The Vedic system considers the confluence of body, mind and soul as the tripod of existence. While the body and mind can fall under the domains of health and disease, the soul or the all-energetic and eternal Aatman is beyond any flaw. The sister sciences of Ayurveda and Yoga attend to the healing of the sick body and mind and propel the purpose of life beyond just biological existence towards the ultimate self-realization which marks the union of the Jeeva with the Paramatman.
Yoga achieves the purpose through a very well organized eight-fold sequential process known as the AshtaangaMaarga consisting of Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyaahara, Dhaarana, Dhyaana and Samaadhi. These yogic processes gradually take us from the simplest to the most complex and finally onto the ultimate destination of self-realization.
- Yama - self-restraints,
- Niyama - self-observances,
- Asana – discipline of the physical body,
- Pranayama – control over the energy by breathing,
- Pratyahara - disassociation of consciousness from the outside environment,
- Dharana - concentration,
- Dhyana– meditation,
- Samadhi - identification with pure consciousness.
Meditation is a practice where an individual uses a technique – such as mindfulness, or focusing their mind on a particular object, thought or activity – to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state.
Benefits of Yoga
- To keep the mind and body healthy and happy
- Improves balance
- Improves endurance
- Improves flexibility
- Improves strength
Benefits of Meditation
- Helps to keep the mind sharp
- Relieves stress and anxiety
- To strengthen the immune system