Monday, August 25, 2008
Effects of Yoga on Physical and Mental Health
...ill in order that the self may realize its distinction from them and attain liberation
2: a system of exercises for attaining bodily or mental control and well-being
Assuming that people were practicing yoga to promote their physical and/or mental health as well as sense of well being, I followed my tradition of relentless questioning, and asked, is there any evidence that this stuff actually works?
Studies comparing yoga to exercise such as swimming show that yoga reduces anger, depression, and fatigue to an equal degree as swimming (and better than doing nothing) and in some cases yoga is better than swimming. Controlled studies have shown that yoga is equally efficacious as exercise and better ...more
Recognized Yoga Education Facilities and Employment Opportunities in Yoga
...Yoga, the twin sister of Ayurveda is one unique science that deals with the physical and mental health of a person. Since ancient times, Yoga and Ayurveda were natural part of one's life. Over time, both sciences got buried in the history. A newfound enthusiasm on Yoga is visible all around the world, especially in the US, germany, Australia and the UK.
Different universities in India today offer Graduate and Diploma programs in Yoga. There are only a few universities that impart training on Yoga. The certificate one gets after succe...more
Benefit of Yoga - The Christian Viewpoint
...ind and spirit to the benefit of yoga is both dangerous and against everything Christianity preaches. Christians believe that studying yoga is akin to practicing Hinduism, and one cannot separate the philosophy of Hinduism from their Christian beliefs, regardless of the health benefit of yoga.
As a practicing Buddhist, I take issue with this viewpoint. To me, this smacks of tunnel vision and narrowmindedness. A Christian is expected to open their heart and minds to Jesus, and to give in to the spirit of the Lord. They are expected to rely on blind faith, and to accept the word of God as the only truth in the world. A thinking person would find this hypocritical, for on the one hand Christians preach that Yoga must be avoided because opening the mind to clearer vision encourages the possibility of demonic possession, yet on the other hand preaches that one must open the mind and heart to accept Jesus into their lives. Opening one's heart and mind is exactly that - whether it is to look into one's self, or to accept Jesus into their lives. If, as Christians preach, we are open to demonic possession if we look inside ourselves and open the mind to all the possibilities, how then can we safely open our hearts to the concept of Christianity? Is there a gatekeeper who makes this decisi...more
Teaching Hatha Yoga: Help! My Students Do Not Want to Practice Pranayama
...Recently, a Yoga teacher contacted me with the problem of students who have closed their minds to the benefits of Pranayama. She teaches classes in her own Yoga studio and has a very warm relationship with all of her students.
To give you a little background on this teacher and her class: She teaches a Vinyasa style Hatha Yoga class with Ujjayi Pranayama synchronized into her flows.
She starts with a brief five to ten minute meditation before postures, but she has a five to ten minute Pranayama segment before the conclusion of her Vinyasa Yoga class.
one of her more radical students ...more
