The word Yoga means to join, unite or merge. It is derived from the sanskrit root yuj. Yoga is a science and also an art. The practice of Yoga integrates the body with the mind and the mind with the soul, there by helping us to understand out own natures and to live harmoniously with our fellow men.
Yoga can be practiced by all irrespective of race, colour, caste, creed, sex and age.
Most people are aware of only two aspects of Yoga, the asanas and meditation. Yoga is more than these two aspects. It is, in fact, an eight-fold path called Ashtanga Yoga.
Only the first three limbs of Ashtanga Yoga, yama, niyama and asna are relevant for children.
Sadhana—The Sadhana implies a quest or study. There are three kinds of Sadhanas.
Bahiranga Sadhana (bahir=outer, anga=body) is the quest for external purity. Bahiranga sadhana consists of following the moral and ethical principles of yama and niyama for character building, and the practice of asanas for cleaning and maintaining the health of the body.
Antaranga Sadhana (antar=inner, anga=body) is the quest for inner purity. In antaranga sadhana the practitioner strives to cleanse and control his mind and his senses through the practice of pranayama and pratyahara.
Antaratma Sadhana (antar=inner, atma=soul, self) is the quest of the soul. Here the aspirant penetrates into the innermost aspects of his being through the practice of dharana, dhyana and samadhi.
Only bahiranga sadhana is for children.
Prayers
Prayers are a part of bahiranga sadhana. Children enjoy praying, especially praying loudly. Children are essentially pious by nature, free from doubts and biases.
Prayers inspire a child towards betterment. They help mould a character which is respectful, revential and devout. Repetition of prayers before Yoga classes helps ‘Set the mood’. Children immediately calm down.
