The benefits of incorporating yoga for spiritual growth 

Yoga, the process of training the mind and body, has been in practice since age immemorial. This method of governing the senses, the intellect, and the body, brings about holistic growth that aids in well-being. This June 21, the world will celebrate the sixth International Day of Yoga, and by doing so, the emphasis will be on the relevance of the ancient Indian tradition.

Yoga is not bound by time. It is testified by the fact that the ancient Indian practise revelled in Indian scriptures, has been embraced by the world. And it's benefits are meant for humanity for generations after generations irrespective of caste, colour or creed.

From the sacred Bhagavad Gita to the holyUpanishad, yoga has been celebrated as an ingredient to attain a state of calm and blissfulness. Interestingly, yoga is not restricted to asanas, pranayama or dhayana. Going by these books, yoga is a way of life, which, when embraced in its entirety, brings about a sea change in the way a person handles his/her life. To know what the Bhagavad Gita says about yoga, click here.

What we call yoga today is only a part of what it is in reality. Nonetheless, people across the globe have reaped the benefits of doing yoga which not only makes the mind and the body healthy but also helps in self-realisation.

Yoga asanas assist in building a robust body while improving flexibility and pranayama helps in regulating the breathing pattern.

The various asanas, pranayama, dhyana, dharana, and the other limbs of Ashtanga Yoga, assist the practitioner by helping him/her realise the self. It is a method by which a person can remain unaffected by troubles in times of adversities. When he/she rids himself/herself of the myriad emotions, the journey called life becomes more manageable. It is about remaining attached yet detached from the world. And this, in turn, helps him/her in attaining Moksha.

1) When a person is spiritually conscious, it helps him/her in remaining calm even when things are not going right. Thus, he/she can keep anxiety and stress at bay.

2) By incorporating yoga in daily life, one can learn that 'it is okay to not feel okay' sometimes. Thus it boosts your emotional and psychological well-being.

3) It prepares the mind for success as well as failures. Meaning, it makes a person embrace both agonies and ecstasies in the same spirit.

4) It creates awareness about the infinite nature of the universe and that we are a tiny part of it. This, in turn, helps the mind in knowing that there's some supreme power that makes things happen.

5) The mind produces endless thoughts. Most of them often end up being negative or depressing. Yoga helps in regulating the thoughts by controlling the mind.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional advice.

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International Yoga Day: The relevance of yoga and the benefits of incorporating it for spiritual growth - Times Now