Yoga Mat, DVD, and Props
Welcome to AYSYoga.com! If you have been searching for information on all things yoga then you have come to the right place! Our site has great information on everything from yoga mats and props to DVD’s and videos. Yoga is becoming an extremely popular practice among individuals of all ages and without the proper equipment often times it is a difficult task. AYSYoga.com does not promote any one product or method of use. Our mission is simply to provide readers with enough information to make the best choices when it comes to their yoga practice.
While most people have a good understanding of what yoga is, many don’t know its roots and beginnings. To fully appreciate yoga as a practice and an art you must understand its deep roots in tradition and culture. Many people trace the origins of yoga back before it was depicted in stone seals dated to 3000 BC. It is thought to have originated as part of shamanism because they are similar in their advances to improve human well being. They are both ways to promote healing within the human body and mind and its focus is on self.
The first time period of relevant yoga development is known as the Vedic Period. It is called this because it was during this period that the Vedas were developed. The Vedas are the sacred scriptures that modern-day Hinduism is based form. They are collection of hymns that provide insight to the reader as they praise a greater good. This type of yoga is referred to as Vedic Yoga. It contains the oldest teachings of yoga that is carried out by ceremonies that strived to surpass the limitations of the human mind. It was used by people to teach them how to live in harmony with one another and was seen as the ultimate spiritual practice.
The pre-classical yoga period is marked by the creation of another scripture called the Upanishads. They explain the ultimate reality, the transcendental self and the relationship between the two. In these scriptures the importance of meditation was stressed as well as the practice of postures. Another scripture known as the Gita was developed around 500 BC. It incorporated three more basic practices that should be taught; Bhakti, which is love and devotion, Jnana, which is knowledge, and Karma which is selfless action. Each of these practices became strongly incorporated with yoga.
During the classical period of yoga another formed known as sutra was developed. It was the first attempt to standardize yoga. It was composed of 195 techniques that contain an underlying 8 basics, which are known as the Eight Limbs.
Yama (ethical values) Niyama (tolerance) Asanas (physical exercises)
Pranayama, (breath control) Pratyahara (withdrawal) Dharana (concentration)
Dhyana (meditation) Samadhi(elation)
This type of yoga is still widely practiced today.
During the post-classical period, new techniques of yoga were not developed rather the old techniques became specialized. It was introduced to western societies in the early 19th century and has been studied as part of eastern philosophy. There has been many books written on both the physical and mental benefits of yoga. It is practiced by people of all religions and all cultures to assist them in gaining personal understanding as well as strength. More modernly yoga as used as a daily work out to help with an individual’s strength and balance. Most techniques that are taught leave out the self actualization and focus on the body building.