Is Yoga a Religion?
Because of its roots in India, yoga has often been associated with the Hindu religion, but it is an independent tradition, with physical and psychological processes that have no connection with religious beliefs. Yoga does not meet the traditional definitions of a religion, but there is a set of ethics associated with it. These principles include the five yamas which are non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, and non-greed. Also there are five niyamas which are purity, contentment, self-discipline, self-study, and centering on the Divine. Yoga is a philosophy that has endured 5,000 years.
What's the difference between Ayurveda and Yoga?
Ayurveda is a medical science that originated in India five thousand years ago. It is a holistic approach to health that recognizes the importance of mind-body balance. Ayurveda has been recognized by the World Health Organization as an effective system of medicine.
Dating back more than 5,000 years, yoga is one of the oldest exercise systems in existence and one of the most complex. It is based on the belief that the body and breath are intimately connected with the mind. By controlling the breath and holding the body in steady poses, or asanas, yoga bring about stability and relaxation and prepares the practitioner for the rigors of meditation which involve sitting still and being alert for long periods of time.
Yoga and Ayurveda have always been very closely aligned. Yoga has been more concerned with physiology, Ayurveda, with pharmacology.
What's the difference between Yoga and normal exercise?
Traditional exercise is goal oriented. Yoga, by contrast, is a process. The idea is to focus on what you are doing and how you feel as you do it. In exercise, you fail if you miss your goal. In yoga, you succeed by trying.
I am Christian (or Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Atheist etc.). Can I do Yoga?
Most certainly. Yoga is a spiritual science which is very universal in it approach. It can be practiced regardless of your religious faith.
Do I have to be vegetarian in order to do Yoga?
No.
I'm 55. Is that too old to do yoga?
Not at all. Almost anyone can do Yoga, and almost everyone who does will find an increase in flexibility, strength, coordination, body awareness, and concentration. Yoga is non-competitive. It teaches you to learn how your body works and maximize its potential. Yoga works with your body, it does not impose a system of goals towards which you must push yourself, but allows you to discover what you are capable of. Yoga can benefit kids just as much as it helps adults.
Can I do yoga if I have physical problems?
The answer to this is usually yes, provided you do so under the supervision of a qualified teacher. Yoga postures can be adapted for most conditions. However, do check with an expert before starting.
I'm not very flexible, can I still do Yoga?
Sure you can. In fact, you are just the person who should be doing yoga. Just be careful to start slowly and breathe properly. Soon you will find yourself becoming more flexible, relaxed, energetic and aware.
What is the difference between a Yogi, a Guru and a Swami?
The terms define different concepts. A Yogi is someone who practices Yoga. A female practitioner is called a Yogini. The terms are also used for occasional practitioners.
Having reached a certain degree of realization, a Yogi(ni) can become a Guru - one who can have disciples.
Yogis who renounce the world and embrace a monastic life are called Swamis.
In which order should I practice Asanas, Pranayama & Meditation?
Traditionally, the Asanas are practiced before the breathing techniques (Pranayama), and both prepare your body for meditation. If you practice early morning, start with meditation - your mind will be more quiet right after waking up and your body is still too stiff for doing Asanas right away.
Does yoga help relieve stress?
Yes, it is one of the best ways to reduce stress, since it teaches you to relax and focus. Over time this discipline becomes a part of your everyday life.
What should I wear to do yoga?
Any comfortable clothing, like a pair of tights, track pants, or shorts, and a loose T-shirt. If you have long hair, tie it back. No shoes - yoga is performed barefoot.
How much time should I wait after eating, before doing yoga?
At least an hour.
Will Yoga help me lose weight?
Yoga works in a number of ways. First, the exercises help you burn calories. Second, they tone your muscles and improve your posture so you make the best of what you have. Third, perhaps most important, they orient you towards healthy living, which includes a healthy diet (not necessarily a vegetarian diet, just more of natural food and less of high fat junk food). Regardless of what yoga does to your weight however, it will make you look and feel better.
Is it OK to do yoga during periods?
Mostly this is a matter of personal preference. Just avoid inverted poses, abdominal strengtheners, extended holding of any pose, and energizing breathing.
Which style of yoga is best?
There are four main paths of Yoga - Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Raja Yoga. While all seek to balance the body, mind, and spirit, they go about it in various ways, differing in how asanas are done and where the attention is focused. Each is suited to a different temperament or approach to life. All the paths lead ultimately to the same destination - to union with Brahman or God - and the lessons of each of them need to be integrated if true wisdom is to be attained. Most people, especially Westerners, who do yoga simply for exercise, do some form of hatha yoga, yoga's physical discipline that focuses on developing control of the body through asanas or poses. Hatha yoga is a subset of Raja Yoga. The beauty of yoga is that you can dip as far as you like into the pond and still receive some benefits. The deeper you go, the more profound the changes.
