Yoga is an ancient form of exercise and spiritual practice that derives from India. The physical poses and hand gestures involved in yoga practice actually comprise the foundation of all the Indian classical art forms, including music, dance, sculpture, painting and philosophical texts. And though, to the modern, Western eye, yoga can seem to be merely a form of physical exercise, the deeper meaning of the poses is vast and highly applicable to modern life.
Identification
After the breathing exercises, yoga practice generally starts with a warm-up sequence called the surya namaskar, or sun salutation series. The meaning of this series is much more than a warm-up, however. According to the Sivananda School of Yoga, in Hindu mythology, the sun salutation sequence is a way of worshiping the sun god Surya as a symbol of health and immortal life. Surya namaskar is traditionally performed at dawn while facing the sun, with the 12 positions each having their own mantra, celebrating the different divine aspects of the sun.
Features
The headstand pose is considered to be the "king" of all the yoga poses. This is because of the many benefits associated with the pose, such as blood flow to the brain, which contributes to the functioning of all the glands in the body and plays an important role in your overall health, vitality and growth. The fresh blood that goes to the brain in this pose (and the shoulder stand pose) brings clarity and lightness to thinking, helping practitioners develop physical and inner spiritual strength as well as even-mindedness and greater compassion. Because it involves inverting the body, the headstand pose helps people develop fearlessness that can be used in everyday life.
Benefits
Many of the poses in yoga are named after animals, such as the peacock, dog, cat, cow, pigeon, crow, dolphin, lion, tortoise and fish poses. Others are named after other aspects of nature, such as the tree and mountain poses. By physically embodying various parts of nature, yoga helps people connect with and develop deeper appreciation for the natural world. Still other yoga poses are named after exceptional sages and strong warriors, which help us identify with and develop the wisdom and strength of those sages and warriors.
Function
The meaning of the yoga poses can serve different functions for different kinds of people. Yoga poses can symbolize fun for children who enjoy imitating animals and other parts of nature. For people who have low self-esteem, the warrior and sage poses can help them develop more confidence. For those suffering from various diseases, yoga can simply mean a way to heal.
Considerations
Those seeking to learn how to do yoga poses should consider taking a class from a teacher. Alhough yoga can be learned through reading books and watching videos, the meaning of the poses can be best conveyed by an experienced and knowledgeable instructor.
References
- "Sivananda Yoga Teachers Training Manual"; Swami Vishnu-devananda; 2000
- Jivamukti Yoga Center: Asanas
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