YOGASANA

Subject : Culture

Context : The Ministry of AYUSH and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced the formal recognition of Yogasana as a competitive sport at a joint press conference.

Concept :

• The origins of Yogasana (part of ashtanga yoga ) competitions can be traced to the Indian Yoga tradition, where such competitions have been held for centuries.
• Yogasana is an integral and important component of Yoga, which is psycho-physical in nature and popular across the globe for its efficacy in fitness and general wellness.
• Competitions that will arise out of the recognition of Yogasana as a sport will enhance interest in Yoga among people around the globe.
• Government of India is planning to include Yogasana as a Sport discipline in National Games, Khelo India and international sports events.

Ashtanga Yoga

• Ashtanga yoga is based on Yoga Philosophy of Patanjali.

Yama (Principles or moral code)

• Ahimsa – A principle of non-violence
• Satya – A principle of Truthfulness
• Asteya – A principle of non stealing
• Brahmacharya – Continence / Celibacy
• Aparigah – A principle of non-hoarding or non possessiveness

Niyama (Personal Disciplines)

• Shoucha – Purity
• Santosh – Contentment
• Tapa – Endurance
• Swadhyaya – Self study
• Eshwar Pranidhan – Dedication

Asana (Yoga Positions or Yogic Postures)

• A stable and comfortable posture which helps attain mental equilibrium.

Pranayama (Yogic Breathing)

• Extension and control of breath.

Pratyahara (Withdrawal of Senses)

• A mental preparation to increase the power of mind.

Dharana (Concentration on Object)

• Concentration of mind on one object and its field.

Dhyan (Meditation)

• With drawing mind from all external objects and Focusing it on one point and meditating on it.

Samadhi (Salvation)

• State of Super bliss, joy and merging individual consciousness in to universal consciousness. Union between Jivatman and Paramatman. Union of Shiva and Shakti in Sahasrar Chakra (the top of the head). Realizing the Bramhan (pure consciousness) or Realization of God is the ultimate achievement of Human Birth.