What is Yoga?

           Yoga is a timeless Pragmatic science evolved over thousands of years dealing with the physical, moral, mental and spiritual well being of a man as a whole. Yoga means union or communion. Yoga teaches the means by which the Jivatma can be united to the paramatma, and so secure liberation or moksha. Yoga differs from other exercises as it prevents physical and mental illness and protects the body developing an inevitable sense of self reliance and assurance.

            The word ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘Yuj’ meaning to bind, join, attach and yoke, to direct ad concentrate one’s attention on, to use and apply. It is the true union of our will with the will of God. Everything ids permeated by the Supreme Universal Spirit.  (Paramatma or God) of which individual human spirit is a part (Jivatma).

            Work alone is your privilege, never the fruits there of. Never let the fruits of action be your motive and never cease to work. Work in the name of the lord, abandoning selfish desires. Be not affected by the success or failure. This equipoise is called Yoga.

            Yoga is not for him who gorges too much, nor for him who starves too much. Its not for him who sleep’s too much, nor for him who stays awake. By moderation in eating and in resting, by regulation in working and by concordance in sleeping and waking, Yoga destroys all sorrows and pains.

            Yoga is a way of life, an integrated system of education for the body, mind and inner spirit. This art of right living was perfected and practiced in India thousands of years ago but, since Yoga deals with universal truths; its teachings are as valid today as they were in ancient times. Yoga is a practical aid, not a religion, and its techniques may be practiced by Buddhists, Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus and atheists alike. Yoga is union with all.

            The right means are just as important as the end in view. Patanjali enumerates these means as the 8 limbs or stages of Yoga, for the quest of soul. They are:-

• YAMA :-                     Universal Moral Commandments

• NIYAMA:-                  Self Purification by discipline

• ASANA:-                    Posture

• PRANAYAMA:-           Rhythmic Control Of the Breath

• PRATYAHARA:-         Withdrawal And Emancipation of the mind from the domination

•                                   of the  senses and exterior objects

• DHARANA:-               Concentration

• DHYANA:-                  Meditation

• SAMADHI:-                 A State Of super consciousness brought about by profound meditation, in which the individual aspirant (Sadhaka) becomes one with the object of his meditation –Paramatma or the universal spirit.

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