Despite the evidence that each of these methods, yoga and meditation create peace of mind within the practitioner, these have only recently gained worldwide attention for their great results. Meditation is often linked to Yoga as it is one of the many aspects of Yoga. However, meditation is also a separate entity and has existed in almost every corner of the world for a very long time.

Are yoga and meditation the same?

Many wonder whether yoga and meditation is the same thing or not. But the fact is that Yoga is a spiritual, mental and physical discipline that helps to attain peace. Over the years, yoga is now being associated with physical fitness. On the other hand, meditation is a part of yoga which should ideally be followed by yoga asanas. Once you start meditative techniques, you will realize that they energies the body and intellect in a great way. Meditation also improves breathing, the mind and self-realization.

The benefits of yoga and meditation

Yoga helps in:

• All round fitness.
• Weight loss.
• Relieves stress.
• Betters the posture.
• Improves immunity.
• Increases energy.

Meditation helps to:

• Relieve stress.
• Lowers high blood pressure.
• Reduces headaches, insomnia, ulcers and joint pain too.
• Improves the mood, alertness, immunity and energy.

So if you want to learn yoga and want to take your expertise to the next level, then Hatha yoga school Rishikesh is the best choice for you as it offers the best Yoga Teacher Training Programs in India.

Is the use of meditation in yoga practice important?

Well, this question is as good as the answer itself. Meditation dictates how the body is kept secured and relaxed while the workout is being carried out. Meditation forms a vital part of a yoga routine. It is used to not only ease the body from tension or stress but also gives it some time to relax.

You will realize that meditation is very useful, especially in cases when you are worn out and need some rest. During a yoga practice, meditation is highly appreciated. Meditation helps to make it a little easier for you to control the breathing well. It is also very useful for having a better flow of energy in the body.

Some benefits of meditating after practicing yoga

After trying out meditation at the end of a yoga routine, you may want to give your body a certain amount of rest for a while. Thus, your yoga routine should feature meditation as a very important part. Yoga, if used with meditation, can bring about benefits like:

• Helps to ease the body from tension and stress.
• Helps to stay healthy as much as possible.
• Makes the mind and body work together in harmony.
• Helps to adjust the various thoughts in the mind.
• Helps to rest the body a while.

So give it a try and enjoy the enormous benefits.

What are spiritual symbols?

Many people have the misconception of referring spiritual symbols to the historical things that they find in museums or somewhere remote. However, spiritual symbols can be found in many places. If you appear closely to your environment, you can readily see that many spiritual symbols indeed surround you.

They are always there affecting your life as well as the way you live. It is important for people to understand that they guide us into accomplishing our spiritual development to become a whole person eventually. They can only be felt and never seen or touched.

What is Om? What are its benefits in yoga?

Om, also known as ‘Aum’, is considered as the most sacred mantra in Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism. You will see it appearing at the beginning and end of most Sanskrit recitations, prayers and texts. Om spiritual symbol is an ancient Sanskrit word and was first felt by the rishis as they meditated. It was more about the essence of it than the chanting. Eventually, the experience was shared, and now people chant it to get the experience of it.

Many yoga classes begin with the chanting of Om three times. This mantra allows the energy within you to begin the process of harmony by breathing together and sharing this mantra. The mantra reminds the body and mind to set aside all the other worries and turn attention inward, to the everlasting joy that yoga can bring.

The mantra is repeated at the end of the yoga session along with the traditional practice of saying ‘Namaste’ as a declaration of respect for the practice and each other in the group. This also helps to carry the inspiration of yoga ahead to everyone and encourage growth within yourself and others. Om is an amazing mantra that the people today must utilize to bring focus and awareness to the greater meaning of what is called life.