Yoga and Meditation in Thailand

Yoga
The word yoga derives from sanskrit and means unification. It is a collection of different mental and physical techniques which have their origins in India. The western view of yoga is more of an exercise and a form of meditation, but in Asia it was originally connected to religion and religious practices in Hinduism and Buddhism. But yoga in itself is not a religion.

The goal of yoga is to unite body and soul, and maybe even to a god or a higher spirit. In the modern interpretation the goal is physical and spiritual balance, and well being.

There are many different paths within yoga and the yoga practiced in the west is not necessarily the same as the original from the east. Many yoga instructors are educated in the east and this helps bring the original elements of yoga to the western part of the world.

Meditation
Meditation comes from the latin word “meditatio” which means to dwell upon. Meditation is used to achieve a certain mental state. Through mental and physical excercises one trains his/her mind to reach certain mental states and “remain there”. The most common conditions one seeks to reach are relaxation and concentration. There are many different meditation techniques including mantra, visualization, focusing on breathing, stress release etc.

Meditation is not a religion, but is used along the same lines as yoga. Although meditation is used in Hinduism and Buddhism as a mean to reach salvation. People who practice meditation gains better self knowledge, self confidence, better health, peace of mind and increased concentration.  (source www and wikipedia)

There are many different yogaclasses and yogaholidays in Thailand.