According to a translation of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (Sutra I, 2):

“Yoga is calming the fluctuations of the mind”.

Yoga is a system of knowledge that includes disciplines and practices originating in ancient India that integrate the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of human experience and lead to liberation from suffering.” (Yoga Alliance)

In practice, yoga is an applied science of the mind and body. It comes from the Hindu vedas (scriptures) and basically means ‘union’ and is where the English word ‘yoke’ comes from. Practice and study of yoga help to bring about a natural balance of body and mind in which the state of health can manifest itself. Yoga itself does not create health; rather, it creates an internal environment that allows the individual to come to his own state of dynamic balance, or health. Basically, yoga teaches that a healthy person is a harmoniously integrated unit of body, mind and spirit. Therefore, good health requires a simple, natural diet, exercise in fresh air, a serene and untroubled mind and the awareness that man's deepest and highest self is identical with the spirit of God. As a result, to many devotees, yoga becomes a philosophy that offers instruction and insight into every aspect of life: the spiritual, the mental and the physical. Of course, because it is all-encompassing, people who want to pick and choose from its smorgasbord can do so without being disappointed. Yoga is equally satisfying as a physical therapy alone. (holisticonline.com)

As repeated by many of the great masters of yoga, the teachings of yoga are universal and that they do not interfere with one’s religions faith or occupation or life-style. Everyone who lives is entitled to enlightenment which instantly transforms every-day life into enlightened living.

The practice of yoga is often thought to be only the performance of physical poses. The practice of postures are only part of the eight-fold path or “eight limbs” of yoga handed down to us in the Yoga Sutras >> of Patanjali, the foundational text of the philosophy of yoga. The steps encompass guidelines for moral and ethical standards and self-discipline and provide a framework for living a fulfilling  and illuminatative life; a life in freedom and with meaning, peace, closeness and clarity. They include:

  1. Yama (personal ethics and integrity)

  2. Niyama (self-discipline and spiritual practices)

  3. Asana (the physical postures)

  4. Pranayama (mastering the breathing process)

These first four steps help students master the body and their energy and serve as preparatory stages for reaching higher states of consciousness in the last four stages.

  1. Pratyahara (withdrawal from sensory stimuli for inner observance)

  2. Dharana (concentration)

  3. Dhyana (meditation or contemplation)

  4. Samadhi (interconnectedness or being at one with all things)


But most important: simply try it yourself. Observe, Learn and Enjoy.
YC gives you the best environment, and great teachers to guide you.

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