Essay on Yoga in 500 Words
Yoga is a science of bringing balance between mind and body. It is an art of healthy living and is deeply rooted in our Indian Culture since ancient times. Yoga is connected to spiritual discipline and is originated from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’ meaning to join or to unite.
Development of technology and gadgets have impaired humanity by converting them into lethargic individuals. They are living in slumber and have forgotten the gift our ancestors have bestowed upon us. Yoga recently gained recognition because of celebrities and foreigners practicing it on a larger scale, thus increasing its demand in our regular life.
History of Yoga
The first person to initiate yoga was Lord Shiva, also known as Adiyogi. The saints, yogis and sages have been practicing yoga and instructing the same to their disciples. Through sages, the practice of yoga became widespread and reached every corner of India.
Not only in India, but it proliferated in some parts of the world. However, India approved the yoga sadhana to the fullest and attached great importance to it. Through excavation, olden seals and coins were found having images of deities embossed on them with yogic postures. Shiva (Pashupati seal) is common in most of the seals performing the various asana.
Jainism and Buddhism also found the yogic expression to the fullest. In Vedic texts like Atharvaveda, Yajurveda and Rigveda, postures of yoga are defined in a detailed and comprehensive way. These physiological techniques were also referred to as ‘dhnaya’ or ‘tapa’. It is described as a goal to attain salvation or moksha.
Gautama Buddha and Vardhaman Mahavir were patrons of yoga. They preached five great vows and eightfold path by keeping in consideration the yoga sadhana. Even in Bhagwat Gita, the holy book of Hindus yoga is distinguished into three parts known as Gyan, Bhakti and Karma yoga. Yogic likes Gorakhnath, Mastyandranath and Shrinivasa Bhatt, popularized Hatha yoga.
Benefits of Yoga
It works on the principle of integration of mind, body, emotion and energy. Every element of the body works in synergy to provide healthy well-being and peace. It assists in becoming a part of the universe by eradicating undesirable components of life. Mind yoga calms our nervous system by reducing stress.
The cells become active and get ready to perform tasks effectively. The level of concentration and focus increases drastically. A person feels full of energy and looks forward to start the day with positive vibes.
Utthasana, Padmasana, Bhujhangasana and Sarvangasana are some of the asana’s for the mind. These help in sharpening minds and lets the brain utilize the intellect to the fullest. The effect of yoga on the human body is beneficial in many ways. Flexibility is the first and foremost benefit of yoga.
Aches and pains decrease gradually, and impossible poses become possible. Bending and touching toes seems natural and comfortable by practicing it daily. Muscles gain strength, which further protects from diseases like arthritis and joint pain.
The Body posture gets properly aligned and finds a perfect balance between the neck and spine. With a lot of backbends, forward bends and twists spine agility is improved. Muscles get toned and aids in wear and tear: osteoporosis wards off easily and bone density increases. Calcium level is maintained, and the flexibility of arm bones progresses.
The blood circulation flow in head, hand and legs goes evenly. All the cells of the body receive an adequate amount of oxygen. Handstand and shoulder stand encourages proper blood flow from the legs to the upper body. Moreover, the clot-promoting proteins are reduced, thus preventing heart diseases and strokes. Cells generating cancer tumours are suppressed.
Yoga helps in relieving depression and boosts heart rate through Pranayam. People with high blood pressure profit more with the help of Shavasana. Additionally, it makes us happier and joyous. The mood and temper remain jovial and cheerful. Yoga provides relief from the regular stressful routine and improves sleep by following it regularly symptoms of insomnia and restlessness decreases.
The immune system advances further contributing to better health and a resilient body. The white and red blood corpuscles fight diseases better and in an efficient way. Individuals with respiratory problems find development in the lungs. Inhalation and exhalation improve.
Digestive disorders like ulcers, Ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel are brought under control through Kapalbhati. It also eases constipation. By doing the useful asana mental frustration, fear and anger disappear slowly hence boosting long and wholesome living.
Life problems and obstacles are faced with a healthier mindset because of a developed positive outlook. People who resort to drugs, overeating and working too hard improve spiritually, physically and mentally. Confidence, self-esteem and morale become better.
Yoga not only develops physical strength but inner will too. Discipline and regulation bring order in day to day life which in turn helps in evading chaos. It supports systematic living in sync with nature. The asana is related to the elements of nature and explains the benefit of living with it harmoniously.
Through meditation, awareness is generated through which people fight emotions like anxiety, anger and hatred gracefully. Indecisive decision making is eliminated. Women suffering from fertility issues or menstrual problems find it beneficial as it helps in regulation of uterus functioning. Relationships with family, friends, colleagues and others improve as it develops compassion and equality.
Bhakti yoga helps in devotion to God and strengthens belief in the Supreme. People accept spiritualism as it gives meaning to life. Karma yoga builds reliable individuals. They take responsibility in their action by realizing its consequences.
Yoga helps in healing and self-care. Nowadays, it has become a separate subject in schools for children so that they understand its value and vital benefits. In various studies, it is found that children who practice yoga on a daily basis show growth in academic and extracurricular activities. They love going to schools, and their IQ and EQ develops better.
In conclusion, yoga is not only a form of exercise but a way of living. Once this concept is ingrained in people’s lifestyle, then nobody will suffer from diseases, and there will be an improvement in skill, ability and coordination. Life will not be seen as a problem, and people will enjoy every aspect willingly and happily.
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