Yoga is a way of life. Yoga aims at the supreme reality is “Moksha”.  Yoga is one among the six ‘darshanas’ of the Indian philosophy of Orthodox System (Aasthika). It is a science. This science of yoga has its roots in Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavat Geetha, Yoga Vasishtam of  Rishi Vasishta and Yoga Sutra of  Pathanjali, Hatha Yoga Pradeepika of Swami Swatmarama. It is believed that Yoga was taught by Aadhinatha (God Siva) to his wife Parvathy and there on her narrated to two Hrishis, Goraksha and Matsyendra.

In the ancient civilisation of Mohanjadaro and Harappa several yogic postures of sculptures are seen.

Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘YUJ’ ie unite, to join, to connect. As we are all part of this universe every living being are ‘jeevatma’. So to join with the supreme ie ‘Paramatma’ is yoga. It aims at spirituo-pshycho-somatic integration, ie controlling of our senses, mind and soul. Yoga is the art of all works. Yoga is systemized concentration to find out answer to “Whom I am”. Yoga helps to control ourselves and get free from all anxieties. Yoga has three main components. They are

1) Practical discipline

2) Regulation of diet and daily habits

3) Change of attitude behavior and lifestyle

Yoga is always of practical application.

Yoga provides techniques for attaining the goal of self-relisation. Pathanjali defines yoga as “CHITHA VRITHI NIRODHA’ ie complete elimination of thoughts and modifications of mind. Pathanjali’s ‘Ashtangayoga’ shows 8 steps to attain the above. They are ‘Yama, Niyama, Asanas, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi’.

One who follows the above eight vrathas(steps) will attain the supreme reality ie Moksha. By practicing the vrathas ones sufferings or affections are removed.

Lord Krishna says in Bhagavat Geetha that Yoga is a stack of equlilibrium where in opposites like Success and Failure make little differences (2nd Chapter, 48 Verse).

Perform your duty and abandon all the attachment to success and failure. Such a mind is yoga. In the 6th chapter verses 21 to 23 of Bhagavat Geetha, yoga is defined as a state of separation from all sorrows. Our mind has the power to influence the body.

For common man doing Yoga helps to improve health and mind gets purified. The benefits of practicing Yoga are:

• Our stress is reduced
• Increases our vitality and energy
• Increases blood circulation to all parts of the body
• Improves immunity
• It reduces and stops many chronic diseases like arthritis, thyroid, asthma and bronchitis disorders
• Helps to handle stressful situations more easily
• It encourages positive thoughts and self acceptance
• Emotional maturity develops

If anyone who do Yoga daily will have “Ayur Arogya Sowyhya” ie long life with good health and prosperity. As our Hrishis views ‘Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavandhu’. Let all living beings in this world may have long healthy life with peace and harmony.