Yoga....the first thing that comes to most people's mind is the stretching exercises. If you are wanting to do Yoga there are many aspects to learn. These include: the asanas (postures); relaxation, concentration and meditation. Also the cleansing of the physical body and getting on a better diet. It is helpful to set yourself a time to practice every day, even if it is for a short time.
The Pranayama Yogic techniques (breathing techniques) are the most important Yoga practice, because the breath sustains our life and Prana (vital force or the energy of God) is increased in the body through the breathing process. Pranic energy is needed to increase the light in the spine (sacred centers - the chakras or energy wheels) which enables us to advance more quickly on the spiritual path. Advanced Yogis or Yoginis practice Kriya Yoga. This is accomplished through controlled breathing, and through concentration on the Prana flowing in the body with the in-breath - prana flows down the spine to the base; where it charges the Kundalini energy (Shakthi - serpent power)- and then with the outbreath, the prana flows back up to the top. Extra Prana is stored in the solar plexus area of the body for when it is needed. This is one Kriya. 108 Kriyas are practiced in one round. The Yogi uses Mala beads of 108 on the necklace to count the Kriyas.
During meditation, the OM (AUM) mantraa is chanted inwardly (called Japa) to hold the mind's attention from wandering. Yogi's eventually enter a very high state of bliss in meditation; with their concentration either on the heart center (Anahata Chakra) or the third eye (Ajna Chakra). Either place is fine. This is the beginning of deep meditation. Yogis learn how to use this prana for healing others; either by hands-on healing or even distant healing. It is important to control one's energies; such as sudden bursts of anger or engaging in mindless chattering with other people. These are two examples of how a person's energy, or prana, may be wasted in great ammounts, causing the person to eventually experience depression, and even a physical collapse.
This is why it is important to practice Yoga. Health, happiness, love and joy will all be increased in your life. Also, you have better stamina to perform your daily tasks and put much more pure effort into your Decrees and Prayers to the Great Masters and to the One Creator that we are all one with. Practice, practice, practice. This is the key to learning anything. And we continue to learn, to grow, and to blossom. In love and light, ~Gurudevi, Shri Swami Mahashaktiananda - GURUDEVI BROADCAST >
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~Gurudevi, Shri Maha Shaktiananda - Idaho, USA - hOMe website - http://www.gurudevi.com/