In the west, yoga gained popularity in the 1960′s when the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi introduced Transcendental Meditation (TM) to the United States. Although focused on meditation, the origins of TM spawned in interest in other aspects of yoga.
While pop culture presents the view that yoga is nothing more than a series of body contortions, it is much more than that. The poses are just one aspect of yoga. Meditation is another, but the entire teachings of yoga has its roots in the archaic shamanism of the east. Its purpose was to provide healing to members of the community. As it evolved, it later offered methods for individuals to achieve enlightenment. In Sanskrit (the ancient language of India), yoga means “yoke” or “union,” which pertains to the union of mind and body with the pure essence of one’s true self.
The yoga most people are familiar with is called hatha yoga, a physical practice that involves asanas (poses) and breathing. This can be performed by anyone, even senior citizens, the disabled, and young children. It promotes flexibility, cardiovascular health, and good blood flow to internal organs.
Yoga itself is not a religion, and the promotion of body-mind awareness is compatible with any spiritual path.
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