Emphasis of Yoga

Note: All the issues discussed in this session is subjected to my

knowledge & personal view. Its readers liberty to study, think,
believe or accept the facts.
 Preface
Every birth in the world is because of natural law. Nobody came suddenly from sky or as a
magic !. The system is planned clearly and cleverly. Development of human body from sperm and ovum is
a great wonder! That’s how every organism in the world is a great wonder! That to born with perfect health
is another wonder! Such a wonderful body is said to be great gift of our master. Its our primary duty to
protect this wonder.
Every human in the world born with zero knowledge on any thing. Once a human is a body-mind
complex. Which start interacts with world once comes out of the Womb. Mind receives various signals
from 5 senses and follow as per instruction given by mind based on its experience and knowledge
(physical and mental experience). So, every action in our day-day life is triggered by mind. Without this
mind we are nothing in the world and the world is nothing to us. Mind projects each and everything.
‘Known is drop unknown is ocean one who knows the self will knows all’ –said by great philosopher! which
mean study of mind, is steady of its relational things, once we know our mind we know all things
connected with ourselves i.e we know universe. This body-mind complex works all the time in order to
satisfy our physical and psychological needs.
Whatever we process through this body-mind complex became knowledge to us. Intellect apply
skills on such knowledge to explore anything. To attain any such thing in the world one should have
healthy body and mind. Thus I try to explore here about the nature of body, mind and a scriptural approach
to attain healthy body and mind.
Purpose of this article?
Anything we learn or known by this body-mind complex is left useless until it’s useful either for self or
others. If one has a attitude of not to expose anything. Then we don’t have books, website, schools and
colleges today. You cannot transfer your skills but you can transfer your knowledge in a form, so that
others can know and know ‘what u known’. Moreover this body-mind complex is mortal, whatever
knowledge you obtained by this, is perishable a day. Also we cannot take anything from the world, one has
to return the taken either in same or different form. Objective of this article is just to make aware of
yourself not to impose anything.
 For whom ?
Whoever want to know the known and unknown, about body-mind complex.
Whats new?
From a philosopher angle, Nothing can be an invention in this world, because
any inventor invent anything from something which is already available. Every
invention is new form of existing one. That’s how whatever I presented here is
already said in other form.
Why should accept?
There is nothing like accept or believe. The nature of mind is, it accepts any
matter only if there is no further questions or doubts in that matter. That’s why I
have included question and answers on each topic. But still, every human is
provided with power to Think, discriminative and act. so go-a-head with it signs.
There are days where people punished copernicus for his statement that ‘earth is
revolving sun’. Also days people still believes so many fake sages. Nothing
makes clear until one put questions (when, what, why, where, how) on it and
inquiry for answer. This article is just information or input to the senses, its
always readers liberty to study and accept.
‘Never mind about the knower. Know the known’ such a great thing said by
Swami Vivekanada in very simple words.
What it contains?
A brief about human body, how it related to nature. Role of yoga and its stages
with Question and answers.

Note: Question and Answers discussed in this session are because of my own research which may
common on any human being. Purely this is not to imitate or hurt once belief.
 CONTENT

1.HUMAN BODY

2.HUMANBODY AND NATURE

3.Misconception about Yoga

4.WHAT IS YOGA

5.OBJECTIVE OF YOGA

6.ROOT OF YOGA

7.STAGES OF YOGA

8.DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EXERCISE AND YOGA

9.WHY YOGA AT EARLIER

10.YOGA AND CHAKRA

11.YOGA FOOD AND DISEASE

12.VEGETARIAN

13.FOOD CHART
My sincere thanks to:
My foremost Guru Prof.K.Aravind [plusetone industries, bangalore.]
Mr. Ramesh [sanyasi, Ramakrishna math tnagar.]
Swami Paramarthananada [dedicated his life for scriptural teaching]
Asana andiappan [ researcher in Yoga asana]
Suki.Sivam
Swami Nithayanada
Swami Sivananda
Swami Krishnananda
Swami Vivekananda
Sri Ramakrishna paramahamsa
Swami dayananda saraswathi
Bhagavan sri ramana maharishi

This article with reference to:

The Bhagavad Gita the nineteen talks by swami dayananda.
Complete works of Swami Vivekanada published by Ramkrishna math.
Sagothara sagotharigale by Swami Vivekanada.
Raja Yoga by Swami Vivekanada.
Manithanum Theivam aagalam by Suki sivam.
Talk with Sri Raman Maharishi published by Ramanasramam, tvmalai.
Talks on Bhagavad gita by Swami paramarthananada.
Various talks of Swami Paramarthananada.
Unavey Uyirey by Suki.Sivam.
Body enlightenment an article by Prof.Aravind.K
Junior level Yoga Book by Prof Aravind.K
 Human Body
Most complex machine in the world. you cannot match any thing in the world with this perfect
creation.

From the day of birth our body starts moving towards death. Every human moves to death certainly
one or other day. This law cannot be changed as governed by the great master.

From day of creation discovery of new disease and medicine for this body is a non-stop process. Still
none of the technology can able to bring life of dead man.

There are thousand of cells born/dead in our body daily. It composed of 206 bones, 11 systems,

It always try to maintain perfect health, it’s self-healing & self regulating system.

Some says it as great gift by god and some its great assert given by parents.

Philosophers perceives Body as Part of Nature and microcosm of universe, even describes it as temple
of Divine spirit, still its temporary wear of soul and maya.
As per Hindu Scripture human body is three, they are:
•Physical body [visible] – A organism with Five sense organs.
•Astral body [not visible] – Capable of take decision through the mind by information obtained from senses. it directly
or indirectly governs the physical body.
•Casual body [not visible]- this is said to be the cause for both physical and astral body. This is where the soul exists.

Human body is greatest in the universe. Human being is greatest being in the world- Swami
Vivekanada.
 Human body and Nature
Human body is part of nature, designed perfectly to run in perfect health.
We came with Lungs but here is correct portion of oxygen available.
Our body cannot withstand too high or low temperature. It seems here its perfect to survey.
Plants here takes Co2 from us and gives oxygen.
Sufficient water & land available for us to satisfy our basic needs.
This nature is all provided well furnished guest house for human.

Question and Answers:

If that is such a perfect design why disease occurs?
Even it was perfect design, Due to our repeated interference, we create problem to our self.
Lack of Immune system, lack of good nutrition food,

Major reason for disease?

There are thousand for reasons but in core reason are polluted nature resource , lack of
immunity, heavy population, …

How population is major reason for disease?

Not only disease, 90% of self and society problem rises because of population either
directly/indirectly. We failed to protect our natural resource. Our technology, government,
organization were failed to control population. we have limited resource and may not be
retained once lost from our earth atmosphere…..
But technology will soon find a planet where human can survey!
That’s great!!! There are thousand of factor required to lead a human life. This
earth was designed in such a perfect manner where human life is possible
comfortably. When we are not able to live in such a perfect world what we are going
to achieve by conquering other planet? Until we understand nature and live according
to its nature, no use of any technology.

What are ways to control population?

Already everything is out of control.
But try to find out why it get increased?
•One of them is absence of season for sex where as animals have mating seasons. We
misused our freedom and intellect.
•The attachment with this world, that every one want to leave his/her generation in
world.
•Even though government says one family one child, Till date there is no strict rule by
the government.
•Some people’s ready to give birth to any no of children just because they are financial
sound to accommodate. They don’t bother about other factors.
•Even a beggar living in platform will have atleast two child.
•Most of us failed to give back the nature/society. Even though we have taken much.
That’s why philosophers said nature is always great it will balance itself through
Earthquake, volcano, Tsunami, terrorism, poverty, borderline problem ….etc.
some tragedy happen either directly nor indirectly we loss considerable amount of
human resource .is just balancing formula of nature either by itself nor by other
 Body Mind and Prana
Any thing in the world is comprises of 5 elements Air, Ether, Fire, Water, Earth. Our
human body is not exception. But there is a energy within the body other than this
elements which is called ‘Prana’.
‘Prana’ is life of a body, without it we call as dead body. It is similar to the most
intelligent invention computer(do’s most of the work in today's world)is left worthless
without ‘power’(electricity).
‘Prana’ means also ‘energy’. Which is capable of doing all the action in our routine. but
this energy is blind and need to be directed properly. we know, we don't do anything at
anytime, we think before we act, may be mind makes it. but mind also internal to parna.
There is something which is guide of all this is ‘buddhi’ or intellect. which is
highest/greatest of human faculty.
Body and mind are directly propositional if one is sick other also get sick. Thus if we have
control over the body sufficiently we control our mind also.
By controlling the breath through Pranayama one can control the thought thereby
control the emotions which takes a step ahead on spiritual path. You can experience your
breath is out of control while you get emotions. Here yoga applies a reverse logic to
achieve control over sense.

Mind is instrument to observe internal world- Swami Vivekanada

What is Body, mind, Prana, buddhi?

What is significant saying that body and mind are Directly proportional?

How can one control mind by controlling the Prana?

How control of emotions helps to attain spiritual goals?

As per our scriptures, emotions are obstacles to learn or obtain any
knowledge either spiritual or worldly. Emotions are just disturbance caused in mind
just as a turbulence in water is obstacle to see the bottom. Also a disturbed mind
cannot have discriminative power to differentiate good and bad(or Dharma or
Adharama). That’s why in Mahabharata after seeing his own kith and kin arjuna
confused whether to fight or not. As he cannot control his emotions it overflows his
body and makes him shivering, lose his weapon & sit in chariot without action.
 Misconception about Yoga
Yoga is not Religious (as if considered Yoga asana and Pranayama).

Its is not physical /mental/breathing exercise alone.

Yoga is not only a exercise to reduce weight or Obesity.

Yoga asanas are not feat.

Not mend for old people.

It is not healing system for disease.


 What is Yoga?
•Yoga is based on sound philosophy and deep psychology.

Its self Education process by which human mind is trained to become more nature
and make free from unnatural conditions.

Yoga is a complete science of life that originated in India many thousands of

years ago.

 A self inquiry.

It is discipline of the mind, body and senses.

A perfect practical system of self-culture.

 The term ‘yoga’ means Union. The purpose of practicing is to join ourself with
divine.

 Objective of Yoga?
Most of them thinks yoga to live healthy and long life. Which is not the real objective of
yoga.

It is primarily deals with personal life of man in relation to the universe not the social life.
The purpose of yoga is to effect a communion between individual and cosmic thereby realize the
ultimate reality. It raises status of individual to cosmic level and abolish the false difference
between individual and cosmic.

According to yoga, true happiness, liberation and enlightenment comes from union with the
divine consciousness.

Vedas and scripture says yoga way of living is to attain the higher …………..self-
realization.

Yama and niyama says about self discipline, healthy food, hygienic …….etc

Yoga asanas makes oneself fit to Material as well as Spiritual world.

Pranayama- The underlying philosophy is ……..angry, possiveness, all type os emotions .

During which ones breath is not regular( if u noticed). Yoga applies a reverse logic here by
controlling the breath one can control his/her emotions.
 Root of Yoga
Hindu believes veda, from which most of the scriptures in hindu religion is evolved.
It says there are four major branches of yoga they are
Bhakti yoga
Jnana yoga
Karma yoga
Raja yoga
All the above four methods are used to attain the spiritual goal.
Each branch are mutually exclusive, some practices are common to more than
one branches. The YOGA what we are talking is called ‘ASHTANGA YOGA’ which
is derived from Raja yoga. It consist of eight limbs .

Q:Why there are 4 ways to attain one goal ?

A:These are only major branches there are also many like kundalini yoga , laya
yoga, mantra yoga, tantra yoga… Doesn’t matter how many it is, the ultimate
objective is unique, only the approach is different. Why it so, because although
every human body-mind complex is material wise same, but the perception of the
mind, interaction of sense with the world will vary from person to person. Moreover
every human being is limited by his/her own likes and dislikes. Just like Someone
loves classic music and someone loves western. You cannot impose once favor to
other. So, to choose the costumes which matches you there are options.
Q:Why ASHTANGA yoga?
A:It is very simple, clear and systematic. Has series of steps that a practitioner can
follow and achieve the enlightenment.

Q: Is other branches are not superior?

A: there is no question of superior or inferior. As I said, all has the same objective
with different approach. So don’t think of inferior or superior just think which suits
you.

Q: how do I know my best suit?

A: your intellect is quite enough to find it. if you have real intention towards the
goal. Remember no approach will misguide you. but still you leave this to your
teacher (spiritual guru) who will take care of it.

Q:How and where can I find my guru?

A: This is one of the difficult task today, finding a person with qualities of guru is
little bit hard. But
 Stages of Yoga
Yama (restraint)
A guidelines for how we interact with the outer world. i.e is practice of (ahimsa) non-
violence, (satya) not telling lies, (asetya ) not stealing, (brahmacarya) not wasting ones
sexual energy, (kshama) Patience, (Dhriti) steadfastness,(Daya) compassion, (arjava)
honesty,(mithahara) moderate appetite, (shauca) purity.

Niyama (Purity)
Is how we interact with ourselves (our internal world). It is practice of (Hri)remorse,
(santohsa) contentment, (Dana) giving without expecting rewards,(astikya) Faith,
(ishvarapujana)prayeror workship,(siddhana shravana) Scriptural listening,(mati) cognition,
(varata) scared vows (japa) recitation,(Tapas) austerity.

Asanas* (Posture)
Twisting, bending and stretching the body in order to maintain a healthy internal
systems and make our self free from disease as much as possible.
[This help us to correct our food shell]

Pranayama *(breathing Exercise)

Parana is life force which enter the body as breath. Which act with Food we eat to
make metabolism. Variety of breathing exercise. For better utilization of energy.
[This help us to correct our paranic shell]

Pratyahara (Withdrawal of sensory)

With drawing the sense from sensory objects. As in sleep Or using the mind without
Dharana (Concentration)
Mentally focusing on single-pointedly on a object or image or sound. Stopping other
thoughts. External and internal concentration.

Dhyana (meditation)
The concentration develops to mediation. Merging with concentrated one or stopping the
thought completely.
[This helps us to correct the Scientific shell]

Samadhi (Bliss or ecstasy)

once the preceding steps are perfect, it automatically take to top of the ladder.
Which is referred as super consciousness (individual merges with cosmic).the ultimate
purpose of any spiritual practice irrespective for religion, caste or gender.
[ it is fourth state of awareness, you can reach your own blissful shell]

Note:: Its just literal meaning of the word explained above which may require details explanation to make
clear understanding. Apart every stage is big chapter can not explained in detail.

In brief,
first two steps guide self-discipline and behavior over’s one conduct towards the other and
do’s and don'ts of ethical behavior.
Other two steps teach to achieve self discipline of the physical body. Helps in correcting our
food and pranic shells.
The last four steps, in practice provide how to gain mastery of senses and mind leading to
self-realization.
*People teaching in name of yoga the mean only ‘Asanas & Pranayama.assumed ‘yama &
niyama’ already known and followed.
Note: Here after where ever i use word ‘Yoga’ it refers to yoga asana and pranayama only.
What are shells your are explaining?
 Different between physical
exercise and yoga asana?
Yoga asana Physical exercise
It gives lot of energy. Requires lot Energy to work out.
Punctuality and discipline is important. No scheduled & not disciplined.
Focuses function of all internal organs and directs Focus on external body and muscles.
in right direction.
Makes body flexible Makes body tight and rigid.

Special exercise for sense organs. No exercise for sense.

Concentration, awareness and peace of mind Only concentration may increase .

increases gradually

Blood circulation improves to all part of body Only to some part of body
Breathing becomes slow and deep. Breathing becomes fast and shallow.

No need of any external object Required in most of cases.

Initiation of spirituality happens  

 I don’t have time to do yoga?
This is Justification for most of people today. we have time to eat, sleep, gossip,
chat, watch tv, fascinate. Apart from this every one has a profession/Bussiness
and we contribute most of time for work thereby earning your maximum.

There was a great proverb “the first part of human life harms the healthy body to
gain wealth, the second part we waste our wealth to retain the health”.

As well said by a yogi “one who says that ‘I don’t have time’ -is a lazy”. Watch
yourself day how much time you are wasting. Most of the people sleeps 8, 10
even 12hrs/day. Also some research said, people don’t sleep for atleast 8
hrs/day will affect mentally. Sleep time depends on individuals physical /mental
work and food. yoga says for organized and focused human being 4-5 hours of
sleep is more than enough. Imagine if u get 2-3 hrs extra/day u can do a lot.

People who say this, they are not organized mean they don’t have schedule time
to sleep, wake, eat and work, some have a great schedule on weekdays and
worst at weekends, and some they don’t know themselves when they sleep and
when they awake. In such case your system get confuse and don’t know what to
do.
 I don’t have time to do yoga? Continue …
You don’t skip your food in busy schedule because it will so some sign
immediately, also you cannot sit in home for long without going to work. Because
it will reduce your earnings which affect in satisfying your needs. Normally
people don’t care or not aware of thing until unless it affects there routine work.
Why I want yoga in my earlier age
itself?
 Yoga and chakra
What is chakra?
Chakra’s are primary energy centers in human body. Which have been
mentioned in vedas.

Where it is located?
Located in line running from head to base of the spine.

What it does?
According to veda these chakra are responsible for energy flow through the
body. Imbalancing in any of these chakra cause physical illness.
 Yoga, Food and Disease
“You are what you eat”
The quality of food stimulates respective vibration in the system.thereby
generating respective thought, action and emotions.
Yoga generally prescribes easily digestible food for a normal human.
The underlying philosophy on this is, there are systems in our body works 24X7
till our death. But it was said 90% of disease occur due to improper digestion.

We cannot find such foods except in fruits and vegtables.Still its not possible for
human to have only fruits and vegetables whole day. So yoga prescribes food in
such a way. Heavy food at break fast, moderate food in lunch, and lite at dinner.

Why lite food at night?

The natural process of body during sleep (rest) is something like repairing the
whole body that’s why when we are sick or any pain we are instructed to take
rest. So if u have heavy food at night the complete energy will be utilized by the
digestive system. Only low energy flows to repair the body, as a result improper
maintenance of body and feel sleepless. Applicable for normal people( who is
not doing any night shifts).
What is vegetarian?
Vegetarian?
Now-a-days the definition for this term ‘vegetarian’ changes to the user comfort.
It keep varying from generation to generation. Understand the nature of the body
and feed according to its nature.

What is nature of a human body?

We have divided living things in two category herbivorous & carnivorous. One is
flesh eating and other plant eating. Not only because it doing so, the creator also
designed the structure appropriately.
The anatomy of herbivorous is similar to human being then carnivorous. So it is
one of the main reason why yoga says human are vegetarian.

Why should I compare myself with animal?

Right you are not 5 sense organism! But remember we have not demanded for
this structure also we cannot change because it’s natural law.

What is Vegetarian according to yoga?

we are living cell, to unite ourself with nature one should have anything in
nature form i.e processed, cooked food are against our nature. When we cook
vegetables or
I am not animal to eat everything raw ?
What would I get if I am a vegetarian?
We will not get any thing instead you will not loose your nature.

There are philosophical reason why a person should avoid eating outside (hotels). The
motto of hotels is to make money. It bothers about taste rather than hygienic and
health. Apart from health and hygienic hindu scripture says, food what we eat is
closely related to attitude of cook/chief who made it. But in house our motto is to gain
complete nutrition on any food. Also one should have positive attitude while cooking.
Same way if u have a look at the attitude of animals. It has only 3 activities to do in
there life(eat, sleep & Pleasure). So the eater will have more intention in such attitude,
and fails to attain any higher goals of life. So only sadhus, monks, sanyasis are
instructed to be vegetarian.

Is there any other reasons to be vegetarian?

One of the classification of living organism is Carnivorous, Herbivorous and
Omnivorous
If you look at the anatomy of these organism.

By this it was understood the creator designed human body to suit for plant
eat( herbivorous ) only. Physical we don’t have any sharp nails or teeth structure to kill
or tear the prey.
So how our food should be?
yoga recommends
Why I want to limit my self as herbivorous. My intelligent is quite enough to kill
and cook my prey.
Go ahead but remember still it takes long time to digest compare to any
vegetarian food. It was said any food we eat should be breakdown or digested
with 6-8 hours. If it continue to stay more, there the problem raises. Non
vegetarian food takes 10-12 hours. Which makes the system …

Is it not possible for a non-veg eater to attain spiritual goals?

Yes, Food is matter required to sustain the body. But vegetarism

Which is consider the Precious food?

It was said the first food of human is ‘fruits’. Which is considered primary
food of human as per Hindu scripture that’s why they offer fruits to lord. More
over you will not cook or process the fruit to make it eatable. It is naturally
edible. Also most of the fruit contains 85% of water doesn’t harms the digestive
system, easily digestible.

Is there any procedure to eat?

yes, It was not recommended by yoga to eat cooked food later than 2-3 hours.
Eat immediately after cooked. Food cooked in morning session should not be
consumed in the evening. Because the food we consumed should not get
rotted for atleast next 6 hours until our system process it.

Alkaline value of body is

What are the ethics and philosophical rituals while eating?
• Do not eat when you are angry, depressed, bored or any emotion.

• Eat only when you feel the hungry.

• Bathe or at least wash your hand face and feet before you eat.

• Sit in in clean and hygienic place if necessary tune to some pleasant music and
smell.

•The more the violence involved in the collection of our food, the greater the violence
in our lives. so avoid eating such food which stimulate such things.

•Never eat for the tongue or stomach. The purpose of eating is to get enough energy
to all systems/parts of the body. So keep in mind the tongue and stomach are median
not destination. Today most of the people least bother about the nutrition, hygienic &
healthy diet there priority is taste only.

• Satisfaction not in how much you eat. Its on what attitude you have towards food,
how lovingly it served, attitude of a cook/chief while cooking (that’s a reason why should
we avoid eating in restaurants which may temporarily fill your belly & satisfy your senses, but not
your mind and spirit. There motto is to earn money out of it, they least bother about your health.
Whereas your loving mother/spouse may have caring and conscious attitude towards your heath.
Food cooked in such attitude will have right approach towards body mind and spirit. )
What is the guarantee that I get perfect health when I do yoga and proper food?
Worldly answer:

Philosophical answer: This is Question arises from a doubtful mind. In Karma

yoga it was described any action we do in this world is not completely associated
with one who does it. Example if a person came from Bangalore to Chennai he
just says that he came from Bangalore to chennai. There are so many hidden
factors which make him to reach here. Somebody helped in booking ticket, his
bus/train while traveling should not have any man/machine made problems to
reach safe, not only his bus each vehicle coming on the opposite, provided not
any natural hazardous, his own heath, his family heath also helped indirectly. we
are just a contributory factor of any action. That’s why result is not 100% as
expected. It doesn’t mean you don’t expect things but keep in mind you are just a
contributing factory not the only cause.
Fruits
Raw or steamed Vegetables and raw sprouts

Cooked food Milk, rice, wheat, grains

w
 FOOD CHART (with reference to pH value)

(The human blood is alkaline, with pH value 7.35-7.45)

 
Positive foods (alkaline)
Herbs, vegetables, fruits, sprouted grains
Neutral foods (pH=7)
Unprocessed grains, dried fruits, spices, nuts,fresh milk, honey
Negative foods (acidic)
Processed grains, pasteurized milk, jaggery, sugar, dried nuts, non-
vegetarian foods, maida products, oils, sweet products, processed foods and
beverages
 
Recommended diet :

For healthy people - (50% positive) + (50% neutral and negative)

For sick people - (80% positive) + (20% neutral and negative)
For severely sick - (100% positive)
 BASIC QUESTIONS
Who am I?

What is this creation ?

What is God?
Why these question rises?...
 Why these question arise?
If you say that I don’t have these questions in mind you are wrong . These questions are
already there in your subconscious or conscious mind. You are not aware of it.

Very basic property of mind is thinking , Our nature of intellect is always to explore the
things, events, happening around.

Curiosity to know what ,when, where and how?

A satisfaction or happiness in discovering something.