Yoga – A Boon for Body & Soul

Yoga is "trendy".

Everyone is doing yoga – are you too? Yoga continues to be one of the fastest-growing health trends in the world. Globally, 300 million people already practice yoga – and the trend is increasing. In Japan alone, the number of yoga practitioners has increased by 413% in the last five years.

Why is yoga so popular?

The biggest problems in our fast-paced, restless, and technologically advanced times are demonstrably stress and tension. Life is outwardly directed, and many people have lost touch with themselves. There is a lack of free time and reflection. But our time is changing. People are increasingly seeking natural, sustainable ways to relieve stress and calm mind and body. And it works: Scientifically confirmed positive effects of yoga include physiological balance and mind-body coordination, improved digestion, sleep, heart health and metabolism, normalization of blood pressure, reduced back pain, improved spinal mobility, muscle relaxation - and much more.

What is yoga?

When the word "yoga" is mentioned today, most people think of physical exercises, yoga poses, which are actually called (yoga) "asanas." However, yoga is more than just performing physical postures, although these are indeed valuable and health-promoting, and Ayurveda highly recommends the daily practice of yoga asanas. Yoga is a comprehensive philosophy and offers techniques and procedures that can help unlock our hidden inner potential.

The word "Yoga" means union, unity.

Yoga is a state, a "yoga state" of unity, which is achieved when the activity of our mind comes to rest and we are established in our own nature. The yogis and seers of ancient India teach that deep within us there is a realm that is perfectly healthy, free from pain, unlimited, balanced, silent, and peaceful. A source of infinite energy, fulfillment, creativity, and intelligence. Our inner Self. Yoga can give us the keys to unfold this hidden inner potential, to experience and live the "state of Yoga." When the activity of our mind in this Yoga state has completely come to rest and we are established in our own nature, our individual consciousness unites with its fundamental nature, pure consciousness – this is the true meaning of the word Yoga.

How can we experience this state of Yoga?

"Yoga can only be known through Yoga" – Vyasa (A sage of the Vedic period)

It is possible to experience the state of yoga through authentic and traditional systems of yoga meditation. When we direct our attention completely inward, we encounter our true innermost self. For this reason, the natural, effortless method of Transcendental Meditation, which allows one to experience the state of Yoga without any effort, concentration, autosuggestion, or thoughts, is one of the most important approaches in Maharishi Ayurveda.

Origin of Yoga

Like Ayurveda, the science of Yoga is based on ancient and traditional knowledge, dating back thousands of years and passed down by "Rishis" and "Maharishis" (the word "Rishi" means "seer" and "Maharishi" means "great seer") who, during deep meditation, recognized or "saw" the nature of life. The seer Maharishi Patanjali then divided the Yoga system, the Yoga philosophy, into concise aphorisms, the "Yoga Sutras," in four sections. There he also describes the eight limbs of Yoga for the unfolding of the Yoga state in all areas of life – from the outermost to the innermost realm, called "Ashtanga Yoga." "Ashta" means "eight," "Anga" "limbs." Incidentally, the name has little to do with the similarly named Yoga style often offered today. If you are interested in the topic, our reading tip would be: In this book, which is only available in English, the various branches of Yoga philosophy are explained in great depth. It is suitable for beginners and advanced practitioners. One of the eight limbs of the aforementioned "Ashtanga Yoga" is called "Asana." These are the yoga body postures that are mostly associated with the term yoga. Another of the eight limbs is "Pranayama" (breathing exercises). And of course, experiencing unity in meditation. Therefore, yogic body postures (Yoga Asanas) and breathing exercises (Pranayama) are recommended before practicing meditation. The synergy of the three methods leads to clearer experiences of the Yoga state.

Maharishi Yoga Asanas

This yoga style offers traditional yoga. It has never been modernized and differs in many ways from the large number of different yoga offerings found today, some of which are more like workouts. Those who want to really exert themselves should rather pursue demanding sports – and additionally mindful yoga. Maharishi Yoga Asanas are performed in a very comfortable, systematic, natural, holistic, and authentic way, with full attention, always at one's own comfortable rhythm. The exercises are suitable for all age groups, easy to learn and practice, regardless of one's physical condition. The unique style of practice balances the body, leading to a high degree of integration of all bodily systems. This improves physical and mental health and well-being, and increases resistance to illness. The daily practice of special yoga asanas helps to dissolve stress and blockages (areas of dysfunction) that may have accumulated in various parts of the body over years. The Vedic sage and founder of Maharishi Ayurveda, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, together with renowned Indian yoga experts (Yogacharyas), developed a special sequence of exercises, based on classical yoga postures described in traditional yoga texts.

Where can you learn Maharishi Yoga Asanas?

Participants in a basic meditation course learn this special set of exercises and breathing techniques free of charge as part of the basic course. However, local meditation centers or teaching institutes also offer courses that provide a comprehensive understanding of the nature of Yoga and cover many aspects of Yoga. In addition to learning yoga postures and breathing exercises, insights into yoga philosophy and traditional yoga literature are provided, as well as Ayurvedic principles and recommendations for routine and diet, and much more. Here you can look for contact details near you: www.meditation.de. Inquire whether the teacher has completed additional training in Maharishi Yoga Asanas. The MERU in the Netherlands, directly across the German border, also regularly offers Maharishi Yoga Asanas courses. Info: courses@maharishi.net. By the way, we would rather not recommend learning yoga asanas via the internet or from a DVD. A customized introduction and adjustment by an experienced yoga teacher, tailored to your physiology, is not possible in this way. After learning and with increasing confidence, you can then practice more and more independently. At home, in the garden, park or on vacation – you only need a yoga mat … We wish you much joy on your yoga path and all the best for your health!