What is Yoga?

Definition- YOGA is physical,mental and spiritual practice, that originated in ancient India. First codified by the sage Patanjali in his Yoga Sutra around 200 B.C. the practice was in fact handed down from teacher to student long before this text arose. Traditionally, this was a one-to-one transmission, but since yoga became popular in West in 20th century, group classes become normal.

The word YOGA is derived from the Sanskrit root "YUJ" meaning 'to unite'. The practice  aims to create union between body, mind and spirit,as well as between the individual self and universal consciousness. Such a union tends to neutralize ego-driven thoughts and behaviours, creating a sense of  spiritual awakening.

YOGA is practiced for thousands of years, and whilst many different interpretations and style have been developed, most tends to agree that the ultimate goal of yoga is to achieve libertarian from suffering. Although each school or tradition of yoga has its own emphasis and practice, most focus on bringing together body, mind and breath  as a means of altering energy  or shifting consciousness.

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In modern times, YOGA is commonly associated with asanas, pranayama, a series of postures often weaved together in style such as Vinyasa flow of Ashtanga. Asana practice is generally intended to build strength and stamina, and to relax the body. However, this provides only one small aspect of the tradition of yoga as a whole.

Patanjali's Yoga Sutras provides the traditional foundation of yoga, in which he outlines an eightfold path of practice, known as 'Eight limbs of yoga' this path offers a guide to individuals who are dedicated to creating a union between body, mind and spirit.