(HINDUS for SELFLESS SERVICE)
While many people practise yoga for its physical benefits, there are other types of benefits. For example, the spiritual meaning of yoga postures can help yogis develop oneness inside themselves, as well as unity with the exterior world. In yoga, the natural world is especially important. This can be seen in many of the Sanskrit and English names for yoga poses; these names are taken from animals
and other entities one finds in nature.
Oneness in Yoga
Yoga is considered by many to be a holistic art — one that does not focus only on the spiritual, the physical, or the mental; but focuses on all of them — hopefully in equal measure. The holistic effect of yoga is attained when practitioners become not only physically stronger and more flexible, but also mentally stronger and more flexible. Seasoned yogis even sleep better, on average, than people who do not practise yoga. One of the ways that yoga works holistically is through the names of yoga asanas — which refer to concrete things in the world.
Let us start looking at some of these poses, so that you, too, can be one with
yourself as well as being connected with the world at large. None of these yoga poses is difficult to do, so you have no excuse. Let’s begin.
Again, many yoga postures are named after things found in nature. Animal-named poses range from cobra to cat, including animals of several different families. The names help yoga practitioners delve deeply into the pose.
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)
Downward-Facing Dog Pose may sound funny at first, but after you’ve watched a dog wake up and go into a deep stretch, the name of the pose takes on new meaning. The spiritual implication behind the pose lies in the act of a combined stretch with a moment in which the yogi turns inward. Simultaneously connecting to your centre while stretching your body into a long line has a unifying effect, positioning your spirit within while you stay connected to the outside world.
This is one of the poses in the traditional Sun Salutation sequence. It’s also an excellent yoga asana all on its own. Stay in this pose anywhere from 1 to 3 minutes, then bend your knees to the floor with an exhalation and rest in Child’s Pose.
Vrksasana (Tree Pose)
The essence of Tree Pose is to find balance. However, balance is not found in this
pose in a rigid manner, such as one might associate with a balanced ballet position. In Tree Pose, your body may sway, like a tree does in the wind, but your foot stays rooted into the ground. This freedom for your body to move and find its balance while you envision being rooted in the ground develops your spiritual acceptance of your body’s position in space.
In yoga, there is a principle called satya (the practise of truthfulness) that teaches yogis to think, speak, and act in alignment with what is true. Because it’s a challenging balancing pose, Tree Pose offers an opportunity to practise this principle by aligning yourself with the truth in your own body.
Padmasana (Lotus Pose)
From the common sitting down on the floor (Indian style, cross-legged) position, one foot is placed on top of the opposite thigh with its sole facing upward and heel close to the abdomen. The other foot is then lifted up slowly and placed on the opposite thigh in a symmetrical way. The knees are in contact with the ground. The torso is placed in balance and alignment such that the spinal column supports it with minimal muscular effort. The torso is centred above the hips. To relax the head and neck, the jaw is allowed to fall towards the neck and the back of the neck to lengthen. The shoulders move backwards and the ribcage lifts. The tongue rests on the roof of the mouth. The hands rest on the knees. The arms are relaxed, with the elbows slightly bent. The eyes may be closed, the body relaxed, with awareness of the overall asana. Adjustments are made until balance and alignment are experienced. Alignment that creates relaxation is indicative of a suitable position for the asana. The asana should be natural and comfortable, without any sharp pains. In most cases, a cushion or mat is necessary in order to achieve this balance. The lotus flower is a symbol of purity, and the Lotus Pose is a frequent pose for meditation and pranayama, or breathing exercises. Breath is the purifying power in the human body; deep, slow breathing purifies and energizes our bodies. This spiritual meaning of the lotus flower is transferred into yoga asana practise in the form of the seated meditation posture.
Join us tomorrow as we continue to look at Yoga and Spirituality, and how it can help you as an individual to be a more aware social being.
YOGA IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS; GET ONBOARD TODAY!!
