What is Yoga?

Yoga is one of the most ancient cultural heritages of India. It was invented by Hindu yogis over 2500 years ago.  The word yoga means ‘unity' or ‘oneness' and is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘yuj' which means ‘to join'. In this sense, it is an exercise in moral and mental cultivation that generates good health (arogya), contributes to longevity (chirayu), and the total intrinsic discipline culminates into positive and perennial happiness and peace. It works on all aspects of the person: the physical, mental, emotional, psychic and spiritual. Therefore, yoga is the said to be indispensable of the ultimate accomplishment in life. It is a science that affects not only the conscious self but the subconscious as well.

What does Yoga consist of?

Yoga usually includes three elements of the traditional yoga techniques: postures (or asanas in Sanskrit), breath control (or pranayama) and meditation.

• Yoga asanas
  

  Yoga asanas are the physical stretches or postures familiar to many of us when we think of yoga. Asanas come in standing, sitting, and inverted forms and are designed to improve suppleness, flexibility, and posture. They also stretch the muscles, and help to build stamina and strength in the body, as well as calming the mind.

• Pranayama
  

  Breathing exercises are designed to master the movement of prana (or life-force) within us. The practise of pranayama enhances lung capacity, oxygenating and energizing the body, and improves the circulation. Like the asanas, pranayama also calms the mind, allowing a feeling of tranquility and emotional well-being to develop over time.

• Meditation techniques
  

  Meditation allows us to become aware of how our mind works and allows us to accept ourselves. We become more single minded, our concentration improves, and we give up on habitual thought patterns, allowing us to become self-confident, open, and honest with ourselves and others.

Read the entire article at Introduction to Yoga

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