The Beginner's Guide to Yoga and MeditationsMany scholars believe that yoga dates back over 5,000 years to the beginning of human civilization. Scholars believe that yoga grew out of Stone Age Shamanism, because of the cultural similarities between Modern Hinduism and Mehrgarh, a neolithic settlement (in what is now Afghanistan). In fact, much of Hindu ideas, rituals and symbols of today appear to have their roots in this shamanistic culture of Mehrgahr. Early Yoga and archaic shamanism had much in common as both sought to transcend the human condition. The primary goal of shamanism was to heal members of the community and act as religious mediators. Archaic Yoga was also community oriented, as it attempted to discern the cosmic order through inner vision, then to apply that order to daily living. Later, Yoga evolved into a more inward experience, and Yogis focused on their individual enlightenment and salvation. Yoga is the most diversified spiritual practice in the world. Crossing over many cultures (including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and the West), Yoga also extends over multiple languages such as Hindi, Tibetan, Bengali, Sanskrit, Tamil, Prakit, Marathi and Pali. The Yogic tradition continues to proliferate and spread its message of peace to this very day.ContentsIntroduction 3What is Yoga 5Why Do Yoga? 7Types of Yoga 9Getting Ready 15Beginning Your Workout 19Easy Pose 19Downward Facing Dog 19Sun Salutations 21Tree Pose 23Extended Triangle 24Seated Forward Bend 26Bound Angle Pose 28Wide Angle Seating Forward Bend 30Full Boat 31Bridge 32 Legs Up The Wall 34Corpse Pose 36Meditation 38Universal Mantra Meditation 41Relaxation Meditation 43Energy Healing Meditation 44Color Healing Meditation 44Centering 46Desktop Yoga 47Yoga For Headaches 50Child’s Pose 51Standing Forward Bend 52Yoga for Menstrual Cramps 53Reclining Bound Angle 54Upward Bow 55Seated Twist 55Yoga for Depression 55Headstand 56Head To Knee Forward Bend 58Conclusion 60