Why Should We Keep Doing Yoga and Why Ancient Yoga Tradition Will Be One of the Keys to Life Forever?
”Yoga is not about touching your toe, it is about what you learn on the way down ” Judith Hanson Lasater
Yoga is an ancient practice with a history of thousands of years and is still practiced by millions today. So, why should we continue to practice yoga and why will this ancient tradition be one of the keys to life forever? When looking for answers to these questions, it is necessary to take a look at the deep philosophy, scientific foundations, and historical roots of yoga.
Benefits of Continuing Yoga
1. Physical Health:
Yoga increases the flexibility, strength, and endurance of the body. Yoga poses (asanas) strengthen muscles and joints, improve blood circulation, and support the immune system. According to research by Harvard Medical School, regular yoga practice is effective in reducing chronic pains and improving coronary health.
2. Mental Health:
Yoga is extremely effective in calming the mind and reducing stress. Meditation and breathing exercises (pranayama) can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Many studies show that regular yoga practice reduces cortisol levels and improves overall mood.
3. Spiritual Development:
Yoga is not only a physical exercise but also a spiritual journey. It allows the person to establish a deeper connection with themselves. This brings along more peace, balance, and awareness in life.
The 8 Pillars of Yoga
Yoga practice consists of eight steps defined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. These steps are a comprehensive roadmap that supports the physical, mental, and spiritual development of the individual:
1. Patch: Ethical disciplines and societal rules (honesty, causing no harm, not stealing, etc.).
2. Niyama: Personal observations and disciplines (cleanliness, satisfaction, self-observation, etc.).
3. Asana: Physical poses.
4. Pranayama: Breathing control.
5. Pratyahara: Inward turning of the senses.
6. Dharana: Concentration.
7. Dhyana: Meditation.
8. Samadhi: Ultimate unity and enlightenment.
These eight steps guide the individual’s journey of understanding themselves and the universe and offer a complete life practice.
Ahimsa and Purna Principles
Ahimsa: Ahimsa is the principle of nonviolence and no-harm. In yoga practice and daily life, it is essential to adopt this principle not to harm ourselves and our environment. Ahimsa consists of causing no harm not only by physical violence, but also not harming others by thoughts and words. This principle allows the individual to live a more peaceful, loving, and harmonious life
Purna: Purna means completeness and wholeness. This principle refers to assuming that everything and everyone is intrinsically complete and whole. Yoga practice allows the individual to realize this wholeness and perfection in themselves and in the universe. Purna understanding
relieves the individual of the sense of incompleteness and feeling worthless, replacing it with accepting oneself and life as they are.
Ancient Yoga Tradition and Modern Science
The historical origins of yoga date back to ancient civilizations in India. This knowledge has been transferred from the master to the student for thousands of years and has survived to the present day. Modern science also presents findings that support this ancient wisdom. For example, neuroscience research shows that meditation positively alters the brain structure and improves cognitive functions.
One of the Keys to an Eternal Life
Yoga will continue to serve humanity as a practice beyond time. This is because yoga is indispensable not only for physical health but also for mental serenity and spiritual integrity. This holistic approach deepens one’s relationship with oneself and their environment and improves their quality of life. As a result, continuing to practice yoga is a powerful tool for leading a healthier, balanced, and peaceful life. The ancient yoga tradition will always be an important guide in humankind’s effort to understand themselves and the universe. Therefore, it is invaluable to embrace the traditional practice of yoga and pass on this precious heritage to future generations.
At the “Divine Feminine Balance” meeting we organized at Zeytune Farm on June 8, we created a program with inspiration from a yogic point of view, as in every “Children of the Earth” meeting. There will be yoga and breathing exercises in the morning, then games in the water, followed by voice activation with Nilufer Ormanli. We will learn about the plants and their world more closely and produce our own healing ointments in the workshop of dear Lale Gonzales, the founder of Zeytune Farm, and we will have deep relaxation baths and sound healing sessions. We will have the opportunity to eat vegan all day and relax and unwind in the forest. We still have room for those who want to join our meeting in Dalaman; you can reach Burcu Kutluk or Zeytune Farm on Instagram and get detailed information from DM.
“Yoga does not change the way we see things; it transforms the person who sees”
B.K.S Iyengar
