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Yoga

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Inscribed in 2016 (11.COM) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

The philosophy behind the ancient Indian practice of yoga has influenced various aspects of how society in India functions, whether it be in relation to areas such as health and medicine or education and the arts. Based on unifying the mind with the body and soul to allow for greater mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing, the values of yoga form a major part of the community’s ethos. Yoga consists of a series of poses, meditation, controlled breathing, word chanting and other techniques designed to help individuals build self-realization, ease any suffering they may be experiencing and allow for a state of liberation. It is practised by the young and old without discriminating against gender, class or religion and has also become popular in other parts of the world. Traditionally, yoga was transmitted using the Guru-Shishya model (master-pupil) with yoga gurus as the main custodians of associated knowledge and skills. Nowadays, yoga ashrams or hermitages provide enthusiasts with additional opportunities to learn about the traditional practice, as well as schools, universities, community centres and social media. Ancient manuscripts and scriptures are also used in the teaching and practice of yoga, and a vast range of modern literature on the subject available.

Natrajasana (Lord of the dance pose Nataraja is one of the names given to the God Shiva in his form as the cosmic dancer. This aesthetic, stretching and balancing asana is used in Indian classical dances also.)
Chakrasana (Wheel pose. It is a backbending pose and an important posture of Hatha Yoga widely practiced for a healthy spine.)
Nadi Shodhan (Alternate Nostril breathing is a technique that helps clear out blocked energy channels in the body, which in turn calms the mind. It is also known as 'Anulom Vilom pranayama' in India.)
Pranavasana (It is also called Yognidrasana said to be practiced by the Yogies for deep relaxation. It is an advanced posture being practiced for attainment of control over the senses.)
Sutraneti (The yogic system of body cleansing techniques In sutra neti, a length of wet string or thin surgical tubing is carefully and gently inserted through the nose and into the mouth. The end is then pulled out of the mouth and while holding both ends at once the string is alternately pulled in and out of the nose and sinuses. This helps to practice Pranayama with comfort and effectively.)
A yoga camp in India
Tha-mula bandha (nauli) with Tha-uddiyana bandha Internal yogic locks (bandhas) have some structural functions, but primarily they are energetic in nature, and on a very tangible level they regulate the flow of blood through the body. Anatomically a bandha is the co-activation (simultaneous tensing) or opposing muscles around a joint complex.
Yoga and its deep-rooted connection with performing arts of India
Yoga-sutras 196 aphorisms that constitute the foundational text of Ashtanga yoga (The eight limb path of yoga) written some 2200 years ago by Indian Sage Patanjali
Yoga - ancient scientific and medical knowledge of humanity
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