Yoga for perfect health

The word Yoga, derived from the Sanskrit root Yujir Yogey, means to join, to yoke, to unite.



In a broader sense, it means to focus one's attention on, to use and apply one’s faculties. It consists of 185 terse aphorisms Yoga is so called because it shows the way for the individual soul to be united with the Supreme soul (God). In so doing, the soul (jiva) attains salvation. The practitioner of, or one who follows the path of Yoga has traditionally been called a Yogi.



One of the six orthodox systems of Indian philosophy, Yoga was compiled by the sage Patanjali in his treatise, the Yoga Sutras.

The Bhagavat Gita, also, reverentially, referred as the Holy Book of the Hindus, contains the essence of the Upanishads. This is considered of the most important authorities on Yoga. In this the Lord Sri Krishna explains to Arjuna the meaning of Yoga as a liberation from pain and sorrow.



When mental and intellectual restlessness is stilled through the practice of Yoga, the practitioner, by the grace of the spirit within himself, discovers absolute contentment. When the mind is at rest, the senses stilled, when the intellect does not shilly-shally waver then, the wise say, has the practitioner attained the summom bonum of Yoga.

Yoga has also been described as excellence in work or accomplished living in all activities keeping in mind moderation and harmony. All the ancient Yoga treatises have emphasized the importance of working under the guidance of a Master / Teacher (Guru). Yoga is an eternal, pragmatic art of living, evolved over thousands of years ago; it deals with the physical, mental, ethical and spiritual well being of man as a whole. The practice of Yoga is known to inculcate a sense of proportion in the individual. All unfulfilled areas of tissue and nerve, brain or lung, are challenges to our will and integrity; or else they re sources of frustration and death.

Of the many aspects of Yoga, Yama, Niyama and Asana are relevant – and most important – for all. While the principles Yama and Niyama emphasize universal values like truth, non-violence, cleanliness and contentment, asanas help us develop physically, emotionally and psychologically. Pranayama, the breathing exercises, help cleanse our respiratory tract and bring about a sense of mental harmony and calm. In this fashion Yoga helps complement formal education.

Through the practice of this wonderful science and art we are able to blossom into healthy, well-balanced men and women with healthy bodies, clear minds and pure hearts. Hence, Yoga is a great way to ensure that we all grow up healthy and happy. Then again, the Yoga postures (asanas) ought never to be practiced soon after breathing exercises (Pranayama). If breathing exercises are done first, let at least an hour pass before beginning asana practice.