What is Raja Yoga?

Raja yoga was described in Sanskrit writings as both the end aim of yoga and a way to get there. In the 19th century, Swami Vivekananda’s book Raja Yoga, which contained his interpretation of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, gave the practice of yoga a new name. Raja yoga has since subsequently gone by many many names, including Ashtanga yoga, Royal yoga, Royal union, Sahaja marg, and Classical yoga.

History of Raja Yoga:

Vamadeva and Shiva converse in the Shaiva Yoga literature Amanaska, which dates to the 12th century CE or before. The second chapter of the book makes reference to Raja yoga. It claims that the reason it is thus named is because it helps yogis connect with their supreme selves, the magnificent king within. Raja yoga claims to lead to the state of bliss known as the undisturbed, which is the natural condition of quiet, serenity, peace, communion with oneself, and contentment.

The Raja yoga goal and state are synonymous with various terms, such as Amanaska, Unmani and Sahaj. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika (literally, A Little Light on Hatha Yoga) asserts this as follows.

राजयोगः समाधिश्च उन्मनी च मनोन्मनी | अमरत्वं लयस्तत्त्वं शून्याशून्यं परं पदम || ३ ||
अमनस्कं तथाद्वैतं निरालम्बं निरञ्जनम | जीवन्मुक्तिश्च सहजा तुर्या चेत्येक-वाचकाः || ४ ||
सलिले सैन्धवं यद्वत्साम्यं भजति योगतः | तथात्म-मनसोरैक्यं समाधिरभिधीयते || ५ ||
यदा संक्ष्हीयते पराणो मानसं च परलीयते | तदा समरसत्वं च समाधिरभिधीयते || ६ ||
तत-समं च दवयोरैक्यं जीवात्म-परमात्मनोः | परनष्ह्ट-सर्व-सङ्कल्पः समाधिः सोऽभिधीयते || ७ ||

What is the best yoga for knee pain?

Best yoga for knee pain: Knee pain is among the most common joint problems these days with normal wear and tear, nutritional deficiency and injury being the main causes of this musco-skeletal issue. Among several alternative therapies, yoga has been preferred choice to keep the knees healthy.

When you’re doing yoga asanas, it’s important to do the poses with the correct form. Practicing with a cautious pace will definitely help you get positive results.

Here are some best yoga poses or yoga asanas that can strengthen your knees:

• Pawanamuktasana or Wind Releasing Pose
• Vrikshasana or Tree Pose
• Virabhadrasana or Warrior Pose
• Trikonasana or Triangle Pose
• Uttanasana or Standing Forward Bend With Ankles Crossed
• Upavistha Konasana or Wide-Angled Seated Forward Bend
• Anjaneyasana or Low Lunge
• Setu Bandhasana or Bridge Pose

Read more about: Best Yoga for Weight Loss

What is niyama in yoga?

Niyama in yoga is the Sanskrit term for duty or observance recommended by yogic philosophy and teaching as part of the path of yoga. In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, he outlines five niyamas as part of the second limb of yoga.

The five niyamas are observances recommended by yogic philosophy and teaching, as part of the path of yoga. They are a way of applying the ethical codes of yoga to yourself, helping to create a positive internal environment. Practicing the niyamas is said to give you the inner strength, clarity, and discipline you need in order to progress on your spiritual journey. If you use the niyamas in your practice, then you’ll always be following the path to living an authentic and fulfilling life.

Here are the five niyama in yoga given below:

• Shaucha – purification and cleanliness
• Samtosha – contentment
• Tapas – asceticism, and self-discipline
• Svadhyaya – self-study and self-reflection
• Ishvara Pranidhana – devotion and self-surrender

Read more about: Asanas of Yoga || Dhyana Yoga in Bhagavad Gita || Bikram Yoga Poses

What is asana in yoga?

Asana is the physical practice of yoga poses. In addition to referring broadly to the physical aspect of yoga. Asana can also be used to describe a particular pose, as in, “The handstand is an asana that is very challenging,” or “This flow consists of a series of standing asanas.”

Benefits of Asanas in Yoga

Asanas are performed to improve flexibility, strength, and balance. Asanas or yoga poses help the body’s joints, ligaments, and muscles strengthen through movement. A regular yoga practice can, over time, increase flexibility and mobility, lubricating the spine and alignment to aid in everyday activity.

Doing asana practice every day can also help to boost the immune system and improves blood circulation throughout the body, vascular function, blood lipids, and mood. Through dedicated practice and time, the body can experience noticeable improvements and benefits from asanas.

Here are the different types of asana in yoga given below:

• Sukhasana or Easy Pose
• Naukasana or Boat Pose
• Dhanurasana or Bow Pose
• Vakrasana or Twisted Pose
• Kakasana or Crow Pose
• Bhujangasana or Cobra Stretch
• Halasana or Plough Pose