It is more important that we progress internally

Whether we practice yoga poses or not it is irrelevant. But it matters a lot that we improve ourselves on an inner level. Generally in most yoga schools little attention is paid to personal development. Value based living is more important than mere yoga practice.

Why are we running after yoga?

Maybe two decades ago this was not the case. If yoga was already a part of our life we dont need to run after it. The very fact that we even feel guilty if we dont do our practice is a pointer to mean that we are addicted to exercising. Nothing wrong in that of course , as this is a " good addiction". But let us not lose our mental calm and remember that God is looking after us and not yoga.

Why are there so many excessive medical claims for hatha yoga?

This is because those who claim much have not studied anatomy and physiology and medicine. For example a question was raised if some mudra can reduce cancer cells. The interplay of cells in immunology is so complex that as physicians we need to read the subject several times. There are cells that activate other cells which in turn activate other cells which in turn activate some receptors and so on. Then there are antibodies to the receptors that prevent the action that is normally intended and then mutations on the receptors and so on. In such a complex situation its not possible to wave a magic wand ( except by God) and manipulate things as we wish. This is reality.

Must we master every single asana?

This is not necessary. There will be problems in the body even if we master all asanas. Do the best we can, leave the rest to God. As said before, karma is a potent factor in life. Our path is laid out by God. He knows what is best for us. We need to learn to tune our frequency to His broadcast.

What is Real Meditation?

Our physical yoga practices mean very little (click image for a better view).

Is Yoga useful for depression?

Not really. It can make the patients more depressed. However dynamic the practice be, yoga is not the full answer. It is a diversion like any other. Some take to reading , some to eating, some to yoga and some to music and so on. Love is the cure with counselling and friendship. Depressed people need care. The key element is taking the mind away from the object of depression. If it involves some exercise, its good in the process. But where is the motivation? I may be so depressed that I don't feel like even moving a limb! So the main factor is changing the mind, dealing with ourselves and then the motivation to surge ahead is there.

Is there a difference between physical and physiological exercise?

All exercises are physical- including yoga. But they have an effect on the physiology in different ways. Each kind of exercise is unique in its action on the body. This is the medical truth.

Is it harmful to indulge in exercises other than asanas?

Not at all. One can safely practice any system of exercise but take care avoid excess use of the body in that system. At the same time it is prudent to practice yoga also to give a different kind of workout to the body. As medical professional I would recommend we try to balance practicing yoga and also some other kind of exercise as the body needs both kinds of pathways. One cannot compare apples and oranges- each has its own benefits without deleterious effects.

Are asanas to be done to extreme perfection?

There is a medical need to execute asanas to a certain physiological perfection. Beyond that there is no need to bother as we dont lose much if certain points are not followed (the so called minute benefits). The converse is very important though- margin for negative effects must be minimized.

Austerities

The Buddha practised severe physical austerities. Finally realized that this was not the path. Then delved into his inner self. Came out a realized person. This is what we need to do- go within.

Can we attain liberation by asana practice?

This is not possible as we deal with the body with hatha yoga (even though we may use our entire consciousness in executing the pose). We are still at the level of matter by perfect asana practice. To reach that transcendental state we have to change deep within- we need trikarana shuddhi- integrity of thought word and deed. Nothing else. In this state compassion exists and purity leads to divinity. We may be a perfect executor of asnas but if we lack human qualities it does not have any meaning. Asanas are only a stepping stone- they are not the goal.

Why do we practice asanas?

Is it for the Self? The Self is already pure, the dust has to be removed . The dust is not physical dust, but years of accumulated mental impressions. We need to focus on these and not the body alone.

Are there different methods in Hatha Yoga?

Yes but only one single method gives excellent medical results. Only one method is an optimum clinical technique. So we need to understand this without feeling let down by our methods we follow. The human body is very precise and needs such an understanding. For e.g. heating the room to exercise is physiologically very unhealthy for the body beyond a point. There are many such instances but unless one understands human physiology its not possible to see the subtlelities of exercise physiology.

Yoga should not be an addiction

Today yoga is an addiction and a fad for many of us. Thats because our lives are disorganised. We should go to yoga without a need for peace. Do it for its sake and just be. Not saying- I cant be without yoga even for a day. An addiction is different from a daily need which is not demanding.

Yoga can't cure all diseases!

Friends, we look to yoga as a panacea. This is incorrect. No science is a panacea. Only God is a source who can cancel all karma and make us healthy in body and mind. Today yoga is being touted as a cure/tool of therapy for a variety of ailments- hepatitis, jaundice, appedicitis, cancer HIV infection, myopia etc. The list for such tall claims is amazing to say the least. Please do not be mislead by such claims. Consult a physician before you take treatment through alternate methods. Diagnosis should be through conventional means- Western medicine. Treatment can take any form or metod but even there, limitations abound. We must use our logic, our innate intelligence before blindly believing that one system can be a one-stop solution to our bodily problems.

Have a nice day!

We are not the body

However much we practice asanas, it is on a material level even if we use our entire consciousness in the practice. We are still dealing with matter that is perishable. Utilizing perfect attention while doing asanas only makes the asanas more perfect- a perfect chef or a perfect gymnast does the same.

We need to go to a different level, use a different route to understand life. Sri Sathya Sai Baba gives a simple example-" we say my body, my chair, my kerchief, etc . Who is this "my"? It is not the body - it is spirit" .

asanas and spirituality

Asana practice does not make us spiritual. The attitude inside us counts. One can be very spiritual sans hatha yoga practice though its important to keep the body fit. Yoga does not lengthen our life- its God's grace that makes it so. We mistakenly attibute it to yoga.

God's grace is our main saviour

We all feel that WE do yoga and it protects us. The truth is, that our karmas make us do yoga and over and above this is the supreme grace that is weilds a wand of protection that takes us through life. Let us offer all our yoga practices to this Grace above us.

"Scientific" yoga blog

The purpose of this blog is to remove all misconceptions on yoga. Remove excess claims being made for yoga, false assumptions etc. We should be a devil's advocate. We should not be a yoga fundamentalist. This happens too easily nowadays.

Surrender is really yoga

Mostly , as yoga practitioners we focus on hatha yoga which is not really enough. We need to focus on our inner selves- that is really yoga. Surrender is really yoga- not surrender of the body to the asana but surrdner of the mind to the Divine power.

what is yoga really?

True yoga is not hatha yoga. This is yoga of the body only. Yoga is transforamtion of our heart and mind. A compassionate person - a good person- never mind our achivements.