Ancient Science of Modern wellness

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“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.” — The Bhagavad Gita

“Yoga gives hope to the sad and forlorn, strength to the weak, health to the sick and wisdom to the ignorant. For a yoga practitioner, a new outlook, a new health, a new awareness and a new philosophy rushes in, vividly transform his life.”

Aaryan

Stress is a normal part of life, but in today’s society that we live in, stress has reached dangerously high levels. Our physical health and mental health are interdependent. If one fails, the other is destined to fail. We live in an age where non communicable diseases are on the rise, posing devastating health consequences for individuals, families and communities. Our mental health is also under threat, bombarded by problems due to this rat race we live in. Everyone is looking for solutions. This writer recently met Yoga Master Aaryan who says that Yoga is the solution. He points out that it is extremely important to incorporate Yoga in one’s daily life. Yoga offers a multitude of benefits that are especially relevant in today’s fast paced and often stressful society.

“The only way to prevent and treat these diseases is to have a drastic change in one’s lifestyle by incorporating the ancient discipline of Yoga which is a way of bringing ‘everlasting’ mental and physical peace, which has been confirmed by clinical studies,” said Aaryan.

He explains that Yoga being a science, has to be a lifelong practice. It is a branch of knowledge that has to be acquired and incorporated in to one’s daily life. When practicing Yoga, you need to master the asanas (physical poses). If a person practices asanas everyday they can be strong and flexible in a short period of time. That needs a lot of dedication and discipline. Nothing is difficult to master when a person realizes the benefits of practicing yoga.

Nilakshi Gunatilake

“Yoga’s focus on mindfulness and meditation techniques can help manage anxiety and depression. Yoga encourages introspection and self-awareness, fostering a deeper understanding of one’s emotions and thoughts. Regular yoga practice can elevate mood and increase feelings of happiness and well-being. By calming the mind Yoga can improve concentration and focus, making it beneficial for students and professionals alike,” explains Aaryan.

Readers can now understand that Yoga, a deep science is about both Mind and Body. Aaryan adds that Yoga promotes self-discipline, compassion, and non-violence, fostering a more harmonious society. Many yoga practices emphasise respect for nature and living in harmony with the environment.

“When thinking of benefits to physical well-being, Yoga reduces stress by emphasising on deep breathing and mindful movements that helps to calm the nervous system, lowering stress hormones like cortisol. Regular Yoga practice enhances flexibility, strengthens muscles and improves balance and coordination. Certain Yoga poses can help to eliminate chronic pains, back and neck pain and other chronic conditions. Yoga promotes relaxation and can improve sleep quality, combating insomnia.”

Group Yoga classes provide opportunities to connect with others, build relationships and create a sense of community. “The majority of our students are above the age of 40, and we are glad to see that the younger generation is choosing Yoga as a way to take care of their physical and mental well-being. Our students have been practicing regularly for several years. They are dedicated and passionate about Yoga. They have done lots of changes to their lifestyle and diet according to the Yogic teaching which in return has given them a healthy mind and body,” he explained.

There is an increase in Yoga teachers each year in Sri Lanka. But there are very few genuine Yoga teachers who practice themselves and give the knowledge to others properly. To become a teacher of Yoga a person has to learn from a Guru Kula system. Living with the teacher for a period of time, learning and practicing the teachings and experiencing the Yogic life. A person is required to be in an Ashram with the teacher for the duration of the course. After passing the required training the student is awarded a certificate approved by internationally acclaimed Yoga bodies like Yoga Alliance and International Yoga Committee.

“Unfortunately most of the teacher training courses in Sri Lanka are done during the weekends, and in return doesn’t give the student the experience of a Yogic lifestyle. So eventually when they become teachers, they are unable to give the correct knowledge to their students. Teaching Yoga in Sri Lanka had become a part time job to gain an added income,” lamented Aaryan.

He said that his school sincerely invites everyone to incorporate Yoga in to their lifestyles to live a long and healthy life. “And for anyone who would like to become a Yoga teacher, our advice is to make sure that you select a proper Yoga teacher training course which will give intense knowledge of Yoga. In return you can become an asset to the community by helping fellow human beings to acquire a healthy mind and body.”

THE EIGHT FOLD PATHS OF YOGA (YOGIC TEACHINGS)

* Yamas – Five universal, ethical and moral observances to live by (nonviolence, truthfulness, non-stealing, continence and non-covetousness)

* Niyamas – Five spiritual and self-discipline observances (cleanliness, contentment, spiritual austerities, study of scriptures and surrender to God)

* Asana – Physical posture, originally intended only for seated meditation, but more recently adapted to encompass all physical yoga practices

* Pranayama – Breathing exercises to control the flow of Prana (vital life force)

* Pratyahara – Withdrawal of the senses

* Dharana – Single pointed concentration

* Dhyana – Meditation

* Samadhi – Liberation or blissful union with the Divine

What are the lessons Yoga teaches? What are the physical and mental benefits? Aaryan explains:

Yoga is a science perfected by ancient seers of India.

Yoga is a complete life. It is a method which overhauls all the sides of the human personality. Yoga is a system of integral education, education not only of the body and the mind or the intellect, but also of the inner spirit. Yoga is the art of right living. The Yogin who has learnt the art of right living is happy, harmonious and peaceful. He is free from tension. It is an exact science. It is a perfect, practical system of self-culture.

Yoga does not call for a turning away from life. It demands Spiritualization of life. Yoga is primarily a way of life, not something which is divorced from life. Yoga is not forsaking action, but it is efficient performance in the right spirit. Yoga is not running away from home or habitation, but a process of molding one’s attitude to home and society with a new understanding. Yoga is for all. Yoga is universal.

Yoga brings in perfection, peace and lasting happiness. You can have calmness of mind at all times by the practice of Yoga. You can have restful sleep. You can have increased energy vigor, vitality, longevity and a high standard of health. You can have success in every walk of life. Yoga will infuse in you new strength, confidence, and self-reliance. The body and mind will be at your beck and call.

Yoga brings your emotions under control. It increases your power of concentration at work. Yoga discipline give poise and tranquility and miraculously rebuilds one’s life.

Yoga leads from ignorance to wisdom, from weakness to strength, from disharmony to harmony, from hatred to love, from want to fullness, from limitation to infinitude, from diversity to unity, and from imperfection to perfection.

Aaryan (Director & Yoga Acharya BHUDEVA YOGA & FITNESS LONGUE) Mob: +94703959873

Ishara Jayawardane

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