Yoga is a very beneficial and extremely healthy practice to include in one’s daily regime. We all know that including yoga in your regime will have a lot of benefits. The different asanas in yoga will have different benefits, which will boost our health. So, in this article, we will be talking about ancient Ashtanga yoga and why one must include it in their daily regime. We will briefly be discussing about the different benefits, origin, and evolution, along with many other useful facts about Ashtanga yoga. So, all the yoga enthusiasts, this article will be fun and enlightening for all of you, so keep reading till the end.
Origin and Evolution of Ashtanga Yoga
Folks, before we dive deep into the details of Ashtanga yoga, it is important to tell you all about the origin and evolution of this particular practice. The famous and renowned ancient Indian sage Patanjali codified Ashtanga yoga in the yoga sutras about 2000 years ago. This yoga, which includes the 8-fold path, offers a framework for a meaningful and purposeful life. The word “Ashtanga” is a Sanskrit word which means “8 limbs”. Ashtanga yoga reflects the valuable as well the systematic approach towards one’s self-realization and it forms the fundamental side of the spiritual journey of yoga.
Now that you all have a good idea about the evolution as well as the origin of Ashtanga yoga, it is time to look at the essential part that makes Ashtanga Yoga. By this, we mean the 8 limbs of the Ashtanga Yoga. Head to the next section of the article to decode.
Ashtanga Yoga- 8 Limbs
Folks, if you are into yoga and want to really have a spiritual transformation that will lead you towards a better life, then Ashtanga Yoga will help you to do so. These are the 8 limbs of Ashtanga yoga that make Ashtanga yoga a valuable asana to perform:
Yama (Moral Code)
It is the first limb of Ashtanga yoga, which means ethical considerations. It particularly highlights the principles of the way one is supposed to interact with the external world. This limb comprises various aspects which can positively affect one’s ethical reputation such as non-greed (asteya), truthfulness (satya), and non-violence (ahimsa).
Niyama (Self-Discipline)
This limb is primarily focused on the personal observation and self-discipline of an individual. The limb is one of the most important limbs of Ashtanga yoga, which studies concepts such as self-study (svafhyaya), contentment (santosha), and the ultimate surrendering to a supreme power, among others. This limb highlights the individual’s self discipline which will pave them towards self-realization.
Asana (Posture)
The most recognized limb of Ashtanga yoga is the asana. The name means posture, and it denotes the physical posture which is practiced in the sequence. Its aim is to purify the body and mind, which will lead to mental clarity and a healthy physical body
Pranayama (Breath Control)
This is a limb that is primarily associated with the regulation of breath for cultivating prana, which also means the life force energy. This limb prepares an individual for meditation and also calms the mind and is also useful in enhancing respiratory health. Definitely one of the most important anga( limb) of the Ashtanga yoga.
Pratyahara (Withdrawal of Senses)
Ashtanga yoga is to be practiced when an individual is fully connected with their inward consciousness. Hence, this limb promotes the effective withdrawal of the senses from external stimuli. This aspect of Ashtanga yoga sets the ground for concentration and meditation
Dharana (Concentration)
Any yoga can be performed when one is fully concentrated in that very moment. Hence, this limb of Ashtanga yoga promotes the mind to focus on a single thing or point. It helps an individual to develop mental control and gain greater clarity in the best way possible
Dhyana (Meditation)
The limb of the ashtanga yoga is primarily dealing with the sustained meditative state which is beyond the concentration. By practicing dhyana, one enters into a state of tranquility and connection.
Samadhi (Union with the Divine)
This is the ultimate purpose of Ashtanga yoga, which is the divine union with god. It refers to a state of peaceful and enlightening union with the divine or the supreme power. This limb is present to represent the amalgamation of the yogic journey.
Folks, these are the eight limbs of the ashtanga yoga. These limbs form the very basis, or you can refer to them as the pillars of Ashtanga yoga. In the upcoming section of the article, we will briefly discuss the benefits of Ashtanga yoga. Head to the next section of the article to know more.
Benefits of Ashtanga Yoga
Folks, there are numerous benefits of Ashtanga yoga, and some of them are as follows:
- One of the most incredible benefits of Ashtanga yoga is that it strengthens the muscles. As per a study, it was found that healthy premenopausal women who had practiced yoga twice a week had increased their leg muscle strength after eight months than the women who did not do yoga at all
- Ashtanga Yoga is said to promote healthy eating. As per a study in 2009, many white women found that regular yoga practice is considered to be mindful eating. Mindful eating promotes healthy eating, which includes the consumption of vegetables and fruits that will keep the body and mind healthy and happy
- Ashtanga yoga helps in easing back pain. If you practice yoga twice a week, then you are more likely to save yourself from spending hefty amounts on treating chronic back pain.
- The most relaxing and important benefit of yoga is that it helps you calm your brain, control your breath pattern, and gaze all at the same time. You become calmer and will be able to focus more, which will help you get mental clarity and peace
- It helps in improving well-being. People who tend to suffer from anxiety and depression are more likely to be relieved once they practice Ashtanga yoga. If they practice it twice a week, then they are more likely to be focused as well as relaxed, which will help them in dealing with anxiety and depression
Aren’t these benefits of Ashtanga yoga amazing? Want to try out some Ashtanga yoga postures? If yes, then head to the next section of the article as we list some of them for you.
Three Ashtanga Poses to Try
Folks, if you are looking to try out easy Ashtanga poses, then you can try out these three. Read on to know more.
Forward Bend
You can try out the pose of a forward bend. To do that, you need to stand and place your hips’ width and feet parallel apart. After that, you need to bend from the hips and then place your hands on the floor next to your feet, and then you need to focus your eyes on the tip of your nose. You can easily do this yoga posture twice a week to get benefits
Extended Triangle
To do this Ashtanga yoga posture, make sure to stand and place your feet 3.5 to 4 feet apart. Also, make sure that your right foot is turned outside while your left foot is slightly inward. Then, you are required to extend your arm in a T shape. Then, you need to bend your hip to reach towards your right toe and finally focus on the fingertips of your right hand. This yoga is super easy to follow, and you can practice it daily to get good benefits.
Extended Side Angle
To perform this Ashtanga yoga, you need to stand and then place your feet about 3.5 to 4 feet apart. Make sure that your right foot is turned out and your left foot is slightly turned inward. Then, you need to bend your right knee to a 90-degree angle, and then you need to bend. Make sure to place your right hand outside of your right foot or gently on the right thigh. Once done, tehn you will need to swing your left arm straight over your head and make sure that it in line with your body. Focus on the fingertips of your left hand.
These are the three Ashtanga yoga postures that you can include in your daily exercise regime to get better health benefits.
Conclusion
Folks, the main purpose of Ashtanga yoga is the ultimate and divine union with the supreme power. To attain that, yoga includes postures, which will help an individual attain their highest physical as well as mental well-being. Hence, including yoga in the daily exercise regime will significantly have long-term benefits in terms of mental and physical health. That’s all, folks. I hope the article will help you to get all the information you need.
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