An Introduction to Yoga

Yoga is a form of exercise for the mind and body. It is an ancient Indian practice that was first written down in the "Yoga Sutra," created by Sage Patanjali. However, it was believed to have been taught to many disciples before it was written down. The main branches of yoga are:

• Hatha Yoga: This is the physical and mental part of yoga. It is the yoga force and uses asanas to improve oneself.

• Raja Yoga: This practice includes following a series of quintessential steps called the “eight limbs” of yoga. The "eight limbs" of yoga are samadhi (pure bliss), dhyana (meditation), dharana (concentration), pratyahara (turning inward), pranayama (mindful breathing), asana (postures), niyamas (personal observations), & yamas (5 moral restraints). These focus on controlling the mind and intellect.

• Karma Yoga: This is a path that strives to create a life free from selfishness and want. It helps people selflessly give to others, and it teaches them to act without expecting anything in return.

• Bhakti Yoga: This is a positive way to reroute emotions and foster acceptance and tolerance. This is done through praying and emphasizing one's love for god.

• Jnana Yoga: This branch of yoga is about wisdom and the development of judgment through study. This also relies on understanding oneself and the truth about their purpose in this world.

• Tantra/Laya Yoga: This is the practice of consummation of a relationship. It is also referred to as Kundalini Yoga, and it means to share one's breath with someone. It focuses on flexibility and emotional restraint.

These branches have been subdivided further, and there is some dispute as to what the main branches really are, but these are generally accepted to be the main ones. Many people know the most about Hatha Yoga and Vinyasa Yoga. These both include movements of the body through asanas. The most common asanas are:

Tadasana (Mountain Pose)

Utkatasana (Chair Pose)

Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Dog)

Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II)

Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)

Vrksasana (Tree Pose)

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)

Savasana (Corpse Pose)

Kumbhakasana (Plank Pose)

Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward-Facing Dog)

Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)

Sirsasana (Headstand)

Practicing yoga has proven to help with mental and physical well-being. It is important to take at least 10 minutes a day to practice yoga and/or meditation. It is a choice that we can control, so taking some time to practice this during this tumultuous pandemic is a great idea.

Recommended Yoga Channels for Beginners:

1. Yoga With Kassandra (Yin/Vinyasa Yoga): https://www.youtube.com/c/yogawithkassandra/featured

2. Yoga With Adriene (Vinyasa/Hatha Yoga): https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene

Pronunciations of Sanskrit Words:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1qGRHw8ADIXvgShSwaY3kiIjM-Rd4owfNyVFjMhWzayA/edit?usp=sharing

Kind Regards,

Aditi Devarakonda

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Citations:

“Introduction to Yoga.” Anna Maya, 30 July 2015, www.annamaya.com.au/introduction-to-yoga/.

Kelly, Erin. “Basic Yoga Moves Cheat Sheet.” Greatist, Greatist, 31 July 2019, greatist.com/move/common-yoga-poses.

“Yoga: Methods, Types, Philosophy, and Risks.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/286745.