Ashtanga (अष्टाङ्ग), meaning "Eight Limbs" in Sanskrit, is a core concept in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, outlining an eightfold path as the foundation of Raja Yoga for self-discipline, enlightenment, and liberation.
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The universe and human existence are composed of five fundamental elements—Earth (Prithvi), Water (Jala), Fire (Agni), Air (Vayu), and Ether (Akasha)—collectively known as Maha Pancha Bhoota.
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Chakras are energy centers within the human body, often conceptualized as spinning wheels that correspond to specific physical, emotional, and spiritual functions. Traditionally, there are seven main chakras aligned along the spine.
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In yogic tradition, Dasa Nadi refers to ten primary energy channels, including Sushumna, Ida, Pingala, Gandhari, Hastajihva, Yashasvini, Pusha, Alambusha, Kuhuh, and Shankhini, facilitating prana flow throughout the body.
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Mudras are symbolic hand gestures used in yoga to channel energy flow, enhance meditation, and balance the body's elements, thereby promoting physical and mental well-being.
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In Hatha Yoga, Shatkarma refers to six purification techniques—Dhauti, Basti, Neti, Trataka, Nauli, and Kapalbhati—designed to cleanse the body, balance energies, and prepare practitioners for advanced yogic practices.
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Pranayama, the yogic practice of controlled breathing, enhances autonomic balance by increasing parasympathetic activity, leading to decreased heart rate and blood pressure, while improving lung function through increased tidal volume and vital capacity.
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Bandhas are energy locks involving muscle contractions to regulate prana flow, enhancing vitality and concentration. The four main bandhas are Mula (root lock), Uddiyana (abdominal lock), Jalandhara (throat lock), and Maha (the great lock).
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Dhyana, derived from Sanskrit meaning "meditation," is the seventh limb of Ashtanga Yoga, involving deep, uninterrupted concentration leading to profound mental clarity and inner peace.
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Hatha yoga, meaning "sun" (ha) and "moon" (tha) in Sanskrit, aims to balance opposing energies through physical postures and breathing techniques, enhancing flexibility, strength, and mental clarity.
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Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a dynamic practice synchronizing breath with progressive postures, emphasizing precise sequences to enhance strength, flexibility, and mental focus.
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Sivananda Yoga, founded by Swami Vishnudevananda, a disciple of Swami Sivananda, integrates Hatha and Raja Yoga, emphasizing five principles: proper exercise, breathing, relaxation, diet, and positive thinking with meditation.
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World Yoga Association fosters member growth, certifies yoga teachers, schools, clubs, associations, and federations, and builds global partnerships to uphold yoga’s authenticity and accessibility through education, accreditation, and collaboration. The primary purpose is to ensure high standards, safeguard the traditional essence, promote professional development, strengthen the global yoga community, and encourage cultural exchange while expanding its reach and impact worldwide.
Offer accredited yoga training programs that honor traditions and ancient wisdom by integrating them into sports and modern scientific platforms for yoga teachers, schools, and practitioners. Uphold high standards and ensure international accessibility by partnering with organizations to make yoga inclusive and eco-friendly. Promote ethical business models and mindfulness in daily life for sustainability through structured programs for the community.
Innovation and technology enrich yoga training, tournaments, and events by integrating virtual platforms and AI-driven interactive applications for accessibility and engagement. Advanced tools like online yoga certification systems help improve performance, assessment, and learning with add-on biometric and VR simulations (development stage). These advancements ensure international connectivity, inclusivity, and efficiency, revolutionizing traditional practices while maintaining yoga’s authenticity and holistic benefits.
The Executive Committee is committed to strategic planning, training development, and curriculum for arts and sports while safeguarding traditions, ethical operations, compliance, and sustainability through strategic leadership, guidelines implementation, analysis on yoga ethics, international cooperation, preservation, development, and international advancement of yoga, securing its authenticity and relevance for future generations across diverse cultures.
World Yoga Association (WYA), established under Malaysia’s Ministry of Home Affairs (JPPM), certifies yoga teachers, schools, associations, and federations by facilitating yoga membership to uphold yoga development, authenticity, accreditation, and accessibility through education, arts, sports, and cultural exchange. Yoga membership expanded in several countries, aligning with international sports organizations and UN Sustainable Development Goals.