Yoga is a traditional spiritual practice that harmonizes the body and the mind. It’s a form of exercise that involves breathing control, basic meditation, and assuming certain body positions through bodily balance. In today’s world of unrelenting pace and constant stress, yoga provides an escape for those seeking overall well-being. The word “yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit root “Yuj,” which means “to join”” or “to unite.” Yogic texts state that practicing yoga unites one’s own awareness with the consciousness of the universe, signifying a perfect unity between the mental and physical faculties.
As was already established, yoga promotes mental and physical relaxation. People practice a variety of asanas, and each asana has advantages for both the body and the mind. Regular practice aids in the development of self-discipline and self-awareness. It also balances metabolism and improves muscle tone and strength. Regular yoga practice can improve wellbeing and assist with emotional regulation. Over time, yoga also has mental advantages in addition to physical ones. Yoga will help you change the way your mind behaves if you are stressed. Incorporating breathing techniques and meditation with yoga can enhance mental health. These days, it’s difficult for us to find mental calm. Stress, both personal and professional, wears us down. An inactivity-related stress buildup intensifies. Regular yoga practice can aid in promoting calm, raising body awareness, relieving irregular sleep patterns, and other benefits. Yoga is a very beneficial practice.
It is thought that yoga was practiced from the very inception of civilization. Yoga as a science began thousands of years ago, long before any religions or belief systems came into being. Lord Shiva is regarded as the first yogi, or Adiyogi, in yogic mythology. According to ancient Hindu writings, yoga originated in the mighty Himalayan mountain ranges located in present-day Nepal. In the high Himalayas, thousands of years ago, Lord Shiva imparted his extensive wisdom of yoga to the Saptarishis, or ‘the seven sages’. As per the scriptures, the potent yogic science was spread throughout the world by the sages.
In the past, Yoga morphed into a combination of mental, physical and spiritual exercises passed down from teacher to student. Patanjali, among these teachers, who wrote the Yoga Sutras in 200 BCE is seen as “the father of modern yoga.”. The overall framework for yoga practice that the Yoga Sutras gave includes The Eight Limbs of Yoga or astanga yoga which are still used today as guidelines for yoga practice . Different religious communities such as Buddhists, Jains, and Hindus have practiced it throughout history. It later became popular in the West at the end of the nineteenth century and early 20th century when well-known teachers like Paramahansa Yogananda and Swami Vivekananda started teaching it.
Some of the recent times have seen people who do yoga traveling to Asian countries so as they can see and experience authentic yoga cultures. One of the most popular destinations for yoga tourists has been Nepal, where ancient forms of yoga originated. During Hippie era, Nepal was referred to as “Shangri La.” It is a peaceful country with many mountains and a wealth of historical cultures and customs. It is an ideal place for every yogi to go through the teachings and practices of the ancient art.
Additionally, Nepal is very welcoming to its tourists, especially for yoga tourists; it is a goldmine of new experiences. The tradition of guru shishya parampara, or teacher-student relationship, is at the core of yoga culture. Hence, there are several yoga training organizations in Nepal where revered yoga gurus impart their teachings to the pupils. The main goal of such an institution is to spread the concept of yoga among as many individuals as possible and to promote the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of the public.
In order to promote the ancient art of yoga and the culture around it, international nonprofit organizations such as the Yoga Alliance have been active in countries like Nepal. Similarly, individuals who are looking to become certified yoga teachers are also in luck, as many revered gurus have their own aashrams and yoga centers for the same purpose. One of the more famous courses is the 200-hour yoga training, where by the end of the duration, a student can themselves become a teacher and impart the wisdom of yogic culture. Similarly, Nepal is one of the most budget friendly destinations for international tourists who are interested in authentic yoga teacher training. Various top rated yoga teachers training in Nepal have been successful in producing highly skilled yoga teachers or gurus.
A widespread misconception regarding yoga is that yoga is limited to just asanas and breathing exercises. In actuality, asanas constitute but a small portion of this age-old wellness science. Along with yoga asanas, there are eight limbs that comprise ethics (Yama and Niyama), pranayama, various meditation techniques (dhyana), Dharana, Samadhi, and kriyas. Several varities of yoga such as Hatha yoga, Ashtanga yoga, Karma yoga, Raja yoga etc divide the teachings of yoga into different sects.
Yoga is taught in many places in Nepal, where it is known for its unwavering commitment to preserving and transmitting the ancient tradition of yoga. Most of the Nepal’s training institutes maintain a traditional outlook, encompassing pranayama techniques, meditation practices and old philosophical ideas. Many yoga training schools in Nepal are associated with Yoga Alliance. This partnership not only ensures that the curriculum meets international standards but also makes it simpler for graduates to acquire Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) status, which boosts their international recognition. In Nepal, teaching yoga entails more than just physical exercise because it involves community engagement and cultural immersion as well. Often, students will experience a warm reception from Nepalese people, attend local festivities and share in the collective spirit of yoga community.
In conclusion, Nepal welcomes all the tourists around the globe to participate in this expedition and experience the other worldly impact of yogic culture. Nepal is the ancient home of yoga, where the Adiyogi Lord Shiva had created and then imparted the knowledge of yoga to the sages. The guru shishya connection is well preserved here hence it is the top choice for devotees and student of this ancient practice to learn and experience the magic of yoga. Legendary yog gurus like Yogi Gorakhnath have graced this mountainous nation with their presence. Hence there is no other place where you can get the authentic experience of this way of life along with the community engagement except in Nepal.
