogascitta vritti nirodhah” (Sanskrit)


"Yoga is the restraint of the modifications of the mind-stuff"
– translation by Swami Vivekananda

Sadhana Pada: the second chapter contains the practical approach to achieveing the goals of yoga. In this chapter the author gives a description of the eight limbs of yoga called Ashtanga Yoga, which is how the yoga sutras, patanjali explains the two paths or the two forms of yoga kriya yoga and ashtanga

(Eightfold or Eight-limbed Yoga).

Ashtanga Yoga (Eight Limbs Of Yoga)*for detail go to link

1. Yama 

Ahimsa: Non-violence or not harming other beings

Satya: Truthfulness

Asteya: Non-stealing

Brahmacharya: Moving into Bigness; Chastity

Aparigraha: Non-accumulation, Non-possessiveness

2. Niyama

Saucha: Cleanliness or purity of the body

Santosha: Happiness and Contentment

Tapas – Endurance and Acceptance

Swadhyaaya – Self-awareness, and self-study

Ishwara Pranidhaana – Devotion to and love for the divine

3. Asana

4. Pranayama

6. Dharana

7. Dhyana

8. Samadhi

Vibhuti Pada: The third chapter focuses on some of the supernatural powers that an adept yogi may be able to attain .  It is said, yogis achieve mystical powers (siddhi) due to the regular practice of yoga. it has 56 sutras.

Kaivalya Pada: In the fourth chapter the nature of the mind and mental perceptions, desire, bondage and liberation and what follows it are discussed. It describes how the yogi deals with the overall process and after-effects of enlightenment.  it has 34 sutras.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are also sometimes referred  as "Raja Yoga" or the "Royal Yoga" or the "yoga of mind" because mind is the king of our body if have control over it, we can have control over all of our body, all thoughts , activities all and every thing

Patanjali yoga Sutras PDF free download 

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complete chanting of yoga sutra

Yoga Life, ushapana , the magical, scientific free Water therapy

ushapana , the magical, scientific free Water therapy 

Water therapy has been known in India since ages. The ancient Indian text and traditions describe it as ushapana ( drinking water in the early hours before sunrise)

Healing benefits

The technique described as ushapana in ancient indian text is an integral part of naturopathy.  'Sickness association' Japan's  organization for health experimented and certified the positive benefits of this water therapy.

This therapy give remedial effects to the following major disease of health problems

1. Headache, blood pressure, anemia, obesity, arthritis, joint pain

2. Cough, chronic, cold, asthma

3.meningitis, hyper acidity, liver problem

4. Constipation , gastritis, weak digestion

5. Irregular menstrual cycle

6.urine infection

Method- it is most effective to drink water empty stomach early in the morning. if you get up late due to some constraints, you may do this whenever you get up. The best practice is to drink water soon after leaving the bed. Remember don't brush your teeth before drinking water.

Process is as follows sit and drink slowly, drink as much as you can in normal case for a adult of around 60 kg weight the right amount of water is 1 liter un one sitting. For more weight should drink 1.25 or so on.

In starting if you find difficult to drink to much water try to drink as much as you can and slowly increase the amount in few days. Always remember that water should be clean and drinking quality for more benefit drink water stored overnight in a utensils made up of copper.

Most beneficial setting posture is ukduasan , sit with only the sole of feet touching the floor there should be minimum gap between the legs. However any setting posture is good.

Drink water in sitting posture and after drinking complete water stand up and do tadasan- triyaktadasan-katickrasan 5-5 each for more benefit.

Important note-

Should not eat of drunk any thing for atleast 45 minutes

If one feel cold, throat pain, fever or weakness , should not drink cold water, slightly less or more warm water will be better.

If someone feel warm or have some burning sensation then one should normal temperature water 

For first 10-15 days the quantity and frequency of urination might increase.

Eat little lesser then your hunger and chew it thoroughly

Don't drink water while eating, if it is necessary take a few 3-4 ships of water

Drink good amount of water after 1 to 1.5 hours of eating.

Scientific justification

The stomach are physically dull during the sleep. But all the physiological and biochemical activities continue. The metabolic activity during the digest the food intake. The vital chemical produced are distributed in the different part of body Drinking of water in adequate amount immediately after getting up fill the empty stomach helps it's excess supply necessary to flush out the harmful substance remaining in the body.

Why drink without brushing

Saliva produced during the night contain certain types of unhealthy substance. A layer of these remains coated on the teeth and tongue. Drinking large amount of water in this stake takes these substance inside in a very dilute from which works as a vaccine and helps body to produce antibodies chance improve our immunity.
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Yoga Life, different paths of yoga

                                                    different paths of yoga

Yoga is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India it means union it is a spiritual science of self-realisation there are many kind of yoga as follow but the aim of all is same

1.Karma Yoga or the Path of Action (karma)- Karma yoga is the yoga of action or work; specifically, karma yoga is the path of dedicated work. it is the path of action, or selfless service towards others The intention when practicing karma yoga is to give selflessly for the good of others without thought of one's self or attachment to the results of one's actions. Acting in this way is considered the right way to approach service and it is said to purify the mind.

2.Bhakti Yoga or the Path of Devotion (bhakti) - Bhakti as a form of union with the Infinite must be as old as human civilization. Bhakti Yoga  is union through love and devotion." Bhakti yoga, like any other form of yoga, is a path to self-realization, to having an experience of oneness with everything.

3.Jnana Yoga or the Path of Knowledge (jnana) - Jnana is knowledge, and refers to any cognitive event that is correct and true over time. Jnana yoga is the yoga of knowledge—not knowledge in the intellectual sense—but the knowledge of Brahman and Atman and the realization of their unity. it requiring great strength of will and intellect. In Jnana yoga, the mind is used to inquire into its own nature and to transcend the mind’s identification with its thoughts and ego

4.Raja Yoga, Yoga of mind and emotions-Raja Yoga is referred to as the Mental Yoga, or the Yoga of the Mind, because it emphasis on awareness of one's state of mind. It is through this practice of concentration that one learns to calm the mind and bring it to one point of focus. It is at this point that we direct our attention inwardly, toward our true nature, which is Divine. You can achieve this by following the Eight-Fold Path of Raja Yoga, which is called astang yoga

5.Hatha Yoga.- Hatha Yoga stems from a deep understanding of the mechanics of the body, and uses yogic postures, or yogasanas, to enable the system to sustain higher dimensions of energy Hatha Yoga, which literally means “union through discipline of force”, is a school of Yoga that stresses mastery of the body as a way of attaining a state of spiritual perfection in which the mind is withdrawn from external objects. Hatha Yoga has grown in popularity in the West as a form of exercise that develops strength, flexibility, bodily relaxation, and mental concentration

6.Ashtanga Yoga- Ashtanga yoga literally means "eight-limbed yoga," as outlined by the sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. According to Patanjali, the path of internal purification for revealing the Universal Self consists of the following eight spiritual practices it is a way to achieve rajayoga

7.Vinyasa Yoga-Vinyasa is a style of yoga characterized by stringing postures together so that you move from one to another, seamlessly, using breath.  Commonly referred to as “flow” yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, much like the other forms of yoga, stems from Hatha Yoga. Vinyasa refers to the alignment of breath with movement. This turns the otherwise static asanas into a more dynamic flow.The modern forms of Vinyasa flow, also called the Power Yoga and flow, are commonly described as a freestyle Ashtanga. They don’t stick to the rigid structure of the practice Get your flow on in this dynamic practice that links Movement and breath together

8.Iyengar Yoga- Iyengar Yoga is a form of Hatha yoga founded by B.K.S. Iyengar an Indian yoga teacher born  14 December 1918. He was awarded with the Padma Shri in 1991, the Padma Bhushan in 2002 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2014 by Indian government,this yoga keeps  close attention to anatomical details and the alignment of each posture, Iyengar Yoga is the practice of precision. Poses are held for long periods and often modified with props. This method is designed to systematically cultivate strength, flexibility, stability, and awareness, and can be therapeutic for specific conditions.

9.Hot Yoga-  yoga exercises performed under hot and humid conditions. They have some series of poses. Some breathing exercise some time room heated to 35–42 °C (95–108 °F) with a humidity of 40% but the heat in hot yoga varies depending on the practice or the individual. Some teacher says they are replicate the heat and humidity of India where yoga originated

10.Bikram Yoga– it is a type of hot yoga it is started by Bikram Choudhury an Indian yoga teacher born  on  February 10, 1944 . this yoga is performed in a series of 26 hatha yoga postures done in a hot environment of 40 °C It became popular in the early 1970s

11.Kundalini Yoga -  the Yoga-Kundalini Upanishad was compiled in the first half of the 17th century technical term particular to this tradition, is actually a synthesis of many traditions which may include haṭha yoga techniques (such as bandha, pranayama, and asana), Patañjali's kriya yoga (consisting of self-discipline, self-study, and devotion to God), tantric visualization and meditation techniques of laya yoga (known as samsketas), and other techniques oriented towards the 'awakening of kundalini' Swami Sivananda (1935) introduced many readers to "Kundalini Yoga" with his book on the subject in 1935. This book has in-depth details about Kundalini Yoga

12.Yin Yoga- Yin yoga is a slow-paced style of yoga with postures, or asanas, that are held for longer periods of time—for beginners, it may range from 45 seconds to two minutes; more advanced practitioners may stay in one asana for five minutes or more  The practice of performing series of long-held floor poses one after the other was first introduced in North America in the late 1970s by Paulie Zink, a martial arts champion and Taoist yoga teacher and practitioner He later called this synthesis "Yin and Yang yoga," or often "Yin yoga" for short. Yin Yoga has the same goals and objectives as any other school of yoga; however, it directs the stimulation normally created in the asana portion of the practice deeper than the superficial or muscular tissues (which we are calling the yang tissues). Yin Yoga targets the connective tissues, such as the ligaments, bones, and even the joints of the body that normally are not exercised very much in a more active style of asana practice

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Yoga Life, HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT YOGA MAT

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT YOGA MAT

all of us know the importance of yoga very well. Today “asana” has become synonymous with “yoga” .  In the yogic view, the body is a temple of spirit, the care of which is an important stage of our spiritual growth . 

(Yoga Life, Why we need asana in yoga Practice)

Yoga asanas is all about your posture,  If you want to attain maximum benefit from yoga, you must  ensure that your posture is right. 

while you are doing yoga asanas lying down on your back, a  yoga mat is very helpful. If you're new to yoga you should be looking more at basic what we should look in yoga mat

 1.Material -The material of the yoga mat is important when you pick a mat. There are some options you are going to have when you go out in the market to buy a mat for your yoga. PVC- the most commonly used materials used to make basic, cheap yoga mats  but It is neither good for you nor the environment since it is so hard to recycle . 

rubber mat - Rubber mats are a better choice. Made of natural rubber, 

cotton mat-These are the most natural of all the mats available in the market, and even though they soak up the sweat, they are easily washable. They are soft and give more grip 

You might consider jute, recycled or natural rubber, or even organic cotton when looking into the materials of your new mat. 

2.Thickness & Size-  A standard yoga mat is usually ⅛ inch( metric 4 mm) thick but ⅛ inch mat may be too thin for you when you’re in certain poses and you’re doing your very best to focus on the breathing Get the ¼ inch (metric 6 mm) mat. It’s thicker, so it will provide more support for your joints 

Your mat should be long enough for your entire body when you lie down Standard yoga mats are about 68 inches long. If you’re taller, make sure to get an extra long yoga mat. 

3.Style & Texture - yoga mats are available in different color and prints get your favorite color or print your yoga mat can inspire you to practice more. You’ll look at it and it will remind you of your commitment Stickiness 

4.Stickiness. Why it's important: A sticky yoga mat keeps you from sliding all over the place and helps you maintain your alignment as you move from one pose to another, 

5.Sustainability & Price- Price is also an important consideration when you buy your mat Look into the price But more cheap mats don’t have a long life, and will tend to wear out fast Look out for some good brands that guarantee quality products.

if you take away anything at all from this guide, know that if you feel comfortable on your yoga mat, little else matters. Buying a yoga mat isn't about finding the most expensive or nicest looking one, but instead finding one that can help you practice yoga safely and properly. and it is applicable for all kind of yoga whether it is  power yoga, hatha yoga, astang yoga, vinayas yoga or any other kind of yoga 

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Yoga Life, Holistic approach to health

The definition of health according to WHO . Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. — Preamble to the Constitution of the WorldHealth Organization, 1946.  

 The word ‘Yoga’ means ‘unity’ or ‘oneness’ and is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’ which means to join  

           युज्यते अनेन इति योगः (Yujyate Anena iti yogah)  

This unity or joining is described in spiritual terms as the joining of the individual consciousness (Jivatman) with the universal consciousness (Paramatma). To achieve wellness, one must practice the holistic approach to health by balancing the body, mind and spirit through the self-disciplined . The practices of asanas, pranayamas, mudras, bandhs, shat-karmas and meditation are ways to achieve holistic health 

The eight limbs of yoga are: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. Yama and Niyama are moral codes that relate to how we behave toward ourselves and society. There are 5 Yamas that are meant to purify human nature, in English, they are: compassion, truthfulness, non-stealing, sense control, and non attachment. There are also 5 Niyamas that are personal purifying laws. These are: purity of thought, contentment, discipline of the body, self study(reflection), and celebration of a higher entity. Asana and Pranayama are purifying physical limbs, which prepare the yogi for meditation. The final four limbs deal with meditation. Pratyahara is detachment and sense withdrawal. Dharana is one pointed concentration. Dhyana is meditation on the Divine. Samadhi is final union with the Divine and release from suffering. Desire, anger, greed, infatuation, pride, and envy are six obstacles that need to be overcome in order for the yogi to reach Samadhi. 

Yoga harmonizes your movements with your breathing and focus. It energizes you and makes you more conscious about everyday choices.  You no longer see problems as problems but you actually enjoy looking for solutions and becoming a stronger person in the process of overcoming obstacles. yoga is not only a physical  exercise   there are some principles which make this practice different from any other exercise  Proper  Pranayama (breathing)Proper,Asana(exercise) Proper yogic diet Proper dharna thinking Proper relaxation. A yoga practice consists of physical postures, pranayama, and meditation.Certain postures should be practiced every day, particularly the ones that affect the spine, systems and glands of the body. These fundamental poses are maintenance exercises that keep the spine and joints supple, the ductless glands secreting their chemicals properly, and the body calm, yet, energized. There is a certain calm confidence that regular asana practice brings to the mind. A basic regime is enough to improve the immune system by simply tuning up the body. Removing toxins is paramount to the purifying aspects of yoga. There are soucha, cleansing practices, that a dedicated yogi uses to clean his eyes, ears, intestines, stomach, and sinuses. Deep breathing stretches and tones the entire respiratory system. It rids the body of toxic gases and brings oxygen into the body, building healthy tissues 

Holistic is perhaps the best term to define yoga. The practice is one that incorporates physical, mental, social and spiritual health all into one big bundle of joy  

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Yoga Life, Memory Enhancement by Yoga & Meditation

Memory Enhancement by Yoga & Meditation

Your brain plays a phenomenal role in carrying out daily tasks. Your ability to respond, comprehend, perceive and function well is related to the health of your brain.There are many yogic techniques that stimulate the brain and nervous system to improve memory and concentration. Dhayana, the sixth limb of yoga, is a state of focused attention used during asana, pranayama and meditation. Dhayana trains the mind to become clear, focused and one-pointed. Yoga is a science that harnesses the innate capability of the body to improve its powers and functioning. It can act as an instant cognitive boost. It helps relieve stress, which enhances the operation of the brain. Also, breathing through the left nostril activates the right brain and vice versa. 

Best Asana for brain

1-Padmasana (lotus pose)

get into a seated position and sit cross-legged, by placing your right foot onto your left thighs  and your left foot onto your right thighs, with the soles of your feet pointing upwards. Keep your hands in gyan mudra position, with your index finger and thumb together and extend the rest of your fingers downwards. Inhale deeply and exhale.

2.Paschimottanasana (seated forward bend)

Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you, with the tops of your thighs pressed into the floor as far as you can. Breathe in as you lean forward from your hips and extend your arms and reach as far forward as you can. Then exhale when you’ve stretched out completely. Place on your hands on the sides or on the soles of your feet

3. Halasana (plow pose)

Lie flat on your back with your arms and palms facing downwards and flat on the ground. Use your abdominal muscles and the help of your hands with them on your hips to raise your legs. Sweep them over your head till your toes touch the floor above your head in this lying down position. Inhale while you do so. Hold this position for a few seconds before bringing your legs back to its original position. 

4.Tadasana(Mountain pose)

From a standing position, bring the feet Lift up the toes, spread them wide and place them back on the floor. Feel your weight evenly balanced through the bottom of each foot, not leaning forward or back.Inhale and lift out of the waist, pressing the crown of the head up towards the ceiling, feeling the spine long and straight. Exhale and drop the shoulders down and back as you reach the fingertips towards the floor.

5. Padangusthasana or big toe pose

Stand straight with your feet at least 6 inches apart and legs straight.Keeping your legs straight, bend forward and touch your forehead to your knees. Try to move your torso and head together.

Straighten and bend back in cycles, but holding your toes all the time. Increase the torso stretch with every instance of stretching.

6. Vrikshasana Tree stand pose 

Stand erect. Keep the feet together.Fold the right leg and placed it at the top of left thighs with the toes of right leg should pointed downwards.The right leg should perpendicular to the left leg.Extend your arms above your head.Inhale and try to make Namaskar mudra with your palms.Balance the pose as long as you can because balancing is utmost important in Tree pose.Try to make your spine straight and feel the stretching from toes to fingers.With deep exhale bring your arms and leg down.Repeat the same with left leg. It completes one round.Do three-five rounds.

7. Sirsasana (headstand)

interlock the fingers, palms forming a cup. Place the head on the formed cup so that the crown of the head touches the palms. Raise the knees from the floor by pulling the toes towards the head. Slowly raise your legs upwards from the floor. After the body gets properly balanced in this position, gradually and slowly straighten the legs.Take care that you maintain equilibrium and you don’t fall backwardsMake sure that the spine and thighs are in line, straight and vertical.Relax the whole body as much as possible.Close the eyesBreathe slowly and deeply.This is the final pose of sirsasana. Stay in the final pose for a comfortable length of time.  Come back by flexing the knees and sliding them down to the floor in reverse order.

8.Best Pranayam for brain

Bhramari Pranayama Or Humming Bee Breathing

The humming bee breathing can improve your memory as well as concentration. It can help release any negative emotions from your mind and calm you down as well. Perform this pose every day to experience the calmness associated with the humming sound vibrations. You can also use this as an antidote to stress or fatigue.

Find a quiet, airy spot and sit down with your eyes closed. Smile gently.

Notice the sensations your body experiences within and the quietness around you.

Now put your index fingers onto your ears in the cartilage between the ear and cheek.

Inhale deeply. As you exhale, press gently down onto the cartilage.

Keeping it pressed, make a loud bee-like humming sound. Higher pitched sounds work better, but if you are more comfortable with a low pitch that's fine too.

Inhale again and repeat this 3-4 times.

Best way to improve brain and memory enhancement is meditation

Yogic meditation can also help the mind achieve its full potential. It can make you more positive and less stressed. One such meditation that can help you is the calm heart meditation with anjali mudra or salutation pose.

Settle down in a comfortable position on the ground or in a chair, in jnana mudra (with the thumb and index fingers of each hand touching), hands on knees with palms facing upward.

Relax any tension in your body as you feel your spine rise up out of your pelvic region. Let the back of your neck lengthen and your chin rest gently downward.

Focus on the center of your chest and start to chant "Om" as you exhale. It should feel like the sound is emerging from your chest itself.

Feel each progressive "Om" resonate and vibrate more, opening up your heart and washing away stress and tension. Do this repeatedly for a few minutes or as long as you wish. Most people meditate between 10 and 30 minutes.

When you want to end the meditation, bring your hands together in the salutation pose or anjali mudra, palms flat against each other and head bowed.

This technique will ease tensions, wash away anxiety, and calm the mind. It will also help you better manage the emotional ups and downs you experience every day.

Now that you know which asanas and breathing and massage techniques can boost your brain power, learn how to perfect these movements and practices under the guidance of a yoga teacher

memory enhancement by yoga Meditation