20 REASONS TO VISIT NEPAL IN 2022
The Government of Nepal is putting a special emphasis on encouraging travelers to visit Nepal in 2022/23, promoting it around the world as a destination for adventure, luxury, and everything in between. While any year is a good year to visit Nepal, here are 20 reasons to visit Nepal in 2022/23. So, what are you waiting for?
THE UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES
Nepal is home to four UNESCO World Heritage sites. But, this number is actually misleading because one of these sites (the Kathmandu Valley) includes seven monument zones. The full list of Nepal’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites is:
- Boudhanath
- Patan Durbar Square
- Swayambhunath
- Changunarayan
- Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square
- Pashupatinath
- Sagarmatha National Park
- Lumbini
- Chitwan National Park
See pictures of each of these beautiful sites in the following article: Nepal’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Pictures
SITES ON THE UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE TENTATIVE LIST
The UNESCO World Heritage Sites are not the only worthwhile heritage sites in the country. There are currently 15 sites in Nepal that are on UNESCO’s tentative list. This means that although they’re not yet World Heritage Sites, they might be in the future. Learn more about these 15 sites in the following article: Why You Should Visit UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage Sites in Nepal.
THE HOMESTAYS
Travelers seeking a more homely experience than you can find in a hotel will love the network of women-run Community Homestay Network that Royal Mountain Travel has established around the country. You get to know local people, see how they live, and explore more rural and out-of-the-way communities that you might not otherwise find. Read more about the Community Homestays in these articles:
- A Grass Routes Tour of Nepal: Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan
- Cooking Up a Storm at the Patan Community Homestay
- Getting Local in Nepal’s Community Homestays
- A Perfect Break from the City at Panauti Community Homestay
- A Weekend in Barauli Community Homestay
- An 8-Step Guide to Staying in a Homestay in Nepal
- 10 Reasons to Stay at a Homestay in Nepal
THE LUXURY HOTELS
If you do want to stay somewhere more upmarket, there are plenty of wonderful options in Nepal. Most are concentrated in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and the Chitwan National Park, but beautiful boutique accommodations can also be found in smaller towns like Bandipur, Namo Buddha, and Nagarkot. Read more about them in these articles:
- Beautiful Boutique and Luxury Hotels in Nepal
- A Weekend in Boudhanath at the Hyatt Regency Hotel
- 7 Beautiful Sustainable Hotels in Nepal
- The Most Unique Hotels in Kathmandu
THE FESTIVALS
Nepal celebrates a wide range of Hindu and Buddhist holidays (as well as those of other minority religions, such as Islam and Christianity). Some are observed nationally, others just in certain areas, such as Kathmandu or the Terai. If you stick around in Nepal long enough you’ll find a festival to join in with, and the locals always welcome travelers!
THE MOUNTAINS : 20 Reasons To Visit Nepal in 2020
Nepal’s mountains don’t need any introduction. They’re why most travelers come in the first place. Whether you’re planning to trek through them, see them from a sightseeing flight, or just admire them on the skyline, the Nepali Himalayas will not disappoint.
THE HILLS
Nepal isn’t only super-high mountains by any means, though. Before you get to the snow-capped rocky peaks you will encounter many green rolling hills that are mostly cultivated for crops–although the hills in Nepal can be higher than the mountains in most other countries!
Yoga: 20 Reasons To Visit Nepal in 2022
The beautiful Himalayas of Nepal, the breath of fresh air, and the historical facts such as Gautam Buddha born in Nepal have always presented the country as a land of spirituality. Due to this in recent times, Nepal has been one of the top destinations in the world for Yoga Tourism.
Yoga tourism refers to celebrating your destination with yoga. Yoga has been practiced in Nepal and India for centuries. Yoga offers relaxation and well-being of all 3 aspects of human life – body, mind and soul. Yoga doesn’t involve rigorous training like working out in the gym all you need is your own body, and yet it’s marvelous how amazing it makes you feel. This is also one of 20 reasons to visit Nepal in 2022/23.
THE JUNGLES
Most people travel to the Terai for the jungle national parks and nature reserves. As well as the famous Chitwan National Park, there’s also the Bardia National Park in the far west, and the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in the east, as well as smaller pockets of jungle, animals and bird life. Read more about these here
THE HINDU CULTURE
A majority of Nepalis–more than 80%–follow Hinduism. Until it became a republic, Nepal was the only Hindu kingdom in the world. Hinduism can be seen all throughout society, from big, grand temples like Pashupatinath to small family shrines in a corner of a home or courtyard. Plus, many of Nepal’s annual festivals are Hindu. There are many opportunities to learn about Hinduism in Nepal. Culture is also one of the 20 reasons to visit Nepal in 2022/23.
THE BUDDHIST CULTURE
Despite Nepal being a predominantly Hindu country, Buddhists form a visible minority and makeup around 9% of the population. The two religions very much overlap in Nepal though, and elements of Hinduism and Buddhism enter the beliefs and practices of people from both groups. High up in the mountains (as well as in pockets of Kathmandu) you will encounter Tibetan Buddhism, especially among the Sherpa people and refugees who came directly from Tibet.
THE FOOD
Anyone who tells you that Nepali food is just like Indian food has not spent long in either country. Nepali food revolves around rice and curries of various sorts, but the ingredients, flavours, and preparation is quite different from Indian curry. Plus, there are Tibetan influences like momo and noodle soups, and spicy Newari cuisine. Learn more about the variety of Nepali food in these articles:
- Chiya Khayo? Traditional Nepali Tea and Snacks
- Yomari, a Nepali Food for the Gods
- Must-Try Food While in Nepal
THE SHOPPING
Whether you’re looking for yak wool shawls or Nepali tea, topographical maps of the mountains, or outdoor clothing, you can find them in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Fair trade shops such as Sana Hastakala and Dhukuti are particularly great places to shop for handicrafts, while at Timro Conceptstore, the Local Project, and Of Silk & Salt you can find modern designs. So these are also 20 reasons to visit Nepal in 2022/23.
THE ANIMALS
Nepali wildlife isn’t just restricted to the jungle. All around Kathmandu–but especially at Swayambhunath, otherwise known as the monkey temple–you can see cheeky monkeys. Just keep your food (and children) away from them. The mountains also have a wonderful array of wildlife: while you probably won’t spot a snow leopard, you may see Nepal’s national bird, the danphe, and you’ll see a few yaks!
THE NATIONAL PARKS
Large areas of Nepal are protected as national parks, from the jungles of the Terai to the high Himalayas. Some are remote and can only be reached by trekking–such as the Sagarmatha National Park–whereas others are very accessible from Kathmandu–such as the Shivapuri-Nagarjung National Park. Travelers need permits to enter them or to trek in them.
THE MUSEUMS
Nepal may not be on a par with Paris or New York when it comes to its museums, but there are a number of lovely places in Kathmandu and Pokhara that you shouldn’t miss. The Patan Museum is the most spectacular, and provides a thorough introduction to the culture and architecture of the Kathmandu Valley. Other places worth checking out are the Taragaon Museum at the Hyatt Regency in Boudha, and the International Mountain Museum in Pokhara.
THE ADVENTURE SPORTS
As well as trekking, travellers can do all kinds of other outdoor adventure sports in Nepal: paragliding, zip-lining, white-water rafting, white-water kayaking, canyoning, high ropes courses, trail running, mountain biking, rock climbing, motorbiking, microlite flying… However you choose to get your adrenaline rush, you can do it in Nepal.
THE SUNRISES AND SUNSETS
There’s nothing quite like seeing the sun rise or set behind the tallest mountains on earth. Popular places to see the sun at either end of the day include Nagarkot and Namo Buddha from Kathmandu, or Sarangkot and the World Peace Pagoda from Pokhara. If you’re trekking in the mountains, it’s highly recommended that you wake up early to see the sunrise.
THE HISTORY
Centuries and centuries of human and natural history are evident wherever you go in Nepal. Medieval temples in Kathmandu, archaeological sites from the time of the Buddha on the Terai, undated cave dwellings in Mustang, fossilized meters of sea creatures lying amid the stones at 3,000 meters in Mustang. It would be hard to learn about Nepal’s millennia of history in a single trip, but browse the bookstores of Kathmandu and pick up something interesting to accompany you on your travels.
THE PEOPLE
Many people say that you come to Nepal for the mountains, and return for the people. The local people are friendly. Let us know how it goes for you in 2022/23.
Himalayan Travel Mart 2019 Largest International Travel Mart in Nepal
Nepal: Himalayan Travel Mart 2019
Himalaya Travel Mart (HTM) is Nepal’s premier international travel and tourism trade show facilitating unparalleled networking and business opportunities. It provides valuable industry insights among the global tourism and hospitality organizations, and individuals engaged in different aspects of tourism in the Himalayan region.
This Business to Business (B2B) mart offers a unique platform for tourism marketing and promotion availing the remarkable gathering of Tourism Industry Stakeholders. It includes Global Buyers, Himalayan Sellers, Travel Bloggers, Influencers, National and International Media, Travel Industry Professionals, and Delegates from around the world.
HTM Conference brings together international tourism experts, hospitality professionals, influencers, renowned adventurers, and great personalities. There is a dynamic lineup of national and international thought leaders amongst buyers, sellers, media professionals, delegates, and industry stakeholders. It involves discussions and sharing unparalleled insights on the contemporary issues, trends, challenges, and opportunities for the development of Himalayan tourism.
The HTM 2019 Conference under the theme “Spirit of the Himalayas” is to inspire the audience to understand both the tangible and intangible spirits of the Himalayas. It unveils its diverse tourism offerings and potentials.
According to the organizer the event also avails a gathering of global buyers, Himalayan sellers, travel bloggers, influencers, national and international media, travel industry professionals, and delegates from around the world,
The first two editions of HTM in 2017 and 2018 attracted the participation of 225 foreign delegates from 53 different countries and over 170 foreign delegates from 36 countries, respectively.
“With renewed zeal and enthusiasm following the two remarkably successful editions of HTM, we have been fully energized with a focus on intensifying the value for our stakeholders for the third edition of the event.
HTM is now a popular brand for the promotion of tourism and we are receiving overwhelming response and interest for participation from many tourism source markets,” said PATA Nepal Chapter Chairman Sunil Shakya.
Similarly, Deepak Raj Joshi, chief executive officer of Nepal Tourism Board, mentioned that HTM has been established as the nation’s major international travel-trade show and this event has been able to promote and showcase Nepal’s tourism offerings to the world.
“This mart has been a unique platform among the travel and tourism industry professionals and individuals for networking, business promotions, and sharing knowledge and skills. The interest shown by the buyers and sellers in the past two editions of HTM has proven its increasing popularity and ongoing success,” he added.
“ANNAM BRAHMA” YOGIC FOOD THERAPY
Introduction:
A diet that is conducive to the practice of yoga and spiritual progress is called Yogic Diet. It purifies the body, calms the mind, and explores the spirit. It is also called satvik food or natural food. The food that purifies the body and calms the mind is sattvic or yogic food. The process of disease management through the use of yogic food based on the disease’s nature and need is called Aahara or Diet therapy. “Food is first medicine” so whatever we eat we get the effects. Diet has an intimate connection with the mind. Mind is formed out of the subtle portion of food. We should pay great attention to food to attain good health and life. We should eat to live but not live to eat. Learn about YOGIC FOOD THERAPY.
These constituents can be divided into three groups:
- Energy Yielding Food likes carbohydrates and Fats
i. Produce energy for voluntary and involuntary functions of the body
ii. Help in the digestion, absorption, and metabolism process of enzymes, and hormones with fats.
iii. Help in manufacturing of vitamins.
iv. Keep the temperature balance in the body. - Body Building Food like Proteins and some minerals
i. Build up the new cells.
ii. Repairs and maintains the tissues.
iii. Increase immunity power. - Protecting Food like Vitamins, water, and minerals
i. Increase the protecting power or immunity power.
ii. Build up the muscles, teeth, bones, blood, etc.
iii. Maintain the chemical levels in the body.
iv. Prevent deficiency diseases.
Types of food according to Yogic Approach:
Satvik Food:
The food which gives purity, calmness, and awareness is called satvik or yogic food. This food should be light, pure, fresh, nutritious, energetic, protective, and alive. It increases vitality, energy, stamina, strength, health, and happiness and cures all types of ailments. Almost organic, natural, fresh, or alkaline food from the earth directly for purity of body and calmness and harmony of mind is known as Satvik food. E.g.: fruits, green vegetables, fresh milk, fresh butter, chapatti, curd, rice, wheat, corn, salad, sprouted nuts and seeds, herbal spices, and herbal tea.
Rajasik Food:
The food that, stimulates, activates, and speeds up the body’s units and processes is known as Rajasik Food. It also gives energy but no purity and calmness. It makes it more unstable, movable, restless and unpeace. E.g.: All types of fast food, dried food, fried food, roast food, spicy, salty, oily, and heavy. It is only testable but no prana; so many items but nutritious. It is not yogic but is not harmful as well.
Tamasik Food:
The food that has no life, no natural quality, tastes, colors, and artificial food is known as Tamasik food. E.g.: Stale food, decomposed food, smoke, drugs, alcohol, all meat products, repeated cooking, unmatchable food, unseasonal food, untimed food, etc. are the Tamasik food.
DIET CHART
YOGIC FOOD THERAPY for Normal Healthy People
| Time | Food Items |
| 5 to 6 am | Drinking water (Ushaapaan) 200 ml 600 ml |
| 7 to 8 am | Herbal Tea, vegetable, unsalted sprouts, milk, fruits, daliya or soaked resins, curd |
| 11 am to 12 pm | Salad, Vegetables 60%, whole pulse 35%, fats 5%, Chapati 25%, salad/ fruits 25%, Curd and chapatti or rice |
| 3 to 4 pm | Fresh fruit, salad, fruits juice, herbal tea |
| 7 to 8 pm | Vegetables and salad, Chapati (Light Dinner) |
Food Rules for All in General:
- Wash hands and feet before eating and gargle with water.
- A place where one eats should be neat and clean with a calm atmosphere.
- Eat only when you feel hungry.
- Food should be tasty, fresh, and good to look at.
- Take a meal in a pleasant mood.
- Eat at a fixed time and keep a gap between two meals.
- Never take a meal when you are angry, worried, restless, and in fear.
- Avoid excessive eating, and maintain rules of meetahar which means ½ of the stomach is filled with solid foods and the rest ½ is for water and air.
- Don’t eat dust-exposed and contaminated food.
- Don’t take the next meal until the meal taken before has been digested.
- Avoid taking food if you feel acidity, nausea, vomiting, and burning sensation.
- Take fresh meals, overcooking is harmful.
- Don’t work hard after food. But you can walk 100 to 200 steps in the plane zone as needed.
- Eat when the breath flows through the right (surya swara) nostril and drink water when the breath flows through the left (moon swara) nostril.
- After walking 100 to 200 steps sit on vajrasana for 5 to 15 minutes and after taking food, lie down on the left lateral side for easy and good digestion.
- Go to bed after 2 hours of taking the food at least.
- Pass urine just after the meals.
- Pray before eating meals.
- Don’t take fried food and do not store the cooked food for more than 6 hours.
- Don’t drink water ½ an hour before a meal and 1 hour after a meal.
- Sit on the ground keeping the spine erect while eating food.
- Avoid cold beverages, late-night snacks, and junk food.
- Chew the food properly and swallow slowly.
- Eat seasonal and fresh foods.
- Don’t talk, watch television and be silent while eating.
- Always take sattvic vegetarian food and be able to attain the qualities of pity, sympathy, compassion, love, kindness, respect, purity, peace, etc.
- Don’t eat too much cold and too hot things and also don’t eat cold after hot and no very hot after cold things.
- Drink a cup of warm water or herbal tea without sugar after taking a meal.
- Eat first sweet, salty, sour, pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes respectively.
- Put your wet palms on your eyes for a few moments.
Diet Therapy for Common Diseases
| Time | Food Items |
| 5 to 6 am | Drinking water (Ushaapaan) 200 ml 600 ml |
| 7 to 8 am | Herbal Tea, vegetable, sprouts, fruits; gram soup or fruits juice, buttermilk, curd |
| 11 am to 12 pm | Vegetables 50 to75%, Daliya 25% or Chapati 25%, salad/ fruits 25%, Curd 50 – 150 ml |
| 3 to 4 pm | Fresh fruit, salad, fruits juice, herbal tea |
| 7 to 8 pm | Vegetables and salad 75%; Chapati 25% |
YOGIC FOOD THERAPY for Chronic Diseases
| Time | Food Items |
| 5 to 6 am | Drinking water (Ushaapaan) 200 ml 600 ml |
| 7 to 8 am | Herbal Tea, lemon-honey Lukewarm water, vegetable, sprouts, fruits, gram soup or fruit juice, buttermilk, curd |
| 11 am to 12 pm | Boiled Vegetables 50 to75%, Daliya 25%, salad/ fruits 25% |
| 3 to 4 pm | Fresh fruit, salad, fruit juice, herbal tea |
| 7 to 8 pm | Daliya 25%, Vegetable 75%, or Vegetable 50%, chapatti 25%, salad 25%, no pulse and fat |
“We are what we eat”
Innovative Approach of Anatomy and Physiology in yoga practices
Introduction to Yoga:
Yoga is the ancient spiritual science of human beings. It was a means of spiritual sadhana for human discipline and power. Now it is known as the achievement of health, happiness, and harmony. Yoga is a union it means a mission. We have been practicing the different means or techniques for Yoga; such means are addressed by Yogic Kriyas (Acts of Yoga). Maharshi Patanjali, a founder of Yoga Darshan says “Yogashchittavrittinirodhah” PYS 1.2 means that the cessation of modified thoughts in chitta is called Yoga. It is a state of devoid where nothing is left, just empty where awareness is active and sparking and then the seer can realize his origin.
Yoga is the self-realization throughout sadhana, absolutely based on experimental science, is just not a theoretical aspect whatever we gain but whatever we do, is the sense. Knowing or learning is not only a part of education, furthermore developing attitudes and understanding its values and their application is a major issue for human perfection.
Means of yoga or yogic kriyas should be cultivated and applied in systematic patterns or sequences on the basis of human science; otherwise, we can’t meet our mission. Learn About anatomy and physiology in yoga practices
Yoga and Anatomy:
Human Body is a complex multi-cellular organism having innumerable physiological, biological, and psychological processes. Anatomy and Physiology are two major components of the human body; they run hand in hand together along with life. Anatomy means the science of structure like the location, name of parts, shape & size, structure, design, engineering, etc. Physiology means the science of function like the running process of circulation, communication & secretion, and overall whole transportation. The harmony of all structural units and functional processes leads to the total well-being of life whereas disharmony of structure and functions causes illness.
All means of yoga have generally been applied in our body as a laboratory where all experiments are done. It is fully equipped laboratory full of requirements like devices and chemicals. So, without knowing about the human body or Anatomy & Physiology, our practice never completes or any means.
Need of study of Yoga Anatomy
Anatomy and Physiology are the main parts of the human body that tend whole body to survive. At least we should know the name and location of vital and some more major organs of the body, even though not only the voluntary parts of external muscles and bones, just like a pillar of the house. It is more about this. Knowing about muscles and bones is just for stretching, a bit warming, and opening but still not for flexibility, strength, vitality, toleration, endurance, quality of health, longevity, and expansion of consciousness which should be towards almighty. So, we should know the structural and functional units of life it starts from cells and whole units of body organization with vital organs, actins organs, sensory organs, glands, and systems, then spiritual yogic body panchakosa; panch prana, chakras, Nadis, and Kundalini / Life force, doshas and Prakriti (qualities) as well. It is mainly summarized into three points.
-to acknowledge the complex body units associated with their functions concerning yogic practices for the optimum benefits.
-to manipulate the yogic kriyas based on location, structure, function, and body alignment to fundamental level to higher levels of practice effectively.
– to make better learning, understanding, practices, and teaching of science more scientific and philosophical concerning complementing knowledge, experience, and human consciousness.
Anatomical figures as different sciences:
Anatomy of the Natural Body:
The Human Body is composed of different parts and units.
Panchamahabhoota (Five great elements).
Nature is the mother of all sciences and also the first principle.
Prithivi Tatva (Earth Element) – Gross Body, muscles, and bones
Jala Tatva (Water) – the liquid portion of the body like blood, lymph, juice, mucus
Agni Tatva (Fire) – Body temperature, heat energy, colors,
Vayu Tatva (Air) – All types of communication like respiration, circulation, motion, hearing
Aakasha Tatva (Ether/ Space) – all spaces, cavities, canals, tubes, and vessels of the body
Anatomy of Spiritual/ Yogic Body (Panchakosa): Anatomy and physiology in yoga practices
- AnnamayaKosa (Physical Sheath/ Body)
- PranamayaKosa (Vital Sheath/ Body)
- ManomayaKosa (Mental Sheath/ Body)
- VigyanamayaKosa ( Wisdom Sheath/ Body)
- AanandamayaKosa (Blissful Sheath/ Body)
Anatomy of Pranic body (Panchaprana):
- Prana Vayu
- Samana Vayu
- Apana Vayu
- Uddyana Vayu
- Vyana Vayu
Anatomy of Chakra Body:
- Mooladhara Chakra
- Svadhishthana Chakra
- Manipur Chakra
- Anahata Chakra
- Vishuddi Chakra
- Anggya Chakra
- Bindu Chakra
- Sahasraha Chakra
Anatomy of Nadi Vigyana:
There are 72000 nadis in Tantra Yoga, out of these 14 principal nadis are:
Sushumna; Ida; Pingala; Gandhari; Hastajihva; Yashasvini; Pusha; Alambusha; Kuhu; Sakini; Sarasvati; Payasvini; Varuni; Vishvodara
Anatomy of Ayurveda Vigyana:
samadoshah samaagnishcha samadhaatumalakriyah!
prasannaatmendriyamanaah svastha ityabhidheeyate!!
The meaning of the statement/ verse is: equanimity of three doshas, thirteen agnis, seven dhathus, three malas, and the happier stage of all eleven organs like five sensory, five actions, and the mind is the state of optimum health of the human beings.
Dosha – Vata, Pitta, Kapha
Agni – Jatharagni-1; Bhutangni-5; Dhatwagni-7;
Dhatu – Rasa; rakta; Mansa; Medas; Asthi; Majja; Sukra
Mala – Purish; Mutra; Sweda
Anatomy of the Human Body as a medical view:
Human Body is a huge organization with multi-cellular structures and functions.
Cells (Structural and Functional Units) —————
Tissues (group of specific cells) —————
Organs (group of tissues) ——————————–
Systems (group of organs)——————————-
Human Body ( a complex organism)
Neuro-muscular-skeleton coordination, Neuro-coordination of entire physiologies, and Neuro-endocrine coordination indicate all the human possibilities. It does not consist of Muscles and bones only; we have to enter entire levels of involuntary and autonomic structures and functions.
Anatomical and Physiological work out toward spiritual achievement:
First stage: warming up, vibrating, opening, stretching in both voluntary and involuntary concern Neuro-coordination to Voluntary muscles and bones.
Second stage: Circulating, detoxifying, communicating (stimulus & Response) or physiological connectivity, Neuro-co ordination to Involuntary; Vital organs, Glands (Exocrine, Endocrine, Lymphatic)
Third stage: Flexibility (Mobility & ability) and Neuro-coordination, hormonal coordination to cellular networking.
Fourth stage: Efficiency (acceleration & duration) and internal homeostasis; concentration and calmness
Fifth stage: Bio-electromagnetic charges firing, the charge of Atom (Electron, Proton & Neutron) at omnipresent power Om/ sounds. Atom exists at Om (Atom = At + Om) based on Quantum theory; the harmonious rhythm of life; Kundalini awakening; the means of attainment is Dhyana (Meditation).
Sixth stage: Ojomaya and Tejomaya; expansion of consciousness; Samadhi (Liberation)
Some keynotes of Anatomy and Physiology in Yoga Practice
- Joints and Voluntary Muscles as the foundation
- Muscle contraction and the nature of the movement
- Body Alignment and Flexibility principles
- Major Cavities and Involuntary connectivity
- Location of Major organs and their vital process
- Co-ordination of Nervous and Endocrine Systems as psycho-physiological change
- Inter-relation of endocrine glands and chakras
- Anatomy concerns External and internal yoga
Yoga Practices:
Yoga should ethically be done on a good plan submitting all the means of Yogic Science. ‘Yogah Samadhi” it means Yoga is Samadhi; Samadhi is Yoga. Hath Yoga qualifies us for entry into Raja Yoga. Ethical rules of Yama & Niyama; Sukshma Vyayama, Suryanamaskara chakra, Yogasana, Bandha, Mudra, and Pranayama are the preparatory phase of Meditation and Meditation is the preparatory phase of Yoga or Samadhi. So, Dhyana (Meditation) is the final weapon of yoga, a state of Samadhi. In general, yogasana is the pre-stage of meditation so, Yoga is more about meditation. Practicing any physical-based practice and karmas are pre-requisite qualifications for meditation purposed to attempt super happiness without cause; satchittananda and liberation.
Shatakarma:
Shatakarma –six cleansing acts are detoxification procedures that are clinical and physiological in nature and help to remove the toxins accumulated in the body and prepare for further practices of all means of yoga.
Prayer:
It prepares our emotional, devotional & entire atmosphere, mood, and expression because each moment is beautiful initiation of a beautiful day that leads to the well-done practice of the whole day fullness. Methods- sit on Vajrasana or any comfortable meditation posture keeping back straight, pranam mudra and eyes closed, deep breath few times, Om chants-3 times, Guru mantra- 3 times – e.g. “Om Shree Gurave Namah”, sankalpa (Resolve) 3 times – Today I put my gratitude and show my love to all.
Sukshma Vyayama (subtle Exercise): It is considered as an anti-rheumatic group of exercise so, attempt main joints – ankles, knees, hop joint, wrist, shoulder, neck, etc. and saptadwara – eyes-2, ears-2, nostrils-2 and mouth- at least.
Dynamic exercise:
It stretches and speeds up circulation. It also helps to bring flexibility and enhances the Asana practices easier but of there is no equality of action and rest and also not done under breath rules and awareness, it can work reversely creating pain, tension, and excess pressure on joints and muscles.
Asana Practice:
It develops flexibility, maintains proper alignment, promotes efficiency, stamina, endurance, toleration, and patience, and makes the swasa kriyas (breathing acts) easier and clear. It also prepares for meditation postures.
Pranayama practice
“Pranayama Paramo Tapah”. It is a supreme practice as major means of Yogic acts. It spreads up vitality and reduces the consumption of oxygen and energy in the body, ultimately it calms the mind, explores the soul, rejuvenates life, and lengthens the life span. Bandhas and Mudras are practices associated with Pranayama. They are viewed as the higher practices that mainly adopt certain physical postures along with control over our breath. This further facilitates control of mind and paves way for higher yogic achievement.
Antaranga Yoga:
Pratyahara indicates the dissociation of human consciousness from the sensory organs which unite with the external objects. Dharana indicates the broad field of attention which is usually felt as concentration. Dhyana is frequent attention inside entering into silence, however, meditation which moves one towards self-realization that will lead us to transcendence/ liberation.
Conclusion:
Yoga begins when class is over. It is a whole life project as Prabda Karma’s motive is to aim Aagami Karma. Acknowledgment of anatomy and physiology nearly connects Asanas, Bandhas, mudras, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, and Dhyana practices for effective and rational benefits. Internal anatomy and yogic anatomy are very supportive roles for clarity of higher practice. Yoga is neither physical exercise nor religious science; however, it is purely spiritual science or existence science for the continuation of this beautiful existence of all beings and this wonderful world as well within the universe.
AUM! Asato-mā Sat Gamaya! Tamaso mā Jyotir-Gamaya!! Mrityor-mā Amritam-Gamaya!!!
OM SHANTIH! SHANTIH!! SHANTIH!!!
SWAMI YOGA SUBODH (Dr. SIMKHADA SUBODH)
www.himalayanyoganepal.com