Benefits of Yoga in daily life

To comprehend the holistic health benefits of yoga, it is essential to delve into the ancient science, as explained by yoga gurus. Yoga, defined as the union of body, breath, as well as mind, aims to establish harmony at every level of our existence. According to Maharshi Patanjali, yoga comprises eight stages. These stages serve as guidelines to apply yoga in daily life, in order to facilitate physical and mental balance and achieve optimum health.

Before exploring the technical aspects of yoga, it’s crucial to understand why adopting yoga is necessary. Despite common perceptions, yoga goes beyond being merely an ancient form of exercise. The deep meaning of yoga, encapsulated in the union of body, breath, and mind, was not commonly explained during our formative years. 

As a fitness seeker, my understanding of yoga was limited to its physical benefits until a deeper encounter with this ancient practice. The need for a healthy, harmonious existence needed a closer look at yoga, thus leading to a desire to share this beautiful journey with others. Yoga’s effects are immense as well as profound, rapidly taking individuals toward holistic health. 

So, let’s delve deeper into the technicalities of yoga and understand why it should be a way of life.

Yoga, derived from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” meaning join, attach, use, and apply, focuses on gaining physical balance while delving into the inner workings of the body. It thus trains individuals to view all aspects of life evenly. The concepts given by the father of yoga, Patanjali, in his book “Yoga Sutra,” provide profound insights. These concepts are structured into eight stages, giving rise to the Ashtanga School of yoga. These stages represent the sequential process of learning and also applying yoga in daily life, serving as classical guidelines.

The Eight Stages of Yoga:

1. 1. Yama: Self-restraint, encompassing ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truthfulness), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (self-restraint), aparigraha (non-accumulating).
      2. Niyama: Observances or practices, including saucha (cleanliness), santosha (satisfaction), tapas (disciplined approach), swadhaya (self-study).
      3. Asana: Training the body with specific postures.
      4. Pranayama: Training to expand and control the breath.
      5. Pratayhara: Controlling one’s senses.
      6. Dharna: Concentration.
      7. Dhyana: Meditation.
      8. Samadhi: Union with the true self.

The first three stages – yama, niyama, asana – are outward quests, restraining oneself from misconduct, following observances, and training the body with specific postures. These stages help the body work optimally, establishing a fit physique ready to face life’s challenges.

The next two stages – pranayama and pratayhara – delve into understanding inner quests. Observing the breath and utilizing senses in a favorable manner guide individuals toward controlling the mind. This developed ability then allows a person to distance themselves from desires brought about by the senses.

Once the body is fit and the mind is firm, the last three stages – Dharna, Dhyan, Samadhi – propel individuals toward their innermost selves and close to their souls. These stages lead to an enlightened state, where consequently, individuals stop seeking power from external sources, realizing that true power lies within. At this stage, they come close to absolute wisdom, while recognizing the real power centers within themselves and gaining profound knowledge about life.

Author – Rishi Singh
Date Published: 27th June 2021
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