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| Yoga is the most valuable inheritance of our times. It
is far from an ancient myth buried in oblivion. It is the essential need of today
and the emerging culture of tomorrow. Yoga is the science of right living and, as such, is meant to be incorporated in daily life. It works on all aspects of the person: the physical, vital, mental, emotional, psychic and spiritual. |  |
| The word yoga means 'unity' of oneness and is derived from the Sanskrit word 'YUJ' which means to 'join'. This unity of joining is described in spiritual terms as the union of the individual consciousness with the universal consciousness. On a more practical level, yoga is a means of balancing and harmonizing the body, mind and emotions. This is done through the practice of asanas (physical postures); pranayama (breathing techniques); mudras (hand positions), bandhas (physical holds); shatkarma and meditation. These steps are to be practiced and mastered before union with the supreme reality can take place. | ||
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"Hathasya prathamaangatvaadaasanam poorvamuchyate. Kuryaattasaasanam sthairyamaarogyam chaangalaaghavam." Prior to everything, asana is spoken of as the first part of hatha yoga. Having done asana, one attains steadiness of body and mind, freedom from disease and lightness of the limbs. Hatha Yoga Pradipika (1:17) | ||
In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali there is a concise definition of yogasanas: "Sthiram sukham aasanam", meaning ' that position which is comfortable and steady'. In this context, asanas are practiced to develop the ability to sit comfortably in one position for an extended period of time, and ability necessary for meditation. Raja yoga equates yogasana to the stable sitting position. | ||
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