Yoga as Meditation

Meditation is one of the Five Principles of Yoga. "Yoga" can be more accurately described by the Sanskrit word asana, which refers to the practice of physical postures or poses.

Hatha yoga is one of six branches; the others include raja, karma, bhakti, jnana, and tantra yoga. Each branch with its unique characteristics and function represents a particular approach to life.

It is a journey of discovery; exploring and ultimately going beyond attitudes that have shaped your life may be for better or for worse. Yoga is a skill by which you seek to sustain awareness and clarity. The quality of this awareness incorporates freshness within which actions are less affected by the usual attitudes and habits. In other words there is more choice over how you respond or react to different situations. Yoga is a process by which you grow in your understanding of yourself.

Meditation is an important tool in achieving mental clarity and health.

The four ways in which yoga can help in meditation are:

• Relaxation and calmness
• Flexibility
• Awareness and
• Energy