Yoga: The path to a Peaceful Mind

Practicing Yoga is the best approach to achieve peace of mind

No amount of wealth can buy mental peace. Peace is elusive in today's world. Lack of peace has manifested into health related problems for which modern medicine is unable to provide satisfactory solutions. Yoga, the gift of our ancient sages, can tackle this problem.

To achieve mental peace through yoga, it is necessary to work on two levels.
When these two come together, mental peace is achieved and yoga can do this. It is time to stop preaching and start practicing. Patanjali has referred to the Ashtang (Eight steps) yoga in YogaSutra. Yam, Niyam, Asana, Pranayam and Pratyahar help control our external forces. Dhaarna, Dhyan and samadhi help balance our internal emotions. These together bring mental peace and happiness that remains forever.

Yama: The five disciplines of Ahinsa(Non violence), Satya (Truth), Achaurya (Non stealing), Brahmacharya (Celibacy), Aaparigraha( Non-possessiveness) from Yam. These protect us from external negative forces.

Niyama: The five disciplines of Shauch(Purity), Santosh(Contenment), Swadhaya (Study of Inner Development), Tap (Penance), Samparpan(Devotion) from Niyam. These create discipline and help in meditation.

Aasana(Posture): Being able to mainain a steady position comfortably is Asana. Yoga mentions 84 million postures, but for everyday life Tadasan(Palm Tree), Uttanpadasan(Leg Raising), Pavanmuktasan(Wind Relieving, Sarvangasan (Shoulder Stand), Halasan(Plough), Bhujangasan(Cobra), Shashankasan(Rabbit), ArdhaMatsendrasan(Lateral Spinal Twist), Mochiasana, Trikonasana(Triangle), Balasana (Childlike) and Suryanamaskara (Sun Saluation) are necessary. Before attempting the asanas, it is necessary to study SukshamaKriyaYoga (Energetic Exercies). Asana are scientific methods to regulate mind-body.

Pranayama: Pranayam is te art of breathing. Prana is the source of energy for all bodily functions and its center is in the navel. From amongst the various Pranayams Kapalbhati, Anulom-vilom and Bhramri Pranayam must be practised regularly. This helps control various diseaces.

HasyaYoga: Disease, unrest, stress are the three ills cured by HasyaYoga. Practice of this yoga creates pleasantness, which helps overcome difficulties. To remain happy, positive thinking is must.

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