Yoga Today
The richest person is the one with a cool mind, free from tension and anxiety.
By closely observing the life style and needs of the modern men and women of this planet Swami Visnu-devenanda synthesised the ancient wisdom of Yoga into five basic principles.
The 5 Points of Yoga
To clarify the science of Yoga and make it accessible to the majority of people, Swami Vishnu-devananda extracted its essence and presented it in these universal principles for physical and mental health.
1. Proper Exercise
Exercise acts as a lubrication system to the joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and so forth, by increasing circulation and flexibility. Yogic exercise can be compared to no other system in its complete overhauling of the entire being. A Yoga posture, asana, is meant to be held for some time. Performed slowly and consciously the asanas not only produce physical benefits but are mental exercises in concentration and meditation.
Yoga postures focus first on the health of the spine. The spinal column houses the centre of the nervous system, the telegraphic system of the body. As a direct extension of the brain, the healthy spine aids in the health of the whole body. By maintaining a spine's flexibility and strength through proper exercise, circulation is increased, the nerves are ensured their supply of nutrients and oxygen, and the body retains its youthful state. As a Chinese proverb says, “Truly a flexible back makes for a long life.”
Asanas work on the internal machinery of the whole body, especially on such key pressure points as the Chinese acupuncture areas. Stimulation of these points increases the flow of nerve energy, or prana (Sanskrit) or Chi (Chinese). The asanas also affect the deeper and more subtle parts of the body. The internal organs receive massage and stimulation through the various movements of the asanas and are toned into functioning more efficiently. As Yoga postures are always practiced with deep breathing, relaxation, and concentration, the asanas also help to develop mental control. The mind that is unsteady by nature and constantly agitated by sensory inputs becomes quiet and detached from the objects of the senses, freed from distractions and slowly brought under control.
2. Proper Breathing
Breathing connects the body to its battery, the Solar Plexus, where tremendous potential energy is stored. When tapped through specific Yoga breathing techniques, pranayama, this energy is released for physical and mental rejuvenation.
Most people only use a fraction of their lung capacity for breathing. They breathe shallowly using a small part of the rib cage. Their shoulders are hunched, they have painful tension in the upper part of the back and neck, and they suffer from a lack of oxygen. These people become tired easily and don’t know why.
By far the most important benefit of good breathing is concentrating the prana, or nerve energy, which increases our vital energy level. Control of the prana leads to control of the mind.
Through various pranayama techniques, breathing exercises, Yoga opens one's capacity to breathe properly, increasing vital energy.
3. Proper Relaxation
Relaxation cools down the system, as the radiator does a car. Relaxation is nature’s way of recharging the body. When the body and mind are continually overworked their efficiency diminishes. In order to regulate and balance the work of the body and mind, it is necessary to learn to economise the energy produced by our body, which is the main purpose of learning how to relax.
Modern social life, food, drink, work and even so called entertainments all make it difficult for modern people to relax. More energy is spent in keeping our muscles in continual readiness for work than in actual useful work done. Even while resting, the average person expends much energy through needless physical and mental tension. Thus, most of the body’s energy is wasted.
Remember that in the course of one day our body usually produces all the substances and energy necessary for the next and often all these are consumed within a few minutes by bad moods, anger, or irritation that reaches a high degree of intensity.
During relaxation there is practically no energy being consumed. Although a little is spent maintaining the basic metabolic activities, the remaining portion is stored and conserved. In order to achieve perfect relaxation, three levels of relaxation - Body, Mind, and Soul - must be attained. No relaxation is complete until all three are reached.
Yoga provides various ways of achieving such relaxation.
4. Proper Diet
Diet provides fuel for the body. The yogic diet is a vegetarian one, consisting of pure, simple, natural foods that are easily digested and assimilated. One should have a certain knowledge of dietetics in order to balance the diet. The body’s nutritional requirements fall into five categories: protein, carbohydrates, minerals, fats, and vitamins. Eating non-processed foods directly from nature will help to ensure a better supply of these nutritional needs, since processing, refining, and overcooking destroy much of the food value.
(Please note that whilst it is not essential to become a vegetarian it is vital that one becomes aware of diet. Proper exercise, breathing, relaxation, and positive thinking are not possible if one follows an unhealthy diet.)
5. Positive Thinking and Meditation
Replace every negative thought with a positive one.
Here is the most important point of all, we become what we think. Thus we should exert to entertain positive and creative thoughts as these will contribute to vibrant health and a peaceful, joyful mind. A positive outlook on life can be developed by learning and practicing the teachings of the philosophy of Vedanta (ancient Yoga scriptures). The mind will be brought under perfect control by regular practice of meditation.
When one can sit comfortably and meditate the true meaning of Yoga is revealed.