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| Sunday, 1 August 2004 |
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Yoga for everyday life by Umangi de Mel
Yoga is not a religion, it's a philosophy of life based on certain psychological truths. Its aim is self-improvement and attaining one's full potential. One spends his life amidst many ups and downs. He doesn't really see the ultimate realisation as he's controlled and led by the senses. But Yoga allows a man to unveil the truth and see the reality. "Yoga is a union of mind, body and soul. The body and mind are joined to create internal peacefulness and integration bringing a person from a state of separation to being flexible and whole", says Dr. E. D. J. Senaratne, Senior Consultant Physician, Ayurveda Hospital, Rajagiriya.
Dr. Senaratne says that people are connected to the universal energy, "Everybody possesses the universal energy. Only it's not active in us. Yoga can activate the universal energy that is already in our bodies. Yoga brings vitality, rejuvenation and peace of mind he says pointing out that it requires great concentration. "It's not rigorous but a slow moving rhythmic exercise that will keep one in good health so long as he/she lives.
"Yoga helps better functioning of the respiratory system and achieve good balance in all aspects", Dr. Senaratne says. Speaking of the various advantages of 'Yoga', he says those who practise it will be able to prevent the biological clock from ticking fast. "They won't age. As in, those who really practise Yoga, will not have any ailments other people of similar age might have. The exercises improve stamina, creativity, energy, memory power, focus endurance and helps gain patience, compassion and peace of mind. It also helps to maintain a peaceful household. Yoga is a stress reliever and enables students to do better in their studies and exams.
If you have taken a light meal, then you should at least wait for two hours", Dr. Senaratne says cleanliness plays a key role where Yoga's concerned. "You should be very clean, relaxed and not exhausted. Same goes for the attire, you should be in clean and light clothes. After the exercise, you should wait for at least two hours before taking a meal. Yoga can help cure many ailments, obesity, blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis and digestive problems. There are separate exercises for pregnant women as well enabling a painless delivery. Of course the teacher has to be good", he adds. Yoga doesn't require limitless meditation, he says. "It can be done while leading a normal life. |
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| Produced by Lake House |
Beginning next week the Sunday Observer Magazine will feature Yoga
lessons for those interested in doing some yoga, but don't have the time
for regular lessons.
It brings forth great power of mind and heals you spiritually, he adds.
Practised for over 5000 years, Yoga is one of the most ancient forms of
healing therapy. Yoga works on the mind and body at the same time,
"It also exploits their interdependence. Yoga postures (Asanas) and
breathing help develop the body, and mind at the same time, due to their
effect on the brain. It brings peace of mind, good health and a long
life".
According to him, the techniques in Yoga, concentrate on posture and
alignment, creating a higher consciousness. Yoga is a method by which the
body's supply of energy is augmented. It fights any interference to the
transmission of energy throughout the body.
Yoga, according to him is a good investment, "If one starts Yoga
during his childhood, that person is bound to be a success in every
aspect. There's no age limit to it. But there are certain rules for Yoga
as well. If one wants to practise it in the morning, he better settle for
a light meal such as a glass of milk and some fruits. In case if one has
taken his full meal, he should at least wait four hours before practising.
