Yoga Science and Practice Quiz

Synopsis

• Yoga is a science of living, intended for daily practice, affecting all aspects of a person-physical, vital, mental, emotional, psychic and spiritual
• Yoga means 'unity' or 'oneness' derived from Sanskrit 'yuj' meaning 'to join' ; uniting individual and universal consciousness
• Yoga balances body, mind and emotions using asanas, pranayama, mudras, bandhas, shatkarmas and meditation.
• Physical imbalance can affect other systems, like the endocrine and nervous systems.
• Yoga helps to bring physical, mental and emotional harmony for a healthier life.

Introduction

• Yoga science is a way of right living. Incorporating daily life helps with physical, mental, emotional, psychic and spiritual aspect of a person's life
• Yoga is a spiritual method of unity or oneness
• Practical application involves balancing/harmonizing the body, mind and emotions using asanas, pranayama, mudras, bandhas and meditation.
• The ultimate aim is achieving oneness.

Surya Namaskar

• A significant yogic practice with versatility and practicality.
• Aims to induce healthy life and spiritual awakening.
• Practiced by many since it's adaptable to busy lives
• It's an excellent practice for physical, mental and spiritual well-being and development.
• Can be practiced daily for 5-15 minutes.

Objectives of Asanas

• Asanas are physical and mental tools for balancing the body
• Aims to release tension improve flexibility, maximize energy flow and remove friction
• The objective is to create a free flow of energy for redirecting focus within
• Physical posture affects health, vitality and awareness
• Incorrect posture causes stress, contractions and blockages
• Corrects posture, strengthens and tones body muscles.

Common Asanas

• Different types of asanas provide specific positions and movements to improve and maintain physical and mental health
• These postures strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, increase energy flow and cleanse the tissues, preparing for advanced practices.
• Asanas improve awareness of body and prana flow
• Many postures named after animals, reflecting harmony and health principles found in animals

Types of Asanas

• Classified based on starting positions (standing, sitting, prone, supine) or movements (backward bend, forward bend, twists, inverted, balancing postures)
• Some asanas are for meditation, others for relaxation, and others for general physical maintenance
• Various asanas create diverse benefits and maintain balance in various body systems

Advanced Asanas

• These are suitable for experienced practitioners who can perform basic postures safely and correctly
• Requires advanced flexibility, coordination and control
• Can lead to increased self-awareness, strength, and balance, but must be undertaken with guidance.

Pranayama

• Pranayama involves breath control
• It's more than just breathing exercises; it's about controlling and expanding vital/life energy (Prana)
• Aims to balance body/mind by regulating the flow of Prana (life energy) in the body's energy channels
• Useful in influencing the functioning of different body systems and mental processes.
• Includes techniques like inhalation, exhalation, and breath retention (kumbhaka).

Types of Pranayama

• There are categories such as sensitizing, tranquilizing, vitalizing pranayama
• Varying techniques are useful in targeting physical, mental well-being.
• Each type focuses on specific effects like cooling, heating, or calming the body.

Mudras

• Mudras are symbolic gestures or postures, used in yoga.
• They redirect prana flow, activating chakras and balancing body systems
• Influence body, mind, and energy to activate specific energy channels and facilitate deeper states of consciousness
• Mudras can be applied by practicing hand positions, eye positions or combination of hand/body positions

Bandhas

• Bandhas are energy locks that redirect and retain prana.
• They work to channel energy and promote focus in a variety of ways, leading to spiritual awakening
• Their techniques are incorporated in other practices like pranayama and other yogic practices
• Act as locks or holds.

Shat Kriyas (Shatkarmas)

• Shatkriyas are purifying yogic techniques
• Cleanse the internal organs by removing waste products.
• Techniques like Kapalabhati, Trataka, Neti, Dhouti, Nauli, and Basti
• Each Kriya targets specific body areas.