Yoga
An ancient approach to health and wellbeing that promotes the harmonious collaboration of body, mind, and spirit. Unite with your true Self.
What is Yoga?
Yoga is an approach to health and wellbeing that promotes the harmonious collaboration of the human being's three components: body, mind, and spirit. It is uniting with the Self. The word yoga comes from the root word 'yuj' in Sanskrit, the language of ancient India. It means union, integration, or wholeness.
Yoga is a way of living and provides a complete philosophy to live a healthy, happy life to its full potential. It is not merely about physical postures, but a comprehensive system for achieving perfect harmony between body, mind, and consciousness.
“Like a flower bud, human life has the potential to blossom fully. Blossoming of human potential to fullness is yoga.”— Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Yoga is for everyone and every body! Whether you are young or old, flexible or tight, overweight or slim, fit or unfit, regular practice of yoga strengthens the body and calms the mind. Contrary to popular belief, physical flexibility is neither the pre-requisite nor the goal to practice yoga.
Ancient Wisdom, Modern Practice
Rich History
The origins of this ageless discipline lay in the deep inquiry and study by the sages of ancient India and it dates back to over 10,000 years. The in-depth study and meditative practices helped them reach a state of consciousness in which the mystery of a happier and meaningful living was revealed to them.
Around 400 CE, Sage Patanjali first collated the philosophy and practice of yoga into the Yoga Sutra, consisting of 196 aphorisms that serve as the guidebook for most yoga practitioners even today.
Global Recognition
Though yoga's roots are in ancient India and connected to Hinduism, yoga has now become a global phenomenon and is practiced by millions around the world irrespective of their faith or religious affiliation.
In 2014, the United Nations passed a resolution to celebrate 21st June as International Day of Yoga every year, recognizing its universal appeal and benefits.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga (Ashtanga)
1. Yama (Social Ethics)
Universal moral principles including non-violence, truthfulness, and contentment
2. Niyama (Personal Ethics)
Personal observances including cleanliness, self-study, and surrender to the divine
3. Asana (Postures)
Physical postures designed to purify the body and provide stability for meditation
4. Pranayama (Breath Control)
Regulation and control of life force energy through breathing techniques
5. Pratyahara (Withdrawal of Senses)
Turning the senses inward and withdrawing from external distractions
6. Dharana (Concentration)
Focused concentration and one-pointed attention on a single object
7. Dhyana (Meditation)
Sustained awareness and effortless flow of consciousness
8. Samadhi (Unity Consciousness)
The ultimate goal - complete absorption and union with the divine
Benefits of Yoga
Physical Fitness
Improves flexibility, strength, and posture. Enhances body awareness and helps achieve better balance and coordination.
Stress Relief
Provides tools and techniques to lead a stress-free and tension-free life. Helps manage daily challenges with ease and grace.
Mental Clarity
Brings mental focus, enhanced concentration, and improved memory. Develops better decision-making abilities and intuition.
Emotional Balance
Helps manage negative emotions and develop emotional quotient. Brings inner peace and contentment in daily life.
Better Relationships
Improves communication skills and interpersonal relationships. Develops compassion, caring, and sharing qualities.
Spiritual Growth
Connects you with your true nature and higher consciousness. Promotes self-realization and inner transformation.
How Yoga is Different
More than Physical Exercise
Unlike stretching or other fitness activities, asana practice involves body-mind integration. While we do asanas, we connect the movement and stretching of the body to the rhythm of our breath and state of the mind.
Integrating the mind, body, and breath helps us to direct our attention inward. This helps in turn to be more aware and in the present. There are no set goals to achieve anything. In fact, how much mental stuff we are able to let go and drop, that is what brings the depth to your practice.
“Yoga is a skill in action. It is how skillfully you can communicate and act in any given situation. Innovation, intuition, skills, and better communication: all these are effects of yoga.”— Bhagavad Gita & Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Paths of Yoga
Classical Paths
- •Gnan Yoga: Path of knowledge and wisdom
- •Bhakti Yoga: Path of devotion and love
- •Karma Yoga: Path of selfless action and service
- •Raja Yoga: Royal path of meditation and self-control
Specialized Practices
- •Hatha Yoga: Physical practices including asanas
- •Mantra Yoga: Path of sacred sound and chanting
- •Laya Yoga: Path of absorption and dissolution
- •Naad Yoga: Path of inner sound and vibration
Just as all rivers lead to the same ocean, all paths of yoga have the potential to lead ultimately to self-realization and liberation. Each path is suited to different temperaments and approaches to spiritual growth.
Practical Daily Benefits
For Students & Professionals
- • Enhanced focus and concentration
- • Improved memory and learning capacity
- • Better stress management during exams/deadlines
- • Increased energy and vitality
For Everyone
- • Better sleep quality and patterns
- • Improved digestion and metabolism
- • Enhanced immune system function
- • Greater emotional stability and resilience
“A disease-free body, a violence-free society, a confusion-free mind, an inhibition-free intellect, a trauma-free memory, a sorrow-free soul and a quiver-free breath is the impact that Yoga can make on your life.”— Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Begin Your Yoga Journey
Yoga is such a boon or gift to mankind that nobody should be deprived of it. Everyone has the right to peace, everybody has the right to be in deep love, and everyone has the right to be healthy.
Start Where You Are
Whether you are a complete beginner or have some experience, yoga meets you where you are. The practice is about progress, not perfection. Let the intimidating postures not scare you and affect your enthusiasm to practice yoga!
Remember: Your body is likely to become much more flexible by doing yoga poses, and your mind will feel lighter and more pleasant.