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Meditation and Yoga
The ancient Indian disciplines of yoga and meditation boast many health benefits. Ask questions about types of yoga practices and positions as well as its history and religious connections.
865 Questions
Will Yoga aggravate lumbar spondylosis?
Usually cervical spondylosis is aggravated by extending (bending backwards), and side-bending of the head. If you have cervical nerve irritation associated with spondylosis, then you should avoid positions of your head that increase these symptoms. Yoga activities, therefore, should be tolerated as long as you are careful with the position of your head.
Is Bikram yoga good for weight loss?
With proper diet, Bikram yoga or Hot Yoga is good for weight loss because you burn more calories compared to other types of yoga. According to the website Fit Day, a Bikram yoga session burns up to 600 calories.A minimum of 10 classes per month is enough to reap benefits. However, in order to lose weight, you should accompany it with other exercises as it more so works to maintain your weight.
Shiva is called as Yogeshwar, as he was the first teacher of Yoga. Then Patanjali documented everything into formulas called as Yoga Sutras.
There is no reason why men can't, or shouldn't. If you're having two minds on the matter (most likely as a result of other people thinking it to be gay), then it would really help to tell you that in fact the first yogis were men, and in fact, in ancient times, yoga was exclusively for men. If the reason, however, is because men are more inflexible than men, then my answer is this: isn't it better then,that we are inflexible? It means we have a lot to improve on. The results would be much more obvious.
Yoga is great for men! It helps them sustain an erection and makes them able to channel their energy into one spot during intercourse so their woman gets extra pleasure. Check out the Better Sex Through Yoga series.
One benefit of yoga is that it will relieve headaches.
Some common health benefits of yoga:
Los suscriptores de GAIA pueden transmitir yoga, meditación y programas de expansión mental que brindan una verdadera alternativa a los medios convencionales. Te ofrece un enfoque holístico para ayudar a impulsar la búsqueda diaria de una vida consciente. Visite el sitio: : //n9.cl/2hynp (eliminar espacios).
Every thought and emotion that presents itself to our consciousness and then passes away has a specific purpose and effect.
These thoughts are the result of either subconscious, conscious or superconscious desires that together form a general working psychological make-up of ever person on earth.
Just as every atom, molecule or cell in the human body has a specific function and can be studied scientifically so to can the mind be studied scientifically by analyzing the 'atomic structure of thoughts'!!!
Every thought or desire can be studied in the laboratory of the mind by using the tools of Introspection, Discrimination and intellectual scrutiny.
Through practices of Concentration one learns to weigh the relative utility of one's thoughts and emotions and promote only those that are deemed beneficial to one's spiritual progress.
Through, what is commonly known as Meditation, the mind is gradually brought under conscious control.
When the mind is able to readily obey your mental directives and the aspirant has developed a strong Will and ability to concentrate he or she is then ready to begin practising Yoga Proper!!!
The results of Meditation or the practice of Yogic Mental discipline includes: Increased Concentration, Mental Clarity, Greater Peace, Less Stress, Greater Will-Power and so on.
Which is the country who started yoga?
Yoga is an ancient art that goes back 5,000 years... meant for achieving union, harmony and happiness-harmony with our own bodies and minds, harmony with other living beings, harmony with our environment and ultimately, harmony and happiness through union with the Supreme.
Yoga asanas, breathing techniques and so on, are just a small part of the complete process of yoga. Practicing these techniques can help you achieve a state of being that is conducive to the higher pursuits of the yoga system, such as meditation and self-realization.
What is trancendental meditation?
- There are many different kinds of meditation. Transcendental meditation is just one type. It is derived from the Vedic tradition of India was revitalized by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1950's. It is an effortless form of meditation that does not involve concentration or contemplation. It utilizes a mantra ( a personalized but meaningless sound) and is practiced twice a day for 20 minutes. It does not involve any belief or lifestyle changes. A lot of famous people have publically stated that they practice TM. For example; the Beatles, Howard Stern, Clint Eastwood, Jerry Seinfield etc. With proper personal instruction a person can experience a state in which the repetition of the mantra no longer consciuosly occurs and instead the mind is quiet and expereinces the infinite field of energy and intelligence; where all thought originate.
- The Transcendental Meditation technique a simple, natural, enjoyable procedure to settle the mind, expand awareness and access the limitless reservoir of creativity, energy and intelligence that resides within everyone-for more powerful thinking, heightened well-being and greater efficiency in life. The Transcendental Meditation technique is unlike any other form of meditation, relaxation or self-development, and is distinguished by its effortlessness, naturalness and profound effectiveness. It is the only meditation practice with extensive scientific research verifying benefits for all areas of life. The TM technique is practiced twice daily for 15-20 minutes while sitting quietly and comfortably with eyes closed. It requires no effort or concentration and no special skills or change of lifestyle. During the practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique, mind and body spontaneously settle into a unique state of restful alertness-the body becomes deeply relaxed as the mind awakens to it's inner potential. Scientific research studies on the TM technique show that twice-daily experience of this restful alertness alleviates stress and revitalizes mind and body, creating a higher state of health and stimulating the natural growth of creativity, intelligence, inner-happiness and self-sufficiency. The beneficial effects of the Transcendental Meditation program have been verified by over 600 scientific research studies conducted at over 250 independent universities and research institutions worldwide-such as Yale Medical School, Harvard Medical School, Stanford and UCLA-and published in over 350 peer-reviewed scientific journals. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the U.S. government agency that oversees medical research, has granted over $24 million for scientists to study the effects of the Transcendental Meditation program for prevention and treatment of heart disease, hypertension and stroke. After nearly 40 years of scientific investigation of the Transcendental Meditation program, all the major findings about the program's benefits have been replicated by independent research. These scientific research studies on the Transcendental Meditation technique have shown that daily practice leads to a wide range of personal benefits-higher IQ, faster reaction time, improved problem solving abilities, decreased anxiety, improved self-esteem, normalized blood pressure, reduced illness and longer lifespan-while creating a more harmonious environment.
- Some people suggest the Transcendental Meditation organization might be a cult. In my opinion these are baseless claims. Transcendental Meditation is a scientific technique that is practiced by all types of people from all social backgrounds and religions. I have practiced Transcendental Meditation since I was 10 years old - I am now 23 and I never saw any sign of the organization being a cult. TM is great tool for me to be successful in everything I do.
- I have been practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique for 37 years, and have participated in many of the advanced programs, including TM Teacher Training. I consider the organization that teaches the TM technique to be not only benign but noble and professional, dedicated to the one purpose of making the benefits of meditation available to people everywhere.
How do you meditate to destress?
The 'best' meditation is different for everyone. Try different meditations until you find one that suits you best. For me it was shuffling through Chakra meditation, awareness watching awareness method, and chanting. Different things worked for me on different days. Go through them until you find those that work for you.
Union
Yoga is union of mind and body, a spiritual science of self realization. The root of yoga goes to India by an Indian sage PantaJali. Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word "yuj" which means to unite or to join. Even though, people tend to think that yoga is a series of exercises with twisted body poses, it is not so. Basically, it helps you to connect with your inner spirit, which is essentially divine and is connected to the universal spirit or God. Modern day puts a lot of stress on the human body. This causes a lot of life style problems like obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes etc. People usually go to doctors and take expensive drugs for treatment. But these methods are not only expensive but also harmful in the long run. Yoga offers the cheapest and harmless solution to this problem in the form of relaxation
American businesses who wanted to sell you something. In reality, yoga was supposed to be practised on a tiger skin (so that insects would not crawl around) or on kusa grass. Why a kusa mat is so special I do not know. But kusa is still used in all temple offerings in India. No Pepsi Cola is accepted as an offering, for some reason.
How often should practice yoga?
Only when you want to meditate
Answer
You can increase your flexibility if you do it more often--BUT be sure to crosstrain, that is, to vary your routine so that you do not cause injury due to overwork. Be mindful and do not overdo.
Does Celibacy help to conserve physical and mental energy?
Yes but the peace comes after a great struggle against temptation to break it; if you succeed to keep celibacy over a period of time longer than a month, then you'll start feeling the peace. My idea is close to the Buddha, that once the mind has given up on craving through the body, it will recoil inwards and find it's strength in solitude. But mind you, celibacy has to be sustained moment after moment, avoiding not only actions, but most important fending off sex thoughts... find your way.
What are Bhakti yoga and karma yoga?
These are the two different type of yoga, but cannot be separated as they are the two rails of a single track to reach the intended spiritual goal.
BHAKTI YOGA: Bhakti Yoga is the approach of pure intense love, devotion to God, and attachment to Him alone. The devotee has God as the center of his existence. He perceives everything as God and God in everything. It is a path of complete surrender. He hands over the reins of his life to God and never questions the ride.
KARMA YOGA: This yoga is the key for making the worldly path a divine path. It is the path of selfless service. Selfless service is at the core of our Higher Self and is the source of true peace and happiness. The most important point in this kind of yoga is to have a pure motive. He is always aware of himself being only a channel through whom God is doing his work and, in return, blessing and purifying him.
no, and because you're asking that
if you're prepared to resort to yoga,
theres no hope for you
i suggest you turn to christianity.
What is relation between meditation and spiritualism?
Relationship with a God or Gods
- Beliefs
- Metaphysical or Supernatural Reality
- Faith
- Dogma
- Ritual
- Prayer
- Salvation
- Eternal reward
Spirituality
Qualities of the Human Spirit
- Love
- Compassion
- Patience
- Tolerance
- Forgiveness
- Sense of Responsibility
- Sense of Harmony
- Things that bring real happiness to ourselves and others
- Contentment
- Joy
Meditation is a state of mind, spirituality is a state of being, religion is a form of worship control.
It's not simply a question of side-by-side definitions. They are vaguely related, but different facets of "worship".
Spirituality is a general connection to, or relationship with, the the non-human forces of the world. The foce might be called God. Nature. Chi. Or dozens of other things. There are thousands of approaches to exploring it, some more structured and some less. Some are more independent and unique, and some are more established and reflective of cultural development. All have one in common -- de-emphasis of the corporeal, physical and the mundane.
Meditation is simply a single, specific technique, which involves "actively" relaxing and clearing away the external thoughts and feelings that keep you from understanding who you are at the core. Meditation can also be the contemplation of an object, a person, or any other subject. It's basically the focussed, "intense" concentration that allows for clarity. Sometimes, it's devoid of a particular subject and serves simply to cleanse the mind. As such, it's not necessarily connected to religion per se, but can be generally considered a form of spirituality.
Religion is the most structured, culturally dependent framework, where the "rules" and goals are externally dictated and contains some notion of morals, ethics, and reward/punishment. Ideally, religion includes both spirituality and some element of meditation. But neither is necessarily at its core.
Other approaches to this answer:
- Meditation is the external manifestation of the divine self in you. Where religion ends spirituality begins.so if we meditate properly and leave all the ritualistic practice we can manifest the real being from inside.
- A very spiritual close friend of mine once told me the following : " Prayer is asking questions and meditation is listening to the answers"
- In my opinion spirituality is your own personal quest for truth and search for meaning in life. Religion opts to dictate and induce what you should perceive as truth and meaning in life. This is one reason you find some spiritually inclined persons in faith and what is termed as rusty locks as well. When a person has found his/her own truth and purpose in life you can feel the radiant energy, feel the state of peace, and see and hear it in their thinking.
MEDITATION FOR TODAY: THE USE OF AFFIRMATIONS:
When you consistently envelop yourself in a spiritual atmosphere, you align your inner being with right action. Fulfillment, joy, peace, and abundance are available to you when you consciously embrace these ideas, constructively directing your thoughts. Devote at least 10 minutes, when you are alone and in a quiet place, to each day's affirmation. Read the paragraph for content, simply being aware of the idea it expresses. Study it more deeply, allowing your thinking to be challenged, stimulated, and enhanced. Close your eyes, meditate deeply on its meaning, and let it become a part of you.
The Affirmation:
"Be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet. Make all your friends feel there is something special in them. Look at the sunny side of everything. Think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best. Be as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. Give everyone a smile. Spend so much time improving yourself that you have no time left to criticize others. Be too big for worry and too noble for anger."
~ Christian D. Larsen ~
What is the purpose of meditation for Buddhists?
Many people (Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike) begin to meditate because a gentle longing arises in them: a longing to know the answer to a few basic questions: who am I, is there something beyond the 3-dimensional world, what is life ultimately about?
This longing propels a person into meditation, because mystics from all traditions down through the ages have promised that if you meditate, you will begin to get a glimpse into the answers to these questions.
Is there a form of tai chi or yoga that can be self taught?
The simpler styles of Yoga, as some can be dangerous without the aid of an instructor, can be self taught, as well as the Yang, Hao, Wu, and Sun styles of Tai Chi Chuan if all you want to do with them is exercise. However the Chen style of Tai Chi is very, very dangerous, as it uses a lot of leaps and squats requiring guided specialized conditioning under expert eyes. If you do not have a teacher closely observing your stances in the Chen style, you can very easily blow out your knees. Its the same thing with Shaolin Kung Fu; its more advanced routines can be very dangerous if you do not build up to them under the watchful eye of a teacher.
However, the other 4 schools of Tai Chi, are benign enough to be self taught. If you wish to learn them as Martial Arts you need to;
1) Condition yourself to eventually hold mabu (Google it) for 4 hours.
2) Practice the given Tai Chi routine for at least 3 hours a day every single day.
3) Push hands with a more advanced student, or your teacher, once a week, to gain a feel for how momentum applies to the human body.
If you do not meet all 3 of those requirements, no Tai Chi style can used as a martial art. Additionally like all Kung Fu, Tai Chi Chuan uses chin na, advanced joint locking techniques reliant on momentum. If you do not know how to properly time when to lock a punch or kick, a chin na lock won't work. Chin na, operates on the principle of using an opponent's attack against them in order to trap them. Simply put, an attacker's attack helps you, the person defending, trap himself. The harder he strikes, the tighter and more painful the lock. Because a lot of men can strike with extreme power and speed however, the timing needs to be precise, consequently the need for repetitive drilling, and patience spanning years, decades even.
Can you show me a diet where you lose 5kg a week?
Try to eat greens and exercise a lot because even if you eat 2 meals a day it won't do anything. Although its not about starving, you shouldn't take full meals. You should take small meals from 3-5 times a day
Start with the breath. Breathing deep slows the heart rate, relaxes the muscles, focuses the mind and is an ideal way to begin practice.
Stretch first. Stretching loosens the muscles and tendons allowing you to sit (or lie) more comfortably. Additionally, stretching starts the process of "going inward" and brings added attention to the body.
Meditate with Purpose. Beginners must understand that meditation is an ACTIVE process. The art of focusing your attention to a single point is hard work, and you have to be purposefully engaged!
Notice frustration creep up on you. This is very common for beginners as we think "hey, what am I doing here" or "why can't I just quiet my damn mind already". When this happens, really focus in on your breath and let the frustrated feelings go.
Experiment. Although many of us think of effective meditation as a Yogi sitting cross-legged beneath a Bonzi tree, beginners should be more experimental and try different types of meditation. Try sitting, lying, eyes open, eyes closed, etc.
Feel your body parts. A great practice for beginning meditators is to take notice of the body when a meditative state starts to take hold. Once the mind quiets, put all your attention to the feet and then slowly move your way up the body (include your internal organs). This is very healthy and an indicator that you are on the right path.
What celebrities have done Transcendental Meditation?
Al Jardine
Andy Kaufman
Ben Harper
Bill Hicks
Brian Wilson
Burt Reynolds
Clint Eastwood
Deepak Chopra
Donovan
Eddie Vedder
George Hamilton
George Harrison
Goldie Hawn
Howard Stern
Hugh Jackman
Jeff Bridges
Jeff Goldblum
Jerry Seinfeld
Joe Namath
John Gray
John Lennon
Louise Hay
Mehmet Oz
Mick Jagger
Mike Love
Moby
Oprah Winfrey
Paul McCartney
Ringo Starr
Russell Brand
Russell Simmons
Sheryl Crow
Stevie Wonder
Vidal Sassoon
Do Buddhists use music to meditate?
No. That being said, there are many different kinds of meditation practices that people who think of themselves as Buddhists use-and some of them may use music. However, there is nothing in the material that has come down from the Buddha himself that involves playing music while meditating.
What can be a Hindi slogan for yoga ka mahatv?
jal amrit he is prathvi par rahne wale har jiv ke liye.
kyoki hamara sharir panch chijo se milkar bana he
jisme jal ki aham bhomika he
hamare sharir ka 75% hissa jal se bana he or iske bina jivan he hi nahi to jal ki raksha karna hamari khud ki raksha karna he.........
means "Jal Hi Jeevan He!
What is Ashtanga Yoga?
Ashtanga Yoga is a dynamic and disciplined style of yoga rooted in ancient tradition. It encompasses a structured sequence of postures synchronized with controlled breathing techniques. Comprising eight interconnected limbs, it offers a holistic path to self-discovery and well-being, focusing on ethical principles, physical postures, breath control, withdrawal of senses, concentration, meditation, and ultimately, union with the self and the universe.
Where did Ashtanga Yoga begin?
Ashtanga Yoga originated in India, tracing its roots back to the ancient sage Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. The practice was further developed and popularized by the renowned yoga teacher Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in the city of Mysore during the 20th century.
Eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga
1. Yamas: The Ethical Foundation
The journey into Ashtanga Yoga commences with the Yamas, the first limb that lays the groundwork for ethical living. These five moral restraints, including non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), moderation (Brahmacharya), and non-possessiveness (Aparigraha), offer a moral compass for interactions with the world and oneself.
2. Niyamas: Cultivating Self-Discipline
The second limb, Niyamas, delves into self-discipline and personal observances. The five Niyamas—cleanliness (Saucha), contentment (Santosha), self-discipline (Tapas), self-study (Svadhyaya), and surrender to a higher power (Ishvara Pranidhana)—guide practitioners towards cultivating a balanced, harmonious inner world.
3. Asana: The Physical Practice
Asana, the third limb, is the embodiment of physical postures that challenge, invigorate, and strengthen the body. Beyond mere flexibility, these postures prepare the practitioner's physical vessel for the deeper dimensions of the practice.
4. Pranayama: Breath as Life Force
Pranayama, the fourth limb, is the science of breath control. Breathing is more than an automatic process; it is the bridge between body and mind. Through conscious manipulation of breath, practitioners unlock a wellspring of energy and a gateway to mindfulness.
5. Pratyahara: Withdrawal of Senses
The fifth limb, Pratyahara, marks the transition from external to internal awareness. In a world saturated with stimuli, this limb teaches the art of withdrawing the senses from external distractions, fostering introspection and focus.
6. Dharana: Concentration Unveiled
Dharana, the sixth limb, is the cultivation of focused concentration. By training the mind to dwell on a single point—be it an image, a sound, or a concept—practitioners develop mental resilience and clarity.
7. Dhyana: The Meditative Flow
Dhyana, the seventh limb, transcends concentration to become meditation in its purest form. In this state, the mind is effortlessly absorbed in the object of focus, leading to a deep sense of tranquility and inner connection.
8. Samadhi: Union and Transcendence
The final limb, Samadhi, represents the pinnacle of the Ashtanga Yoga journey. It is the state of union, where the practitioner dissolves the boundaries between self and universe, experiencing a profound sense of interconnectedness and transcendence.
Key benefits of Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga offers a plethora of benefits that contribute to physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Some key advantages include:
Strength and Flexibility: The dynamic sequences of Ashtanga Yoga cultivate muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility, enhancing overall physical performance.
Stress Reduction: The synchronization of breath and movement promotes a meditative state, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Mind-Body Connection: The focus on breath-movement coordination enhances mindfulness, fostering a deeper connection between the mind and body.
Weight Management: Ashtanga Yoga burns calories and aids in weight management by engaging various muscle groups.
Detoxification: Sweating during practice aids in detoxification by eliminating toxins from the body.
Inner Peace: The meditative aspects of Ashtanga Yoga lead to a sense of inner tranquility and spiritual well-being.
Immune System Boost: The practice supports the immune system through stress reduction and improved circulation.
