yoga is an art of living. It is more of a lifestyle than a mere physical activity. this presentation takes you through the meaning and types of yoga and also sheds light on various asanas and meditation techniques.

1. YOGA FOR BETTER
LIVING

2. The word ‘Yoga’is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘Yuj’, meaning ‘to join’or ‘to yoke’or ‘to
unite’.
Yoga is essentially a spiritual discipline based on an extremely subtle science, which focuses on
bringing harmony between mind and body. It is an art and science of healthy living. As per
Yogic scriptures the practice of Yoga leads to the union of individual consciousness with that of
the Universal Consciousness, indicating a perfect harmony between the mind and body, Man &
Nature.

3.  Surya Namaskar , Salute to the Sun or Sun
Salutation, is a practice in yoga as
exercise incorporating a sequence of some twelve
gracefully linked asanas.
 Its postures help in stretching your abdominal
muscles causing you to shed pounds around the
belly. It also helps in improving your
metabolism.
 It helps in the smooth running of your digestive
system. It increases the blood flow to your
digestive tract, ensuring the better functioning
of your intestines.
 Regular practice helps keep your blood sugar in
check. It also helps in keeping numerous heart
diseases at bay.
 It helps improve memory and the functioning of
the nervous system. It also helps you calm down
and get rid of anxiety.

5.  The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali define
"asana" as "[a position that] is steady
and comfortable".
 Asanas are also called yoga
poses or yoga postures in English.
THE PURPOSE OF ASANAS
The asanas of hatha yoga originally had
a spiritual purpose within Hinduism, the
attainment of samadhi, a state of
meditative consciousness.

6.  Standing
 Sitting
 Reclining
Asana type Example Image
Parsvakonasana
Siddhasana
Shavasana

7. • Forward bend
• Backbend
• Hip- Opening
• Twisting
Paschimottanasana
Dhanurasana
Gomukhasana
Ardh
matsyendrasana

8. 1. They stretch and relax nerves, muscles and joints,
creating a pleasant feeling of relaxation, increasing
flexibility and promoting the free flow of energy through
the body.
2. They nourish and tone specific and often neglected
organs and glands by directing the flow of blood, lymph
and mental concentration to that area.
3. Through use of the breath they purify the blood and
promote calmness, concentration and depth of perception.
4. Through use of balance and motionlessness they
promote mental steadiness and calm.
5. Through strengthening and cleaning the organs of
elimination they make the body free of toxins and the
mind clear.
6. Through use of concentration they promote mental
stability and perception.
BENEFITS OF
ASANAS

9. PRAYANAMA
Prāṇāyāma is the practice
of breath control in yoga. In
modern yoga as exercise, it
consists of synchronising
the breath with movements
between asanas, but is also
a distinct breathing
exercise on its own, usually
practised after asanas. In
texts like the Bhagavad
Gita and the Yoga Sutras of
Patanjali, and later
in Hatha yoga texts, it
meant the complete
cessation of breathing.

10.  Three Part Breath: Dirga Pranayama
For those wanting to begin practising Pranayama, this exercise is perfect. By
completing a three-part breath, it teaches the body how to effectively fill and
empty the lungs whilst focusing your attention on the present moment. This is
vital if you are not used to using your full lung capacity and can be a highly
beneficial technique for relieving stress or tension in daily life.
Dirga Pranayama actually teaches people
to breathe in the correct way so that the
life force flows throughout the body in the
way it is originally supposed to. This can
make a person feel completely invigorated
and energized from within. It can also help
a person to have greater energy for all day
to day work which allows people to have
satisfactory lives.

11.  Nostril Breathing: Nadi Shodhana
Nadi Shodhana Pranayama is a hatha yoga practice which purifies the energy
channels of the body. During the practice of Nadi Shodhana, you will block off
one nostril, inhaling and exhaling through the open passageway prior to
switching sides. This can be particularly helpful for easing racing thoughts or
for alleviating anxiety and stress before falling asleep. Alternate nostril
breathing can also be beneficial for improving your ability to focus at the
beginning and end of a practice.
Nadi” is a Sanskrit word meaning
"channel" or "flow" and
"shodhana" means
"purification." Therefore, nadi
shodhana is primarily aimed at
clearing and purifying the subtle
channels of the mind and body,
while balancing its masculine and
feminine aspects.

12.  Ocean Breath: Ujjayi Pranayama
Ujjayi breath acts as a technique to calm the sympathetic nervous system whilst
boosting oxygen consumption. As you reduce the amount of air which passes
through your throat, you lengthen your breath cycle, so it is long, full, deep and
controlled. This practice is often used in Vinyasa Flow yoga as it is highly powerful
and so can support a vigorous flow.
"Ujjayi" comes from the Sanskrit
prefix "ud" (उद्) added to it and
root "ji" (जि): "ujji" (उजजि),
meaning "to be victorious". Ujjayi
(उजिायी), thus means "one who is
victorious". Ujjayi breath means
"victorious breath"

13.  Lion’s Breath: Simhasana Pranayama
Simhasana Pranayama is ideal for relieving tension and stress in the body through
stretching your entire face, giving flow through your mind and body. The practice is
performed by lowering the jaw to open the mouth wide, stretching the tongue out
and curling it down as you forcefully exhale. This powerful exhalation is beneficial
for releasing negative emotions such as anger and resentment which are often held
inside the body.
Lion’s Breath opens the
Visuddha chakra, an energy
centre in the throat, not only
boosting confidence and the
ability to utilize one’s voice, but
simultaneously calming stress,
anger and disquiet in the mind

14.  Skull Shining Breath: Kapalabhati Pranayama
For those who are experienced in Pranayama, Kapalabhati is well known for being
an invigorating and warming exercise. As it helps to strengthen the diaphragm and
abdominal muscles whilst energising the brain, this practice can be beneficial for
preparing the mind for work that requires focus. This is an advanced breathing
exercise, where individuals can become lightheaded if it is completed incorrectly
and so should only be done under the supervision of an experienced teacher.
Tips for Kapalbhati
1. The exhalation in the Skull Shining
Breathing technique is active and
forceful. So, just throw out your
breath.
2. Don't worry about the inhalation. The
moment you relax your abdominal
muscles, inhalation will happen
naturally.
3. Practice this technique at home on an
empty stomach.

15. Meditation is a practice where an individual uses a technique – such as
mindfulness, or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity –
to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally
calm and stable state.

16.  Mindfulness meditation
 Mindfulness meditation originates from
Buddhist teachings and is the most
popular meditation technique in the
West.
 In mindfulness meditation, you pay
attention to your thoughts as they pass
through your mind. You don’t judge the
thoughts or become involved with them.
You simply observe and take note of any
patterns.
 This practice combines concentration
with awareness. You may find it helpful
to focus on an object or your breath while
you observe any bodily sensations,
thoughts, or feelings.
 This type of meditation is good for
people who don’t have a teacher to guide
them, as it can be easily practiced alone

17.  Spiritual meditation
 Spiritual meditation is used in Eastern
religions, such as Hinduism and
Daoism, and in Christian faith. It’s
similar to prayer in that you reflect on
the silence around you and seek a
deeper connection with your God or
Universe.
 Essential oils are commonly used to
heighten the spiritual experience.
Popular options include:
 frankincense
 myrrh
 sage
 cedar
 sandalwood
 palo santo
Spiritual meditation can be practiced at home or in a place of worship. This practice is beneficial
for those who thrive in silence and seek spiritual growth.

18.  Focused meditation
 Focused meditation involves
concentration using any of the five
senses. For example, you can focus on
something internal, like your breath, or
you can bring in external influences to
help focus your attention. Try counting
mala beads, listening to a gong, or
staring at a candle flame.
 This practice may be simple in theory,
but it can be difficult for beginners to
hold their focus for longer than a few
minutes at first. If your mind does
wander, it’s important to come back to
the practice and refocus.
 As the name suggests, this practice is
ideal for anyone who requires
additional focus in their life.

19.  Movement meditation
 Although most people think of
yoga when they hear movement
meditation, this practice may
include walking through the
woods, gardening, qigong, and
other gentle forms of motion. It’s
an active form of meditation
where the movement guides you.
 Movement meditation is good for
people who find peace in action
and prefer to let their minds
wander.
Type of
movement
meditation
Description
Tai Chi Originally developed for self defense.
It has developed into a graceful form
of exercise. It is beneficial for stress
reduction and other health conditions
Qigong This is a powerful system of healing
and energy medicine from China. It is
the art and science of using breathing,
movement and meditation.
Yoga A 1000 year old Indian body of
knowledge. It is the emotional
integration and spiritual elevation.
Walking This is using the experience of
walking as focus. By paying attention
to your body as you walk will help
you to simply enjoy being alive.

20.  Mantra meditation
 Mantra meditation is prominent in
many teachings, including Hindu and
Buddhist traditions. This type of
meditation uses a repetitive sound to
clear the mind. It can be a word,
phrase, or sound, such as the popular
“Om.”
 It doesn’t matter if your mantra is
spoken loudly or quietly. After
chanting the mantra for some time, you
will be more alert and in tune with
your environment. This allows you to
experience deeper levels of awareness.
 Some people enjoy mantra meditation
because they find it easier to focus on
a word than on their breath. This is
also a good practice for people who
don’t like silence and enjoy repetition.
Meaningful mantras have two functions: to instill within the reciter a particular spiritual doctrine,
and to serve as a vehicle for meditation. ... Besides, the purpose of these mantras isn't to impart a
particular doctrine but to affect a certain state of consciousness in the reciter.