Difference Between Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and meditation, many people think that these healing sciences are the same however it is not the same. Here in this post, you will learn about the differences between yoga and meditation. In today’s competitive world people from all over the globe learn these disciplines for the healing of their mind, body, and soul.

What is yoga??

Many people have a misconception that yoga is all about stretching, doing various physical posture, deep breathing. However, yoga is a way of life that helps in removing the obstacles of life and realizing your true potential and getting in touch with the higher consciousness. Yoga is much more than stretching and doing intense posture it is deep wisdom that leads you towards holistic living. It is a practice that was created by our sages thousands of years ago to build in tunes with your whole body systems that are respiratory, circulatory and digestive and creating a balance between mind, body and soul.

The daily practice of yoga helps in keeping your energy level high, keeping you physically fit, better posture but also helps in stress reduction. There are various forms of yoga that is practiced all over the world such as ashtanga yoga, hatha yoga, bhakti yoga, mantra yoga. The Rishikesh Yog mandir is one of the best yoga schools in Rishikesh that offers various yoga courses on traditional forms of yoga. The traditional form of yoga is based on eight limbs of yoga; Yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, Dharana, dhyana and Samadhi. These eight limbs promote the union of body, mind and soul that envision the wellness of mind, body and soul and, remove every negative emotion and help to build a better and healthy relationship our self and people around us and help you to discover your true potential.

What is meditation

Meditation is actually originated from the Sanskrit word dhyana that leads you to the state of higher consciousness. Meditation is a practice in which you have to sit with your thoughts and emotions, observe them and then let them pass without any judgment. Today we live in such a fast-paced life where you have to go through many responsibilities, a task that leaves us with unexplained fears and doubts.  We constantly live the situation where our actions and thought process doesn’t match and live in disparity that made us vulnerable to stress and anxiety. Meditation is a state of unity that came from an intense focus on your breath, object or a mantra with the goal to increase the awareness of the present moment. It is like a workout of mind. Meditation is a part of eight limbs of yoga and the practice of yoga was created by sages to lead themselves to the state of dhyana through the means of physical postures. Meditation is a process of mastering your mind and aware of your body, its sensation at the same time.

What is common in yoga and meditation

Both the practice of yoga and meditation make you more mindful and aware. Most of the people are living in a busy world which is a pretty distraction. Yoga and meditation help you to slow down and stay in the present moment. Both the practice of yoga and meditation is beneficial for overall health and wellbeing. Studies have shown that many people feel balanced and uplifted after practising yoga and meditation.

Difference between yoga and meditation: which is better??

When it to difference between yoga and meditation and what is better for you really depend on what you are expecting at the moment.

  • If you are someone who is dealing with stress and anxiety or some kind of mental pressure the practice of meditation is more beneficial for you as it will help you to release those negative emotions and help you to achieve a restful state of mind.
  • However, if you are someone who finds meditation a hard practice and takes a long time to slow down then you should opt for yoga. Practicing yoga flow while focusing on your breath will be your first step towards slowing down and stay in the present moment.
  • If you are someone who wants to total mind-body wellness then yoga is ideal for you. Yoga is an incredible practice that is a perfect blend of physical posture accompanied by breathing that works holistic wellness of mind, body and soul.
  • If you are someone who always spaces out during any work or even practicing yoga then meditation is the most ideal for you as it will help you to focus on your task by observing your thought not by engrossing in it.