What is yoga?

The secret to health and happiness lies deep within every human. Yoga is the science of discovering one’s own self - the very source of pure consciousness, peace and bliss. Everyone knows that we don’t feel good and we get stressed when there is disharmony in our lives, when our bodies are tired and our busy minds constantly chatter and judge. Through the discipline of Yoga we become more aware of ourselves by doing simple postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and relaxation to rejuvenate the body and quite the mind. It is in this manner that we cultivate harmony in ourselves.

Yoga is in this sense the practice of being conscious of all that we have, and tending to it with love and honor.Clear and simple- with Yoga we take care of our body and mind, so that we can experience ‘spirit’ (or our source, the Divine) which in turn creates more presence and energy. Only when we are in harmony within ourselves does harmony happen in our lives. Our instant gratification lifestyles have desensitized us; Yoga gives our senses a much needed break and re-instills our sensitivity. The more sensitive we are, the more present, the more present the more conscious, the more conscious the more Divine!

The ancient Indian sages, through inquiry about life by austerities and deep mediation, were able to reach a state of consciousness in which the secrets of healthier, happier and meaningful living were revealed to them. Sages called that secret and sacred knowledge ‘Yoga'.
The term ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘yuj’, meaning union; the union of the individual consciousness with the universal Consciousness. The knowledge of yoga can be found in many ancient scriptures dating back over 5000 years. According to Hindu mythology, this knowledge was first revealed by Lord Shiva to his wife Parvati (also known as Shakti, the cosmic creative energy). More recently, Yoga has been shared in great detail by Lord Krishna to Arjuna in the Holy Bhagavad Gita. In this work, Lord Krishna expounds on the different paths to Yoga realization.

Today, Yoga transcends religion and culture - its application is universal. It is ancient, yet practical wisdom for a healthier, happier and more peaceful way of living that ultimately leads to self-realization. The tangible success in Yoga is attractive to all of us, and its proven methods are undeniable promises of freedom.