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The Purpose Of Yoga
from: Donovan BaldwinYoga, or its ancestor, first appeared somewhere around 5,000
years ago. Since then, it has gradually evolved into the modern
form. However, its "modern form" is neither completely modern,
nor is it the only form of yoga. In the western world, when we
speak of "yoga" we are commonly referring to Hatha Yoga, a
branch of yoga introduced by Yogi Swatmarama in the 15th
century. To keep it simple, Yogi Swatmarama saw Hatha Yoga, not
as an end in itself, but as part of a pathway to a higher state
on the yoga journey. Hatha Yoga concentrates more on the
physical training, conditioning, and "preparation" aspects of
yoga. So, as we talk about the purposes of "yoga", please keep
in mind that we are talking only about one portion of the entire
range of disciplines encompassed by the word.
We sometimes hear of someone who learned to become more relaxed
by the practice of yoga. Or, maybe we have heard of someone who
became more invigorated and energetic as a result of their
practice. Perhaps someone else was able to play a competitive
sport better than before they began practicing yoga, or perhaps
they were able to lay aside the competitive aspect of their
nature that had been driving them into bad health and broken
relationships. We may have even heard all of these types of
stories. I have! This, and all the claims made about the
practice of yoga, creates a very confusing picture even in the
minds of those willing to believe what they hear. For those who
have doubts already, the multitude of claims can sound like
those of an old-timey snake oil salesman.
Actually, research conducted by many prestigious organizations
and institutions has confirmed that a regular practice of yoga
can actually produce all of these effects and more. While some
uncertainty exists in some areas as to exactly WHY yoga is so
effective in relation to a given situation, condition, or
result, the common ground seems to be that it works.
While yoga can return the same physical, emotional, and
spiritual benefits as any other physical training or exercise
program, it also produces a blend of positive results that allow
the individual organism to integrate the effects and actions of
several different systems to produce a whole overall outcome
which seems to be greater than the sum of its parts. For
example, the increased ability to relax may help the ability to
perform, the strengthening of the physical body helps the
emotional output to be brought under control. All specific
benefits of yoga, when practiced regularly, work together for
the overall benefit of the person.
It appears that this synergistic outcome combines the more
specific benefits associated with any regular exercise program,
with meditation, with deep breathing, with the "exercise" or
"massage" of internal organs normally ignored by standard
physical activities to produce the confusing array of "positive"
outcomes mentioned at the beginning of this article.
Whatever the other positive outcomes of a regular yoga practice
may be, its effect on physical and mental health in general
should not be ignored. Yoga has been found to have a positive
effect on such conditions as asthma, respiratory difficulties,
high blood pressure, pain management, back pain, arthritis, and
weight loss. Psychologically, it tends to increase self
awareness, create a positive self-image, and uplift the spirits
of the participant. Many who come to yoga for the first time
find themselves with a "new lease on life" as one practitioner
put it to me and find themselves trying new experiences, finding
new friends, and taking control of a life which had, up until
then, been in control of them.
Apparently, yoga has the potential of being effective in many
aspects of life and health, and can, in most cases at least,
mold itself to your needs. It might be said that the purpose of
yoga is to serve in whatever capacity it is needed.
About the author:
Donovan Baldwin is a Texas writer. He is a University of West
Florida alumnus, a member of Mensa, and is retired from the U.
S. Army. Learn more about yoga at
http://yoga-4-the-health-of-it.com/ .
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