YOGA AND MEDITATION

                                                             

                                                    

                                                           

                                                

The ASANAS (body positions), the ethical and moral code of YOGA, the relaxation and meditation methods, the concentration techniques on YANTRAS (certain symbolic geometrical diagrams), the breathing control techniques, all under the careful surveillance of a competent master can help us find and eliminate the anxiety, to enhance our power of concentration, to amplify our intelligence, to evolve spiritually, to really know ourselves and to open up our beings to new existence dimensions.

Everybody can choose a meditation or a concentration technique that suits him with the help of his spiritual guide. He can turn into better, to really find himself. By practicing YOGA techniques anyone can see amazing benefic transformations. Here and now you can touch perfection.

The message of a master to his disciples:
"Let's tear down the wall that separates us from the Light, let aside our prejudices, rigidity, selfishness and ignorance...Let's try to learn to really live, to love and to be happy...Let's regain the candor and purity of our childhood, to be better, more altruist and wiser... Let us be on the same side of the Microcosmic Harmony, to resonate with the energies of good, beauty and truth. Let's try to find the Ultimate Truth, to complete ourselves, to be springs of divine energy."

 

Panchakosha Meditation

According to ancient Indian scriptures, we consist of five sheaths or koshas – body, breath, mind, intellect and finally bliss. In this meditation we are guided from the gross to the subtler aspects of our being, finally experiencing the joy and peace that's inherent in everyone.

 

Yoga Meditation

Yoga Meditation is the art and science of systematically observing, accepting, understanding, and training each of the levels of our being, such that we may coordinate and integrate those aspects of ourselves, and dwell in the direct experience of the center of consciousness. The links above are to a 16-page description of Yoga Meditation, which explains the process in practical terms, and simple language.

Yoga Meditation is not actually a separate aspect of Yoga, due to the fact that Yoga is meditation. However, the phrase Yoga Meditation is being used here to discriminate between Yoga Meditation and the now popular belief that Yoga is about physical postures. Yoga or Yoga Meditation is a complete process unto itself, only a small, though useful part of which relates to the physical body.

 The Health Benefits of Yoga & Meditation

  Stress Management

Regular yoga practice helps to reduce stress responses in your body, according to a study in the 2010 issue of “Psychosomatic Medicine.” Reducing the inflammatory response to stressors on your body will help reduce your chance of stress-related conditions such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Meditation is also an effective stress reducer that is used to help reduce anxiety, panic disorders and agoraphobia, an anxiety disorder.

Increased Flexibility

Western society is plagued by sedentary jobs where workers sit most of the day. This leads to reduced muscle mass, fitness and flexibility. In addition, office work increases neck and shoulder strain from hunching over in front of a computer all day. Yoga poses focus on stretching and lengthening the muscles. Increased flexibility will help you with daily movements such lifting and bending, while improving sports performance. Many athletes incorporate yoga into their workout schedules to improve or maintain flexibility.

Emotional Boost

Both yoga and meditation improve mental focus and provide a general feeling of well-being. Many yoga disciplines are based around an upbeat theme. For example, Anusara yoga’s philosophy looks for the good in all things and is created for an uplifting experience focused on the celebration of the heart. A 2012 control study published in "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine" found yoga participants happy, peaceful and upbeat in contrast to the control group who had a decrease in general well-being. Meditation provides an emotional boost through deep relaxation, and it can be done anywhere. You can give yourself an emotional boost by taking a 10-minute meditation break right at your desk. Just simply shut your eyes, focus on relaxing your muscles and practice deep breathing.

Better Diet

Studies suggest that practicing yoga improves fitness and body awareness, leading to better eating habits. This in turn leads to increased self-esteem and the desire to take care of your body. Practicing meditation or yoga is a behavior modification technique that can help you improve your overall fitness.

Improved Health

Reducing your stress level, eating healthier and getting more exercise can only lead to better health. Modern life is full of stressful situations, fatigue from long hours and little sleep, allergies, anxiety disorders and a long list of stress-related diseases. Adding yoga or meditation to your life will improve the quality and possibly the quantity of your life. Improved health means you can participate in more physical activities and just feel better in the things you do daily.