Yoga Meditation
Yoga has formulated a way to maintain and achieve a balance, and it is done through the main three yoga structures. These are breathing, exercise and meditation. Those who perform yoga believe that in order for man to be in harmony with his environment and with himself, he has to integrate the mind, the body, and the spirit. This peaceful activity can be one that is very healthy and helpful. Those who suffer depression can especially gain a lot of peace of mind from doing yoga.
Traditionally there are four paths of yoga. Jnana, Bhakti, Karma and Raja. These paths are not separate, they all work together in forming the art of yoga. Only a Yogi or Yogini will concentrate on perfecting the art of one of these paths only. Most commonly all four paths are blended together to balance out yoga practices. Most meditators will have preference for one or two of the paths. This is natural, but even so, it is impossible to abandon or ignore the other paths.
• Jnana explores the nature of our being. It’s focus is on knowledge and wisdom.
• Bhakti concentrates on services to God, love, compassion and devotion.
• Karma is service to others, mindfulness and actions.
• Raja emphasized meditation. It deals directly with our mind’s thoughts.
Even though these paths are all integrated, it is helpful to understand which one is mostly aligned with your objectives. This path will be your main emphasis and the others will be used to enhance your chosen path.
In yoga meditation train your mind to be one-pointed. There will be many obstacles along the way. Some of these may include doubt, laziness, fear of failure etc. Getting around these obstacles and not letting them interrupt your journey can be achieved by training your mind to stay focused on your objectives. A mantra or short prayer can also assist you in achieving this.
Virga means the energy of conviction and persistence. Make sure that you are firmly aware of your convictions. Develop a determination and a strong attitude to succeed in your yoga meditation.
In practice one will focus on the use of the body, senses, breath and different levels of the mind. An awareness of these will be developed and intensified until the center of consciousness is attained.
Contrary to some beliefs, yoga meditation is not a religion. It does, however, contain principles that can be related to certain religions. It is also holistic, dealing with a wide variety of practices including meditation, contemplation, prayer and mantra.
Bikram Yoga
The Bikram Yoga consists of series of 26 poses in a well heated room of around 105 degrees Fahrenheit. This form of yoga aims at detoxifying the body with the aid of synchronized breathing and yogic movements. The performance of the poses at a high temperature helps the body to profusely sweat through which all the toxic substances of the body are flushed out. The yoga session should be carried on for two times a day. It first starts with standing poses and ends with bends and twists. All the poses are based on the Kapalabhati Breath or ‘blowing in firm’.
The following information will help you to know about Bikram Yoga.
• Heat is used in Bikram yoga to allow the body to become flexible and be safe from injury during the yoga session. In fact one can do many challenging poses that otherwise one would not have ever been able to carry out.
• This form of yoga not only helps one to workout with their limbs and muscles but also with the internal organs of the body.
• The poses are developed on aiming at stretching and strengthening the muscles, joints and ligaments along with removal of the toxins from the body.
• By the help of the yoga you will be able to reduce your extra pounds. You would rather be benefited as your muscles will develop strong.
• The yoga can be performed by anybody of any age. This yoga is highly advantageous for patients of chronic diseases like arthritis, diabetes, disorders related to thyroid gland secretions. One will also be able to stay away from the attack of many fatal diseases as well.
• While performing the Yoga the heart, lungs and even the nervous system are affected due to the combined effect of the extensions and compressions.
According to Bikram Chaudhury, the founder of this form of yoga a normal human being actually utilizes 50% of the capacity of the lungs. By performing the yogic asanas one is actually able to increase the capacity of the lungs to convert and absorb oxygen and promote blood circulation. The founder himself has been benefited immensely after he got himself revived from a fatal injury in his knees by persistent workouts. After the completion of each pose of asana the compressed arteries get rejuvenated with fresh oxygenated blood.