Ananda Yoga Asanas and Benefits
Ananda Yoga is a form of yoga that comes directly from the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, the renowned Indian Yogi who settled in the West to teach the intricacies of the Kriya Yoga. It brings back the spiritual essence of Yoga. It does not involve the intense yoga poses. On the contrary, the yoga poses of Ananda Yoga are inwardly directed and helps you align with your higher inner self. The poses are designed to harmonize the mind, body, and the soul and raise your consciousness. Read here to know in detail.
What is Ananda Yoga?
Ananda Yoga comes from Swami Kriyananda, the disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda who systematized the teachings, thoughts, and practices of Yogananda and christened it as Ananda Yoga. Ananda Yoga can be broadly classified into 4 groups, namely:
- Asana
- Pranayama
- Yogic meditation techniques
- Applied philosophies of yoga
The postures in Ananda Yoga are never too intense or like the aerobics. On the contrary, they are very gentle, and the emphasis lies on:
- Safety and correct alignment
- Staying relaxed at all times
- Working with the body’s subtle energy
- Raising your consciousness with the poses
- Adapting each pose to fit the abilities of the practitioner rather than forcing the practitioner to achieve the ideal pose.
Practicing Ananda Yoga will make you more aware of your divine nature and higher inner self and helps you be one with the same.
Ananda Yoga is truly a blessing to mankind. It is known for its several benefits such as improving flexibility to the body, curing diseases, improving the respiratory system, and increasing blood and lymph circulation. There are several poses and aspects of Ananda yoga which have been discussed below for reference.
1. The Lotus Pose:
The Lotus Pose is the most basic pose you should learn while doing yoga. It helps you meditate better and increases your level of concentration. For this, you need to sit on the floor with your legs crossed. Keep your hands on your knees and breathe slowly. Doing the lotus pose is really easy, and anyone can do it. This is the best meditative pose which can raise your consciousness.
