Health & Physical Education – CLASS-III – Unit 3. INTRODUCTION OF YOGA

WHAT YOGA IS

The meaning of the word yoga is ‘to unite’. According to the Bhagwat Gita Yoga is the journey through the self and to the self. Practicing of yoga is very simple. It only needs to focus on breath. Yoga strengthens the muscles, increases flexibility and circulation. It boosts the immunity and calms the nervous system.

According to the ancient yogic philosophy, every person is compassionate and peaceful.

Benefits of Yoga: Following are some of the benefits of yoga:

*Weight reduction

* Cardio and circulatory health

* Improved athletic performance

* Protection from injury.

*Improved respiration, energy, and vitality

*Increased muscular strength

* Increased flexibility.

Branches of Yoga

Six Branches of Yoga:  Yoga is the unification of the mind, body, and the spirit. Basically, the yoga can be classified to six different branches:

1. Hatha Yoga: The physical practice of yoga postures is known as Hatha yoga. It uses physical poses/asanas and breathing technique (Pranayama).

2. Raja Yoga: Raja yoga focuses on meditation and contemplation to fully realize the self. Known as the royal (Raja) or king path of yoga, it is based on the eight-limbed path toward self- realization outlined in Patanjali. Yoga Sutra and tends to attract the more spiritually devoted practitioners.

3. Bhakti Yoga: Bhakti yoga is the path of devotion, emphasizing devotional love for and surrenders to God.By seeing the Divine in everyone and everywhere, Bhakti yoga cultivates acceptance, tolerance, and love for all beings. Bhakti yoga also involves a lot of chanting and kirtan (call and response) that evokes feelings of love, connection, and bliss.

4. Jnana Yoga: Jnana yoga is the path of wisdom and knowledge (Jnana), involving disciplined study of scriptures and constant inquiry into the nature of self. Often called the yoga of the mind, Jnana yoga is well suited for the more intellectually inclined.

5. Karma Yoga: Karma yoga is the path of selfless action, the yoga of doing. Selfless service is the heart of karma yoga. Remaining completely detached from the outcome of their actions, Karma yogis are in continual service to the betterment of all beings with no intention of physical gain.

6. Mantra Yoga: Mantra yoga is the yoga of sound. Considered sacred utterances, mantras are syllables, words, or phrases representing a particular attribute of the Divine. Mantra yoga is the practice of becoming centered through the repetition of mantras.

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