Yoga which is a rage in the western world was introduced by Indians in the 18th century. Yogic techniques are used by a lot of Hollywood stars and has now become a fashion statement. Yoga has now been customized to suit the needs of the masses which is very different from those who practicing it in ancient times.
Yoga is popularly used in the following:
1) Yoga for staying fit – Yoga involves a lot of physical exercises and breathing which help strengthen muscles and joints. It helps an individual stay very flexible because a lot of poses involve stretching. It helps us in maintaining a perfect body structure.
2) The Sports side of Yoga – Athletes not only require physical strength but also mental strength. The Indian cricket team uses this technique so that its players can handle tense situations. If an athlete is going through a bad phase , yoga can help gain his confidence to do well in the field.
3) Therapy and Yoga – This technique has helped people cure chronic ailments like back pain. Those who suffer from asthma have successfully overcome this problem with the help of yoga techniques. Meditation can also help people concentrate. Even psychiatrics recommend students to meditate before a tense exam.
4) Lifestyle Problems – Today’s life doesn’t give us the time to stop and smell the roses. People across all age groups lead a very hectic lifestyle. The improper way we eat is a testimonial on how we lead our lives. A working class family does not find time to take a holiday or go out on a vacation. Such a hectic life leads to a lot of problems like a heart disease , Blood Pressure etc. If one practices yoga, one can lead calm and a blissful life. It would be foolish of me to claim that provides a cure to all problems in life, but can help prevent a majority of diseases in a very cheap way.
5) Spirituality- Yoga is not about spirituality but it all about enlightenment. Gautama Buddha attained nirvana under the tree while meditating. Yoga tells about on how we need to be less consumerist and lead a simple yet cerebral way.
A yoga follower aptly states yoga as” Witnessing the flow of mind: Witnessing your thoughts is a most important aspect of Yoga practice. Witnessing the thought process means to be able to observe the natural flow of the mind, while not being disturbed or distracted. This brings a peaceful state of mind, which allows the deeper aspects of meditation and samadhi to unfold, revealing that which is beyond, which is Yoga or Unity”.