| In the West, the term 'yoga' is often used to refer to | | | | flexibility, and muscle tone, creating a generally stronger, |
| asana classes, doing yoga poses, which are really only | | | | healthier body. They also enhance the flow of prana, |
| part of the path of yoga. Yoga actually means "union" | | | | life energy, in the body. |
| which refers to both the path and the goal, which is | | | | Pranayama |
| the union of the body, mind and spirit, or of the individual | | | | Pranayama is a Sanskrit word which is translated as |
| soul and universal soul. | | | | "control of the breath" or "control of the life force." It |
| Traditional asanas are only one part of the practice of | | | | refers to a series of breathing exercises from the |
| yoga - there are 7 other 'limbs' (as in a tree) of yoga, | | | | simple to the complex which are an integral part of the |
| including meditation and pranayama (breathing | | | | practice of yoga. You can practice pranayama as an |
| exercises.) Asana, pranayama and meditation are | | | | isolated technique, or integrate it into your daily hatha |
| meant to be woven together. They are interconnected | | | | yoga routine. Pranayama is also an important part of |
| and support each other, and are each necessary for | | | | meditation. Pranayama practice makes the mind |
| the others and for the entire yoga path. | | | | calmer and more focused. |
| Asanas | | | | Meditation |
| Asanas are the physical poses practiced in yoga. | | | | While it's generally agreed that the goal of meditation is |
| There are thousands of asanas in the practice of | | | | to experience enlightenment, there are many different |
| yoga, but only about 100 are in active use by yogis all | | | | explanations of what meditation actually is, including the |
| over the world. Asanas stretch and internally massage | | | | simple and exact process of learning to know yourself |
| the entire body, with twisting, bending, and holding | | | | as you really are and a process of giving your full |
| accompanied by periods of relaxation. At all times, | | | | attention to whatever object you have chosen. Overall, |
| asana should be a comfortable and steady pose. | | | | meditation is anything that brings us into the present |
| Asanas fulfill several functions: they promote strength, | | | | and keeps us there. |