The benefit of yoga is twofold - increased health and unification of the spirit with the body. It is accomplished through the use of many different aspects, but mainly through the combination of Asanas, or postures, and breathing/meditation practices.
This raises many question in the Christian community. In my research for this article, I was very surprised at the viewpoint of the Christian apologists, and their take on yoga and its practice. I have hesitated on writing this article because of that viewpoint. However, I feel that this question and the stance of the Christian community warrants reflection on the subject.
Yoga has a history dating back over five thousand years, to the beginning of the civilization of man. Little is really known about Yoga. it is believed to have originated in Mehrgarh, a neolithic settlement in what is now Afghanistan. Scholars believe it has grown out of Stone Age Shamanism. In this early period of civilization's beginnings, Yoga was a community resource, because of its attempts to determine cosmic order through inner vision, and apply it to daily living. In later years, yoga evolved into an inner dialogue through which the Yogis sought to develop their own salvation and enlightenment.
Archaeological evidence of the existence of Yoga first appeared in stone seals excavated from the Indus valley. It depicted figures in many Yogic Asanas, or postures, and officially put Yoga in the time period of approximately 3000 B.C. Of greater import, it also linked yoga to the great Indus-Sarasvati Civilization, a period in time that was considered modern and efficient.
From the Indus-Sarasvati civilization came the ancient texts known as the Vedas, the oldest scriptures in the world. The Vedas are a collection of hymns that praise a higher power and contains the oldest recorded history of Yoga teachings. The Vedas required the practitioner to transcend human limitations, and reach a higher spiritual plane. In later years, texts known as the Brahmanas were written to explain the rituals and the hymns of the Vedas. Following this came the Aranyakas texts, which outlined the practice of Yogis living in the seclusion of the forest. This led to the beginning of India's medical tradition, known as Ayurveda. All in all, Yoga transformed into a practice of health, harmony of the spirit, and a way of life.
The Christian viewpoint is thus - if one opens the mind to clearer thinking and inner vision, they open the spirit to demonic possession. It is felt that Yoga practice borders on occultism, and that opening one's mind 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 decision when we do so that determines what path we are to follow? I think not...
For the record, I was raised in a Christian household. My father was the deacon of a small Baptist church in the farming community where we lived. My mother, who taught us children to question everything, moved from the Baptist community to the Assembly of God churches, and was ostracized by my father. I think that to her dying day, she resented my father for this narrowmindedness. Life is a matter of choice, and my mother believed that we are not required to operate under the illusion of blind faith, but to do what is right to us as an individual. And it is why I walk the Noble 8 Folded Path. It is simply a matter of choice, and questioning everything in this universe.
I believe that the practice of yoga is a good thing. It provides us with great health benefits, clearer vision, and harmony in our souls. And in this day and age, what else is there? Whether we be Christians, Muslims, or Buddhists, we must not disrespect the feelings and thoughts of others, their rights to practice as they wish, or try to push our views down other people's throats. To live in harmony is exactly that...
Namaste,
Charlie~
benefit of yoga
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Types of yoga and their benefits
Types of yoga and their benefits
Benefit of Yoga knows that the practice helps decrease health problems. In this short article, the author gives alternatives for the busy person who does not have the time for formal yoga classes.
Also, different types of yoga, such as Hatha and Mantra, are discussed. This is a quick read, but has good information.
Namaste,
Charlie~~
benefit of yoga
Benefit of Yoga knows that the practice helps decrease health problems. In this short article, the author gives alternatives for the busy person who does not have the time for formal yoga classes.
Also, different types of yoga, such as Hatha and Mantra, are discussed. This is a quick read, but has good information.
Namaste,
Charlie~~
benefit of yoga
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Yoga for PMS (Pre-menstrual Syndrome) and Menstrual Cramps @ ABC-of-Yoga.com
Yoga for PMS (Pre-menstrual Syndrome) and Menstrual Cramps @ ABC-of-Yoga.com
Benefit of Yoga realizes that many women suffer from PMS and painful menstruation. Cramps and pelvic pain are not uncommon.
In this article, several yoga poses are reviewed that help to relieve menstrual pain and cramps, and help the mind and body deal with the stress of PMS.
Namaste,
Charlie~
benefit of yoga
Benefit of Yoga realizes that many women suffer from PMS and painful menstruation. Cramps and pelvic pain are not uncommon.
In this article, several yoga poses are reviewed that help to relieve menstrual pain and cramps, and help the mind and body deal with the stress of PMS.
Namaste,
Charlie~
benefit of yoga
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Hindu Yoga: The Four Paths of Hindu Yoga
Hindu Yoga: The Four Paths of Hindu Yoga
Benefit of Yoga knows that there is a style of yoga for everyone, regardless of age or temperament. All can benefit from different practices, whether it is Karma Yoga, which is suitable for a man or woman of an active temperament, or Bhakti Yoga, for a person of a more devotional manner.
In this article the different types of yoga are explored, and information is given on the different styles. A must read for someone exploring different styles...
Namaste,
Charlie~
benefit of yoga
Benefit of Yoga knows that there is a style of yoga for everyone, regardless of age or temperament. All can benefit from different practices, whether it is Karma Yoga, which is suitable for a man or woman of an active temperament, or Bhakti Yoga, for a person of a more devotional manner.
In this article the different types of yoga are explored, and information is given on the different styles. A must read for someone exploring different styles...
Namaste,
Charlie~
benefit of yoga
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
LA Yoga. Feature. Yoga and Healing Addiction
LA Yoga. Feature. Yoga and Healing Addiction
Benefit of Yoga realizes that many people struggle with addictions, whether it be drugs, alcohol, overeating, or sex. In this world of fast-paced living, many people suffer from addictions and are not even aware that they do.
In this article by Felicia M. Tomasko, she discusses various techniques, case studies, and centers where yoga is used to treat addictions. A very good read...
Namaste,
Charlie~
benefit of yoga
Benefit of Yoga realizes that many people struggle with addictions, whether it be drugs, alcohol, overeating, or sex. In this world of fast-paced living, many people suffer from addictions and are not even aware that they do.
In this article by Felicia M. Tomasko, she discusses various techniques, case studies, and centers where yoga is used to treat addictions. A very good read...
Namaste,
Charlie~
benefit of yoga
Monday, March 13, 2006
Yoga for Menopause - Cope with Menopause through Yoga @ ABC-of-Yoga.com
Yoga for Menopause - Cope with Menopause through Yoga @ ABC-of-Yoga.com
Benefit Of Yoga understands what women go through when experiencing menopause. My wife has struggled with these hormonal changes for several years now, with hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.
In this article, basic poses and ways to relieve the stress of menopause are discussed. It is a "must read" for all women struggling with menopause.
Namaste,
Charlie~
benefit of yoga
Benefit Of Yoga understands what women go through when experiencing menopause. My wife has struggled with these hormonal changes for several years now, with hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.
In this article, basic poses and ways to relieve the stress of menopause are discussed. It is a "must read" for all women struggling with menopause.
Namaste,
Charlie~
benefit of yoga
Friday, March 10, 2006
Simply Yoga
Simply Yoga
Benefit of Yoga recognizes that people who are unsure about this ancient Indian discipline need to be better informed. This is the goal of the site, and we strive to make daily posts to insure our readers get good information.
Simply Yoga has a very good article on the benefit of yoga, which not only includes health benefits, but spiritual ones, too.
This is a good read, and one everyone should enjoy.
Namaste,
Charlie~
benefit of yoga
Benefit of Yoga recognizes that people who are unsure about this ancient Indian discipline need to be better informed. This is the goal of the site, and we strive to make daily posts to insure our readers get good information.
Simply Yoga has a very good article on the benefit of yoga, which not only includes health benefits, but spiritual ones, too.
This is a good read, and one everyone should enjoy.
Namaste,
Charlie~
benefit of yoga
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Yoga and Pregnancy - Yoga Techniques for Pregnancy @ ABC-of-Yoga.com
Yoga and Pregnancy - Yoga Techniques for Pregnancy @ ABC-of-Yoga.com
Benefit of Yoga knows and stresses that yoga is for everyone, even women who are expecting. As in many styles, such as Lamaze, breathing is stressed as an aid to giving birth. Yoga, on the other hand, stresses breathing and breathing exercises as part of the daily regimen. This, coupled with meditation, will bring the woman facing the rigors of pregnancy a head start on delivery. This article is a "must read" for all women expecting a child.
Namaste,
Charlie~
benefit of yoga
Benefit of Yoga knows and stresses that yoga is for everyone, even women who are expecting. As in many styles, such as Lamaze, breathing is stressed as an aid to giving birth. Yoga, on the other hand, stresses breathing and breathing exercises as part of the daily regimen. This, coupled with meditation, will bring the woman facing the rigors of pregnancy a head start on delivery. This article is a "must read" for all women expecting a child.
Namaste,
Charlie~
benefit of yoga
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Pranic healing, the energy healing system that uses our aura and chakras for balancing positive energy levels
Pranic healing, the energy healing system that uses our aura and chakras for balancing positive energy levels
Benefit Of Yoga is aware of the many different viewpoints of yogic practice. Although there are different styles of yoga, they all have one precept in mind - a happier, healthier you.
Pranic Healing is an energy healing technique that is based on the overall structure of the human body. We all are unique in our own special way, but pranic healing affects us all.
Learn more about pranic healing with this article...
Namaste,
Charlie~
benefit of yoga
Benefit Of Yoga is aware of the many different viewpoints of yogic practice. Although there are different styles of yoga, they all have one precept in mind - a happier, healthier you.
Pranic Healing is an energy healing technique that is based on the overall structure of the human body. We all are unique in our own special way, but pranic healing affects us all.
Learn more about pranic healing with this article...
Namaste,
Charlie~
benefit of yoga
Sunday, March 05, 2006
The posture of inversion
Turning your world upside down may be a good thing, writes Wendy Champagne.
Gomez from The Addams Family used to do it, so did Richard Gere in American Gigolo. Indian yogis have been doing it for thousands of years - inverting, in the form of headstands, handstands, shoulder stands and other postures that allow people to see the world from a different perspective. Upside down, nothing looks quite the same.
Someone who knows about the upside-down life is 36-year-old Marika Cominos. Also known as the "Queen of Inversions", Cominos, a former circus performer, has spent a good part of the past 20 years looking at life the wrong way up. She now offers workshops and private consulting in inversions, which she considers a tool for physical, psychological and spiritual "transformation".
An inversion refers to any posture or position that places the head below the heart. The reversal of gravity's effects helps to take pressure off the heart, decompress the spine, improve circulation, stimulate the endocrine system - and just make people feel good.
Cominos began inversion work at 14, when she was chosen to perform in the famous Fruit Fly circus based in Albury-Wodonga, her home turf. About that time, the Fruit Fly was expanding because the Nanjing acrobatic troupe had been invited to train its school-aged performers. In 12 months' intensive training with the Chinese acrobats over two years, Cominos became an expert at the Tower of Chairs - performing a handstand on chairs precariously balanced six metres high "That was the turning point," she says. "We went from ordinary, basic skill levels to extraordinary levels - by Australian standards, not by Chinese standards. It was such an amazing foundation and that is really crucial in creating a good practice."
Over her career, Cominos has worked with Circus Oz, pioneered circus performance at corporate functions, been an events manager and worked in the fitness industry. She came to yoga in the mid-'90s. Today, her work fuses her acrobatics skills with her yoga experience. "Like most people I came to yoga from an exercise point of view and somewhere along the way I really discovered the gems of what yoga practice has to offer - the breath and how transformative every posture can be."
Inversions are not unique to yoga, Hippocrates strung patients upside down with ropes and ladders, and inversion therapy became a fad in the United States. In the late 1970s people rushed to buy gravity boots and doorway poles to help relieve back pain and to slow ageing, thought to be exacerbated by gravity.
Marc Cohen, professor of complementary medicine at RMIT agrees that inversions can bring benefits associated with reversing gravity, such as improved circulation, but he recommends caution. "I would consider inversions advanced yoga asanas," he says. "Perhaps you shouldn't be doing them on your own because if you are not doing them properly you can damage your neck."
The fear of neck damage may be one reason many yoga aspirants fear handstands and headstands. "Everyone talks about this fear of inversions," says Cominos. "If you are going to support your whole body upside down on two hands, there is definitely stuff that comes up. My observation is that in yoga circles people are more cautious and at the other end I am more playful. I believe the fear is just silly - given time, the right techniques and encouragement, people progress quickly."
The key, says Cominos, is persistence and dedication. In her workshops she draws on her acrobatics skills to give students a "toolbox" to use in developing the technique. The workshop lasts 12 hours, broken into four sessions. Everyone works with a partner and she works one-on-one with each student.
Cominos believes there are health and psychological benefits to be gained from regular inversion and hopes the scientific community will step up its research into yoga. After 20 years of practice she finds that inversions deliver more than just fresh blood to the head.
"There is a particular way I teach people to move into a headstand that reveals a lot," she says. "I use yoga as a tool for people to potentially change things in themselves, otherwise it is just exercise."
Marika Cominos runs workshops nationally and internationally. Her next one in Sydney runs from April 15-17 at the Qi Yoga & Natural Therapies Centre in Albert Street, Harbord. http://www.yoga-play-byron-bay.com
Gomez from The Addams Family used to do it, so did Richard Gere in American Gigolo. Indian yogis have been doing it for thousands of years - inverting, in the form of headstands, handstands, shoulder stands and other postures that allow people to see the world from a different perspective. Upside down, nothing looks quite the same.
Someone who knows about the upside-down life is 36-year-old Marika Cominos. Also known as the "Queen of Inversions", Cominos, a former circus performer, has spent a good part of the past 20 years looking at life the wrong way up. She now offers workshops and private consulting in inversions, which she considers a tool for physical, psychological and spiritual "transformation".
An inversion refers to any posture or position that places the head below the heart. The reversal of gravity's effects helps to take pressure off the heart, decompress the spine, improve circulation, stimulate the endocrine system - and just make people feel good.
Cominos began inversion work at 14, when she was chosen to perform in the famous Fruit Fly circus based in Albury-Wodonga, her home turf. About that time, the Fruit Fly was expanding because the Nanjing acrobatic troupe had been invited to train its school-aged performers. In 12 months' intensive training with the Chinese acrobats over two years, Cominos became an expert at the Tower of Chairs - performing a handstand on chairs precariously balanced six metres high "That was the turning point," she says. "We went from ordinary, basic skill levels to extraordinary levels - by Australian standards, not by Chinese standards. It was such an amazing foundation and that is really crucial in creating a good practice."
Over her career, Cominos has worked with Circus Oz, pioneered circus performance at corporate functions, been an events manager and worked in the fitness industry. She came to yoga in the mid-'90s. Today, her work fuses her acrobatics skills with her yoga experience. "Like most people I came to yoga from an exercise point of view and somewhere along the way I really discovered the gems of what yoga practice has to offer - the breath and how transformative every posture can be."
Inversions are not unique to yoga, Hippocrates strung patients upside down with ropes and ladders, and inversion therapy became a fad in the United States. In the late 1970s people rushed to buy gravity boots and doorway poles to help relieve back pain and to slow ageing, thought to be exacerbated by gravity.
Marc Cohen, professor of complementary medicine at RMIT agrees that inversions can bring benefits associated with reversing gravity, such as improved circulation, but he recommends caution. "I would consider inversions advanced yoga asanas," he says. "Perhaps you shouldn't be doing them on your own because if you are not doing them properly you can damage your neck."
The fear of neck damage may be one reason many yoga aspirants fear handstands and headstands. "Everyone talks about this fear of inversions," says Cominos. "If you are going to support your whole body upside down on two hands, there is definitely stuff that comes up. My observation is that in yoga circles people are more cautious and at the other end I am more playful. I believe the fear is just silly - given time, the right techniques and encouragement, people progress quickly."
The key, says Cominos, is persistence and dedication. In her workshops she draws on her acrobatics skills to give students a "toolbox" to use in developing the technique. The workshop lasts 12 hours, broken into four sessions. Everyone works with a partner and she works one-on-one with each student.
Cominos believes there are health and psychological benefits to be gained from regular inversion and hopes the scientific community will step up its research into yoga. After 20 years of practice she finds that inversions deliver more than just fresh blood to the head.
"There is a particular way I teach people to move into a headstand that reveals a lot," she says. "I use yoga as a tool for people to potentially change things in themselves, otherwise it is just exercise."
Marika Cominos runs workshops nationally and internationally. Her next one in Sydney runs from April 15-17 at the Qi Yoga & Natural Therapies Centre in Albert Street, Harbord. http://www.yoga-play-byron-bay.com
Benefit of Yoga
Benefit of Yoga
Because the theme of this blog is "benefit of yoga", what better article could I post than this article on the benefit of yoga?
This article is a good primer for those considering the discipline. Read and enjoy...
Namaste,
Charlie~
benefit of yoga
Because the theme of this blog is "benefit of yoga", what better article could I post than this article on the benefit of yoga?
This article is a good primer for those considering the discipline. Read and enjoy...
Namaste,
Charlie~
benefit of yoga
Friday, March 03, 2006
Yoga: Spiritual Benefits of Yoga
Yoga: Spiritual Benefits of Yoga
Not all of yoga is purely physical. For one to be successful in yoga, they must also concentrate on the spiritual side of the discipline.
In this article on the benefit of yoga, this side of your practice is explained. Benefits are 5 different categories, and this is a very good read.
Our research team spends a lot of time searching the web for these articles to present here. We hope you enjoy and learn from them.
Namaste,
Charlie~
benefit of yoga
Not all of yoga is purely physical. For one to be successful in yoga, they must also concentrate on the spiritual side of the discipline.
In this article on the benefit of yoga, this side of your practice is explained. Benefits are 5 different categories, and this is a very good read.
Our research team spends a lot of time searching the web for these articles to present here. We hope you enjoy and learn from them.
Namaste,
Charlie~
benefit of yoga
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Beauty-Fitness-Yoga-Source - Your source for yoga and more.
Beauty-Fitness-Yoga-Source - Your source for yoga and more.
I find this article on the benefit of yoga to be interesting in the fact that the writer begins stating how much they hated practice, yet soon found that after sticking with it, the benefits brought the needed results.
The author goes on to state that they realized the benefit of yoga because of the relief from chronic pain. This, I believe, is probably the greatest benefit of yoga. We experience pain, and are told to "live with it>" what utter nonsense!
Yoga not only relieves chronic pain, but helps the practitoner to overcome the mental blocks that accompany it.
A good read...
Namaste,
Charlie~
benefit of yoga
I find this article on the benefit of yoga to be interesting in the fact that the writer begins stating how much they hated practice, yet soon found that after sticking with it, the benefits brought the needed results.
The author goes on to state that they realized the benefit of yoga because of the relief from chronic pain. This, I believe, is probably the greatest benefit of yoga. We experience pain, and are told to "live with it>" what utter nonsense!
Yoga not only relieves chronic pain, but helps the practitoner to overcome the mental blocks that accompany it.
A good read...
Namaste,
Charlie~
benefit of yoga
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Health Benefits of Yoga - Why Yoga Exercise is Good for You @ ABC-of-Yoga.com
Health Benefits of Yoga - Why Yoga Exercise is Good for You @ ABC-of-Yoga.com
Yoga is one of the best ways there is to unite body and spirit. It increases strength, flexibility, and helps a person to remain centered.
This article is written with the benefit of yoga in mind. Health benefits are explored, and ancient theories discussed. This is a good read, from one of the top sites on the web.
Enjoy...
Namaste,
Charlie
benefit of yoga
Yoga is one of the best ways there is to unite body and spirit. It increases strength, flexibility, and helps a person to remain centered.
This article is written with the benefit of yoga in mind. Health benefits are explored, and ancient theories discussed. This is a good read, from one of the top sites on the web.
Enjoy...
Namaste,
Charlie
benefit of yoga
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