What is Hinduism?
Hinduism if
not defined as a religion but as a way of life. Most people in the west
confuses hindus as the people praying to 330 million gods but Hinduism is far
more than that. The word hindu is derived from the river Indus. It is believed
that the Greeks who attacked the Indian Subcontinent during the time of
Alexander reached the river Indus and termed the people living on other side of
the river by the same name ‘Indus’ but due to difference in pronunciation the
name Hindu stuck and the traditions and practices of the people were termed as
Hinduism.
Hinduism has
offered the world a lot. Be it the philosophy of Charvak, Vedas, Buddha, Adi
Shankaracharya, Guru Nanak. Various geniuses like Bhattacharya, Aryabhatta,
Jagdish Chandra Bose, Swami Vivekananda to name a few but its greatest gift to
the world has always been Yoga. So lets delve into the details of the greatest
treasure Hinduism bestowed upon the world.
What is Yoga ?
Yoga is known in the west as just other sets of stretching
exercises and is made popular by various yoga gurus .The knowledge of the most
people about yoga is limited to Surya Namaskars, Kapalbhati, asanas and pranayams and achieving a perfect
split whereas in reality, Yoga is a spiritual, physical, and mental practice which
was originated in ancient India. Though, it has become a popular form of
exercise and mindfulness in the modern world it is not just a physical exercise
but an integral part of Hinduism. The practice of yoga is deeply rooted in
Hinduism, and it is one of the fundamental ways to achieve spiritual growth and
enlightenment. In this blog post, we will explore the practice of yoga in
Hinduism, its history, types, and benefits.
History of Yoga:
The history
of yoga can be traced back to ancient India, where it was developed as a
spiritual and meditative practice. The earliest written records of yoga can be
found in the Vedas, which are the ancient scriptures of Hinduism. The
Upanishads, which were written around 800 BCE, describe yoga as a means of
achieving union with the divine.
Over time,
yoga evolved into different branches, including Hatha yoga, Raja yoga, Karma
yoga, Bhakti yoga, and Jnana yoga. These different branches of yoga focus on
different aspects of the practice, including physical postures, meditation,
devotion, and knowledge.
Types of Yoga:
- Hatha Yoga: Hatha yoga is a physical form of yoga that emphasizes the practice of asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises). It is the most popular form of yoga in the Western world. This is the form of yoga that is most popular in the west which unknowingly reduces the vast spectrum of yoga to just physical postures and pranayama.
- Raja Yoga: Raja yoga is a spiritual form of yoga that focuses on meditation and mental concentration. It is also known as the "Royal Path" of yoga. Yoga and meditation are often named simultaneously but are understood as different things all around the world but as per Hinduism meditation is also a part of yoga known as Raja Yoga. Through this type of yoga does one receive enlightenment as was attained by Lord Buddha. This type of yoga is also the basis of attaining Moksha (the final destination of the soul). Otherwise, the soul keeps repeating its cycle of birth and rebirth.
- Karma
Yoga: Karma yoga is a form of yoga that emphasizes selfless action and service
to others. It is based on the principle of "do your duty without
attachment to the results. This is the lesser known form of the yoga. In the far
east it is a very famous type of yoga popularized by the novel by the name ‘Ikigai’.
Like Ikigai, the person never retires and keeps on performing actions till
their last breath. In this type of yoga, the person gets to the epitome of its
achievement.
- Bhakti
Yoga: Bhakti yoga is a devotional form of yoga that emphasizes the practice of
devotion and love for God. It involves chanting, prayer, and singing. In the
Bhagwat Geeta, Sri Krishna defines as this yoga as the easiest way to reach
him. The continuous chanting of the mantra ‘Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Hare
Rama Hare Rama’ is believed by the ISCKON (International Institute of Krishna Consciousness)
the magic mantra to attain Vaikuntha (the ultimate destination of soul).
- Jnana Yoga: Jnana yoga is a form of yoga that emphasizes the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. It involves the study of scriptures, meditation, and self-inquiry. This type of yoga is attained by the seers, monks and the high level intellectuals.
Benefits of Hatha
Yoga:
The benefits of hatha yoga, as defined above, are numerous, and they go beyond physical fitness. Here are some of the benefits of hatha yoga:
Improved Flexibility: Yoga can help improve flexibility and mobility in the body, reducing the risk of injury and improving posture.
2. Stress Reduction: Yoga can help
reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and mindfulness.
3. Improved Respiratory Function: Yoga
can help improve respiratory function and lung capacity through the practice of
pranayama.
4. Improved Mental Health: Yoga can
help improve mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
5. Better Sleep: Yoga can help improve
sleep quality and reduce insomnia.
6. Increased Strength: Yoga can help
increase strength and muscle tone through the practice of asanas.
Apart from hatha yoga, the benefits of the other four types
of yoga are more for the upliftment of the human soul rather than the physical
form of humans. They are the passageways of opening up of kundalinis and achieving
enlightenment, to be become a seer or to attain Moksha. This is a treasure that
Hinduism offers to the world and it is devoid of
Conclusion:
The practice of yoga is an integral
part of Hinduism and has been a means of achieving spiritual growth and
enlightenment for thousands of years. Yoga has evolved into different branches,
each with its own focus and benefits. Whether you are practicing yoga for
physical fitness, stress reduction, or spiritual growth, there are many
benefits to be gained from this ancient practice. By incorporating yoga into
your daily routine, you can experience the benefits of this ancient practice
and achieve greater balance and harmony in your life.
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