Why is it worth practising Yoga?

Not satisfied with modern technologies and shallow knowledge of the unfolding mysteries of nature, man tirelessly seeks a goal beyond. Man may boast about their intellect, supposedly knowing everything, but the time has come when this “omnipotent” intellect seems to be just a reasoning machine that is unable to bring answers to man’s questions. Because of this all-embracing disappointment people are more and more keen on Yoga and related teachings. Through internalizing Yogic philosophy we are able to appreciate every single moment of our lives, and this is just the tip of the iceberg as Yoga practice may bring about a variety of other benefits.

Yogic exercises are said to be more beneficial for our health than usual sport activities. Yogis regard a physical body as a vehicle – an instrument for his journey toward perfection. The Yoga system had been thought for many centuries before all the modern systems of physical culture were conceived. Therefore, the founders of the Yoga system possessed a knowledge which is superior to all modern theories. A prerequisite to keep an automobile in a good condition is cooling the engine when it gets hot. The same principle applies to the human body as well. Being constantly overworked, our body and mind are less efficient in performance. Modern social life, work, diet and entertainment, make it difficult  for the civilized man of today to relax. Moreover, he has even forgotten a natural way of recharging the body “batteries” during relaxation. Yoga is a system of teachings, traditions and exercises which, provided that we combine them all together, would help us to benefit best even from the simple relaxing techniques.

Since Yogic tradition is closely connected to Ayurvedic medicine, which is an ancient natural medicine of the Far East, a natural vegetarian diet is strongly recommended. In order to maintain good health and state of mind one has to combine in their diet four elements being: protein or nitrogenous food, carbohydrates, hydrocarbons or fat minerals. These four elements are found in larger proportions in vegetables than in animal tissues thus, vegetarian diet is the prerequisite for the body’s repair and upbuilding. The most valuable sources of protein are: nuts, peas, beans, milk and cheese; whereas wheat, oats, rice and other grains, fruits, potatoes, etc., contain mainly carbohydrates (starches and sugar). Eating natural and healthy food is a must, especially for those who live in polluted places, as it provides the body with all the essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

The primary aim of all paths of Yoga (there are many different traditions of Yoga) is realization of the Brahman (God, Absolute etc.) even though they differ as to the means employed. For the human mind is by nature unsteady and it is at every moment affected by senses and other external factors, which mind perceives through the agency of these senses. Yoga, which is extremely popular among the westerners nowadays, prescribes various “pranayama” or breathing exercises. “Pranayama” is a Sanscrit word meaning “the control of the prana”, (“prana” being a vital energy essential for life to manifest itself). Controlling breath has a huge influence on our health and well-being. According to Yoga, the slower the breath is, the better. For instance, turtles set an excellent example – they exhale and inhale with a long intervals which is the main reason for their long life.

Although, some people are allergic to vegetable, nuts or they simply do not like eating them- what then? To do Yogic exercises one must consult somebody, which may be connected with spending money somebody cannot afford to. Also, practising Yoga may be dangerous as some people start advanced practise only after reading some books without any professional help from some Guru’s or teachers. This behaviour may not only cause strain of the joints or injury but also it is not good for everybody. For instance, visually impaired  people would not be able to practice all the postures. What is more, people can learn exhalation techniques by attending specific courses so learning how to exhale and inhale can be done without Yoga. There are people as well, who do not need yoga to cope with their everyday struggles and solve existential problems such as the question of “Who am I” etc. Moreover, on many occasions Yoga clearly is in a conflict with already professed religions.

All things considered, the word YOGA itself stands for integrating a soul – one’s true self, with God (Universe, Brahman, Absolute). Only through dedicated practice, a man can experience the tremendous benefits that the ancient science of Yoga promises for the body, mind and spirit. According to Yogic philosophy which identifies with the philosophy of the Far East a man, through dedication, determination and practice, can attain self-realization which is the ultimate goal of all existence. This self-realization (salvation, nirvana, unity with God) brings liberation of the soul or self from the bondage of mind, time and space.

Source: "The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga" Swami Vishnu-devananda