THE ASHTAANGA YOGA

.... While hearing the word Yoga the general idea coming in our mind is Exercise or Meditation. But as by the great sage Patanjali Who systemized the philosophy of yoga, Yoga has 8 limbs..

“Yama-niyamasana pranayama-pratyahara,
dharana dhyana samadhayo’stavangani” (Patanjali Yoga sutra.2-2)

The eight limbs of yoga are Yama,Niyama, Asan, pranayaam, prathyahar, Dharana, Dhyana, samadhi..
Yama and Niyama are the Yogic life style which are very essential for every one.. Then the Asana (postures), pranayaam (breathingexercise),Dharana,Dhyana,samadhii are the process of withdrawing the senses from their object and putting them in one object .

…..For getting the real taste of yoga one has to follow these limbs of yoga from the Yama and niyama itself. These are like steps of a ladder. Without climbing first step one cannot go to second one.. So following all the limbs systematically is very essential to get the real benefit, taste of yoga.

YOGA FOR THE PRESENT WORLD

India has given lot of valuable contributions to the World. ‘Yoga’ is one among them. Yoga is present in India from time immemorial. Indian philosophy is based upon the concept of Shaddarshanaas. They are Sankhya, Nyaya, Vaisesika, Purva Mimamsa, Uttara Mimamsa and Yoga. Thus Yoga is an integral part of Indian culture.
Eventhough, the primary objective of yoga is individual growth it is a prerequisite for community welfare. The present world is becoming more and more materialistic because of globalization and urbanization. A man has to face tough competition and run the risk and tension in his strive to achieve luxuriant life. This leads him to several psychosomatic disorders. The only way out is ‘Yoga’ which soothes both mind and body.
In the present world the life style of present generation has changed a lot. The physical work is less and a man has to face Stress in each of step of his life. The human being is exposing to stress, tention more and more due to more materialistic life.Maan needs exercise for the body and relaxation to the mind. Yoga gives Both to the practioner.. Being a living Science, Yoga achieves the physical and mental synchronization and harmonious working of the two. It gives good health to the practitioner in all aspects. Thus yoga is an useful solution for all the problems of modern civilization. Today’s world is in a greater need to accept yoga as a part of life for the sake of Healthy living. This made Yoga a superior science crossing the barriers of race and nations.


Meaning:
‘Yoga’ is a Sanskrit word, which has two root words, ‘yuj’ and ‘yujir’. ‘Yuj’ means Samadhi, the highest state of mind. The meaning of root word ‘yujir’ is union. Here the union means, union of Jivatma and Paramatma. So depending on root words Yoga has two meanings.
The general aim of yoga is getting physical, spiritual and moral health; where as its ultimate aim is to get Samadhi or liberation from the cycle of birth and Death.