Purpose of Yoga

(June 30, 2010)

What is the purpose of yoga?

Yoga is a scientifically evolved discipline. Though founded thousands of years ago, the practice of yoga is still evolving. The essence of yoga was derived from vedic and tantric traditions and these principles have been passed on through generations. The sages and seers, who kept the secrets of yoga, penned them down into ancient transcripts and it is through these transcripts that we come to know about the true principles, intent, and purpose of yoga.
Though yoga is considered a spiritual practice, the purpose of yoga is not really religious in any aspect. There are no religious dogmas or beliefs that are followed in the practice of yoga. In fact, yoga simply deals with several problems of the human nature and existence through practical and often physical methods. All of these methods are aimed at bringing in union the physical boundaries of a person with the emotional and spiritual boundaries.
There is a vast repository of methods when it comes to yoga and all of these are used in different ways in order to integrate well with the society. Yoga can be applied in real life in different ways. Yoga can not only be used as a therapy to treat physical ailments, but also as a technique for health management and stress management.
At the moment yoga is undergoing tremendous changes and there is a rapid rate at which the integration is occurring with the modern society. With modern research the veil of mysticism is slowly being lifted and the scientific workings of yoga are being explored to expand the purpose of yoga within modern medicine. Yoga is today considered a form of therapy, useful in all facets of life. It is increasingly being used as an alternative method of treatment along with the modern medicine. However, even though yoga is being practiced at a larger scale than ever, it is not wrong to believe that this practice is occurring only at a superficial level. For developing a more comprehensive view on yoga, the principles detailed in the ancient texts have to be surmised and understood.
Yoga is not only practiced as a physical exercise routine, but the true benefits and meaning of yoga can only be realized when a person follows the yogic style of living. With the yogic lifestyle, a person increases his/her hold on the self and the surroundings, enabling a better union between the mind, spirit, and body. The body becomes stronger and more resistant to disease and pain whereas the mind becomes more placated and more focused. If you also tend to focus on the spiritual side, you will feel closer to the Almighty and may be well on your way to grasp unethereal knowledge.

Submitted by A on June 30, 2010 at 09:22

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