Yoga Ancient Spiritual Practices In India

VYoga. Just the sound of it mystifies our spirit! Anexercises.
ancient Hindu practice, Yoga today has stormed theThere are four major types of Yoga, namely Karma
West with its positive effects on those who practice it.yoga, Bhakti yoga, Jnana yoga, Raja yoga; Karma
No longer is yoga looked upon as just a quite activityyoga is the consecration of all ones actions and their
of meditation done in a silent and serene atmosphere.fruits unto the Lord. Karma refers to ones action.
Yoga is more than just an exercise to get yourWhen deeds or Karma is being done with selfish
physical body in shape, proper practice of yoga ismotives it binds the beings spirit.
aimed at bringing mind, body and soul in perfectKarma yoga liberates ones spirit when it is done with a
alignment with the Creator. And in doing so one is ableselfless attitude. Working unselfishly means becoming
to reap the benefits of inner-peace, clear thoughta useful instrument in the hands of Maker. Bhakti yoga
process, lower stress levels, physical as well asrefers to meditation by visualizing, thinking and feeling
spiritual wellbeing.that the Lord is sitting or standing before him.
Yoga finds its origins in India. It is an ancient spiritualJnana Yoga, Jnana means wisdom or discernment, the
practice that is said to mean enlightenment. It is still amain purpose of Jnana meditation is to withdraw the
very vibrant tradition to this day, not only in India but ismind and emotions from perceiving life and oneself in a
practiced all over the world. Yoga practices includesdeluded way so that one may behold and live in
traditional elements like morals and ethical principles,attunement with Reality. Raja Yoga, also called
postures to help keep the body fit, guidance inAshtanga yoga is one of the four major Yogic paths
everyday life -through God, a Guru-student relationship,of Hinduism involving psycho-physical meditation
the chanting of mantras or holy words, breathingtechniques.
exercises also known as pranayama, calming the mindIt is also thought as moksha in Hindu, which means
and body through meditation.liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Ashtanga meaning
These things are have evolved over the years andeight limbs refers to the eight stems of yoga widely
have become the way of ancient Hindu yogicpracticed today.