5 Points of Yoga
By Swami Vishnudevananda
After closely observing the lifestyles and needs of people in the West, Swami Vishnudevananda, the founder of Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres, noted that the ancient wisdom of Yoga can be synthesized into five basic principles, which can easily be incorporated into our own lifestyles to provide the foundation for healthy living. It is around these five principles that the activities at the London centre are based.
Enhances the flexibility of the joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments and stimulates circulation. Flexibility and strength of the spine keep the body youthful.
Connects the body to its battery, the solar plexus, which is an storehouse of energy. Stress and depression can be overcome by breathing more deeply with increased awareness.
Relieves the body of existing stress symptoms (including muscle tension and breathlessness) and also helps develop resistance against external stress factors. Once body and mind are freed from constant overload they are at ease and perform more efficiently.
Promotes health and has a positive effect on body and mind. It is natural, simple to prepare, easy to digest and absorb. It is based on proper food choices and causes the least harm to other living beings and the environment.
Eliminates negative thought patterns and provides an experience of inner peace by controlling the mind through meditation. This is the key to peace of mind.
